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NW Spot / Grootdraai Dam kitesurf and wingfoil spot
South Africa · Mpumalanga
Overview
Grootdraai Dam is a large body of water situated at about 1546m altitude on the Mpumalanga Highveld, near Standerton. This dam on the upper Vaal River offers beautiful stretches of flat water for kitesurfing. Less busy than Vaaldam, it provides a quieter experience in a setting of typical Highveld grasslands.
Spot forecast for NW Spot / Grootdraai Dam
Sunrise 05:22 · Sunset 18:12
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
NW Spot / Grootdraai 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…)
121h
in July · 19.5 rideable days
The season runs from July to December, peaking in July: 18 rideable days a month and 121 hours of usable wind, at 23 °C. The low point is May, at 5.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 81% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is June, at 17 °C. The wettest month is February, with 129 mm.
Monthly averages: NW Spot / Grootdraai Dam
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.0 | 43 h | 26 °C | 101 mm |
| February | 10.0 | 54 h | 27 °C | 129 mm |
| March | 9.5 | 64 h | 25 °C | 48 mm |
| April | 11.0 | 77 h | 21 °C | 96 mm |
| May | 5.5 | 35 h | 21 °C | 1 mm |
| June | 11.5 | 84 h | 17 °C | 5 mm |
| July | 19.5 | 121 h | 17 °C | 3 mm |
| August | 19.0 | 125 h | 21 °C | 10 mm |
| September | 19.0 | 153 h | 24 °C | 44 mm |
| October | 15.5 | 127 h | 25 °C | 41 mm |
| November | 18.0 | 141 h | 24 °C | 116 mm |
| December | 18.5 | 152 h | 25 °C | 80 mm |
Photo gallery of NW Spot / Grootdraai Dam
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Technical details of NW Spot / Grootdraai Dam spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
Spot functioning
Large freshwater dam that works with summer thermal winds. Best conditions are in the afternoon when thermals develop. Vast body of water allowing long runs. 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. Generally clean water.
Parking
Access from the N3 or N17 via secondary roads. Parking on natural ground at the dam's edge. Some access areas may require permits.
Wind specificities
Summer thermal winds dominant from the north-west to north-east sector, developing in the afternoon. The flat Highveld around the dam provides good wind exposure. Typical strength of 15-25 knots. Thermals can be gusty, especially at the start and end of the cycle.
Hazards
Thunderstorms with lightning in summer — leave the water immediately when a storm approaches. Thermal winds sometimes gusty. Isolated spot with no rescue — sail with other people. Submerged obstacles possible at low water levels.
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Live
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Webcams near NW Spot / Grootdraai Dam
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