Umdloti is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s hidden gems. Located on the North Coast of Southern Africa, the area offers world-class kiteboarding. The conditions are suitable for all riders. From beginners through to the super-advanced, freestyle and wave riders will be thrilled with the conditions.

Kiteboarding with The Locals

Umdloti Beach has a strong kiteboarding community. The locals all rave about doing winders ranging from 7km – 100Km stretches and will vouch that the area certainly is a kiteboarding “hot spot”.

Umdloti has so much to offer kiteboarders. No matter what you are looking for and what your skill level is, the conditions cater to all skill-sets and kite setups.

Kite Boarding Spots

La Mercy Lagoon is only a 5-minute drive north of Umdloti and offers flat water for freestyle kiteboarders and Beginners. This is also a prime location for photographers to shoot.  Indulge in incredible natural backdrops and awesome evening sunset sessions. The lagoon is home to a coffee shop – a great place to grab lunch and meet like-minded kiteboarding enthusiasts.

If you are a more advanced and want to get into the sea on a directional or twin tip, then you can walk across the beach at the lagoon and hit the waves.

To get good waves, you don’t need to leave Umdloti. Simply walk across the road from Surf Motel, pump up, and get on the water.

THE WIND

The prevailing  wind from August to January at Umdloti Beach comes from the northeast, blowing cross-shore at 15-25kts. The wind is generally clean and not gusty at all – making it awesome for boosting, freestyle and wave riding (both natural and the goofy-type).

If a cold front comes through, then the wind is from the southwest and the point break will catch the swell, offering an unreal right-hand point break – clean face with 15-25kts. This is an indescribable experience; you simply have to try it for yourself!

WHEN TO KITEBOARD

The best time of the year for kiteboarding along KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast would be August to December. This is when the big high-pressure system moves down the Indian Ocean and the North East trade winds arise on a daily and consistent basis.

Other Kiteboarding Hot Spots

If you feel like travelling, you can take a 4-hour drive to visit our neighbour, Mozambique. This glorious destination boasts unique tropical kiteboarding conditions and scenery. On the way up, you can stop at Amorello, our sister property right near the border of Mozambique. Here you can go on safari, enjoy quad rides through the bush, take a boat cruise to see the hippos and crocodiles, and revel in a host of other exciting experiences.

KITEBOARDING LESSONS

To book some lessons while you stay at Surf Motel, simply get in touch with our partner Fruitloops kite school. Simply click the link to book https://fruitloops.co.za/kitesurfing-lessons/ or contact +27 82 853 4221.