Hi everyone, just arrived in Brissy. I'm a beginner, can go up n down wind but I'm not mega confident. Pretty nervous about hitting the beaches alone as I don't know what the deal is with wind direction, things to avoid, tides/currents to know about. Any hints would be really useful? Cheers guys, Kate :-)

Wello make sure you talk to a local, we're all pretty friendly, just make sure to avoid the guy with the patch on his eye, evil old man! Don't kite without talking to someone, even a windsurfer plenty of hazards you have to know about including rocks, hidden reefs and holes in the wind certain areas. Recommend kiting safer areas to start but we don't all have that option! I learnt there so it is doable but having said that i totalled a kite less then three months ago. Westerly coming tomorrow afternoon might see you down there. Sorry to sound negative just pointing out the hazards! If your overly cautious I'm sure youll be right. Josh

Come to Wello, the locals are really nice. Just introduce yourself as a new surfer and there is always someone there to help. You need some booties though. Good in a west or northish wind but no good in southerly "go to vic point". Mid tide is the best and keep on the west side of the sand bank "in a westerly" Rocks are s/w side close to the mangroves and look for the deep outgoing water on the n/e side close in. Ill be there Sat morning if the wind is up, PM me if you would like to meet up and ill send you my phone number. SW should be fine for you on Sat. Crap at Sandgate in a SW'r