PERFECT
The reason we all believe the spot to be so good is down to two essential elements. Firstly, the wind in Lüderitz blows consistently, in the same direction, from August to March every year. The wind is strong, and in spite of the surrounding desert, it’s not too hot, which gives higher density to the airflow and contributes to better performances. It is accelerated by a funnel effect as it comes from the cold Southern Ocean waters, over the dry savannah of south Namibia, and into the Namibian desert. It is precisely in Lüderitz that the wind, channelled through a range of high hills perfectly shaped to increase its speed, reaches the sand desert, where high daytime temperatures amplify it by creating an additional low-pressure “suction effect”. As a result, it benefits from extra strong winds, very regular in direction and strength.
Secondly, the wind angle. The right angle needed to reach high speeds in kitesurfing or windsurfing is around 140 degrees to the wind. This angle is easily achieved with the canal at Lüderitz as it almost follows the natural shoreline and makes it easy to keep full of abundant seawater. The event in 2017 was taken over by Mark Grinnell and Raffaello Gardelli, both successful businessmen working in South Africa and who are great speed sailors in their own right with Mark the 3rd fastest windsurfer the world. So thanks to Seb and Sophie’s initial belief in the site and their “If we build it they will come” attitude and Mark and Raffi’s continued support we have an amazing venue to realize our dreams and be the best that we can be as speed sailors.