Bay of Plenty Surfing
There are some 30 recognised surf spots in Durban area, and you don't have to muscle in among the locals who hog Dairy on North Beach.
Choose your spot according to the size of the swell that suits you - it gets bigger from south - Vechies, uShaka, Addington, to north - Snake Park to Blue Lagoon.
Most locals jump off the ends of the jetties, but it takes some practice and a few broken boards before you get the hang of it. Old-timers say the three modern piers ruined one of the best tube rides in the world, but the bay still produces plenty. Also try the breaks on the south side of The Bluff, notably Ansteys, Cave Rock and Brighton.
Kite Surfing
The Cape might have the wind, but if you're going to play in the sea kitesurfing, you really want to think about the warm Indian Ocean in Durban North on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Don't for a minute think the wind doesn't blow there - it's got just as many windy days as Cape Town, just not as many gale-force days.
Kite Beach is about 3 km up-coast of North Beach, just shy of Blue Lagoon, offering an uncrowded launch area. This location offers good consistent surf all year round and good wave riding conditions. The spot is looked after by local car guards who assist with setting up kites and packing away.
For learning, head 20 minutes further north to uMdloti, where you can practise your pull-ups and nose enemas on the lagoon before launching into the sea. More experienced surfers kite up-coast from Kite Beach to uMdloti and then arrange for some kind soul, usually their poor wind-widow partner, to drive them back.
By David Bristow