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Swartvlei kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
South Africa · Western Cape
Overview
Swartvlei is a large coastal lake located behind the town of Sedgefield on the Garden Route. This inland water body offers excellent flat water conditions, ideal for beginners and freestyle practice. The lake is surrounded by indigenous forests and offers a peaceful setting. When the mouth to the sea is open, the lake becomes partially tidal, but remains essentially a flat water spot. It is one of the best learning spots on the Garden Route.
Spot forecast for Swartvlei
Sunrise 05:40 · Sunset 18:46
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Swartvlei: 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 October · 22.5 rideable days
The season runs from September to February, peaking in October: 19 rideable days a month and 154 hours of usable wind, at 22 °C. The low point is May, at 7.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 82% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is July, at 17 °C. The wettest month is April, with 87 mm.
Monthly averages: Swartvlei
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17.5 | 141 h | 24 °C | 48 mm |
| February | 20.5 | 130 h | 24 °C | 43 mm |
| March | 13.5 | 101 h | 24 °C | 39 mm |
| April | 13.5 | 90 h | 21 °C | 87 mm |
| May | 7.5 | 42 h | 21 °C | 19 mm |
| June | 9.0 | 58 h | 19 °C | 68 mm |
| July | 14.5 | 91 h | 17 °C | 25 mm |
| August | 11.5 | 79 h | 18 °C | 18 mm |
| September | 17.0 | 115 h | 18 °C | 47 mm |
| October | 22.5 | 154 h | 20 °C | 62 mm |
| November | 20.0 | 154 h | 22 °C | 41 mm |
| December | 17.0 | 136 h | 23 °C | 36 mm |
Photo gallery of Swartvlei
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Swartvlei spot
The spot works with winds from ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, WSW, W, WNW.
Spot functioning
The spot works with SE wind channelled through the valley, as well as E or W wind blowing along the lake axis. Flat water is present almost permanently as the lake is sheltered from ocean swells. Riding possible over a large surface area. Best in summer (October to March) when the SE thermal blows regularly. Water level can vary with seasons and the mouth opening.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Beginner
On the water
Flat water across the entire lake, with light chop in strong wind. Sandy and muddy bottom, variable depth from 0.5 to 3 metres. Slightly brackish water, warmer than the ocean (19-24°C). Shorty wetsuit or lycra in summer, 3/2 in winter. Excellent for freestyle and learning thanks to the calm conditions.
Parking
Parking by the lake on the Sedgefield side. Access from the N2, take the Sedgefield exit then follow signs to the lake. Unpaved parking area by the water's edge. Some shaded spots under trees. Free.
Wind specificities
The dominant southeast wind channels through the valley and reaches the lake with good consistency. East and west winds blow along the lake axis, creating good conditions. Surrounding mountains can create turbulence with north wind. The SE thermal picks up in the early afternoon between October and March, reaching 15-20 knots.
Hazards
Few dangers at this flat water spot. Watch for shallow areas and submerged tree stumps in some parts of the lake. Wind can drop suddenly in areas sheltered by trees. Hippos occasionally reported in the area — check locally. Avoid areas near the mouth when it is open (currents).
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Live
Sedgefield Island1.8 kmsource iweathar.co.za
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Additional stations
-
Sedgeview2.7 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source iweathar.co.za
-
Paradise Ridge9 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source iweathar.co.za
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Nearby spots
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