Downwinds | Durban to Umhlanga Downwind

Durban to Umhlanga Downwind

A lively 15 Km downwind from Durban to Umhlanga on a southerly wind. Durban (Zulu: eThekwini, from itheku meaning 'the port' nicknamed Durbs is the third most populous city in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town and the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal.


  • DUC Marine Parade, Durban, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, 4025, South Africa

    Distance in KM
    15
    Estimated Time to complete
    2 Hrs
  • Wind Direction
    SW
    South
    Best months
  • Average Rating
    0.0

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    0
  • Created
    about 4 years ago
    Last updated
    about 4 years ago
    Kindly shared by:
    downwindfun downwindfun



  • Launch is from beach at entrance of Durban harbour in front of DUC (Durban Undersea Club)







    This stretch of ocean teems with marine life and conditions can be challenging with high winds and weather. Here are a number of YouTube videos from Sharon Armstrong a local surfskier and prolific downwinder doing this downwind, one of them includes a shark attack 2km offshore with some incredible commentary of trying to get back to shore with a sinking ski.... and a few others called  Dolphins and Downwinding & Whales and Downwind

    Gusting at 32 Knots


    Shark Attacked my Surf Ski from Below in Umhlanga Durban, throwing me off my ski. Was a sunny day with 8 knots of wind and crystal clear water. After extensive assessment of the incident, the tooth marks and video, the feedback from the experts concluded it was  Great White Shark 3 - 3.5 metre.  Feedback from the Experts: The measurement between the 3 tooth punctures on the board is about 2 cm (roughly). this suggests that it was a white shark (between 3 and 3.5 m) that hit my ski. This is also based on 1)  species likely to attack board, 2) size of shark from video,  3) force of attack, 4) size of white sharks commonly found along KZBN coast

    Dolphins and Downwinding



    Whales and Downwind








    Finish at Umlanga with always guaranteed surf break to negotiate




    Have fun and please stay safe!
    Some Basic Safety Guidelines

    - It is very difficult to spot someone in the water especially in strong wind conditions, so please make sure you can be seen - use bright colour clothing. Wear a brightly coloured PFD Wear a brightly coloured rash vest ( luminous green or orange is best)

    - Use a buddy system - doing a downwind with someone else is always safer than on your own.

    - Have a VHF Radio, mobile/cell phone in a waterproof bag ( test that you can use this in all conditions)

    - Know who to call for help and be sure that your family know who to call. Be sure that someone knows where you are and when you should return. And that they will call for help if this time is exceeded.

    - Other useful tips - Use a leash from the craft to your body. Have a signal flare (hand held are best) or pencil flares. Carry a reflector / mirror. Have a whistle that works when wet. Have your name and landline number on your craft. Leave a card with your name and phone number (mobile/cell and landline) on your vehicle dashboard.



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