LEARNING TO KITESURF IN LANGEBAAN

The sand was thrashing my face and stinging my legs. My hair was flapping about like the battered flags that lined the beach and I couldn’t believe that we were actually going ahead with this idea.

my instructor, whose eyes reflected the same serene blue as the lagoon on a calm day (which today sure was not) seemed completely unflappable. This was just another summer’s day in Langebaan, and the perfect weather for kitesurfing.

I still wasn’t convinced.

The team from Planet Kitesurf Holidays had sent

me to this sleepy village on South Africa’s West Coast to learn how to kitesurf. However, now that I was kitted out in wetsuit, harness, helmet and the appropriate hazard-symbol-orange second skin that is given to beginners, I was decidedly terrified. The wind was easily blowing in excess of 30 knots, but I figured if I could learn in these nuclear conditions, then surely I could kite in anything. Thankfully, my blue-eyed instructor had a nifty trick up his sleeve to ease me into the sport. Enter the training kite. Slightly bigger than the kite you may have had as a child, and surprisingly nifty and powerful, this kite was a darn side smaller than what I was expecting. And I was delighted to discover that it was easily controllable.

A few hours were spent on the beach mastering the art of creating a figure of eight with my training kite and understanding how the kite works through the various power zones. Then I was ready to move onto the real thing. The right kite

for my size and weight was selected and I proceeded to pump it up on the beach. A tiring exercise in itself, and one that was only the first step in discovering why all kitesurfers are so majestically ribbed. The rest of the day consisted of mastering the kite on the land, and a few lessons in kite control. By the time the sun set on that stretch of white sandy beach, I was exhausted, and we hadn’t even hit the water yet.

Up and at ‘em early the next day, I was met with a startlingly different scenario – the waters of the Langebaan lagoon were completely calm. While a perfect day of stand up paddle boarding, water skiing and big five safaris at a nearby game reserve ensued, unfortunately no wind meant no chance to perfect my newly acquired kitesurfing skills. However, when it comes to any sport that relies on the weather, patience is key. And Langebaan’s slow West Coast ambience provided by the perfect pace for just relaxing and wiling away the hours out in nature.

Muscles sufficiently rested, the wind kicked back in the next day and provided a good few hours for us to take to the water. Strapping into the kite, I was pleased to learn about a variety of safety mechanisms at easy reach, and my fears of flying out of control into the nearest stationary vehicle were somewhat placated.

Then we were ready for the next step in the learning to kite process. We were introduced to the term ‘body dragging’ and a short demonstration by our instructor showed what was required of us. With the kite flying high, and my instructor holding onto my harness (for dear life?), I literally dragged myself through the water to get a feel for the kite. With the current and wind carrying me down alongside the beach, and thankfully not out to sea, I always felt safe and was never more than just a few metres from shore. This process was then practised a few times alone, as I not so elegantly dunked myself in and out of the water like one would do at home in the morning with a teabag.

Kite control mastered, body dragging down, and half the Langebaan lagoon swallowed, it was time to move on to the board! I could now understand why the friends I know who have decided to learn on their own, and immediately took to the water, board and all, vowed never to try the sport again! Learning to kitesurf definitely requires some perseverance and a healthy dose of patience. And so when I finally did make it on to the board, I was up and riding. For a sum total of about two seconds. And then came hours and hours of crashing, standing, flying (with and without the board), crashing, swimming, crying, crashing and, oh yes, more crashing. I had reached the turning point and the frustrating process where I just needed to keep doing it until I got it right. I had been told by many a kitesurfer who came before me that eventually something would just click, and when it did I would be addicted.

Well, unfortunately it didn’t click that weekend, or the weekend after that, or even when I returned a few weeks later to try it again. However, stubborn as I am, I vowed not to give up and so one windy public holiday, I made my way once again to Langebaan. This time I met up with some friends at the calmer, shallow waters of Shark Bay, just round the corner from the main beach where I had taken my lessons.

A few failed attempts later, and with some more exper t instruction, I thought I was never going to get it right. But then, all of a sudden I was up and riding. The onshore winds had taken me right to the land and before I knew it, I had actually moved a couple of hundred metres, with my feet actually strapped to the board. I was doing it! I was kitesurfing!

Crashing once more as I neared the shore, the wind was knocked out of me, but you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face! I was exhausted and it was time to call it a day, but I had done it, and I was definitely addicted.

Your kitesurf holiday at Langebaan

Langebaan is one of the world’s best places to learn to kitesurf and while Cape Town is sti l l known as the kitesurfing mecca, if you are new to the spor t, then Langebaan is the place to be. Offering a safe flat water lagoon with a permanent safet y boat, a number of kiting schools

and the same consistent summer winds you get in Cape Town, it has ever y thing you need to star t kitesurfing.

If a learn-to-kitesurf holiday sounds like your cup of tea, I really recommend booking with a professional company. A reputable brand like Planet Kitesurf Holidays, can give you all the advice you need, including where to rent gear, how to book lessons, where to stay and when to go to make the most of your time on the water. On this note, if you are a complete beginner, I really recommend booking lessons. Learning from a friend is not only frowned upon in Langebaan, but can be extremely unsafe. You could hur t yourself and will more than likely not end up enjoying your experience. A good instructor will be able to guide you through the various steps of learning to kitesurf while providing the latest and best equipment for you. It is also advisable to book your lessons and rental well in advance as the centres in Langebaan can fill up quickly and you don’t want to miss out.

While staying in Langebaan, Windtown Lagoon Resort comes highly recommended. Their on-site centre is one of the best in town and the hotel is completely kitted out for kitesurfers with outside showers and gear storage lockers right outside your room. Elegantly basic, the rooms open up onto a communal pool with beanbags that provide a comfortable place to collapse with a cocktail after a tough day out on the water. The Breeze Restaurant also ser ves up some amazing grub so you don’t have to venture too far when you star t to get hungry.

Muscles sufficiently rested, the wind kicked back in the next day and provided a good few hours for us to take to the water. Strapping into the kite, I was pleased to learn about a variety of safety mechanisms

Planet also offers a one-of-a-kind luxur y villa, which is great for groups or families or even if you don’t feel like sharing your space. The stackable doors open the house out to the amazing view and you have a large kitchen, dining and braai area at your disposal. You can book the entire house just for t wo people or sleep up to 14.

Another good option for accommodation in Langebaan is the Farmhouse Hotel. Offering great views of the lagoon and an old-world atmosphere within an authentic farmhouse, this is one of only a few good hotels in the town. This is perfect for guests who like the finer things in life and like to settle down on the sweeping veranda with a good cup of coffee, just as one might have done in the days of yesteryear. Wherever you decide to stay, you will be guaranteed the friendly West Coast welcome that is synonymous with the area and you will struggle to tear yourself away at the end of the week. So what are you waiting for? The West Coast is waiting!