When I was younger I loved to surf and water-ski and spent most of my free time doing just that. However, it seems that somewhere along the line, real life nudged its way into my world when I wasn’t looking, and sadly it’s actually been years since I indulged in any water sport activities.

So it was with great excitement and a healthy dash of trepidation that I recently hopped in my car and headed for the Mykonos harbour on the Langebaan Lagoon to visit Elite Charters and get my feet wet again, so to speak.

Happily I was greeted by a perfect day – warm and sunny, no wind and glassy water lapping gently on the shore. I easily found Elite Charters in the hub of the harbour and was warmly welcomed by Alet who offered me a seat with her and a couple of people who were relaxing in the sun chatting, waiting for the return of the skipper.

I decided to give jet skiing a go first as its one activity I have always wanted to try but never got around to. Alet very kindly lent me a wet suit and then took me across to meet Charmaine.

Although they also operate under Elite Charters, the jet skis and fly board kiosk is situated further along down the pier and run by Charmaine and Russell who have been in the area and business for many a year. Down to earth and really helpful and friendly, Charmaine went over the guidelines and rules with us before the family of four on two jet skis – kids riding pillion – and myself followed Mark out of the small harbour at snail’s pace as speed is only allowed beyond its walls. I used the time to try and master the sensitive steering, swerving alarmingly on occasion. “Don’t worry,” Mark said, “it’s much easier at speed.”

I wasn’t convinced and for the first 100 meters or so I tentatively tried a just a little speed and still found myself battling with the steering and changing direction like a drunken sailor on his way home from the pub. So I thought “what the heck” and hit the accelerator as Mark instructed. I soon found myself flying along the lagoon at 70km an hour and absolutely loving it. By the time we got back to the harbour I was exhilarated – as were the others.

Waiting for me at the pier was Steve and five other passengers on board the duck so I hopped off the wet bike and onto the duck and headed straight back out onto the lagoon. Alternating between cruising, high speed and some wave jumping near the shore, it was not the sedate putter around the lagoon I was expecting and I enjoyed every minute. Steve chatted to us when not speeding along or jumping a wave and also stopped at Schaapen Island to tell us a bit about its history.

All too soon my morning at Elite was over and my only regret is that I could not take Steve up on his invitation to join them for an evening sail as I already had dinner plans. I will definitely be back to see them soon, as not only did I have an amazing time on the water, but the Elite crew were so warmly welcoming one cannot help but want to visit again.

In addition to daily cruises, Elite Charters also offers tailored charters, overnight trips and fishing trips and the yacht and catamaran can also be booked for team building events, private events and even for weddings.

Booking is essential – and don’t forget to ask about winter discounts.

Open 7 days a week | Booking Essential
R300 p/p (R200 Kids) for 120 min Yacht Cruise (11am, 2pm, 5pm)
R900 p/p for Fishing Trips (min. 3 pax required)
R550 p/p for Lagoon Cruises (min. 3 pax required)
R350 p/p or R100 p/passenger for 10km Wetbike ride
R250 p/p for Adventure Duck / Speedboat trips (min. 4 pax required)

Distance from Cape Town: 116km
Where: R27, inside Club Myconos, Langebaan
Contact: +27 (0)76 397 8351  |  [email protected]  |  www.elitecharters.co.za
Wet bikes: +27 (0)72 155 2611  |  [email protected]
Sailing/fishing/adventure duck: +27 (0)72 702 9919  |  [email protected]