Overview

Natures Valley is an isolated and spectacular spot located at the eastern end of the Garden Route, at the gates of Tsitsikamma National Park. This small beach is nestled in a forested valley between cliffs covered in indigenous forest. The Groot River flows into the ocean here, creating a seasonal lagoon. It is one of the wildest and most unspoiled places on the South African coast. Reserved for autonomous and experienced riders.

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Spot forecast for Natures Valley

Sunrise 05:37 · Sunset 18:43

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

Swell and waves

Swell and tides over 8 days. Premium members see the swell and tides over 8 days. Without a subscription: 5 days.

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Wave height: < 0.5 m 0.5–1 m 1–2 m 2–3 m ≥ 3 m

Swell data by Open-Meteo Marine

Tides

Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 2 km from the spot.

Tuesday 20 October Low tide 05:25 · 0.8 m High tide 12:06 · 1.3 m Low tide 18:30 · 0.8 m
Wednesday 21 October High tide 00:19 · 1.3 m Low tide 06:26 · 0.7 m High tide 12:51 · 1.5 m Low tide 19:08 · 0.7 m
Thursday 22 October High tide 01:05 · 1.4 m Low tide 07:04 · 0.6 m High tide 13:24 · 1.6 m Low tide 19:40 · 0.5 m
Friday 23 October High tide 01:40 · 1.5 m Low tide 07:36 · 0.4 m High tide 13:54 · 1.8 m Low tide 20:10 · 0.3 m
Saturday 24 October High tide 02:12 · 1.7 m Low tide 08:09 · 0.3 m High tide 14:24 · 1.9 m Low tide 20:41 · 0.2 m

Natures Valley: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

198h

in January · 25 rideable days

The season runs from September to March, peaking in January: 22 rideable days a month and 198 hours of usable wind, at 21 °C. The low point is June, at 4 days.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 81%13-20 knots · 19%21-30 knots · under 1%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 81% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is July, at 17 °C. The wettest month is June, with 100 mm.

Monthly averages: Natures Valley

Monthly averages — Natures Valley — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	25.0	198 h	22 °C	64 mm
February	21.5	148 h	22 °C	33 mm
March	19.0	111 h	22 °C	31 mm
April	15.0	89 h	19 °C	90 mm
May	6.0	28 h	20 °C	13 mm
June	4.0	19 h	18 °C	100 mm
July	5.5	23 h	17 °C	32 mm
August	11.0	49 h	18 °C	19 mm
September	18.0	102 h	17 °C	65 mm
October	23.0	150 h	19 °C	79 mm
November	20.5	168 h	20 °C	50 mm
December	24.0	200 h	22 °C	25 mm

Photo gallery of Natures Valley

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Technical details of Natures Valley spot

The spot works with winds from ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW.

Rideable Not rideable

Spot functioning

The spot works with SE to SW wind but conditions are less reliable than on more exposed spots. The valley creates disruptions in wind flow. The Groot River lagoon can offer flat water when filled. The ocean beach is exposed with waves. Riding possible but conditions changeable. Come on days when strong wind is forecast to compensate for valley attenuation.

Spot opening date · Required level

Spot opening date: Open all year round
Required level: Advanced

On the water

Waves of 1-2 metres on the ocean beach. The lagoon offers flat water when filled. Sandy bottom. Currents at the river mouth. Water temperature between 18-22°C (Indian Ocean influence). 3/2 wetsuit in summer, 4/3 in winter.

Parking

Parking in Natures Valley village. Access via a winding and steep road from the N2 (Groot River pass). Small parking at the end of the village near the beach. No commercial facilities. The village is tiny with only a few houses. Bring all necessities. The access pass can be closed in bad weather.

Wind specificities

Southeast wind arrives side-onshore but can be attenuated or disrupted by surrounding mountains and forests. The deep valley creates turbulence and channelling effects. Wind can be irregular with gusts. Variable strength, often less strong than more exposed Garden Route spots. SW wind is more onshore and more regular.

Hazards

Very isolated spot — main danger. No rescue services nearby. Long and winding access road. Sharks present in the area (Tsitsikamma). Rocks and cliffs bounding the beach. Currents at the mouth. Irregular wind in the valley with gusts. Never ride alone. Conditions can change very rapidly in this enclosed setting.

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Natures Valley kitesurf and wingfoil spot