WWS

Namibia · Namibia

Elizabeth Bay, Namibia

17.5kts

S · Wind season

Elizabeth Bay delivers 276 windy days annually with consistent South Atlantic wind. Strong currents, choppy water, and reef throughout the bay demand solid technique and respect.

IntermediateAdvancedFreerideFreestyleFoil
17.5kts
Average wind
277
Windy days / year
14:00–17:00
Peak wind hours
S
Primary direction

Location

Nearest airports
Airport - Windhoek Hosea Kutako
Coordinates
-26.9460, 15.2311
Open full map ↗

Monthly wind profile (peak window)

23
Jan
22
Feb
20
Mar
18
Apr
17
May
16
Jun
18
Jul
18
Aug
20
Sep
22
Oct
21
Nov
23
Dec

Jan

81%

rideable

22.7 kts

Feb

91%

rideable

21.9 kts

Mar

85%

rideable

19.6 kts

Apr

63%

rideable

18.1 kts

May

55%

rideable

17 kts

Jun

70%

rideable

16 kts

Jul

60%

rideable

17.8 kts

Aug

73%

rideable

18.1 kts

Sep

78%

rideable

20.1 kts

Oct

73%

rideable

21.9 kts

Nov

82%

rideable

21.3 kts

Dec

98%

rideable

22.8 kts

Best wind directions

  • S
  • SSW
  • NW
  • NE
  • SSE

Water conditions

  • Ocean
  • Choppy

Best months

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Hazards

  • Strong ocean currents and choppy water conditions require careful positioning and constant awareness
  • Sharp rocks and reef hazards in the bay area - scout launch and landing zones before entering water
  • Sudden wind shifts common in bay environment - maintain control and stay alert to changing conditions
  • Cold Atlantic water currents typical of Namibian coast increase fatigue and hypothermia risk

What that means for you

  • Reef booties recommended at low tide
  • Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
  • Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down

Amenities

  • Basic lodging and supplies available in nearby Walvis Bay, approximately 30km away
  • Limited beachside facilities - bring your own food, water, and emergency supplies
  • Repair shops and kite shops accessible in Walvis Bay for equipment maintenance

Local tips

Elizabeth Bay offers consistent wind year-round with 276+ windy days annually, making it reliable for progression. Plan trips around December-April and August-October for optimal conditions and fewer cold-water sessions.

Launch & beach

The choppy ocean conditions require a protected launch area; scout the bay's coves for calmer entry points. South and southwest winds dominate, so launch on the side offering the most shelter from wind acceleration across the water.

Local etiquette

Respect other water users and maintain safe distances from swimmers and fishing boats. Keep communication open with other kiters regarding wind patterns and conditions throughout your session.

What to wear

A 3-5mm wetsuit is essential year-round due to cold Atlantic water temperatures; water rarely exceeds 14°C. Add booties and gloves during winter months (June-August) for protection.

What to pack

Kite sizes

  • 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
  • 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
  • 8–10 mstrong days, 20–28 kn

Boards

  • Twintip — universal, bring one

What to wear (by climate)

In the water
3/2 mm full wetsuit.
On land
Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.

Derived from the spot's latitude (subtropical zone) and current season.

Right of way & manners

  1. 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
  2. 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
  3. 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
  4. 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
  5. 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.

Spot guide

The Experience

Elizabeth Bay works. You get reliable wind almost every day—276+ annually. This isn't glassy water. The Atlantic here runs cold and moves constantly, pushing you around if you're not locked in. Rocks and reef scatter the bay. Scout your entry and exit. Get it right, solid session. Get it wrong, you're swimming in cold water or dealing with sharp terrain.

Wind & Conditions

South and southwest winds year-round. Best windows: December–April and August–October. Average 17.5 knots puts you in the 15–22 knot range most sessions. Wind accelerates unpredictably across the bay depending on your position. Launch from the lee side to get out safely.

The Water

Cold. Namibian Atlantic currents are strong and constant—you're fighting both the ocean and where it wants to push you. Chop is real. Water surface has texture. Reef and rocks are serious navigation hazards; work around them, don't fight them.

Who It's For

Intermediate riders comfortable in rough water and strong current. You need good edge control, body awareness, and the discipline to respect limits. Not a flat-water progression spot. It's where you build skills against actual conditions.

Logistics

Walvis Bay is 30km away—lodging, food, shops are there. Elizabeth Bay has no facilities. Bring what you need. Equipment breaks? You drive to town. Isolation is the trade-off: consistent wind, fewer people, conditions that demand focus.