Hey all – just getting into kiteboarding and wanted to post an experience a mate and I had up in Mackay recently if any other newbs are trolling this forum looking for advice / opinion like I was.
We are both getting into kiteboarding and after talking to our local guy here in Newcastle – Lachlan, he encouraged us, due to the flakey wind conditions here, to head north where the water is warm (wetsuit? What’s a wetsuit?), the winds are strong and constant (well, mostly) and the water is shallow enough for some learning newbs.
Our host and IKO trainer was Joe Millen from Adrenalin Rush Sports up in Mackay and took us out for a couple of days at a place called East Point – a great place for the learner in a South-Easter. In terms of airfares – Jetstar fly from $109 out of Sydney. Accomodation wise – we tried the backpackers but wussed out after 1 night with no sleep (way too much noise), there are heaps of good hotels just south of the main part of town for $55-$65 a night.
Anyway – if there is anyone in the cold south looking to learn this winter and have some extra $$ to spend – Mackay was great for us, just wish we had longer up there.
Craig.
P.S. Hope this didn’t break the advertising rule, the intent was to share the experience with any others out there in the same situation.
Agree! Just had a week up there and was out 4 days straight on 10 and 16. See pics in Photo gallery. Met Joe briefly and seemed a nice fella. Kited East point everyday. Lifeguards/net contractor "removed" a 3-4m tiger shark while I was there
Wind was s-sse so Blacks wasn't on. Yes, east point is on the northern side of the rivermouth. Car access from the marina, past the surfclub down a gravel road. Endless sand bars and flat water areas and some small fun waves when I was there from the strong winds. I'll put a google pic/map in the photo section.
