I finally got my gear together. 15.5m monoquiver for now with reasonably sized board. Looks like there is wind this weekend too.
I'm thinking Palm Cove, Ellis Beach or Yorkey's. Have been scouting those beaches and particularly on Ellis there seems to be some low pressure area on the northern part of the beach which draws clouds into the Tablelands. Don't fancy selflaunching brand new gear and then get eaten by a crocodile because I am kiting on the wrong side of the beach.
Anyone wanna show me the kitespots? ---> PN me
Get local advice first - WindSwell would be the people I would talk to in P.Douglas. And KiteRite in Yorkey's Knob. They are great spots and ideal for anyone from beginners up. If you venture on your own out into isolated and very tempting beaches like Ellis, just be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. But I personally would not risk it.
How'd you go?
If you're new to the area, start at Yorkey's Knob, Port Douglas or Palm Cove first and branch out from there.
The wind was great both days. I did Yorkey's on Saturday and then out to Green Island on Sunday for my first ever session there - was amazing but not the best launch and land areas, especially by yourself.
Here's all you need to know about Green Island...
GI is awesome place for a day or two. I think there's accommodation on the island.
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/General/Winter-Kiting-Green-Island?page=1
Yeah I referred to that map before hand, handy to have that knowledge.
I launched and landed from the top left green circle. I was on a 10m Ozone Enduro. The wind didn't feel that strong when setting up or even launching but gave it a chance and I never had problems staying upwind and was powered for the whole session.
I took off when the tide was coming in - around 1.7m and landed right around high tide at 2.1m. Had plenty of depth and just enough beach.
I was the only kiter but there there were 5+ windsurfers enjoying the water. They were setting up and launching downwind from my location.
I'll try to make it a semi-regular trip I think.
As for Yorkey's - Read this and look at the marked up photos: www.intheloopkiteboarding.com/locations/yorkeys-knob-cairns
Select to expand quoteUnderMyUmbrella said..
As for Yorkey's - Read this and look at the marked up photos: www.intheloopkiteboarding.com/locations/yorkeys-knob-cairns
Nice one. There is something worth reading after all, from that German. I am impressed.
Do guys launch off the launch area and tack their way South into the lagoon, or are they still walking all the way to that spot?
I see some tacking all the way upwind to the river mouth and others walk. I've never bothered tacking up. If I want to ride the river mouth, I'll walk there or launch at Holloway's and ride downwind
Select to expand quoteUnderMyUmbrella said..
I see some tacking all the way upwind to the river mouth and others walk. I've never bothered tacking up. If I want to ride the river mouth, I'll walk there or launch at Holloway's and ride downwind
Right off Holloways is an excellent flat sand bar just before the airport. I've wanted to go there, but a local said, only on low tide and stay above the sand bar or you may meet the blokes in the green suits - what ever that meant.
