Kabeljous Lagoon - JBay

Kabeljous Lagoon is a sheltered coastal lagoon system on the Garden Route of South Africa's Eastern Cape. The spot features a protected water body separated from the open ocean by a sandy spit, with residential development visible on the western shoreline. The lagoon faces eastward toward the Indian Ocean, making north and south winds side-shore and optimal for kitesurfing. The protected nature of the lagoon provides calm, manageable conditions suitable for beginners and progression riders seeking flat water or small wave practice. Water temperatures average 18.6°C, requiring a wetsuit year-round. Average wave heights of 1.63m indicate mild ocean swell penetration. The primary limitation is extremely low wind reliability at 9.8%, suggesting sessions are infrequent and timing critical. Kiters should be aware of tidal influences on the lagoon entrance, potential shallow zones within the lagoon, and the narrow channel connecting to open water. This spot works best during north wind conditions when side-shore flow maximizes safety and control in the protected lagoon environment.