South Africa’s East Coast

stretches for over 1,700 kilometers from False Bay to St. Lucia, following the wild curve of the Indian Ocean. As you travel eastward, the climate becomes noticeably warmer and more tropical, with lush surroundings, sandy coves, and inviting waters that range between 16°C and 22°C, a stark contrast to the colder, more rugged conditions of the Cape’s west coast.

Unlike the more famous kitesurfing hubs near Cape Town, the eastern coastline remains relatively under the radar, both for tourism and for kiting. But that’s exactly what makes it so special. Here, you’ll find hidden flatwater gems, clean reef breaks, and warm-water riding far from the crowds.

You don’t have to venture too far to get a taste of this coastal adventure. Within a few hours’ drive from Cape Town, three standout kitesurfing spots await: Witsand, Hermanus, and Struisbaai. Whether you’re into buttery flat lagoons, smooth open-sea waves, or just exploring quiet beach towns, these underrated destinations offer something unique for every kiter with a sense of adventure.

Location

Southeast of Cape Town — three lesser-known kitesurfing gems spread along South Africa’s East Coast: Hermanus, Witsand, and Struisbaai. Expect warmer waters, a mix of wave and flatwater spots, and a more tropical vibe the farther east you go.

Wind Season

High: October – March (18–25 knots) Low: April – September (10–18 knots) Wind Probability: 95% in peak season

Conditions

Air Temperature: 22–38°C Water Temperature: 16–22°C (shorty or full wetsuit recommended) Wind Direction: Predominantly SE, with some SW days Waves: Mix of flatwater lagoons and medium waves

Skill Level

Great for all levels — with flat lagoons for beginners, and open sea spots offering moderate waves for intermediates and advanced riders.

Main Spots

Witsand Lagoon: Butter-flat river mouth lagoon; ideal for freestyle and learning
Struisbaai Harbour: Hidden flatwater gem; only accessible by short upwind from Main Beach
Struisbaai Main Beach: Bay with right and left waves; works with SE and SW
Hermanus Lagoon: Flatwater riding with scenic surroundings
Hermanus Open Sea: Medium waves, perfect for progressing in surf-style riding

Access & Vibe

2.5–4 hrs from Cape Town by car. Quiet coastal villages with a laid-back vibe, uncrowded beaches, and warm hospitality. A great mix of nature, riding, and local charm.

Bonus Highlights

Whale watching in Hermanus, coastal drives, local seafood shacks, and quiet sunrise sessions far from the crowds.

Spotguide

Where to Kitesurf on South Africa’s East Coast

Kitesurfing in Hermanus

Hermanus is located 127 km from Cape Town and offers both lagoon and open sea spots. Both are suitable for all skill levels, although beginners will likely prefer the lagoon thanks to its perfectly flat water conditions. In the open sea, you’ll find medium-sized waves; ideal for improving wave-riding technique. The spot works best with SE winds; with SW winds, conditions can become a bit gusty.

Struisbaai Harbour & Main Beach

Struisbaai offers both a flatwater and a wave spot. The flatwater zone is located near the harbour, but to access it, you’ll need to launch from Main Beach and head upwind. It’s worth the effort, the flatwater conditions here are excellent. This spot works well with both SE and SW winds.

Main Beach is a large bay where clean right- and left-hand waves form under SE and SW wind. SW wind can be gusty at times, so the farther west you move along the bay, the cleaner the conditions tend to be.

Witsand (Flatwater)

Often called the jewel of South African kitesurfing, Witsand features a sandbank at a river mouth that creates a spacious flatwater lagoon, perfect for freestyle and beginner riders. In the open sea, conditions are also beginner-friendly, but the lagoon is far more ideal. This spot is stunning and well worth the 300 km drive from Cape Town to spend at least a couple of days. Be cautious, though: at high tide, the water can rise enough to cover most of the beach, so don’t leave your gear unattended or too close to the shoreline!

Spot Suitability

Warm Water, Flatwater Lagoons & Hidden Wave Playgrounds

South Africa’s East Coast is all about variety wrapped in a more tropical, laid-back vibe. Here you’ll find butter-flat lagoons at Witsand and Hermanus that are perfect for beginners and freestyle progression, while Struisbaai’s bay delivers mellow waves for intermediates and smooth open-sea conditions for those building confidence in surf-style riding. The water here is warmer than Cape Town’s Atlantic side, making sessions more comfortable, and the quieter atmosphere means plenty of space on the water. Ideal for riders who want a balance of progression, exploration, and off-the-radar adventure.

Style

Rating

Beginners

Intermediate

Freeride

Freestyle

Wave Riding

Ride. Explore. Repeat.

Unwind, Explore, and Go Beyond the Kite

South Africa’s East Coast offers more than just epic kitesurfing. Between lagoon sessions and wave rides, there’s a wild world waiting to be explored:

Whale Watching in Hermanus

One of the world’s best land-based whale watching spots, especially between June and November.

Coastal Hiking & Nature Reserves

Explore the scenic De Hoop Nature Reserve, or wander the trails along Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai’s rugged shoreline.

Wine & Farm Tours

Stop by boutique vineyards or farm stalls inland for a taste of local flavors and laid-back hospitality.

Boat Trips & Fishing

Join a deep-sea fishing charter or a relaxed boat cruise in Witsand or Struisbaai.

Quiet Beach Towns

Unwind in laid-back villages where time slows down, with uncrowded beaches and warm coastal hospitality.

Kite Adventures

Kite Trips Around South Africa’s East Coast

Discover the quieter side of South Africa’s kiting scene with trips that explore Witsand, Hermanus, and Struisbaai. From butter-flat lagoon sessions in Witsand to playful waves in Struisbaai and scenic rides in Hermanus, this stretch of coast is perfect for those seeking warm water, variety, and uncrowded beaches. Between sessions, you’ll find whale watching, coastal hikes, and laid-back seaside villages that make the East Coast an unforgettable escape.

Brazil

Downwind Kite Safari Combo

Experience the ultimate mix of Brazil’s top kitesurf spots in one journey. This customizable route takes you across states, lagoons, waves, and untouched beaches — the perfect downwind adventure for riders who want it all.

Brazil

Downwind Kite Safari Waveriding Coaching

Take your wave riding to the next level with pro coaching along Brazil’s best downwind surf breaks. Carve, learn, and progress while riding stunning coastlines designed for kite-powered wave addicts.

Brazil

Wild North Downwind Route

Embark on Brazil’s wildest kite safari through remote dunes, freshwater lagoons, and the legendary Lençóis Maranhenses. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey across three states and some of the most untouched landscapes on Earth.

Do you have a question?

FAQs

The main kite season runs from October to March, with consistent southeasterly and southwesterly winds ranging between 18–25 knots. These months offer the best wind probability and warm weather.

Men should bring 9m & 12m kites, and women 7m & 9m, depending on weight. The wind is generally lighter here compared to the Cape Peninsula or Blouberg.

Yes! Witsand’s flatwater lagoon and Hermanus Lagoon are ideal for beginners and freestyle progression. Just be cautious of tides, especially in Witsand.

Expect water temperatures between 16–22°C, so a 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended during the warmer months, and a 4/3mm if you’re prone to getting cold.

Kite schools are more common in Cape Town and Langebaan. While some local operators may offer gear or lessons seasonally, it’s best to bring your own gear or book through a kite travel provider in advance.

Hermanus is about 2 hours (127 km) from Cape Town, Struisbaai around 2.5–3 hours (210 km), and Witsand roughly 3.5–4 hours (300 km).

Whale watching (Hermanus), wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, shark cage diving (Gansbaai), coastal hikes, and exploring fishing villages like Arniston and Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.

Absolutely! Witsand is considered one of South Africa’s best flatwater spots, with scenic beauty and a calm, uncrowded vibe. It’s a hidden gem for those looking to escape the crowds.

Kitesurfing in Witsand, Hermanus & Struisbaai

KITE SEASON - MONTHS

South Africa’s East Coast

Location

Wind Season

Conditions

Skill Level

Main Spots

Access & Vibe

Bonus Highlights

Spotguide