See also my new topic posted earlier today on this forum, entitled 'Newbie Pom in need of guidance' I have pretty much asked the same thing as you. Whoever gets answers first wins!
Looks like Ming_arsenal wins. DT54009, I won't recommend different schools...but there are several and any I've dealt with have been good. I'm sure relevant ones will reply to your message. Just a few notes here re spots - others will give more info as I'm relatively new. Caloundra/Bribie/Gold Coast are often worth going to rather than the Bay...depends on conditions and transport options.
I thought BrisbakeKiteBoarding or Briskites had lists of good spots..but neither seem to have them on their sites now. But check there.
Any breeze with some easterly component, Brighton (19th Avenue). Wide shallows, good launch area, lots of kites.
Sandgate, south of Brighton - N to E. I go there if the wind is right when the kids have nicked all the family cars and I'm restricted to public transport - walkable from the train station.
Wellington Point. I'm not a regular there. But the point makes it kitable in westerlies...but have your safety systems well sorted out if you're kiting in westerlies. Those who are regular there love it at high tide in Sou Easters and nor easters are good on the western side of the point, if you don't mind having some offshore component in deep water, if you want some flat water for some speed. No doubt there are buses, but not sure how good/regular. Booties and a stainless steel board would be a good idea if you're on the eastern side at low tide!
Pelican Park or Humpybong on Redcliffe Peninsula in southerlies/SW...again, be careful with the westerly component.
Suttons Beach on Redcliffe Peninsula - East to SE (and more, depending on competence).
There are several others.
The kiting community in Brisbane seems to be a pretty friendly one. PM me or others who reply - I'm sure someone will be able to help out with transport if you're stuck. If it's windy, there will definitely be someone heading for a good spot nearby.
CUt and paste from my website for info. Train to Sandgate station for brighton, 10min walk Train to Wellington point also.
Brisbane's main two locations for all levels of ability
Brighton ( 30mins north of CBD )
Wind directions : SSE to NNE Conditions: Shallow water with small chop ans small waves. Quite a walk out at low tide. Precautions: Blue Jelly fish in Summer, Sting rays and the odd stick or shell underfoot. Small beach area - be considerate of all other beach users !!. Rock walls either end of the beach - be aware of these at all times. Small Reef approx 400 m to the North and hidden at mid to high tide.
General : Located between 18 and 19th Avenues on Flinders Parade in Brighton. Hands down the safest place for learners in the Brisbane area and where we conduct our demos and lessons. Large area to kite , but people tend to congregate in front of the beach area. Head up or down about 300-400 metres and you'll have your own patch to kite in! Public amenities 700m walk north.
Wellington Point ( 30mins east of CBD )
Wind directions: SW/N/E all tides. SE in high tides. Conditions: Flat to chop with some butter flat water at mid tide next to the sand bar. Precautions: No Equipment or rigging allowed on the grass areas. All setting up and kiting to be below the high tide mark due to local council rules. Fines do and have been issued! A lot of people at times on weekends and holidays. Some Blue Jellyfish in Summer. Rocky areas to avoid - check with the locals for advice on areas.
General: A very nice spot in summer E and NE winds. Some of Australia's top kiters kite here regularly - check them out! All public amenities including showers and shop.
Other places in Brief
Wynnum / Manly - Advanced kiting only, many hazards including rocks and small launching areas - check with locals.
Thompson's Beach - Int/Adv. S-SSE located at Victoria Point.
Redcliffe Peninsular
Scarborough - Int/Adv. beach taking W through to NNE. Rocks and busy with public.
Queen's Beach - Int/Adv. beach taking N to SE. Deep water generally and frequented by swimmers.
Sutton's Beach - Pretty much same as Queen's.
Woody Point - Advanced only. All rocks and gusty wind. SW-W
Pelican Park - Int/Adv. SW-SE. Some rocks, but a nice graded beach to launch and land.
Bribie Island - Deep channels and strong tidal flows - not for the faint hearted or inexperienced!
Sunshine Coast ( 1-2hrs north of CBD )
Caloundra, Maroochydore and Noosa river mouths, Awesome spots! All open beaches - not in flagged swimming areas!!!
Gold Coast ( 1-2hrs south of CBD )
Broadwater - great flat water areas. All open beaches but not in flagged swimming areas!!! Narrowneck is a popular wave spot.
If i was going to move to Brisbane, work in the CBD, and want to kite the odd afternoon, where would be the best place to live.
Would it be better to base myself around Newmarket, Clayfield area, to access Brighton, or alternatively, live south of the river and access Wello point ?
All biased opinions are welcome
Is the area north of CBD a better spot to live generally ?
Wello is the spot. It's on the south side and can be kited in every wind direction. Water is better colour and theirs much more choice in housing close by.
Thanks people.
