Hey everyone,
I'm travelling from Canada to Perth arriving the 12th of April before taking a rental car on the 14th south to Busselton and beyond for two weeks. I was initially looking to rent gear while visiting but upon looking at the costs and logistics--and getting approval from my partner--I'll be bringing my gear to the other side of the planet.I'm looking for a bit of advice on gear selection, location intel and whatever other guidance you feel a tourist could use. I'm not trying to ride every day; if I can get out for just a few good sessions when conditions and location permit, I'll consider it a success.

Locations:
In the first week, we're likely to do a counter-clockwise loop from Busselton down through Margaret River, Augusta then east as far as Peaceful Bay or so. The week following I'll probably be day-tripping out of Busselton, going to the WSL event in MR at least once.

What is the present condition of the Augusta cut/deadwater? Is it relatively clean and rideable, or full of algae and bird ****?

Is it crazy to kite along the South coast eastward of Augusta? There's a dearth of information related to kiting along this stretch. Is it just because It's rural and many locations look rocky, or is there something I'm missing? The prevailing wind direction suggests this area would be just fine on some of the more expansive beaches along there. Please advise!

Gear:
I'm 80KG and choosing between two twin-tips: A 142cm Nobile and a 135cm Ocean Rodeo Mako; and kites in the following sizes: 7m, 9m, 12m, and 17m. ...with a set of line extensions.

My natural inclination is to go with the 142cm board, with the 12m and 9m kites as it's the gear I've clocked the most time on and the places I'm accustomed to are more marginal than WA, it'd seem. I haven't gotten a good handle on the weather patterns for WA; it's clear that April is historically the least windy month--but still seems more consistently windy and windier than either Ontario or South Florida. Is 'winter' weaker wind overall (more like the places I'm used to), or does it blow like usual with less frequency?

I'm inclined to bring my 5/3 wetsuit and thinnest booties (if only for the rocks and cooler air coming into winter) I'm happy to hear any tips on how to make the most of what I've got.

Sharks:
I've seen smaller sharks in the water (2m, tops) when I've spent time on the water on the Atlantic coast of South Florida and it hasn't ever bothered me. But then, I've done the usual things: Avoid inlets--especially around dawn and dusk. The Americans have nothing on you guys when it comes to monitoring. So when I see dozens of sightings and beacon hits for Tigers and Whites within the past week, it gives me a bit of pause. Do you guys typically ride with a deterrent device or is that only done by surfers?

I'd be ever so grateful for any replies; redeemable for at least one free beer should we cross paths. I'll be the kook from Canada in the red helmet. Cheers!

SHARKS..... most Americans and Canadians usually wear leg and arm knives ??. Be careful of the frontals as they can have a 20 knot variant also.

Bring a surfboard south west pumps this time of year . south coast wa is one of the most beautiful and rugged places around , just enjoy it with the wife. If you can hire a 4wd to experience the most of what that coastline has to offer

I've been to sw wa a few times in April. my observations have consistently been that the locals are spoilt rotten & extremely fussy. Kiting 2-4 times a week with very few others @ main break, prevelly and Augusta. Kiting in storm conditions is super common for a significant many kiters. It's still great fun and very memorable. Enjoy your trip.