Will you Paddle or Padel this summer in Plett?
Summer’s here, and the great outdoors of the Garden Route is calling! With our stunning coastline, serene waterways and gorgeous weather, why choose between hitting the padel courts or heading out for a paddle when both are so easily accessible and so much fun!
For those unfamiliar, padel is an increasingly popular combination of tennis and squash – usually played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mash. The court is one-third of the size of a tennis court and the sport combines action with fun and social interaction – quick and easy to learn. Below, an introduction to Plett’s padel and pickleball courts and, of course, our exhilarating paddling watersports. You are in Plett, after all – make a splash!
Padel 365 – Plettenberg Bay Country Club
Country clubbing at its finest, the padel courts at Plettenberg Bay Country Club add an extra attraction to the club’s beautiful golfing greens. On 21 December 2024, the Plett Open Padel Tournament will take place on the courts in aid of the Plett Whale Heritage Area – 24 Top-class padel players competing in the inaugural event. Plett is one of only 10 sites across the globe to have received Whale Heritage Area status by the World Cetacean Alliance. To play padel at Plett Country Club, book a court via Playtomic.
Paddle The Bitou & Keurbooms Rivers with Bitou Kayaks
The beautiful Keurbooms River is all green foliage and dramatic cliffs, while the smaller Bitou River is a silent, golden wonderland, perfect for birders. Bitou Kayaks offers 2-, 3- and 4-hour guided tours on both rivers. Or, you can hire a kayak and explore at your own pace. The Bitou River trip begins and ends at the Emily Moon River Lodge car park, while the Keurbooms River trip begins and ends at the “ferries” launch spot alongside the Keurbooms River Bridge. Bitou Kayaks provides a mandatory safety briefing and the necessary safety gear to ensure an enjoyable, serene paddle in Plett. Learn more and book.
Play Pickleball Plett – Down to Earth Restaurant
While not actually padel or paddling, pickleball has a loyal, growing following as a sport that combines elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. Pickleball is said to have a low impact on the body and is quick and easy to learn, making it an ideal sport for the whole family to enjoy while on holiday. Play Pickleball Plett’s two courts are conveniently located at Down to Earth Restaurant. This popular organic eatery is located on the banks of the Bitou River and offers fresh, delicious meals, including vegetarian options, in an idyllic setting. With a kids’ play area and pickleball court, the whole family can enjoy some time outdoors and work up an appetite that Down to Earth will happily satisfy! Learn more and book.
Paddle the Keurbooms River
Plett’s wonderful and wide Keurbooms River may not be as iconic as its fellow CapeNature reserve, Robberg, but it’s no less striking. The meandering river leads paddlers on a journey through the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve – a World Heritage Site – brilliantly biodiverse and unspoiled. This adventurous paddle promises indigenous forests, towering gorge walls, idyllic little beaches, and protected kloofs. It’s a favourite of Plett residents for a reason! Double canoes and kayaks can be hired at the entrance gate to the reserve on a first-come, first-use basis. If you have time, see if you can book the Whiskey Creek cabin for a night or two and complete the full 5km paddle through Keurbooms’ natural wonderland. Learn more here.
Africa Padel – Telluric Wine Estate
The new Telluric Wine Estate offers unique, sweeping views of Plett. and the state-of-the-art Africa Padel courts offer similarly stunning panoramas. The courts are located just metres from the vineyards’ Zoox Restaurant. Zoox, with glorious views over the Bitou River and the greens of Rhone Hill Polo Fields, offers a delightful dining experience, the perfect place for a coffee or a wonderful wine-tasting venue. Known for their commitment to sustainable viticulture and exceptional hospitality, Telluric Wine Estate offers visitors a harmonious blend of world-class wines, exquisite cuisine, and padel courts in a picturesque setting. Book padel via Playtomic. Learn more about Telluric Wine Estate.
Stand Up Paddle the Lagoon – Keurbooms Lagoon
Take a solo exploration or gather the family for an unforgettable group adventure…a tour of Plett’s waterways on a stand-up paddle board! The Keurbooms Lagoon (or Estuary) is a vibrant ecosystem with tidal changes that create a curious and fascinating marine landscape against the backdrop of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Paddling the lagoon at sunrise and sunset offers spectacular opportunities to appreciate Plett’s beauty and – when conditions allow – a full moon paddle is an extraordinary experience! Whether you’re a nervous beginner needing instruction and company or an avid paddler just in need of rental gear and local info, you’re covered. Learn more and book here.
Forest Gate Padel Courts – Forest Gate Eco Estate
You’ll find a unique padel experience at Forest Gate Eco Estate. On your way out, take in the beautiful indigenous forest of Harkerville, enjoy a game of padel, visit the Garden Roots Deli or Two Brothers Restaurant and enjoy this lovely estate just outside Plett that offers a lovely day out!
Book via Playtomic. Learn more about Forest Gate Eco Estate.
Paddle the Bay – Central Beach
Dolphin Adventures is your go-to for an unforgettable summer adventure in the bay. This environmentally conscious operator has been sharing the magic of Plett’s coastline since 1994. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or have never kayaked before, these South African-made kayaks are designed for you to “hop on and stay on” so you can enjoy your Plett ocean adventure with ease. Dolphin Adventures’ guides are qualified in marine guiding and first aid at sea, but more importantly, they love the job and hold a great knowledge of the ocean. Book here.
Paddle In – Plett
If you’re feeling like celebrating your competitive spirit or simply love to spend time on the water, these two Plett Summer events are for you:
- Surfski Challenge of the Sabrina Love Summer Challenge: The Sabrina Love Summer Challenge is an iconic Plett summer event and the Surfski Challenge is generally hotly contested and great fun to watch. Taking place on 27 December 2024 on Central Beach, the 10km paddle will take surfskiers across the bay and back for top honours. Learn more and enter here.
- Plett Surf Jam: Date and location will be confirmed closer to the time: 3,4 or 5 January 2025, Wreck, Robberg 5 or Keurboomstrand Beach. Surfers of all levels, riding all crafts to float, surf or rip. This exciting surfing event, which will consist of teams – make your own or you’ll be partnered with a team – judged on “most impressive surfing”. This wonderfully vague phrase could be a party wave on a giant inflatable SUP, getting barreled, or doing an air reverse! This sounds like a guaranteed good time in the water! Learn more here.
