Ah the fairest Cape. Where the scenery is breath taking, the wind endless, the food and wine wonderful and the Euro and Sterling goes a long long way. Us South Africans certainly feel our home spots are something very special. And so does the rest of the world. Americans, Canadians, Germans, Swedes, Norwegian, Italians, French, Spanish, Lebanese, Brits, Dutchies, to name but a few nationalities, visit the tip of Africa over our Summer. To kite. And to have a blast.
Which certainly makes it crowded at times. And obviously dangerous – and this is where manners and consideration for our fellow water users become increasingly important.
From recent interactions it seems that manners are no longer instilled in large parts of Europe. In fact, it has been replaced by a sense of entitlement that just boggles the mind.
So, for those travellers who plan to come to the RSA – or who are here already – below are a few basic rules. Stick to them and you will have the time of your life. Guaranteed.
1.Be friendly and smile! You are in Sunny SA!
2.The first 50m of water is for guys coming in or leaving the water. Don’t jump or do free style here. It is just dumb.
3.Roll your lines up when you have landed your kite, or someone will do it for you.
4.Rider with right hand forward on bar has right of way.
5.Avoid beginners and give them right of way.
6.And this is important. NEVER EVER scream or shout at someone on the water - this seems to be a distinctly European trait. The person you scream at might be a local. And you are in Africa. And we don’t scream at each other. If your parents have not taught you manners – the South African locals will. Swiftly.