Kwazulu-Natal - La Mercy/Umdloti Lagoon

Info: La Mercy lagoon is the closest flat-water kiting spot to central Durban. That makes it an ideal spot to learn how to kitesurf. The lagoon borders the sea so a short jog across the sand-bar makes wave riding an option too. As mentioned, it is a very popular learning spot so at times can be a bit crowded with kamikaze newbies! Most kiters are aware of this and give the learners a chance by staying out of their way or kiting in the sea but generally everyone gets on well and there is a good vibe on the beach.
Facilities: Parking is available but some of the parking is a bit of a walk away at the top of the entrance road to the lagoon area. There is an adequately stocked cafe/take-away on site run by 'Vanu and Cookie'. They will look after your car keys for you if you don't feel safe leaving them in your bag on the grass area. Toilet facilities are pretty clean as far as public toilets go.
Wind: Works best in North and South wind with some East in it as there are tall buildings on the North side and a high hill on the South side of the lagoon. It gets very gusty on the lagoon when the wind is too North or SSW and the sea is a better option then.
Watch out for...
- People on the beach;
- Fishermen;
- Some shallow spots that aren't always obvious;
- Don't go too far to the West into the lagoon as the wind gets very gusty. If you drop your kite there it is very difficult to re-launch and you could end up in the reeds or the mangroves;
- Wicked shore-break when heading into/out of the sea;
- Newbies