OK guys, time to reveal my secret spot. I am the only person to have ever kited at this spot (I am almost certain because I am there on the majority of windy afternoons). Historically Shingle Splitters (“shingles”) has been windsurfed by me and a few locals, which has been good as we have had the place to ourselves.

Admittedly it is a somewhat advanced location for kiting, but one day I decided to give it a try. It would have to be one of the best sessions I have ever had – needless to say I will be kiting there all of the time now. I am writing to you all to invite you to come and share the spot with me (and to launch my kite!). Here is the low-down.

Shingles is located on the southern end of Lake Macquarie, about a 10-15 minute drive from the Morisset freeway exit (or about an hour from Hornsby). I live nearby so it only a short drive for me. Shingles consists of a point that extends to the north, surrounded by the lake from the SW all the way around (through north) to the SE.

In terms of wind conditions the location couldn’t be better. It works best in a NE (which is the common sea breeze for summer). In fact, there is such a large body of water to the NE that the sea breeze is very strong and consistent; I would go so far as to say that it is typically as good as the breeze at the beach. It also works in westerlies (NW through to SW) for the same reasons – however these winds are typically gusty so it is not as good. It doesn’t work in a direct Southerly (but I have another new spot for Southerlies which I will publish later).

Now here is the crux: it is all about the point. It is a low, level piece of land that extends a couple of hundred metres outward to the North (from the main section of the point, which has the car park / boat ramp etc). On the end there is a sandy spit that extends a further 30m. Now the strong NE winds blow straight over this point creating absolutely flat water (almost mirror flat). So you have flat, deep water with plenty of room downwind for error margin – and a bay so no getting blown away. It is the best place for jumping I have ever experienced – safe and flat.

The only real catch is that launching isn’t the easiest (but not too bad from the sandy point) and you have to be able to ride upwind to get back to the start (but I haven’t had a problem with this either).

So – to all you Newcastle / Central Coast / Sydney boarders looking for a new spot I invite you to my new location. I am more than willing to share the love! If you are keen to try it out email me or call me on 0413 007 050 for more specific details on how to get there.

Cheers
Justin