WATER
Studies have shown those living near water tend to be happier than their landlocked peers.Your prescription? An aqua escape that'll squeeze months of R&R into a single soak.
PADDLE IT
West Coast National Park, West Coast
This coastal park centres around the magnificent Langebaan estuary, with spectacular fynbos, diverse dune systems, hide-away beaches and renowned wetlands around every corner. Saline marshes play host to dense concentrations of migrant waders, while the spring flower bloom transforms the Strandveld into a Jackson Pollock canvas.
Glide the Tide: Launch from Sandbaai Beach near the yacht club to avoid waves and current, ideal for beginners or kids to practise their skills. Set course for Schaapen Island to see the white rabbits there, or blade towards scenic Churchhaven (3- to 4-hour return trip). Look out for seals, dolphins and, if you're really lucky, whales or sunfish.
Risk Rating: There's a lot of sailing (kite boarding to wind surfing) but fortunately jet skis and power boats are confined to a small section. Be vigilant and keep in mind that the wind picks up from mid-morning.
Plan It: Base yourself at the delightful Baby Blue Cottage, Sandbaai (babyblue.co.za); book a kayaking adventure just up the coast at Paternoster with gravity.co.za
SURF IT
Hondeklip Baai, Diamond Coast
Monotone coastal scrub. Undulating roads donnering towards an ever-shifting horizon. Quirky dorps hazing up every so often... Yup, this WYSIWYG land to the west of the N7 is tailor-made for trail-blazing, with judder-y gravel routes side-winding via legendary towns like Soutfontein, Sarrisam and eventually Koiingnaas as you cruise north.
This story is from the September - October 2023 edition of Men's Health South Africa.
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This story is from the September - October 2023 edition of Men's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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