Theewaterskloof DamThe Place To Be
Theewater Sports Club, also known as TSC, is situated on a peninsula stretching into the Theewaterskloof dam, a perfect breakaway venue for the whole family. We offer grassed camping sites on or near the water's edge with and without electricity, clean ablution facilities. Water sport enthusiasts welcome from kite surfing, power boating, sailing, canoeing, fresh water angling & swimming.
Theewaterskloof dam was designed and completed in 1980 by the Department Water Affairs (DWA) with the aim of supplying water to the greater Cape Metropolitan area and the Riviersonderend Valley. The dam is the 7th largest dam in South Africa and covers an area of 5 100ha with a capacity of 483 million cubic metres, when full.
Theewater Sports Club, (TSC) was founded in 1979 and from humble beginnings, has grown to be one of the largest water sports clubs in the Western Cape. The unique location of the Club, excellent sailing conditions, good infrastructure and the picturesque setting has made TSC one of the most popular water sports venues in South Africa.
Aquatic-related activities have a strong following amongst Club members and public visitors and include keelboat, multihull and dinghy sailing, power boating, canoeing, jet skiing, water skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing fresh water angling & swimming.
The weather conditions vary with the seasons. The predominant wind direction in the winter months is northwesterly and during summer the prevailing Cape South-Easters.
In summer it is generally suggested that motorized boating is practiced in the morning with wind-required water sports more suited to the afternoons.
If unsure of the weather conditions, you are welcome to phone the office to find out the current weather patterns before you leave home for a visit to TSC.
The Clubhouse
The very first clubhouse was an old London double decker bus. After a team effort by the pioneer members, we now have our own clubhouse, regatta office, racing bridge, youth clubhouse, administration offices, ablution facilities and staff accommodation on the premises.
The clubhouse is situated next to the water and offers a panoramic view of the dam. This area is the heart beat of the Club where members meet, socialize, catch up with the latest news and relax. All organised regattas take place from here. The clubhouse serves as a venue for various functions including parties, meetings and training seminars. The well stocked bar will satisfy all thirsts. You can enjoy viewing all activities on the water from the verandah. The bar and lounge are situated in the clubhouse, and both have DSTV facilities for all sports enthusiasts.
The restaurant, located at the clubhouse serves snacks, fast foods and delicious home-made meals. Please consult the seasonal menu.
The Members bar is a popular gathering point to socialize while keeping an eye on the sport and boasts stunning sunsets over the dam.
The shop is also well-stocked for campers offering most of your basic camping necessities, including firelighters and firewood.
For the youngsters, there is an assortment of ice creams, lollipops, cold drinks, chips and sweets and kids corner with Cartoon Network or similar on the big screen.
The Clubhouse is open on weekends, public and school holidays. If you have any specific catering requirements, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Camping
A vast area on the Club premises is available for public camping. Caravan and tent sites on grassed areas are situated very close to the water's edge, with numerous campsites under the trees. There are currently 20 camping sites fitted with electrical points, which are the only sites that may be reserved.
Cleaning staff ensure that the ablution facilities are kept neat and clean. Braai facilities are provided on the public side. When camping at the water's edge you may anchor your boat at or near your camp site.
Motorised water sports
The dam offers ample space for all forms of motorised boating. PWC (Personal Water Craft) are allowed access to the dam. We strongly advise all visitors to study the contents of the Water Safety booklet before venturing out on the dam. All rules and regulations pertaining to powerboats, sailing boats, etc are mentioned and you will also find a map of the dam in this booklet, indicating certain demarcated areas.
Watersports
Sailing
TSC is affiliated to South African Sailing (SAS), which governs all sailing in South Africa. TSC is proud to have hosted many World Championship and National regattas that are attended by sailors from all over the country.
The large dam area and the wind patterns are ideal for sailing activities. The racing bridge is situated on the point of the peninsula and from here spectators get a good overall view of the sailing courses.
Sailing Academy
TSC has a comprehensive sail training program, offered by the Theewater Sailing Academy for youth and adults. The Sailing Academy is both World Sailing recognized and South African Sailing accredited. For more information, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Angling
Fresh water angling at the Club has a high profile. The following fish are present in the dam: black bass, rainbow trout, carp, barbel, blue gill and kurpers. A freshwater angling license is compulsory and is available from us.
Surrounds
Nature Conservation
TSC has a strongly entrenched conservation ethic and we place great emphasis on conserving our natural environment we are so blessed with. We have implemented a policy regarding the eradication of invasive alien vegetation and we encourage our members to plant indigenous trees and shrubs. We have been busy with the eradication of foreign plant invaders, replacing them with indigenous trees and fynbos. We appeal to all our visitors and guests not to disturb any vegetation or wildlife.
Birdlife
During the quieter periods the avid bird watcher will be rewarded by sighting many of the following birds: Sacred Ibis, Fish eagles, Hawks, Lanner falcons, Kites, Sunbirds, Herons, African Hoopoes, Aquatic waders, Cormorants, Gulls, Kingfishers, Blue Cranes, Egrets, Hamerkoppe and Egyptian geese, to mention but a few.
Many Sacred Ibis have made our peninsula their home and the Sacred Ibis has been adopted as the Club's emblem.
You need to ensure that you have all the stipulated safety equipment, life jackets, etc. on board, whilst on the Theewaterskloof dam. Failure to observe the above will result in your removal by the Safety Officer, SAPS or Nature Conservation official.
We ask for your assistance in helping keep Theewaterskloof dam free from ALIEN species and observing the Rules of the dam.
Water Safety
As the appointed agent for DWAF, the Club is responsible for water safety and rescue in the area from the road bridge to the dam wall. A water safety/rescue service is available all year round. All craft that venture onto the Theewaterskloof dam need to be registered. You can register your boat at the entrance gate. You will then be issued with a safety booklet, a registration disc which must both be affixed to your boat in a prominent position. When launching a boat, please conform to the signs and water safety rules as published in the booklet. In the event of any emergency on the water you may call the following number for assistance: 060 884 6497
Protocol for Launching a Boat on Theewaterskloof Dam
All boat owners are required to register boats at Theewater Sports Club before venturing on the dam. At registration you need to show proof of valid COC (Certificate of Competance) and Skippers license. You need all these forms when registering your boat at the entrance gate
After registration of your boat, you will be directed to the Wash Bay, where your boat will be sprayed by a wash bay official. This is a directive from Department Environmental Affairs, to avoid transmission of invasive water plants. This rule is not negotiable.