If you enjoy the thrills or tranquillity being on the water brings to you, you must visit South Africa once. It is a geographically diverse country that has the right watersport activity for people of all backgrounds and levels. In this article, we discuss the watersport activities you MUST experience in South Africa.
Watersport Activities You MUST Experience in South Africa
Whenever you visit South African beaches or popular water activity spots, you will never find them empty. You may see a handful of jet skis zooming around or a few powerboats floating around chilling. Or better yet, you will see plenty of adventurous spirits riding waves and doing all sorts of thrilling watersport activities.
It is natural to feel overwhelmed by the number of possibilities South Africa offers to you. So, here’s the list of watersport activities you MUST experience in South Africa.
Surfing
You saw that coming, did you not?
South Africa is a world-famous destination for surfers. From the novice-friendly waves of Jeffery’s Bay to the pro-only gigantic waves of Dungeons in Hout Bay, you will find the right wave for you here right in South Africa.
Discover your adrenaline rush as you explore popular surf spots in South Africa and tell the tales of your adventure back home.
Alternatively, if high-adrenaline surfing is not your thing, you might want to try out SUP. You could say that Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) is a more tranquil form of surfing where you use a paddle to move around on your board.
SUP may not be as thrilling, but there is a lot you can do with it.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing, otherwise called ‘sailboarding’ or ‘boardsailing’, is a wind-propelled watersport. It combines the aspects of sailing and surfing into one. While the activity may be physically taxing for some, this activity is excellent and suitable for all levels.
If you do not know where to go, we would highly recommend Langebaan Lagoon for a great beginner windsurfing experience.
Alternatively, you might be interested in Kitesurfing, which may be seen as the ‘easier’ form of Windsurfing. However, it is far from easy if it is your first time.
In our opinion, both of the sports are equally adrenaline-inducing. Visit South Africa, pick an option (or both, why not?) and have the time of your life!
Scuba Diving
Humans have always been fascinated with underwater exploration. What would be the best way to explore underwater than scuba diving in South Africa?
South Africa boasts a rich diversity of underwater ecosystems, thanks to unique geographical conditions.
At popular diving locations such as Sodwana Bay or False Bay, you can explore vibrant reefs, shipwrecks, or better yet, swim with dolphins, seals, and even sharks.
On the other hand, you might want to try snorkelling, thanks to South Africa’s incredibly clean waters. Locations like Aliwal Shoal are a great place to start if you are interested in shallow water explorations.
Bonus: Kloofing
Kloofing, or Canyoning, is a hybrid watersport activity which involves moving down a canyon through walking, climbing, jumping, swimming, and bouldering.
If exploring raw South African natural beauty has been a thing on your bucket list, there is no better option than Kloofing in South Africa.
Roaming Around the World has a great video about it.
Conclusion
South Africa is a popular watersports destination for a reason. There are plenty of other watersport-related things you can do. However, if you do not know where to start, this condensed-down list will help you understand the watersport activities you must experience in South Africa.
South Africa is diverse and vivid when it comes to natural beauty and has perfect conditions for various watersport activities and experiences in different parts of the country. If you ever visit South Africa, you’ll find yourself being on your toes all the time as the opportunities are endless.
So, if you are ready to explore South Africa as the next destination on your adventure list, you will not be disappointed.
Lastly, we must say that boating and jet skiing remain two of the topmost watersport activities in South Africa—for which you will likely require a license. So, if you require an RYA Skippers or SAMSA Skippers license in South Africa, feel free to connect with Sail and Power SA and we will gladly assist you.