About Us
‘The objective of the Club is to facilitate, for the benefit of its members, long-term, sustainable, aquatic-related activity for family recreation and competitive sport, providing members with associated facilities, whilst conserving the natural environment, and the individual rights of people as embodied in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa’.
Theewater Sports Club (TSC), is situated on a peninsula stretching into the Theewaterskloof dam, surrounded by farmlands, majestic mountains and a variety of wildlife. We welcome the general public to visit us, unwind, relax and enjoy the rustic surroundings.
Theewaterskloof dam was designed and completed in 1980 by the Department Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) with the aim of supplying water to the greater Cape Metropolitan area and the Riviersonderend Valley. It 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.
Our Club 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 and fresh water angling.
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.
Clubhouse Area
Years ago an old London double decker bus was the very first clubhouse. 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.
Cafeteria
The cafeteria, located at the clubhouse serves snacks and fast foods. The cafeteria is also well-stocked for campers offering most of your basic necessities, including roosters and firewood. The cafeteria is open on weekends, public and school holidays. If you have any specific catering requirements, please phone us. Ice is available from the bar.
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 19 camping sites fitted with electrical points, which are the only sites that can 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. Visitors are reminded that no music is allowed before 10h00 and after 22h00. Any complaints in this regard will be taken up by security on duty immediately. Our aim is for you to enjoy your visit and you are encouraged to report any untoward behavior immediately so that the necessary action can be taken.
Sailing
TSC is affiliated to South African Sailing (SAS), which governs all sailing in South Africa. TSC is proud to have hosted many 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.
Youth sailing
TSC has a comprehensive sail training programme, offering training in the Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced levels by top class accomplished coaches. We also offer two sail training camps in the year, usually in October and January. We have a well established community sailing program which has been running for six years, focusing on creating water sport experiences for previously disadvantaged youths. This has proved to be very successful and a few youths have made it to the top level in sailing. We are proud of our children’s achievements and place great emphasis on their development (both personal and sport).
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.
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 ux. Anglers wishing to fish the top reaches of the dam (beyond the road bridge) must obtain a permit, as this is a proclaimed Conservancy area. For more details contact the staff at the Club. Visitors are reminded that no angling is permitted in any of the inland ponds.
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.
Water Safety/Rescue Service
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 and the Rescue Service telephone number sticker, 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:
083 713 0626 (Rescue Service) or 028-840 1334/8 (Club Office)
Membership of the Club
We have a vast membership, with most of our members residing in the greater Cape Metropolitan area, the Overberg and the Winelands. There are various membership categories. Speak to the staff for more details. You can also find membership information on our website: www.theewaters.co.za
Public Access and Camping Tariffs
R40.00 per person per day
R40.00 per person per night
R50.00 per person per day (with electricity supply)
R50.00 per person per night (with electricity supply)
R30.00 craft entry fee (canoes/windsurfer/kitesurf/boards)
R50.00 craft entry fee
R150.00 boat registration fee (valid for 1 year - January to December))
Free – Children under 10 years
Prices subject to change
Specially negotiated rates are available for groups. Enquire at the Club Office for more details.
Important Telephone Numbers:
Villiersdorp Police: 028-840 8000 or 10111
Villiersdorp Medical Centre: 028-840 1145
Ambulance: 028-840 1159 or 082 695 7458
Fire Brigade: 028-425 1907
Club Office Hours: 08h00 to 17h00 (Monday – Sunday)
We are proud of our Club and the natural beauty surrounding us. We thus ask you to take care when making fires, not to disturb any wildlife and to keep your campsite free of litter.