So you’re inland and you want to kiteboard? Are you mad?
(original article by Pat Banks appeared in Gust Magazine. View the original article here)
Here’s how to get water bound while being land-locked:
THE WEATHER
The weather inland works differently to the coast, and this in turn has an effect on kiteboarding inland. Generally the best wind comes through in the morning at most places, though Sterkfontein is more coast-like in that it can often pick up in the afternoon. There is still a rough pattern to it all (for a good part of August one year it only blew during the week and not on weekends) but it’s only as reliable as Czech taxi drivers’ fare calculations from the airport.
The most noticeable effect is the passing of cold fronts as they make their way up from the Cape to Mozambique. As at the coast, the larger fronts cause more wind, but with no coastal afternoon seabreeze or morning calm effects, the direction is more variable inland. Also, further away from the centres of the pressure systems, the time periods are more variable. Sometimes it will blow for a week, sometimes for a day. The most common wind around Gauteng and much of the Free State is a NW and the best time of year is around Spring. So the sweet spot for kitesurfing inland in South Africa is August to November, though as with anywhere, some years have longer seasons than others.
ALTITUDE
When kiteboarding inland, you’ll also need to consider altitude and fresh water. At around 5000ft above sea level, most of the spots around Gauteng pack a bit less punch than the coast for any given windspeed.
“Fresh water” is an interesting descriptor for stuff the colour of coffee and the taste of dirt, but without the salt you’ll be less buoyant. Between this and the altitude you might find yourself flying a bigger kite than you would have thought necessary.
KITE TYPE
Kite type is a major consideration inland. The evolution of the bow kite has been something of a godsend for inland kitesurfers, as their ability to absorb gusts comes in incredibly handy. I promise you I saw 8 knots gusting to 28 and back again at the Vaal one day, no storm cells around, no word of a lie.
The C kite vs bow kite debate has raged long and hard and there’s no need to get into it again here, but if you are going to kite inland we’d suggest seriously considering a bow kite.
THE WINDHOUNDS
Considering the difficulties kiting inland, there are a surprising number of the dedicated who chase the wind around these spots on a regular basis. Something of a group has formed around Gauteng who share the effort of kite surfing trips and have formed a very sociable little kiting community. The Windhounds, as they’re loosely known, have regular social events, a weekly newsletter and an internet forum.
When there’s no wind or no time to chase it they often converge on the Base3 cable park at Midrand for some board skills practice, not to mention a few cold ones. They’re always keen to have more people to share the stoke with so if you’re up that way, check out the kite forum section on this link, or have a look at the back issues of the newsletter. Email windhounds@wbs.co.za to subscribe to their weekly mailing list.
WHERE TO KITE
SPOTS ON THE VAAL:
Stillbaai Yacht Club
Directions: To get to Stillbaai, come in on the R549 then turn left at the R54, drive for about 8-10km and look for Stillbaai Yacht Club.
Accommodation: The closest that we know of is in Deneysville, see below.
Wind direction/conditions: Works well in a NE, NW and SW (although SW tends to be very gusty). Very little chop, wind is generally lighter than the other two spots.
Heads Up: Watch out for Hobies and other water craft parked on the beach, they’re a problem when the water level is high.
Parking to riding: It’s one of the smaller inland spots to park and rig, there’s a small section of grass right in front of the water. Think carefully about rigging when you park your car.
Deneysville
Directions: Drive on R549 past R54 and turn left into Deneysville. Left at Quality Street, right at Riverside Street.
Accommodation: Camping at the spot itself or Lake Avenue Inn Guest house/Bed & Breakfast (016) 371-1115
Wind direction/conditions: Works well in NE. Very choppy, nice brown look to the water.
Parking to riding: Plenty of room here, give yourself room to rig and a bit extra just because you can. Except when the dam’s at 110% capacity, then it gets interesting. Heads Up: plenty of obstacles underfoot: rocks, bricks, fishingtackle and glass. Booties are a must if you like scarless feet. Obstacles to look out for are the concrete braais, a water tap, trees and fishermen.
Oranjeville (a.k.a. Stinkys)
Directions: As per getting to Deneysville, carry on with the R549 till it splits to the left and becomes the R716. Keep on the R716 right into the small town of Oranjeville.
Accommodation: Within about an hour and a half of Johannesburg there’s really no reason to stay overnight in Oranjeville. If you insist though, you can stay at the Herberg Hotel (016)351 1673. There’s also a caravan park in town if that’s your vibe.
Wind direction/conditions: Works best on a NW. It’s relatively closely flanked by hills and buildings and the wind can be quite gusty here.
Parking to riding: It’s one of the better inland spots to park and rig, there’s a huge expanse of grass right in front of the water, a line length and half again from shore is a good distance away to make camp. Then you can rig your kite where it falls out of your car and be right next to the water when you launch.
Heads up: Keep an eye out for fishermen and their lines, setting up downwind of them is generally advisable.
SPOTS ON THE GROOTDRAAI DAM:
Grootdraai dam is about two hours drive from Johannesburg, next to the small town of Standerton, and is also quite a big body of water. The water temperature is cool in summer to freezing in winter. It tends to be a little colder than the Vaal and Sterkies - make sure to bring a full-length wetsuit. To get there drive down the N3 towards Durban, turn onto the Heidelburg North offramp, left back over highway and left again at the R23, then carry on straight.
Grootdraai South (KiteBeach)
Directions: Drive on the R23 until you reach the town. Turn right at the first set of traffic lights, left at the next set of lights, over a bridge crossing the Vaal river, first left (gravel). Then drive ±10km until you see red gate on left hand side.
Accommodation: You can camp on the beach or grass. There is no running water but long-drops (*ick*) are provided so go with enough supplies and your game face on. You can also stay at The Gecko Guesthouse (017) 712 1234. (We haven’t stayed there, but are sure they don’t have long-drops).
Wind direction/conditions: Works well in NE, NW and SE (SE tends to be a bit offshore). Very little chop, has a great flat section, quite consistent wind with a bay for beginners.
Parking to riding: A high clearance bakkie or 4wd is good for getting from the gate to the kiting spot, it gets a bit rough. City cars can make it though, just a lot more slowly. Great kite launch area with sand almost like a beach, except when water level is high you’ll have to rig on the grass.
Heads Up: Watch out for stray rocks. This area of the dam is regulated by a fishing club and they get priority. We have arranged to join the club as official members for rights to the property and as long as we keep out of their way they can’t ban us from the spot. Membership is around R100pa or a day pass of around R15, check www.xsport.co.za for who and how to pay.
Grootdraai North
Directions: Drive on R23 until you hit the town. Turn left at first traffic light, then right at the R50. Drive past town until you reach a sign that says Grootdraai Dam.
Accommodation: none
Kiteboarding access is in question at the moment though.
Wind direction/conditions: Works well in NW, SE, SW. Flat water, onshore conditions. It’s a smallish bay with wind travelling mostly over land. Powerboats and fisherman are sometimes in the way and again have ‘We-were-here-first’ right of way, best to not rock the boat and upset them with access rights in question.
Parking to riding: There’s an ok rigging area on the grass. There are some gravel roads close by - you don’t want to get dragged over them.
STERKFONTEIN DAM (a.k.a. Sterkies)
This is a great spot but is a long drive from Johannesburg/Pretoria and around 2.5 to 3 hours. The wind can really pull through here at times and it has been a popular spot for poleys since back in the day when men were men and crocodiles were nervous (not that there are any here).
Directions: Drive on the N3 towards Durban, turn on the Harrismith offramp and follow the Qua-Qua Bethlehem road for about 2km. Turn left at Bergville Putaditjaba Road, left again at the R74 and keep driving until you see the Sterkfontein Dam entrance on the right - it’s about 16km from Harrismith.
Accommodation: There are camping facilities and chalets available at the dam itself with proper toilet and water facilities. Bring spare toilet paper though. (058) 622 3520 to book the chalets. Wind direction/conditions: Works well in NW, NE and the SE (kite in front of the chalets in SE). Very consistent wind, relatively big chop. There’s a decent bit of flat water in a bay which is also good for beginners, but it’s in a slight wind shadow so choose a kite size wisely.
Parking to riding: There is an ok sized area right at the point but when there are quite a few kiterboarders it can get a bit crowded. Keep an eye out, roll your lines up to give others space if necessary.
