Witsands (Afrikaans for “White Sands”) is aptly named, given the amazing, white beach. On approaching the spot from Cape Town, you will first see a long stretch of large sand dunes between you and the road, leading to the sea. For a truly exhilerating sailing experience, try sailing out really far; the effect of the mountains towering over the spot is great from far out. Rigging Area: If you have parked on the verge of the road, you can either rig up on the side of the road, and then carry your rig down a steep slope, over a couple of dunes, onto the beach, or carry your equipment down and rig straight on the beach. An even easier option is to drive down to the Crayfish Factory parking area (see directions), to rig there, and then carry your board a much shorter distance over a sand dune, to the Witsands beach, with no major inclines involved; if the wind is strong enough, you can sail out from the Crayfish Factory slipway. Wind Conditions: SE: Port Tack The SE is pretty much cross on-shore here, and that can be great, but if it’s too onshore, you will have a much better time at Scarborough NW Starboard Tack The mountain is a disadvantage to sailing here, as it makes conditions gusty. It can be difficult sailing into the beach (you sometimes run out of wind), but as long as you’re a good swimmer, it’s easy getting back in! It can also be tough getting out, especially if there’s a big wave. This is because the wind is slightly offshore, which means that you’re sailing out with your board between you and the rig - which can lead to complications when the wind is gusting - if you aren’t planing., the wave will push the board parallel to the beach, and your sail will go through the wind, you’ll fall in, and be washed back to the beach. This can be a really demanding spot physically, but once you’re out, it’s great. Wave Conditions: Witsands waves can be big, and when they are, they tend to be fairly closely spaced, which makes it trickier to get out. The waves here are usually not as big as at Misty Cliffs. Additional Information: Witsands is the ideal finishing point for a down-wind sail from Scarborough. If you plan to try this, leave one car at the Crayfish Factory, and then drive up to Scarborough and rig up there.
Take De Waal Drive (the M3) from Cape Town past UCT, and just follow the road till the end of the highway. Turn right at the stop sign, to take the Ou Kaapse Weg Mountain Pass. Drive through Sun Valley, past a Pick’n Pay until you get to a busy 4 way stop; turn right, to Kommetjie. At the sign to Cape Point, turn left, drive up the hill, until you get to another stop street, Turn left, and drive for about another 2 kms (the first beach you get to is Witsands) or instead of turning left, drive straight, and turn left to the Crayfish Factory.