Dasklip Pass, Porterville
📍 Western Cape , West Coast District Municipality · Nearest city: Piketberg (26 km)
54 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 701 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
-32.90620, 19.03750Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-05-02 16:16 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Flyable day, decent conditions, cloud base ~305 m, wind 16 km/h, precipitation 1.8 mm.
base ~305m · wind 16 km/h · precip 1.8mmVery favorable day for XC, cloud base ~330 m, wind 13 km/h, precipitation 0.8 mm.
base ~330m · wind 13 km/h · precip 0.8mmComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
🌬 Daily wind (next days)
Daily summary (10m wind). Full hour × altitude chart is being added progressively.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
🗓️ Best season to fly (2024 climatology)
Monthly climate score: historical avg of temp, wind, rain and cloud cover. Green = optimal month.
⭐ Best month: Dec (90/100, 27°C, 12mm lluvia) · Worst month: Jul (53/100, 399mm lluvia)
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 16 | High |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.70 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.38 | Slope faces north in southern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
Big and nicley-prepared launch above the road just before the highest point of the pass. The site can be tricky in SW-conditions because of the thermals from the gully to the left of the launch; and the 'wind' often appears to be coming from that direction. Wind can get strong. Launch from as far back as possible (rear right looking up-slope). This allows a run with good speed as you become airborne. Hang-gliders usually launch from the steel ramp below the road opposite the paragliding launch. Launch site fee R50 per day or R500 per year (pay at the Lodge before your flight). The launch is nicely prepared with netting and large enough for 2-3 wings. Medium difficulty.
Nearby sites
Pampoenfontein (55) · Kardoesie SW (43) · Piketberg (49) · Piekernierskloof Pass (44) · Kardoesie NW (51) · Elandskloof (37)