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Bloemhof Dam kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
South Africa · Nord-Ouest
Overview
Bloemhof Dam is a large body of water situated at about 1227m altitude in the North West Province, on the Vaal River. It is one of the largest dams in South Africa, offering immense stretches of flat water ideal for kitesurfing. Located in the semi-arid western Highveld plains, the dam benefits from excellent wind exposure thanks to the flat and open terrain.
Spot forecast for Bloemhof Dam
Sunrise 05:36 · Sunset 18:28
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Bloemhof 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…)
180h
in November · 21 rideable days
The season runs from August to February, peaking in November: 19 rideable days a month and 180 hours of usable wind, at 28 °C. The low point is May, at 6 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 April, with 134 mm.
Monthly averages: Bloemhof Dam
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18.5 | 135 h | 30 °C | 54 mm |
| February | 16.0 | 103 h | 30 °C | 64 mm |
| March | 11.5 | 84 h | 29 °C | 36 mm |
| April | 14.5 | 106 h | 23 °C | 134 mm |
| May | 6.0 | 42 h | 22 °C | 1 mm |
| June | 13.0 | 90 h | 17 °C | 7 mm |
| July | 14.5 | 110 h | 18 °C | 10 mm |
| August | 20.5 | 150 h | 23 °C | 5 mm |
| September | 17.0 | 145 h | 26 °C | 33 mm |
| October | 19.0 | 149 h | 28 °C | 32 mm |
| November | 21.0 | 180 h | 28 °C | 76 mm |
| December | 20.0 | 182 h | 30 °C | 50 mm |
Photo gallery of Bloemhof Dam
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Technical details of Bloemhof Dam spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
Spot functioning
Very large freshwater dam that works with summer thermal winds. Conditions are best in the afternoon (2-5pm). The impressive size of the dam offers virtually unlimited sailing space. Launching from the beaches and shores of the nature reserve.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Intermediate
On the water
Freshwater and flat. The dam is vast and deep. Water temperature in summer 22-26°C, cool in winter. Water generally clear in open water areas.
Parking
Access from the N12 between Bloemhof and Christiana. Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve offers organised access points with parking. Reserve entry fees may apply.
Wind specificities
The flat and open terrain around the dam provides excellent wind exposure. Summer thermals from the north-west to north-east sector are the dominant winds, developing in the afternoon with strengths of 15-25 knots. The absence of nearby terrain makes the wind steadier than at mountain dams. Watch out for late afternoon thunderstorms.
Hazards
Thunderstorms with lightning in summer — leave the water immediately when a storm approaches. The dam is immense — risk of getting lost far from shore. Isolated spot with no rescue — sail with other people. Thermal winds sometimes gusty. Crocodiles possible in some areas of the dam.
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BLOEMHOF7.3 kmsource WIS2 - WMO
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