Swartvlei PLM

About the Lake

Swartvlei is the largest and deepest lake in the Wilderness National Park in Garden Route, Western Cape. The lake is manually breached to the sea when it reaches 2.0m above sea-level. Swartvlei lagoon is fed by three rivers and a catchment area of approximately 300 square kilometers. The lagoon mouth is left to close naturally which starts the filling-up process. Historically the breach happens in or shortly after November.

Town and Activities

The nearest town, less than 5 minutes away is Sedgefield, the pure definition of a slow town. Because Sedgefield is virtually surrounded by water, boats are popular and all kinds are used. Motorboats are restricted to certain waterways to protect vulnerable areas. Canoes are undoubtedly the most prolific water transport for enjoyable exercise or spending hours meandering along the tranquil waters of the lagoon.

Wind

Direction

Seasons best suited for sailing are Spring, Summer and to a lesser degree, Autumn. The favourable wind conditions are mainly in front of Pine Lake Marina & Baywater Lodge; SE, ESE, SE, SSE, NNW & NW. The best winds are the easterlies, specifically, SSE - ESE - E. The more challenging directions are NW - NNW as the launch site is sheltered from the best these winds have to offer.

Range

There is sailable wind about four times a week in the summer and 2-3 times a week in the winter. When it blows you have 10-15kts 50% of the time, 15-20kts 35% and 20-30kts 15% of the time. It rarely goes above 30kts and this normally only in the winter with large cold fronts and NNW winds

Forecasting Sites

Windguru, Swartvlei Zepher HD2.7km (SE)
Windfinder Swartvlei Superforecast

Water

Temperature

Summer	18-20°C	Short Wetsuit, Baggies
Autumn	18°C	Short Wetsuit
Winter	14°C	Full Wetsuit
Spring	16°C	Full/Short Wetsuit

Water Level Management

River mouth is manually breached at 2.0 metres above sea-level which is managed by SANParks. When the Swartvlei River is opened to the sea, the Swartvlei water level drops 1-1.5m. This is a gradual process and the only issue is that the depth of the lake over the various sandbanks can drop to sub-0.5m. When the river mouth is closed the water depth at the peripheries of the vlei goes up to 1.5-2.0m..

Tides

When the river mouth is open to the sea, although connected, the bottle-neck at the railway bridge hinders the tidal effect on the lake.

Activity Area

Swartvlei, Sedgefield, Western Cape, South Africa

Hazards

Sandbanks

Some of the peripheral sandbanks can be very shallow when the river mouth is open, but they are generally quite visible.

Cardinals

SANParks have placed a variety of cardinals on the vlei to mark the main points of these sandbanks.

Launch & Access

Pine Lake Marina

Paid Access: for the remainder of 2022 there is a daily access option. This will be falling away to be replaced by a monthly option. There is also an annual membership option which in 2022 is R600.00 per year and is currently being revised. All these options include access, use of facilities and sailing area. There is a rescue boat and team that keep an eye out for anyone in touble between the hours of 08h00 - 17h00.

Bleshoender (Off the N2)

Free Access... Access is VERY difficult so 4x4 car is advisable. The area has become very overgrown and waterlogged. The reeds are overgrown and your kit could very well get damaged there. The locals do not use this site even though it is a perfect launch for all the wind directions.

Facilities

Ablution

Pine Lake Marina Resort Boathouse has toilets and shower facilities. These facilities are only available between 08h00 and 17h00.

Storage

There are no storage facilities available for equipment. Temporary residents leave their trailers on the lawn.

Refreshments

Not at the boat house, but PLM has a nice restaurant/coffee and convenience shop on the NW side of the resort (approx. 300m away from the boathouse)

Parking

Pine Lake Marina Resort

Paid Access (R90 per day, R600 per year). In the main season there can be times where parking can be a challenge. Getting there early will ensure you get a spot. Please be sure to park appropriately so as to make space for others.

Crowds

Pine Lake Marina

The sailing area is not too busy in season. You may have to dodge a few pedalos, kayaks, SUPs on the way into the water. The parking area can get very busy from late November to the end of February with trailers being parked on the lawn in front of the water.

Other Water Activities

In season there is quite a lot of watersking, tubing and jetskis together with the odd fishing boat trawling a lure. Generally, they all stay clear of the sailors. We have found that they are also very helpful to sailors that are in trouble.

Emergency Services

Medical

Sedgefield Clinic: +27 44 343 1117
Dr. JC Venter: +27 44 343 1278
Dr. BJ Stander: +27 44 343 1943

Fire & Rescue

Sedgefield Fire Station: +27 44 349 2900

SAPS

Sedgefield SAPS: +27 44 343 1321

NSRI

NSRI: +27 82 990 5955

Snake Rescue

Sedgefield Fire Station: +27 44 349 2900

Shops & Accommodation

Board Repairs & Surf Shop

Kiff Surfshop at Buffels Bay turnoff for board repair: 073 220 6537
Kite repairs, excluding bladders: 072 287 2475

Groceries

The main options are the local Spar and Pick n Pay. They are both easily accessible from the Sedgefield service road. The closest large shopping mall is in George with easy access from the main road. Knysna offers a number of options too but access in and out of town during season can be time consuming.

Restaurants

Wide variety available, use your favourite search engine to find what suites you

Accommodation

The are a number of guest houses and B&Bs available to you.