hi all,

I'm a recent arrival to Melbourne, and also a new Kite-boarder. I am up and going on my board, but not very good, and not as consistent yet in my skills and control as I'd like to be. I have kited Caloundra, Brighton (Brisbane) and Sandgate. All decent spots for learning/progressing skills.

Hence, after reading the forum about how crowded St Kilda's is, I am a bit turned off by kiting there until I improve my skills (I am aware of the recent debate about the use of St Kildas for instructing and general kiting and crowding issues, and think a good solution has been suggested, but I'm still not that confident to kite there when it's crowded!!). But to improve, I need time in the water! So, as I have a car, I can head to spots further from Melbourne.

The only question I have is: Where can I find less crowded, learner friendly beaches that allow kite-boarding?? East or West of Melbourne.

Any feedback would be really really appreciated!

Cheers!!!

I probably get **** all over for this on, but St. Kilda isn't as bad as it is made here.. and if you can go up and down on your board your better than 50% of the people there already :P

(just stay out of the black area :D)

hampton beach right next to the lift saving club is really good. Great crowd there who are always willing to help.

Thanks for all the great feedback everyone! Definitely very helpful! Much appreciated!

While I am up and going on the board, I'm too inconsistent with it to not have plenty of space downwind of me, and I don't want to injure anyone, including myself! Safety first!

But I will give St Kilda a go once I'm more confident! Plus, being irish means I'm not afraid of the colder water temps and if there's wind to be had in the winter...I'll be hitting StKs when less people take to the water!!!!