Many beach towns in South Africa heavily rely on the peak season to sustain them financially throughout the quieter winter months.
This summer season was particularly important for the watersports industry, which was already battling to keep its head above water.
On 28 December 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa implemented amended Level 3 lockdown regulations. This was followed by an announcement on 11 January 2021 that the beach ban, which impacted the watersports community, would continue until 15 February.
According to Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, 12.8% of South Africa’s annual eight million tourists indicate beach visits as a top activity.
Crystal Veness, features editor at IKSURFMAG, an international kitesurfing magazine, told…