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Witbank Dam kitesurf and wingfoil spot
South Africa · Mpumalanga
Overview
Witbank Dam (eMalahleni) is a body of water situated at about 1500m altitude on the Mpumalanga Highveld, near the town of eMalahleni (formerly Witbank). Easily accessible from Johannesburg (about 1.5 hours drive), this dam is a popular spot for Gauteng and Mpumalanga kiters seeking a flat water session during the week or on weekends.
Spot forecast for Witbank Dam
Sunrise 05:23 · Sunset 18:11
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Witbank Dam: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
154h
in September · 20 rideable days
The season runs from July to December, peaking in September: 17 rideable days a month and 154 hours of usable wind, at 24 °C. The low point is March, at 5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 90% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is June, at 18 °C. The wettest month is November, with 129 mm.
Monthly averages: Witbank Dam
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.5 | 49 h | 26 °C | 88 mm |
| February | 6.5 | 42 h | 26 °C | 117 mm |
| March | 5.0 | 41 h | 25 °C | 75 mm |
| April | 11.5 | 70 h | 22 °C | 103 mm |
| May | 5.0 | 24 h | 21 °C | 6 mm |
| June | 8.5 | 67 h | 18 °C | 2 mm |
| July | 14.5 | 88 h | 19 °C | 2 mm |
| August | 18.5 | 118 h | 22 °C | 17 mm |
| September | 20.0 | 154 h | 25 °C | 27 mm |
| October | 15.5 | 133 h | 25 °C | 56 mm |
| November | 17.0 | 124 h | 25 °C | 129 mm |
| December | 16.5 | 137 h | 26 °C | 109 mm |
Photo gallery of Witbank Dam
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Technical details of Witbank Dam spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
Spot functioning
Freshwater dam that works with summer thermal winds from the north-west to north-east sector. Best conditions are in the afternoon (2-5pm). Launching from the shores. Primarily a summer spot (October to March).
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Intermediate
On the water
Freshwater and flat. Variable depth. Water temperature in summer 20-24°C. Muddy bottom. Water can be murky due to surrounding agricultural and mining activity.
Parking
Access from the N4 or N12. Parking at the dam's edge. Check local access conditions as some areas may be restricted.
Wind specificities
Summer thermal winds are dominant, mainly from the north-west to north-east sector. Thermals develop in the afternoon, typically from 2pm, with strengths of 15-22 knots. The relatively flat Highveld terrain provides fairly steady wind. Watch out for late afternoon thunderstorms that can abruptly interrupt sessions.
Hazards
Thunderstorms with frequent lightning in summer — leave the water immediately when a storm approaches. Thermal winds sometimes gusty. No rescue service — don't sail alone. Submerged obstacles possible at low water levels.
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WITBANK13.9 kmsource WIS2 - WMO
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