OUTH AFRICA.qxp:Layout 1
23/8/11
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CAPE POINT TO TOWN
PHOTO
> Jonas Roosens
in the city's CAPTIONS THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT > Big dockerwest side; Waterfront shopping area; Witsands; Ralf Bachschuster, Ostriches at Cape Point; Cape Point national park
CAPTION above > Useful numbers! SMS cost R3. www.windreport.co.za PHOTO > rb-sixty3.com “We first visited South Africa for gear testing three years ago. Travelling from Brazil it was quite a change, especially in terms of the cold Atlantic water temperature. South Africa really reminded me of Western Australia, but with so many different spots with brilliant conditions packed much closer together, it also had the undeniably special feel of Africa. “Now, along with other members of the Best test team, I spend the whole season in South Africa as the conditions allow us to regularly test kites from 3.5 to 17 metres. Whichever spots you choose to stay near, you're never a long drive from Cape Town, which is great, especially when spending such a long time here. The variety of fantastic restaurants, events, concerts and more are real treats to have so close to so many brilliant kite spots. I can't think of anywhere else so well equipped for when the wind stops or night falls. “Depending on the wind conditions, we usually try to kite at Scarborough or Witsands. The scenery is spectacular and these spots seem to catch more swell, but they are not a particularly safe spots to kite. The deep ocean with big fish meets a rocky coastline. The wind can be quite offshore at the windward side of the bay and often over 30 knots. If you're good enough and score it when it's firing though, you'll never forget it. I don't really have a favourite spot though, my favourite thing about South African riding is simply the variety. Follow a session with some biltong and a Windhook beer and I'm in heaven.” PETER STIEWE, BEST KITE DESIGNER
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< KITEWORLD #53
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PHOTO
> Al Nicoll