Downwinds | False Bay Crossing

False Bay Crossing

A marathon downwind of 45 Km's on a south easterly across False Bay starting at Grootsand beach in Hangklip and finishing on Fish Hoek Beach. False Bay is a body of water in the Atlantic Ocean between the mountainous Cape Peninsula and the Hottentots Holland Mountains in the extreme south-west of South Africa. It was named "False Bay" when early navigators mistook Cape Hangklip for Cape Point, which resulted in many shipwrecks in the bay with its strong cross winds and rocky routes. False Bay has one of the highest populations of Great white sharks in the world!!


  • Cape Hangklip, Pringle Bay, 7196, South Africa

    Distance in KM
    45
    Estimated Time to complete
    4 to 5 Hrs depending on conditions
  • Wind Direction
    SE
    Best months
  • Average Rating
    0.0

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  • Created
    about 4 years ago
    Last updated
    about 4 years ago
    Kindly shared by:
    robin.mousley robin.mousley



  • The start is from the remote and beautiful Hangklip at Grootsand beach.








    Like all big crossings make sure you know where you're heading as at the start you will not see land, for the SE follow the runs and after 10-15 Kms the first landmark will be the Cinnabar building in Muizenberg, you are aiming 4-5 km's left of this.

     
    Cinnabar building Muizenberg



    This is a YouTube video from J V with a group of double surfskis showing the launch and finish with some great big runs in-between. There are definitely some excited paddlers at the start for having some downwind fun!




    Finish is at Fish Hoek Beach



    For a crossing of this nature, its not for the faint-hearted and you need to be prepared and have all the safety required.

    Definitely recommend using RSA Safetrx .


    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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