hello kitegrom,
merimbula is a great place to kite and although i only go there once a year , i hope this info is useful.
the main beach (ford oval is good in southerlies) and good for experienced riders on northerlies. (offshore)
tathra to the north is good in northerlies and southerlies.
and pambula just a little south fires in northerlies.
everyone is friendly.
there are lots of windsurfers and kitesurfers with beards, and if this worries you then don't go there.
because they won't shave them off.

seeya ian