The Doctor Will See You Now: How To Windproof Your Walk

The Cape Doctor is a wild beast that doesn’t care if you’re ready or not. You step out, and it immediately shoves you sideways, your arms flailing like you’re trying to take off. Every sign, tree, and lamppost is a desperate lifeline as you try to prevent yourself from flying away. Sand sneaks into your eyes, making your face feel like it’s been sandblasted. Breathing becomes a challenge, as the wind seems to suck away your air with each gust. It’s not a walk. It’s a struggle between you, the wind, and your willpower to stay upright.

 

What is the Cape Doctor?

 

When the south-easter starts blowing through Cape Town, it’s not just a breeze. This wind, known as the Cape Doctor, runs through the city between October and March, giving us cooler air and helping clear out the summer heat. It’s also responsible for the clouds we see on Table Mountain, often spilling over like a thick tablecloth.

 

Early settlers gave this wind its name. They thought it cleared the bad air and chased illnesses away. But the Cape Doctor didn’t always help the ships that sailed too close to the Peninsula. The Cape of Storms earned its name for a reason. That same wind wrecked ships as it blew fiercely across the waters.

 

The Cape Flats gets the full force of the wind. The south-easter whips through open spaces where there are no tall buildings to slow it down. The area is sandy, so dust flies everywhere. The wind can be dangerous. Trucks have been toppled by it. When it picks up, staying indoors is the safer option.
 

 

Tips for walking in the Cape Doctor

 

If you need to be outside, there are ways to keep your footing and soldier on safely. Here’s some handy tips to help you conquer those blustery conditions.

 

Lean Forward Slightly

 

When you’re walking against strong winds, lean your body slightly forward into the wind. This helps you not get blown over backwards. By leaning forward a bit, you’ll be aligned with the wind force and be more stable.

 

Widen Your Stance

 

Spread your feet a bit more than usual – this widens your base of support. A wider stance makes it harder for the wind to knock you over.

 

Take Smaller Steps

 

Don’t take big strides when the wind is intense. Large steps can throw you off balance, especially if the wind pushes you sideways. Shorten your stride so it’s easier to adjust to the wind’s changes.
 

Slightly Bend Your Knees

 

A subtle bend in your knees will help absorb the impact of the wind. This slight flex in your legs creates a lower center of gravity, increasing your overall stability. It also makes it easier to regain balance if you’re pushed or rocked by gusts.

 

Use Your Arms for Balance

 

Hold your arms slightly away from your body to keep your balance. You can also shield yourself from blowing debris by extending your arms slightly. This added point of contact with the air can help steady your body and prevent sudden shifts.

 

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

 

Always be alert to your environment. Strong winds can bring unexpected hazards like flying objects, loose branches, or sudden wind direction changes. Seek shelter immediately if conditions become dangerous.

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