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WWatersports are a prominent part of South African outdoor culture, and adventurers are spoiled for choice.
South Africa offers a wide range of mostly year-round coastal and inland watersports.
Surfing in Jeffrey's Bay, waterskiing at the Vaal Dam, scuba diving in Sodwana Bay, Kitesurfing on the west coast and sailing in Cape Town and Durban are just a few of the famous watersports attractions the country has to offer.
Because of South Africa's warm climate, watersports are not limited to any particular season.
South Africa's three major coastal cities, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban, all offer a variety of offshore watersports, as do many of the towns in between. Just bear in mind that the waters of South Africa's west coast are a lot colder than those of the east coast and a wetsuit is therefore advisable.
Anyone wanting to learn how to scuba dive will not struggle to find an instructor. Even the landlocked city of Johannesburg has several courses available.
Inland watersports are a part of South African weekend culture and thus equipment and tour operators are not hard to come by.
Waterskiing, wakeboarding, wind-surfing and jet-skiing are all popular activities at major dams around the country. These include Bronkhorstspruit Dam, Sterkfontein Dam, Kwaggaskloof Dam, Rondevlei Dam, Midmar Dam and Albert Falls Nature Reserve, as well as the Vaal Dam of course.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Dirty Boots
Email: esna@dirtyboots.co.za
Best time to visit
South African watersports are performed the whole year round.
Get around
Having your own vehicle will allow you to travel more freely.
What to pack
Sunscreen is essential during the summer months from November to April. For west coast adventures ask your tour operator about hiring a wetsuit. Bring your opwn snorkel if you own one.
Where to stay
There are numerous beach resorts, hotels and lodges inland where one can enjoy watersports.
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