West Coast National Park opens its gates.

By Craig McKune

SA National Parks is encouraging a nationwide free-for-all at their parks this week.

This is a major part of National Parks Week, which was launched on Monday in the West Coast National Park.

The concept was first launched in 2006 with "the realisation that the majority of the country's citizens were not accessing parks", stated a SANParks press release.

'This year we are focusing on involving young people and communities'

"The survival of the SA national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the people of South Africa," said SANParks CEO David Mabunda.

This year we are focusing on involving young people and communities, to cultivate knowledge of the importance of conservation and an appreciation for the country's natural heritage," he said.
Until Friday, access to most parks is free if you are carrying an official South African identity document. Children under the age of 16 will be allowed entry without identification.

The launch at the West Coast Park celebrated in particular the role of women in conservation, said SANParks communications officer Wanda Mkutshulwa.

"Today we are launching the Duinepos chalets, which are being run by three very dynamic women," she said.

'It has proven to be a very successful community project'

"It has proven to be a very successful community project, with the chalets running at full capacity over weekends."

Duinepos has been running for nearly two years since the completion of the first chalets, but the full complement of 11 was recently completed, said Mkutshulwa.

Activities include a rangers' anti-poaching roadshow at the Camdeboo Park. Tsitsikamma is hosting an evening fireside debate on moral responsibility with local youth.

Knysna National Park is holding a fishing expedition for children. And Kruger National Park will hold a "Walk in the Wild" project.

Accommodation in Langebaan

IKO kitesurfing lessons in Langebaan

THE LURE
The white sandy beaches and constant cross-shore wind in January make this arguably the absolute best spot in South Africa to kite. January is the 'wild wind month' averaging 25 – 30 knots on most days, so unless you're an accomplished rider time your visit either side of that month or get up early in the morning!

A feature in Issue #25 included Langebaan. It is available free online, just click here.


THE SET UP:
Exit Cape Town International airport, shed a few layers of clothing, find a car, point it north up the coast and drive 130 kilometres in a dead straight line along a tarred road with not a single road coming off it until you get to the small town of Langebaan.

Langebaan lagoon is a two kilometre wide, shallow freestyle heaven. The turquoise blue water of the 20 x 1.5 kilometre lagoon is suitable for anyone from beginners upwards, but the choice of terrain to ride is actually high in Langebaan outside of the lagoon areas, and of course if you fancy some hardcore wave action then Cape Town is back down the road.

WIND & WEATHER:
Cross-onshore to cross-offshore from the left. From September to the end of March the wind stats sit at 80% of days above 15 knots.

WATER:
The water temperature averages 16 – 22°C year round.

OFF THE WATER:
There are lots of nice little restaurants and bars just off the beach. There is one nightclub in town (which is a five minute drive from the lagoon) and a bar with live music on certain days of the week. There are plenty of other activities in the area, such as windurfing, kayaking, pilates and yoga lessons, and within a reasonable distance, a Gary Player signature golf course, horse riding, fishing, sight seeing in the wine-lands and Cape Town and the surrounding area.

CENTRES AND ACCOMODATION:
WindChasers offers the ultimate package of upmarket beach styled accommodation designed to suit the windsports enthusiasts together with a top class IKO centre offering boat assisted kitesurfing lessons. Windchasers are located on the shores of the Langebaan lagoon just 1 hour out of Cape Town with warm, flat waters and close to perfect wind conditions ideal for teaching and perfecting this extreme adrenalin filled sport. WindChasers offers everything from outside hot and cold showers, equipment stores, wireless internet, laundry facilities to a very sociable and welcoming atmosphere. The accommodation is unique and ranges from more private self catering rooms to the KiteHouse which is communal accommodation for those on a bit more of a budget and looking for a more social and interactive experience. First-time novice or skilled expert, you'll love kiteboarding in Langebaan. Email: info@windchaserssa.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Tel: +27 22 77 21 904
Website: www.windchaserssa.com

AIRPORTS:
Cape Town international airport (CPT) – Two hour drive to Langebaan.

Riders who have included Langebaan as one of their Top Places to Ride are: Jo Wilson, Nick Jacobsen, Sjoukje Bredenkamp









Accommodation in Langebaan

west coast fossil park

About the West Coast Fossil Park

Five million years ago the Cape west coast was very different from what it is today with a wide range of now extinct animals living in riverine forests, wooded savanna, the adjacent sea and on offshore islands. Phosphate mining operations at Langebaanweg uncovered one of the richest fossil sites in the world. Over the past 40 years bones of 200 different kinds of animals, many of them new to science have been recovered. A few years after mining operations ceased in 1993, a 14 ha fossil-rich area within the mine property was declared a National Heritage Site. Iziko Museums of Cape Town and SAMANCOR launched the Fossil Park in 1998 to bring palaeontology to the public.

The first phase of the West Coast Fossil Park was launched by Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Dr Pallo Jordan on 22nd September 1998. Guest speakers included Mrs Evita Bezuidenhout, Dr Mike Cluver, Mr Mike Salamon, Mr Wynand Dreyer and Ms Laurine Platzky. A test trench was excavated by a contract Archaeology team from UCT and the remains of several extinct giraffes called sivatheres were uncovered and left "in situ" for public viewing. This first phase also included the renovation of the old Chemfos mine office block to provide a display area, lecture room, laboratory, offices, tea room, curio shop and research accommodation for a team of up to 12 people.

Map of the west coast

Office space to rent in Vredenburg on the West Coast Click Here

Storm pictures from the weekend in Langebaan Lagoon, Club Mykonos Marina on the West Coast of South Africa

Waves of 9.5metres, caused havoc on the West Coast over the weekend, a rubber duck was smashed against the rocks at the mouth to Club Mykonos marina, 3 people were on board, one person is still in critical condition in the hospital, the boat was completely destroyed. Pictures from the storm. Short video of the storm below.

Office space to rent in Vredenburg on the West Coast Click Here