When the Wind Blows - Fly a Kite

The Cape Town south-easterly wind has been blasting the Cape Point Route and whilst it feels a little wild we mustn't forget the cleansing nature of the wind that blows the smog from Cape Town. It's one of the reasons we have amongst the cleanest air in the world - particularly at Cape Point Nature Reserve itself - fresh air is a guarantee!

BUT - if the wind is blowing what does one do?
I have just looked out of my office window at Glencairn beach to see a windsurfer having the best time in the wind - flying with speed across the white water, jumping and flipping. Watching a show like this is better than Television!

Head down to Scarborough beach which is a lovely little beach and more suited to those who like watching the sea than those who like people watching. On a windy Cape Town day however, Scarborough beach is heaven for kite sufers and the specatacle will often draw a crowd of supporters. If you want to give Kitesurfing a try - you can book lessons through Cape Point Route and try balancing board and sail in Muizenberg.

Needless to say if the wind blows then sails are up. Wednesday evenings are sailing night at False Bay Yacht Club in Simon's Town. If you head down to the club then you can often get one of the crews to take you out into False Bay.

Windy days often bring white water on one side of the Cape Point Route coastline and a blissfully calm ocean on the other side of the Cape Peninsula. One of the best activities when the wind blows is to go scuba diving. The local operators know the conditions and adapt the dive according to the conditions, leaving you free to enjoy the magic of the underwater world.

Hiking can be another fabulous windy day activity - with countless hiking routes on the Cape Point Route mountains - many are in kloofs and protected from the wind. Again we suggest using an experienced hiking guide recommended by Cape Point Route.

Golfing can be a challenge in windy conditions but tightening up your skills in all weather conditions can only improve your game. Try one of the Cape Point Route golf courses for a real challenge on a windy day!

If in doubt, stop in the quaint and bohemian Kalk Bay and browse the museums, art galleries and stores in this charming fishing village. Simon's Town boasts 4 museums so plenty of indoor discoveries to be made in the naval town. The penguin colony at Boulders Beach is one of the most wind free zones on the False Bay Coastline and the good news is that the penguins are always there. or pop down to Noordhoek Farm Village which is one of the most sheltered spots on the Cape Point Route and pop into the shops or one of the 3 restaurants for a sheltered meal! Close by is the new Cape Point Vineyards tasting room where you can sample the award winning wines produced by the Cape Point Vineyards estate.

And if all else fails - take a walk on the wild side - let the wind blow the cobwebs from your hair as you walk on one of the crisp beaches and if in doubt TAKE A KITE!