The site has just been updated: reload the page to get everything working again.
Sterkfontein Dam kitesurf and wingfoil spot
South Africa · État-Libre
Overview
Sterkfontein Dam is an impressive body of water situated at 1702m altitude in the Drakensberg foothills, near Harrismith in the Free State. It is one of the highest kite spots in South Africa, offering a spectacular mountain setting. The dam is fed by waters from the high Drakensberg peaks and the winds channelled by the mountains can be powerful, making this spot suited to experienced riders.
Spot forecast for Sterkfontein Dam
Sunrise 05:21 · Sunset 18:15
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Sterkfontein 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…)
312h
in July · 29.5 rideable days
Wind is uneven from month to month: the best months are July, August and December, at 27 rideable days and 20 °C. The low point is April, at 18.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 62% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is June, at 15 °C. The wettest month is November, with 119 mm.
Monthly averages: Sterkfontein Dam
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.0 | 187 h | 25 °C | 107 mm |
| February | 22.0 | 160 h | 26 °C | 90 mm |
| March | 20.0 | 140 h | 24 °C | 70 mm |
| April | 18.5 | 165 h | 19 °C | 98 mm |
| May | 18.5 | 156 h | 19 °C | 2 mm |
| June | 20.5 | 191 h | 15 °C | 23 mm |
| July | 29.5 | 312 h | 15 °C | 12 mm |
| August | 27.0 | 269 h | 19 °C | 11 mm |
| September | 24.5 | 246 h | 21 °C | 68 mm |
| October | 21.0 | 202 h | 22 °C | 51 mm |
| November | 23.0 | 228 h | 23 °C | 119 mm |
| December | 25.5 | 268 h | 25 °C | 73 mm |
Photo gallery of Sterkfontein Dam
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Sterkfontein Dam spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, SE, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
Spot functioning
Large high-altitude freshwater dam that works with north-westerly (berg wind) and south-easterly winds channelled by the Drakensberg. Best conditions are in summer (October to March) when thermals combine with synoptic winds. Launching from the shores within the nature reserve.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Advanced
On the water
Mountain freshwater, cold year-round (12-18°C even in summer). Full wetsuit essential. Flat to choppy water. Significant depth in most of the dam. Water is clear and clean, fed by Drakensberg springs.
Parking
Access from the N3 near Harrismith, then road to the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve. Parking available within the nature reserve. Reserve entry fees may apply.
Wind specificities
Wind is strongly influenced by the Drakensberg terrain. Dominant winds are the north-westerly (warm berg wind descending from the mountains) and south-easterly channelled through the valleys. In summer, thermals reinforce afternoon winds. Gusts can be violent and sudden due to mountain terrain effects. Rapidly changing conditions — stay vigilant.
Hazards
Demanding spot reserved for experienced riders. Very gusty mountain winds with sudden direction changes. Cold water year-round — hypothermia risk. High altitude (1700m) — increased fatigue and intense sun. Violent thunderstorms with lightning in summer. Isolated spot with no rescue — never sail alone. Mountain weather can change very rapidly.
Something out of date? Suggest an edit
Live
ROYAL NATIONAL PARK28.9 kmsource WIS2 - WMO
Readings reserved for Premium members
Live readings from ROYAL NATIONAL PARK weather station are reserved for Premium members.
- Real-time readings
- Last 48 hours history
- Custom alerts
- Extended weather forecasts
Already a Premium member? Log in
All the details of your session on windtracker.app
Webcams near Sterkfontein Dam
Webcams provided by Windy.com
Nearby spots
All spots: South AfricaComments 0
No comments yet.