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Vaaldam kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
South Africa · Free State
Overview
Vaaldam is one of South Africa's most popular freshwater kitesurfing spots, located on the Vaal River between the Gauteng and Free State provinces. About one hour from Johannesburg, this large dam is the favourite playground for Highveld kiters. Situated at 1486m altitude on the Highveld plateau, it offers vast stretches of flat water powered by strong summer thermal winds.
Spot forecast for Vaaldam
Sunrise 05:27 · Sunset 18:17
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Vaaldam: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
153h
in November · 20.5 rideable days
The season runs from July to December, peaking in November: 18 rideable days a month and 153 hours of usable wind, at 24 °C. The low point is May, at 4 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 83% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is June, at 17 °C. The wettest month is November, with 134 mm.
Monthly averages: Vaaldam
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.0 | 55 h | 27 °C | 86 mm |
| February | 11.5 | 68 h | 27 °C | 113 mm |
| March | 9.5 | 67 h | 26 °C | 51 mm |
| April | 12.5 | 71 h | 22 °C | 93 mm |
| May | 4.0 | 27 h | 21 °C | 3 mm |
| June | 10.5 | 78 h | 17 °C | 18 mm |
| July | 16.5 | 92 h | 18 °C | 4 mm |
| August | 15.5 | 110 h | 23 °C | 7 mm |
| September | 19.0 | 134 h | 25 °C | 51 mm |
| October | 15.5 | 121 h | 26 °C | 55 mm |
| November | 20.5 | 153 h | 26 °C | 134 mm |
| December | 20.5 | 152 h | 27 °C | 81 mm |
Photo gallery of Vaaldam
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Technical details of Vaaldam 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, mainly from the north-west to north-east sector. Conditions are best in the afternoon (2-5pm) when thermals strengthen. Easy launching from the dam's beaches and shores. The spot is primarily a summer destination — winters are dry and windless.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Intermediate
On the water
Freshwater, flat to slightly choppy in strong wind. Variable depth — some areas are shallow near the shores. Pleasant water temperature in summer (20-24°C), cold in winter (10-14°C). Water can be murky after rains.
Parking
Several access points around the dam. The most popular ones are accessible from the N1 and R59. Organised parking at some resorts and yacht clubs along the shores. Access fees may apply depending on the entry point.
Wind specificities
Vaaldam benefits from powerful thermal winds in summer (October to March). Dominant winds come from the north-west to north-east, generated by afternoon heating on the Highveld plateau. Sessions typically start around 2-3pm when thermals develop, with strengths of 15-25 knots. Winds can be gusty, especially at the start of the thermal cycle. Watch out for late afternoon thunderstorms.
Hazards
Violent thunderstorms with frequent lightning in summer — leave the water immediately if a storm approaches. Thermal winds sometimes gusty and rapidly changing direction. The dam is very large, don't sail too far from shore. No rescue service — sail with other people. Submerged obstacles possible when the water level is low.
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Webcams near Vaaldam
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