I spent some time there in December as I sailed my mates yacht from there to Bali.
There is no surf there, well, nothing even remotely decent. The sailing community was more or less non existent as no one wants to visit on their way across the Indian as there are no decent moorings and the harbour master is a knob. Wind surfing wise, I can imagine it can be okay. We copped the arse end of a cyclone when we were there so the prevailing winds were hard to judge.

The bosun's tav was the only place we had a drink (other than at people's houses). It was decent enough, with a great view overlooking Flying Fish Cove....it's also located right where the massive boat tragedy occurred several years ago with a heap of asylum seekers drowning just off the cliff...a bit sombre to think about when having a pint.

How long you there for? The fishing is epic. If you're into spearfishing then it's the place to be as you only have to swim out a few hundred metres for it to get very deep.

Locals were friendly and everyone was keen to hear your stories and have a beer with you.

You could hang out with kiterboy for a beer he's cool!

When are you there? Jump a short flight to the Cocos islands, great sailing there on the trade winds - but Jun-Nov generally.

Lived there for three years...

What not to take:
- Kite or windsurf gear (unless you plan on a trip to Cocos - short flight but expensive and getting big gear (windsurfing) can be difficult if the plane is full)
- Surf board (see above - conditions on the Christmas are abysmal - the most decent is a walk to Dolly beach though it will deliver short, close out waves that break over reef)
- Jeans and jumpers

What to take:
- Body board - when desperate to get a wave and swell comes in, the Cove can be good fun though take-off is quick and ride is short. Another small wave will also come in over near the cantilevers which when conditions are right is great fun.
- Golf clubs - whether you like the sport or not, it is good fun having a few beers and a hit on a Friday afternoon.
- Dive gear - brilliant diving rated as some of the best in the world (50m+ visibility)
- Caving gear - a good head torch and helmet, some fantastic caves to explore
- Good set of steady walk/run shoes & camel bak - exploring the island is what its all about. You wont be disappointed.
- Fishing gear - although off the rocks can be done, most is done from boats. Carry big gear and expect to catch big fish (Wahoo and Tuna predominantly). If your going to bottom bounce take braided line as you will be fishing in 100m+ water and want to feel the bites.
- Stubby holder
- Willingness to give anything a shot. Make friends with some locals (try Hash House Harriers) as they will show you around and look after you.
- Wetsuit only if you plan on diving. Swimming and surfing not needed.
- Mountain bike - riding around island good value for exploring and good for fitness as very hilly.

P.M. If you need any more information.

Enjoy...

Stuthepirate said..


And try the noodle house across the way from the General Store. Awesome food and cheap as.

Absolutely!
But get use to the random opening hours.

Cheap booze too.

Silly question: Why doesn't Christmas Island have wind ?. It's in the middle of the Indian Ocean isn't it ?, or is it a bit like Townsville ? (ie: it's in a quirky location)