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around was another story altogether. Last time, this
meant dropping the sail, trying aimlessly to manoeuvre
the board in the direction I wished to head and then
jumping on the board, only to fall off the other side
and repeat the process again, until a kind rescuer in a
speedboat arrived at the scene.
Good instruction
Well, what a difference good instruction and the right
equipment can make! The centre in Langebaan is
stocked with all the latest equipment and the buoyant
beginner’s board with its tiny centreboard made
stabilising myself super simple.
The tiny sail, although probably laughable in size to
people passing by, was heavier than I expected but
pulling it out of the water and manoeuvring it for tacks
and jibes was a process that took only a few tries to
master. Soon I was up and riding, while around me
other windsurfers mastered their tricks on the super
flat water or surfed the waves a little further down the
lagoon.
The water in the lagoon is fairly shallow, meaning my
instructor was always within shouting distance if I fell
off or forgot how to tack and the flat water and
sheltered spot meant I could progress as quickly as
my, now aching, body would let me. Already know what
you are doing? Not to worry - the massive area does
provide waves and more windy spots for more
advanced sailors!
Amazing restaurants
When the day is done, Langebaan provides the perfect
place to relax. The main street is lined with a variety of
amazing restaurants and cocktail bars from where you
can watch the action on the water or sip on a delicious
glass of Cape Sauvignon Blanc while enjoying a meal
of freshly caught fish. A number of wine farms, and
even a craft brewery or two, can also be found in the
local area.
Surrounding the Langebaan lagoon, the West Coast
National Park is also waiting to be explored. You can
hike, bike or drive through this unspoilt wilderness
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WIND
SURFING