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Big Bay kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
South Africa · Western Cape
Overview
Big Bay is one of the most iconic kitesurfing spots in South Africa, located in Bloubergstrand, north of Cape Town, with a spectacular view of Table Mountain. The spot benefits from the famous "Cape Doctor", a powerful south-easterly thermal wind that blows very reliably during the southern summer (October to March). Big Bay is known for its powerful conditions: strong wind (25-45 knots frequent), big waves and cold water. It's the ideal playground for big air, wave riding and riders looking for committed conditions. The kite community is very active and the beach atmosphere is unmatched.
Spot forecast for Big Bay
Sunrise 05:58 · Sunset 19:03
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Tides
Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 2.8 km from the spot.
- Tuesday 20 October Low tide · 0.7 m High tide · 1.2 m Low tide · 0.7 m High tide · 1.2 m
- Wednesday 21 October Low tide · 0.6 m High tide · 1.3 m Low tide · 0.5 m
- Thursday 22 October High tide · 1.3 m Low tide · 0.5 m High tide · 1.5 m Low tide · 0.4 m
- Friday 23 October High tide · 1.4 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 1.6 m Low tide · 0.3 m
- Saturday 24 October High tide · 1.5 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 1.7 m Low tide · 0.2 m
Big Bay: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
252h
in November · 23.5 rideable days
The season runs from September to April, peaking in November: 17 rideable days a month and 252 hours of usable wind, at 25 °C. The low point is July, at 3 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 57% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is July, at 16 °C. The wettest month is July, with 187 mm.
Monthly averages: Big Bay
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.0 | 148 h | 27 °C | 4 mm |
| February | 16.0 | 164 h | 28 °C | 3 mm |
| March | 17.5 | 136 h | 26 °C | 28 mm |
| April | 15.5 | 128 h | 24 °C | 13 mm |
| May | 7.5 | 43 h | 21 °C | 32 mm |
| June | 6.0 | 35 h | 18 °C | 89 mm |
| July | 3.0 | 18 h | 16 °C | 187 mm |
| August | 4.0 | 20 h | 17 °C | 80 mm |
| September | 14.0 | 119 h | 20 °C | 22 mm |
| October | 19.0 | 159 h | 24 °C | 10 mm |
| November | 23.5 | 252 h | 27 °C | 5 mm |
| December | 18.0 | 171 h | 27 °C | 11 mm |
Photo gallery of Big Bay
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Big Bay spot
The spot works with winds from SE, SSE, S.
Spot functioning
Big Bay works mainly during the southern summer (October to March) when the Cape Doctor blows. The wind is side-onshore from the southeast, creating perfect conditions for kitesurfing. The spot works at all tides but conditions change: at low tide, the beach is wider and waves break further out; at high tide, the shore break is closer and more powerful. The best sessions are usually in the afternoon when the thermal is at its peak. The spot regularly hosts international competitions (King of the Air).
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Intermediate
On the water
Cold Atlantic water (12-16°C), a 4/3 or 5/3 full wetsuit is essential. Waves can reach 2 to 4 meters with a southwest swell combined with wind chop. The water surface is rough and technical with lots of chop. Frequent presence of floating kelp on the surface. Underwater visibility is variable. Lateral current toward the north that increases with strong wind. The atmosphere is intense with many high-level riders.
Parking
Large free parking lot directly on the Big Bay beachfront, a few meters from the beach. Parking can be very full on strong wind days in summer, especially on weekends. A second parking area is available further south toward Small Bay. Be careful not to leave valuables visible in your car (theft risk). Public showers and toilets are available on the beach.
Wind specificities
The "Cape Doctor" is the characteristic south-easterly thermal wind of the Cape region. It is generated by the pressure difference between the heated interior and the cold Atlantic Ocean. This wind typically blows 20 to 40+ knots, with gusts that can reach 50 knots. It generally strengthens in the early afternoon and can blow until sunset. The wind is side-onshore at Big Bay (coming from the right when facing the sea). In winter (May-August), north-westerly winds bring strong storms but are not kiteable at Big Bay.
Hazards
Very strong wind that can exceed 40 knots, committed conditions reserved for experienced riders in big weather. Powerful shore break that can be dangerous when landing. Cold water (12-16°C) requiring a thick wetsuit — risk of hypothermia during long sessions. Kelp that can get tangled in lines. Strong lateral current toward the north. Very rare presence of great white sharks in the area (protective nets installed). Car break-ins in the parking lot — don't leave anything visible.
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Additional stations
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In17 km
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ZA Seapoint 0m14.6 km
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source pgsonda.cz
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Nearby spots
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