About This Spot
Sterkfontein Dam, South Africa is one of the world's premier wind-sports destinations, located in South Africa.
Situated in Africa, the spot offers Shallow and Flat and Chop and Small waves water conditions, making it ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike.
With NW winds, peaking from June to September, Sterkfontein Dam, South Africa delivers the kind of sessions that keep riders coming back year after year.
Why Riders Love It
NW are most consistent and reliable in winter. A cold front will bring through a NW, so if a cold front is approaching, expect NW for 2-3 days before the cold front and SE after the cold front. Summer, you can kite every second weekend, while winter provides kiting every weekend.
When to Go
Wetsuit is a requirement in winter (best kiting time) and you can get away with a short wetsuit in summer. Summer air temperatures range between 15-35°C. Water temp is approximately 18-20°C. Winter air temperatures range from -10 to 20°C. Water temp is approximately 4-8°C.
What to Expect
Water outside the bay can be pretty choppy with swells reaching 0.5-1m, but in the bay it is like glass. On the converse, the wind is gustier in the bay.
Wind & Conditions
NW
Best wind direction
NW are most consistent and reliable in winter. A cold front will bring through a NW, so if a cold front is approaching, expect NW for 2-3 days before the cold front and SE after the cold front. Summer, you can kite every second weekend, while winter provides kiting every weekend.
Best Months
Water Conditions
Water outside the bay can be pretty choppy with swells reaching 0.5-1m, but in the bay it is like glass. On the converse, the wind is gustier in the bay.
Check Conditions
Live Wind Forecast at Sterkfontein Dam, South Africa
Check real-time wind conditions before you head out.
Facilities & Access
📍 Getting There
🚶Short walk to the beach
From Johannesburg, take the N3 towards Durban, and travel for approximately 270 km's until you reach Harrismith. After you start driving through Harrismith, look for the sign that says R74. Take the offramp, and at the bottom of the offramp, take a right. Follow the road under the bridge and approximately 200m later you will reach a T-junction. Take a right. Follow the road for approximately 5km's (across a 4 way stop) until you see a sign on the left that reads `Durban Alternative Route`, take a left here. When you have been travelling for 8km's you will see another sign on the left which reads `Durban Alternative Route`, take a left again. After another 8 km's you will see the entrance on your left hand side. Pay R25 at the gate.
Location
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