Windsurfing - South Africa

Wind surfing is a fun water adventure sport whereby the windsurfer stands on a board that has a sail and uses the power of the wind to propel it forward. All you need to windsurf is a nice stretch of water, some wind and your equipment. While you can teach yourself to wind surf, you may prefer to have a few lessons and get professional instruction before taking to the waves. Our affiliate wind surfing operators can help with everything from lessons and advice to rentals, sales and repairs.

Introductory wind surfing lessons are a good idea for most people, especially if you are serious about taking up the sport. As well as being certified to offer lessons, the operators will have the correct equipment for teaching beginners; be able to demonstrate and have you practice the techniques on a simulator; as well as giving you instant and accurate instructions while you are surfing. With just a little coaching and favourable weather conditions you can be upright on the board and executing basic steering, turning and sailing within a few hours.

Most wind surfing boards are less than three metres in length and have been designed to skip over the water’s surface (called planing), as opposed to cutting through it (slogging). This activity can be enjoyed in most conditions, but beginners should stick to general conditions that allow for consistent planing and does not require overly specialised equipment. There are, however, a variety of boards that are used for wind surfing. These include freeride (for comfortable cruising), formula windsurfing class (for competitive racing), wave boards (for use in breaking waves), freestyle boards (similar to wave boards and used for tricks), slalom boards (for speed), racing longboards and beginner boards. The type of sail you select will depend on the style of wind surfing that you want to do. Sails are reinforced to survive the spray/water, and some have battens which provide additional reinforcement. Beginner sails will not have these, so it is lighter and easier to use in gentle breezes.

So if you are looking to try something different while at the beach this holiday, why not try wind surfing? Simply contact one of our wind surfing operators, get down to the beach, gather the wind surfing equipment along with your persistence and determination, and you’ll be surfing the waves in no time enjoying an adventure activity!