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Cintsa Bay kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
South Africa · Eastern Cape
Overview
Cintsa Bay is a kite spot north of East London, in a semi-sheltered bay on the Wild Coast. This holiday village offers a relaxed atmosphere with a beautiful sandy beach and warm subtropical waters (20-24°C). The bay provides more accessible conditions than the wild Wild Coast, suitable for intermediate riders in moderate conditions.
Spot forecast for Cintsa Bay
Sunrise 05:20 · Sunset 18:23
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Tides
Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 4.8 km from the spot.
- Tuesday 20 October Low tide · 0.8 m High tide · 1.2 m Low tide · 0.8 m
- Wednesday 21 October High tide · 1.2 m Low tide · 0.7 m High tide · 1.4 m Low tide · 0.6 m
- Thursday 22 October High tide · 1.3 m Low tide · 0.5 m High tide · 1.5 m Low tide · 0.5 m
- Friday 23 October High tide · 1.4 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 1.7 m Low tide · 0.3 m
- Saturday 24 October High tide · 1.6 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 1.8 m Low tide · 0.2 m
Cintsa 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…)
150h
in December · 18 rideable days
The season runs from August to December, peaking in December: 17 rideable days a month and 150 hours of usable wind, at 23 °C. The low point is July, at 9.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 76% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is June, at 21 °C. The wettest month is April, with 121 mm.
Monthly averages: Cintsa Bay
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.0 | 106 h | 25 °C | 79 mm |
| February | 13.5 | 111 h | 26 °C | 48 mm |
| March | 14.0 | 101 h | 26 °C | 75 mm |
| April | 11.0 | 71 h | 23 °C | 121 mm |
| May | 10.5 | 53 h | 24 °C | 10 mm |
| June | 10.0 | 41 h | 21 °C | 106 mm |
| July | 9.5 | 45 h | 21 °C | 14 mm |
| August | 15.5 | 90 h | 22 °C | 11 mm |
| September | 16.0 | 120 h | 21 °C | 55 mm |
| October | 17.0 | 133 h | 23 °C | 89 mm |
| November | 16.5 | 138 h | 24 °C | 78 mm |
| December | 18.0 | 150 h | 25 °C | 70 mm |
Photo gallery of Cintsa Bay
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Cintsa Bay spot
The spot works with winds from SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW.
Spot functioning
The spot works in SW to SE winds. The bay offers partial swell protection, creating calmer conditions than open ocean. Tide influences the available beach surface. Best at mid-tide. At low tide, wide beach and extended sailing area.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Intermediate
On the water
Warm subtropical water (20-24°C). Semi-sheltered conditions in the bay with reduced swell. Sandy bottom. Moderate waves suitable for learning wave riding. Weak currents in the bay.
Parking
Access via the R72 from East London (about 40 min). Parking on the waterfront in Cintsa village. Tarred road to the village. Accommodation and restaurants available.
Wind specificities
The main kite wind is the south-west (SW), blowing side-onshore in the bay. South (S) and south-east (SE) winds also work well. The bay offers some protection from north-east winds. Thermal wind in the afternoon during summer. Season: October to March.
Hazards
Residual swell that can surprise beginners. Possible currents at the bay exit. Sharks occasionally present. Jellyfish in summer. Solo sailing not recommended.
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Live
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Webcams near Cintsa Bay
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Nearby spots
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