StKilda is the only option. You can go to Altona or Mentone on a South to Southwest if you have a mate that can stay with you the entire time, is confident with your ability and providing the beach is empty, though many people will disagree that. Also, at Altona you need boots because sea urchins hurt. If your not confident get another lesson or go to St.Kilda as there are more chances of getting help when you get into trouble. and trust me you'll get into trouble a few times.

The previous replies are confusing South East winds, with South/East side of the bay.

In a southerly wind any of the bay beaches from St Kilda down towards Frankston are ok, kind of. Just find one that is big and wide with plenty of room and not too many people. Other kiters will be helpful as long as you don't get in the way.

The beaches at the top end of the bay usually have rocks and reefs and groynes to contend with. The beaches from Mentone to Carrum are more sandy with shallower water.

In northerlies your only options are Rosebud and Rye and other beaches down the south end.

sixfiddy said..

... Had 2 lessons with an instructor and have the kite flying bit down pat, body dragging, relaunching etc. Just need to try work on getting up on the board between lessons. ...
Cheers Steve

You're greatly mistaken if you think you have the "...kite flying bit down pat..." after 2 lessons. The number of lessons is irrelevant. The amount of practice and kiting experience is the important thing.

Kitesurfing is 80% kite skill and it takes several hours of intensive practice to develop the basic muscle memory to be able to do it automatically. The worst thing you can do is jump in the water with your kite and board and expect to be up and riding. Spend much more time body dragging than you think you need to.

Thanks for the words Castillo and Gorgo. Maybe putting "Down Pat" was a bit premature/presumptious. Should be more likely confidant/comfortable with the kite so far(again presumpious??) Having flown full size and RC Gliders/sailplanes I felt confidant with the kite early on, and a little stint of about 6mths power kiting about 10 years ago.(Again presumptious?). First lesson I ended up body dragging up wind and back to point of launch single handedly controlling the kite.
Im keen to get as much practice in as possible to get towards my goal of riding a board under my kite, and if it takes the next year, Ill keep at it. Its just something im so keen to do, its like a fire inside me that wont go out.
Hopefully Rosebud on Saturday will be the next step in that direction.
Cheers Steve

Saffer said..

castill0jf said.. low tide at rosie has lots of room (n, ne, nw) low tide at Altona has lots of room (s, se, sw) forget about getting on the board until you have master 1- how to launch 2- how to landing 3- how to body dragging and most important safety in most places all the kiteres are friendly mates neve kite alone ... see you are rosie this weekend. cheers

Which explains why people keep knocking out the powerlines at Altona and pissing off the residents. It has room at low tide but the launch still offers zero room for error. No one (beginners or not) take their kites all the way into the water to launch so they still have no margin. So, I respectfully disagree and I think Altona is a really bad idea.

There are a few spots in Altona which are ideal for learning, give me a buzz and i can let you know or show you where.
Chest deep water and you arn't launching and landing with onshore winds.