Surfing

Cape Town has some great but cold surf, and conditions can be complicated by the winds. Though it's no J-Bay (Jeffreys Bay), Cape Town still has some killer spots, Bloubergstrand (beach) being host to regular international events.

Gary's Surf School. Gary's Surf School offers surfing lessons to youngsters and the young at heart in the relatively warm and gentle waters at Muizenberg. You can also rent boards and wet suits. A basic two-hour lesson includes an hour of instruction and an hour of practice. You do need to be aware, however, that you'll be sharing the ocean with plenty of sharks, as you would around the world, though the company has never had an incident. Balmoral Building, 34 Beach Rd., Muizenberg, Western Cape. 021/788–9839; www.garysurf.com. From R350.