Paragliding
Barrydale

The Kanetberg range divides the dry Klein Karoo from the coastal belt, driving strong, complex thermic conditions with real cross-country potential even mid-winter. Mornings favour soaring along a 12km north-facing ridge as the land breeze builds; a stable southerly sea breeze typically takes over around midday, sometimes reversing the wind quickly.

Hazards & cautions

A southeasterly can arrive after midday, and gaps in the ridge funnel wind strongly near Tradouw's Pass and Garcia Pass, so treat cross-country routes through them with caution. Afternoon thermal turbulence is common, and the south launch can read more southerly than expected due to a nearby venturi. This is working farmland with very little passing traffic — arrange a retrieve driver in advance.

Launch & landing

North launch is a gentle grassed area; south launch is a steeper, rockier slope. Height above the valley is roughly 200m north / 300m south (750m ASL, 2000m ceiling). Land in the clear field west of the farmhouse entrance (north) or the grass field beside the road below launch (south) — both work for paraglider and hang glider.

Access

Reachable via Riversdale and Garcia Pass from George, or via the N2 and Tradouw's Pass from Cape Town, following gravel farm roads to the Kanetberg farm at the base of the ridge — a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the final stretch.

Background

Longest recorded flight: roughly 46km east (Stef Junker, 2002).

Flying conditions