Water outside the bay can be pretty choppy with swells reaching 0.5-1m, but in the bay it is like glass. On the converse, the wind is gustier in the bay.
The area is covered with grass and provides plenty of room for gearing up. There are small stones as you enter the water, depending on the height of the water and the depth drops off sharply. In the NW launch off the main peninsula, in the SE, the peninsula in front of the cabins. Beware of fishermen, they can get angry at times so keep your distance. Always launch assisted due to the gusty conditions. It is better for beginners to remain in the bay as it leaves them a shorter walk back with less chop to worry about while learning to ride.
Wetsuit is a requirement in winter (best kiting time) and you can get away with a short wetsuit in summer. Summer air temperatures range between 15-35°C. Water temp is approximately 18-20°C. Winter air temperatures range from -10 to 20°C. Water temp is approximately 4-8°C.
NW are most consistent and reliable in winter. A cold front will bring through a NW, so if a cold front is approaching, expect NW for 2-3 days before the cold front and SE after the cold front. Summer, you can kite every second weekend, while winter provides kiting every weekend.
From Johannesburg, take the N3 towards Durban, and travel for approximately 270 km's until you reach Harrismith. After you start driving through Harrismith, look for the sign that says R74. Take the offramp, and at the bottom of the offramp, take a right. Follow the road under the bridge and approximately 200m later you will reach a T-junction. Take a right. Follow the road for approximately 5km's (across a 4 way stop) until you see a sign on the left that reads `Durban Alternative Route`, take a left here. When you have been travelling for 8km's you will see another sign on the left which reads `Durban Alternative Route`, take a left again. After another 8 km's you will see the entrance on your left hand side. Pay R25 at the gate.
06-01-10 William Tyson: One of the best inland kiting places for people who live in Johannesburg and Pretoria, great clean water and not crowded at all.
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