Cape Town Wingfoiling Spot Guide
Your quick guide to the best wingfoiling spots around Cape Town – from mellow lagoons to powerful ocean breaks.
Cape Town has long been famous as one of the wind sports capitals of the world. When most other windy destinations go into their off-season, South Africa is just getting started. The summer months bring consistent wind and warm weather, making it a paradise for anyone chasing sessions on the water.
The city first earned its legendary reputation in the windsurfing world and later became a kitesurfing hotspot. Known for its powerful South Easterly winds, Cape Town offers some of the most exciting conditions on the planet, but also plenty of days that are mellow, calm, and perfect for wingfoiling.
Many riders assume the wind here is always extreme, especially after seeing photos of pros in full-on storm sessions. And yes, if you’re after hardcore conditions, you’ll find them. But there are just as many moderate days with clean wind and small rolling waves, the kind of days when the windsurfers and kiters are waiting on the beach and you’re out gliding, carving, and soaking up the scenery.
Rider Level
Cape Town has something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner looking for calm flat water or an advanced rider chasing waves, you’ll find your spot here. There are flat-water areas for learning, bays with easy access to waves for intermediates, and endless open-ocean stretches for advanced riders.
Where to Stay and Getting Around
If you’re visiting South Africa for a wind holiday, renting a car is essential. Public transport doesn’t reach most beaches or launch spots, and you’ll want the freedom to chase wind wherever it’s best.
The most popular area to stay is Blouberg, on the northern side of Table Mountain. It’s in the heart of the action and gives you quick access to all the main windy spots while still being close to the city, restaurants, and winelands. If you base yourself here, most sessions will be just a short drive away.
If you’re after pure flat-water riding, consider Langebaan, a stunning lagoon about an hour and a half north of Cape Town. It’s a dream spot for beginners and anyone looking for long, mellow runs.
A Quick Word About Safety
South Africa often gets a bad rap for safety, but most tourist areas are fine with normal caution. Petty crime can happen, so stay aware and avoid leaving valuables in your car or unattended on the beach.
For a realistic perspective, check out this article from another traveling couple: Is Cape Town Safe? – Charlie on Travel
With a bit of awareness and common sense, you’ll find South Africa welcoming, beautiful, and full of friendly, passionate water people. You’re going to have an incredible time here.
Wildlife
Sharks! Now that we’ve got that out of the way – shark sightings are extremely rare, and attacks are almost nonexistent. You can genuinely hit the water with a smile and enjoy the scenery.
The wildlife you’re more likely to encounter, especially on the southern side of the mountain, are baboons. Avoid having food visible when they’re around, and if they do show up, just stay calm and let them move along.
What You’ll Need
Even in summer, the Atlantic water is cold, so you’ll need a wetsuit. Most riders wear a 4/3 mm or thicker.
Cape Town has a wide range of conditions, so pack the gear suited to how you like to ride. On moderate days, most use 5 m and 4 m wings. For stronger days, pack a 3 m or your smallest wing if you’re lighter. The South Easter is cold, dense, and powerful, and the wind can build quickly.
Use Windy or Windguru for forecasts. For live readings, wind2speed.africa is an excellent resource with live wind data for most major beaches.
The Spots
Before we dive in, this is not a complete guide to every spot in the Western Cape. It’s a beginner-friendly introduction covering the main areas and most popular locations to help you get started and connect with local riders.
Summer days are long, with sunset around 8 p.m. On South Easterly days, the wind typically builds throughout the afternoon, so if you prefer lighter wind, aim for an early session.
The Atlantic Coast (Blouberg to Melkbos)
This stretch is the heart of Cape Town’s wind sports scene. As a general rule, the spots closer to Table Mountain get wind first, and it works its way up the coast. If one spot is too strong, head further north for slightly lighter wind.
Flat Water, Beginner-Friendly: Rietvlei
Rietvlei is a freshwater lake with easy access, a great clubhouse, and food and drinks on-site. You can access the water through the Milnerton Aquatic Club (milnertonaquaticclub.co.za). Thanks to some local wind quirks, it’s often windy here even when the beaches are calm. With a clear view of Table Mountain and steady wind from multiple directions, it’s well worth a session.
Intermediate, Waves: Big Bay
Big Bay is a wingfoiling staple. The left side of the bay is partially sheltered by rocks, offering easy ocean access and smoother water. It’s perfect for relaxed sessions with small, running swell. There’s a shopping center and restaurants right nearby, ideal for a post-session meal while watching the sunset.
Best in South or South Easterly winds with a small to medium swell.
Intermediate to Advanced: The Open Beaches
From Milnerton through Big Bay and north toward Melkbos, you’ll find several open ocean spots including Sunset Beach, Dolphin Beach, Kite Beach, Doodles, and Van Riebeeckstrand. These are incredible once you’re confident in ocean conditions, but entry can be tricky with shorebreak and shallow water.
Pick smaller swell days if you’re still getting used to launching in waves. All these spots work well in South to South Easterly winds.
Misty Cliffs – Advanced
For confident ocean riders, Misty Cliffs is spectacular. Set beneath steep mountains, it delivers powerful waves and long rides. It works in South Easterly or North Westerly winds, though the latter is more technical and blows cross-offshore. It’s one of the most scenic and raw foil spots around.
False Bay Coast (Muizenberg, Simon’s Town )
The False Bay side is more sheltered and has warmer water. The South Easterly wind blows mostly onshore here, which can make it tricky for wingfoiling, but it’s a beautiful area and home to some of the best prone-foiling waves in the world.
Long Beach, Simon’s Town – Flat Water Wingfoiling
For the wind to reach around the harbour, you’ll need a strong South Easterly or East-South Easterly. You can park close to the beach, and conditions range from flat to bumpy. The water is much warmer than the Atlantic side, and the scenery is stunning.It’s best for intermediate riders due to gusty wind, but worth it for the clear water and white sand.
Muizenberg Main Beach – Prone Foiling
The South Easterly is onshore, which makes winging tricky, but on light North Westerly days, it turns offshore and glassy which makes it perfect for pronefoiling! Muizenberg offers one of the best prone-foiling waves for learning and progression. The waves break gently and run long, with warmer water. This is a busy beach with lots of tourists, so avoid leaving valuables visible in your car.
Langebaan – Main Beach, Beginner-Friendly
About 90 minutes north of Cape Town, the Langebaan Lagoon is a massive turquoise playground that works in almost any wind. The main beach is best for foiling, as other spots can be too shallow for foils. The lagoon is ideal for beginners and relaxed cruising, though watch for tidal currents as the water level changes.
Alternative Spot – Brandvlei
When the coast is calm and a North Westerly is forecast, head inland to Brandvlei, about 90 minutes from Cape Town through beautiful mountain scenery and vineyards. Access the water via the Worcester Yacht Club, which has excellent facilities and grass rigging areas. The NW wind can be strong here, often with warm sun and short wind chop, making it great for intermediate riders and up.
See you on the water!
Cape Town’s coastline is a playground for every kind of foiler. We didn’t even get to touch on the incredible downwind runs or the endless off-the-water adventures waiting to be discovered. One thing’s for sure – your ENSIS gear is built to keep up, no matter the conditions. You’ll often find Liam, Michi, and Joshua out on the water here, proving exactly that. Wherever you are, we hope to see you on the water soon. Check out the ENSIS video from the team’s trip to South Africa: Watch here
Interested in anything wing or foil?
If you’re into wingfoiling or foiling and want to stay updated on events, demos, or the latest ENSIS gear, follow us on social media or check out our DEMO DAY page for upcoming opportunities. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, our experienced team and worldwide retailers are here to help. Reach out to learn more or find an ENSIS retailer near you!
