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: 2026-04-21 01:27 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Marginal conditions, cloud base ~969 m, wind 11 km/h.
base ~969m · wind 11 km/hNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~1273 m, wind 15 km/h.
base ~1273m · wind 15 km/hMarginal conditions, cloud base ~2101 m, wind 10 km/h.
base ~2101m · wind 10 km/hComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
Detailed hourly weather
2026-04-21❌ Not recommended · peak 35 at 19h
- Very stable day (CAPE<50, LI>2) — no thermals
- Cloud cover >85% — no radiation to trigger thermals
| 08 30 | 09 30 | 10 30 | 11 30 | 12 20 | 13 20 | 14 30 | 15 20 | 16 20 | 17 25 | 18 25 | 19 35 | 20 35 |
Peak 19h: CAPE 20 J/kg · LI 7.4 · BL top 320 m · w* 0.0 m/s · cloud base 1401 m · 0°C at 2440 m · Pro score 41/100
Hourly flyability (0–100). ⛈️ = storm risk · ☁️⚠️ = cloud suck · 🏔️ = active ridge lift. CAPE = convective energy, LI = stability, BL top = thermal ceiling, w* = estimated dry thermal velocity. Source: Open-Meteo (ECMWF/GFS/ICON blend model).
Estimated vertical profile (Sounding)
Reference time: 19:00 (peak of the day)
Surface T: 14.5°C · Td: 8.9°C
LCL (cloud base): 700 m
BL top: 320 m
0°C level: 2440 m
Approximate profile from surface variables + synoptic levels. Red lines = temperature, dashed blue = dew point. Orange bands = detected inversions.
🌬 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
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.
Rules and notes
Ceiling 4000m (amsl) See the site rules at the launch site. Flatland flights to the west might require permission (ask at the Flyers' Lodge) No commercial tandems, SAHPA (guest) membership, site fee (see above) more info: http://www.eternitypress.com/freshair/porterville.htm
Pilot comments
Great site. Really cooks in the summer and good for training in winter. Very consistent conditions. You can get really high and it is not hard to do 100km+ with the Olifants River mountain range alone running for more than 70km south to north. House thermal is just past the ravine to the right, where the one south facing rock face is. Below that halfway out to the plains in a rocky bump called 'rescue' - early often your the best low save chance.
Nearby sites
Pampoenfontein (55) · Kardoesie SW (43) · Piketberg (49) · Piekernierskloof Pass (44) · Kardoesie NW (51) · Elandskloof (37)