broadbandsports.com - virtual tour

Sunset Beach

Mon, 15 May 2006 08:36:29 -0700

The wind fills in on the sea first at Sunset Beach. There are are three parking areas to choose from. Sunset offers perfect down-the-line wave riding, as long as you get some swell, and there are several peaks along the beach. It is always lighter on the inside and nuking on the outside. South Easterlies are cross offshore. Get here early to avoid the crowds.

Beach faces: West
Best wind direction: SE and the occasional NW (which is cross-on).
Worst wind direction: All others.
Tide: It is best when the tide is fully out because the wind will be less gusty. There is a small but vicious shorebreak at high tide.

"The Lake"

Mon, 15 May 2006 08:35:19 -0700

On the way to Table View, the Lake, otherwise known as Milnerton Sailing Club, is perfect for all levels and excellent for a pre sea sail. Membership for a month is about £22.

Best wind direction: SE. The lake is usually the first port of call, once it fills in properly here then the wind will be more constant on the sea.
Worst wind direction: All directions are sailable but it is the South Easter that brings the best wind.
What’s on the bottom?: Sand and weed.
Any hazards: None really.
Other water users: Dinghies and powerboats when the wind is light.
Suitability/levels: All levels, from beginner to freestyle or speed freaks.

Scarborough Bay

Mon, 15 May 2006 07:58:56 -0700

Just down the road from Whitsands, Scarborough is a small bay with good parking that gets over crowded very easily. An excellent starboard jumping and one hit wave riding in a NW. Get here early to make the most of it.

Beach faces: W/SW
Best wind direction: SE with a big swell, NW gives cross-on starboard.
Worst wind direction: All others.
Tide: Low tide is the best bet.
What’s on the bottom?: Sand
Any hazards: A big, rocky, kelp point on the left. There are also plenty of rocks on the right. It is quite a small bay, and gets overcrowded very easily.
Other water users: Mainly windsurfers.

Platboom Bay

Mon, 15 May 2006 07:57:20 -0700

Platboom can be found on the Cape of Good Hope National Park. An idyllic break with white sand, aquamarine sea, surrounded by shrubland. Platboon picks up the swell first, and when flat everywhere else it will be working here.

Beach faces: SW
Best wind direction: SE or NW
Worst wind direction: Any other.
Tide: Best on the out and at low tide as the waves form better on the sand bar.
What’s on the bottom?: Sand.
Any hazards: Sharks, rocks, baboons. Do not get out of your car with a crisp packet in your hand, the baboons will have you!
Other water users: none.
Suitability/levels: Expert. Even on a 'small' swell, its big.