Kitesurfing Elands Bay

Elands Bay
Sunday 15th January

4-4.5m WSW swell was predicted for the entire West Coast and the wind was supposed to get to 20knots S-SW – Perfect Elands Bay kite forecast.

A 2 hr drive from Cape Town Elands Bay was invaded by surfers, poleboarders and, on the day, 2 kitesurfers. The long left hander was reeling at 3-4ft initially but grew steadily through the day. The wind started at 15-20 knots but was gusting to 40knots by early evening.

Riding the break is near impossible as the unwritten rule is that the surfers have right of way and with 30+ guys out the entire length of the ride is scattered with human obstacles. Every now and again you can sneak one and the pics you see are from the inside section where it meets up with the beach-break.

The outside “Bommie”  was easily 6 meters high and it was a thrill to ride it from there to the inside reform along the ledge. Wind turned more East in afternoon making kiting very tricky as the wind gets terribly gusty.

This was my 4th attempt in 2 years to ride the wave and it was the first time the wind allowed me to get onto the wave as the mountain normally shelters the wave.

Regards
PeterP