South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that it has reassessed the situation and reiterated the decision that kitesurfing is not permitted at Noordhoek Lagoon in Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town. The decision has been carefully considered and was made in the context of SANParks conservation mandate as well as in the interests of all users. According to SANParks, concerns have recently been raised by environmental and recreational user groups concerning the use of the Noordhoek Beach’s seasonal backshore lagoon that forms above the high water mark of the beach area. Kitesurfing at the backshore lagoon is officially prohibited since 2007. SANParks communicated the decision at the time and signage to this effect was erected at the car park and on the trail to the beach.
SANParks decision to ban kitesurfing at Noordhoek Beach’s seasonal backshore lagoon is mainly based on environmental reasons:
- Environmental Impact
The lagoon represents a rare, if not unique, habitat type on the Peninsula. Because it experiences relatively limited human disturbance, it acts as a refuge for roosting birds driven from rocky-shore roosts by high levels of human disturbance. - Fauna
The area is a vital breeding ground for the African Black Oystercatcher, which is a Red Data Book species – a very threatened species. The horse-riding community has agreed to restrict access here for these reasons. The results have been positive and to nullify this success by permitting an additional impactful activity such as high-speed kitesurfing would be a retrogressive step. The lagoon margins also support breeding pairs of White-fronted Plover which, while not threatened, struggle to breed along that coastline due to high levels of urbanization and human disturbance. The pan is also a significant commuting zone for Cape Clawless Otters on their way between the sea and Noordhoek wetlands. - Flora
The dune vegetation, vital for the functioning of the dune ecosystem, is easily disturbed. To permit an additional activity that threatens its health is highly undesirable. - Access And Erosion
If the vegetation is denuded erosion will set in. Additionally, in order to access the proposed site, users would use different approach routes. Proper conservation practice channels managed access through sensitive areas to limit the damage. New access routes will lead other path users to the desired routes, which will have a negative impact on the dune vegetation. - Impact on other Users
The horse-riding community has stated that kitesurfers spook horses. This places riders in danger of being thrown or horses bolting and endangering other users and horses in danger of injuring themselves. In addition, the lagoon is a popular place for families with young children. Speeding kiteboards impact on the peace and safety of the area, the birdlife, and other users.
