Saw that no one has replied, sorry if this is late. I only occasionally visit Cotton Tree so this is just from limited experience. In a SE, you'll find that you will end up near the river mouth in order to get clean wind. This then exposes you to the waves coming in and I would suggest is not the best for a learner as you're probably aware. I guess the north shore would be your best bet still?

Thanks for the replies guys. I ended up giving cotten tree a miss, went down there and like you say you pretty much get restricted to the North Shore side and very close to the mouth. Im gunna give Wyeba a go today thanks for the heads up!

Gateman said...
Also been wondering about the SE'er, its been blowing all week but Iv've been too busy at work to go kiteing.
Best spot according to this link is Golden Beach (Caloundra)
Hoping to make it this arvo if the wind stays.

www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1TAirzud8RXT-EpLY_i6DZx9yuVQ&msa=0

Yeah I've been down there a few times now. Friendly crowd and plenty of room to play. Need to watch the tide though, if you drop your kite on an outgoing tide relaunching can be tough, even in the shallows. The water rips through at around 5 knots and can bury your kite under water. Saw a guy today that ended up on Bribie, thought it was intentional until his cheese and kisses turned up with a worried look on her face asking if we knew of his whereabouts.

Incoming tide and a southerly is the best bet at GB.

Here's another tip for Maroochydore River mouth:

Problem: The current snatched my board before I could grab it the other day, in spite of dragging upwind, the current was too strong and I was unable to catch up with it!

Solution: I was able to drag across to the beach and safely land my kite then follow my board from the beach until the waves brought it into knee deep water about 500m further along towards Alex Heads.

Tip: It helps if once you have spotted your board, KEEP YOUR EYE ON IT, particularly in the surf because you can loose it very quickly.

DO NOT RISK YOUR LIFE! The current can rip through there at times and all these boards wash up somewhere between Cotton Tree and Alex Heads. I had my board back within 20mins without putting myself in danger.