Windsurfing near Sandvlei
- Muizenberg (2 km)
- Sunrise Beach (2 km)
- Muizenberg Corner (2 km)
- Zeekoevlei (5 km)
- Fish Hoek (6 km)
- Glencairn (8 km)
- Witsands (15 km)
- Crayfish Factory (15 km)
- Scarborough (15 km)
Nearby Windguru Forecasts
Description
Sandvlei is a freshwater spot. Ideal for beginners and free style practise. One usually surfs across the width of the lake. The run are considerered short by most (~100m), but ideal for forcing the novice into gybing. The water is shallow in many places (knee deep). The bottom is sandy with the odd rock here and there. A small coral like creature grows on the rocks and can cause some nasty cuts.
The classic wind direction at this spot is South East (SE), but in more recent times it has turned SSE, S and SW. The more westerly the wind moves the more it constrained by the local "mountain" range and so becomes more gusty. On a bad summer day the wind will blow about 10-18 knots, but the average is around 24-28, with stronge blows of up to 35 knots. A couple of times in one season it will be above 35 knots.
The prime windy season is between December and February. It is possible to surf from late September until late March.
Facilities
There are 2 parking lots on opposite side of the Vlei which are the most convinient to use. Most people choose to use one of the mountain side next to the Yaht club. The parking area is officially closed after sunset. Some of the locals man the gate and will ask you to leave/move your car around sunset. If you want to sail until late, move your car outside the gate before starting your session.
This parking lot offers a friendly community of locals and nice grass area to rig up on with occasional patches of sand.
Notes
In summer the water may become clogged with weed. The local municipality has machines to remove it, but they don't always get round to it :-P