Downwinds | The Buffels Run

The Buffels Run

A 20+ km downwind with the SE blowing encompassing the famous Millers Run route but this is twice as long and twice as much fun! Start from the remote Buffels bay beach and finishing in Fish Hoek Cape Town South Africa. This can also be done in the reverse.


  • Buffels Bay, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa

    Distance in KM
    23
    Estimated Time to complete
    2 Hrs 20 mins
  • 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



  • Launch from Buffels Bay Beach


    Buffels bay Beach, heading north with the downwind





    Not much more to say but watch this YouTube video from Zach & Jerry and you can get a good idea of just how big it can get on this run! The excitement and build to the start in Millers Taxi is infectious fun too!




    Finish at Fish Hoek Beach
    Fish Hoek Beach finish, downwind route from the north in top left of picture



    Recommend using RSA Safetrx there are lots of success stories on this run of waterfolk using this app. From experience the mobile signal isn't good at Buffel's Bay so one should start SafeTrx while driving through Simon's Town on the way to doing the downwind run.



    Things to watch out for

    • Sunset!  Don’t leave it too late before you start – it’s far more difficult for rescuers to find someone in the dark.
    • Swell coming into False Bay.  The waves normally hit the Cape Peninsula from the SW, but on occasion swing around to the SE.  
    • The wind direction: SSE is best; ESE often makes for a messy sea.  The first day after the SE starts blowing is usually the cleanest; each day that the SE blows seems to make the bay messier – it’s still fun, but the runs become more technical and less easy to link together.
    • The reefs and rocks around Roman Rock lighthouse.  In milder conditions, it’s tempting to shoot the gap under the lighthouse gantry.  Just be aware that there’s a reef to the north-east of the lighthouse – and several rocks at the base of the gantry.  I still have a scar on my stomach courtesy of the reef and was recently left high and dry on one of the rocks!
    • Glen Cairn!  The classic beginner’s mistake is to head too far to the left, thinking that you’re headed towards Fish Hoek when you’re actually aiming at Glen Cairn.  The peak to the left of Fish Hoek is distinctive – just be aware of where you’re paddling!
    • The reef at Sunny Cove – you can recognise Sunny Cove by the pedestrian bridge that crosses the railway line.  Don’t go too close to the reef – but you can catch a great run on the shoulder, to shoot past your buddy who’s taken a deeper line!


    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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