Extreme Kiting in Luderitz - Skeleton Bay, Namibia

Skeleton Coast in Namibia is one of the greatest surfing destinations in the world. It is also a completely inhospitable place due to the strong winds blowing from land to sea almost all year round. The wind has always been so powerful in Skeleton Bays, that both locals and first visitors renamed the place „Gates of Hell“. The strenght of the wind allows fans of kitesurfing and windsurfing to reach incredible on-water speeds. Sometimes the surfboards glide across the water at a crazy speed of one hundred kilometers per hour.

5. 11. 2013

The Skeleton Coast is the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean coast of Namibia and south of Angola from the Kunene River south to the Swakop River. Some say that the coast is so named after the skeletons of whales, which often get caught up on the beaches. Others argue that of people buried in the wrecks of local shallow waters. Highly inhospitable desert area keeps buffeted by a constant air flow and heavy surf on the beaches. There are only a few residential areas but really perfect conditions for wind-water sports. The reachable spots of the desert are Cape Cross Bay, Swakopmund, Sandwich Bay, Luderitz and Walvis Bay – the place of world´s Kitesurfing, Windsurfing and other sailing vehicles speed records including Vestas Sailrocket 2, the fastest sailing boat on the planet (photo below).

Luderitz Speed Challenge

Two of these sites (Walvis and Luderitz) are regularly hosts of World Records break attempts. Luderitz Speed Challenge represents the world´s fastest Kitesurfing competition. It has become the Kitesurfing speed paradise with records achived almost annually. Speedy surfing takes place in artificial lagoons specially dredged to run the event. They provide a relatively safe environment with calm water, but are relatively narrow and require the riders´ absolute concentration and accuracy. The latest speed values in Luderitz have reached an astonishing 55 knots (100 km/h)! A True Extreme Kiting.

The entering point of Namibia is Windhoek, Namibia´s capital and its largest city. Windhoek Airport, Hosea Kutako, is operated by several airlines including South African Airways and Air Namibia. To get to Luderitz you have to take B1 Highway from Windhoek South and then continue by B4 (after reaching Keetmanshoop). To get to Walvis take B1 North and continue by B2 after reaching Okahandja. Find the place on the map of Adrex.com Locations...