Hi, I need some advise,
in 4 weeks we are in Gnaraloo and I'm asking myself:
Can you go there as an intermediate as well or is it suicide ?
Can you Windsurf in the bay only (which is flat water) ?
Is it possible to get through the break or do you need to be an expert ? Maybe I can have some fun on the ocean outside the break.

Think you can sail the bay to the north, past the homestead, in fact I have an idea somebody did some speed runs there. If you get small swell and high tide tombys shouldn't be too bad.
I've surfed it about head high in those conditions and it was quite mellow
Just be aware that a strong rip runs northwards, taking anything floating to the big bombie. If that looks like a place you wouldn't want to be, probably best not to go out, in case you break something.

gnarloo bay is fine but if there is big swell which is likely in 4 weeks the bay gets waves at a high frequency, so it looks awesome from the shore but VERY frustrating cause getting any speed is tricky, some big waves break out the back in 'shark ally'. thats the downwind carpark, theres also the leward wind carpark im sure it would be flatter there but also off-shore.. i never tried it.. if u can get out the back at main break its fun to play chicken with the wales

Depends how intermediate you are? Have u wavesailed b4? Also depends on how big Gnaraloo is, if it's pumping then forget about it, if it's smallish it's not too bad. You have to sail out through the waves so U need to be pretty decent with quick waterstarts & chicken gybes. At the end of the day if it's not massive go out. Even if u get pummeled all day it's a learning experience.

Yep there is a channel.

There is only one beach, and its only 4 to 5 metres long (no kidding) the rest of the coast is cliffs.

Also you are sailing over coral about .5 to 1m deep, if you get dragged over it, make sure you have plenty of antiseptic cream.


other than that, have fun

Bubbles is the name of the killer sheep at the station.
What ever you do just dont pat it

Channels? I never saw any.. is there like a secret channel or something?

It wouldn't hurt to throw in a spare fin, some ding-stick, sail repair tape and first aid kit just in case Bubbles gets ya.

quote:

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Originally posted by Zed

Channels? I never saw any.. is there like a secret channel or something?

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Zed, your right about the channels.

I had another look at some photos I took last year and my memory was obviously sadly lacking.

Here is a pick of the take off beach
www.seabreeze.com.au/gallery/gallery.asp?imageid=5902

the horror "carry your rig" walk to the beach
www.seabreeze.com.au/gallery/gallery.asp?imageid=5901

and some picks of the blast out through the shallows
www.seabreeze.com.au/gallery/gallery.asp?imageid=5900
note the REALLY shallow bit to the left of these guys
www.seabreeze.com.au/gallery/gallery.asp?imageid=5903
www.seabreeze.com.au/gallery/gallery.asp?imageid=5904

Thanks Grumples for the pics, I now dont have to worry about ever going there coz I aint.

I am stoked for the crew who can go out in that type of stuff, I have even more respect for you guys who now!!!

GT

Undertacker you've spoilt the fun, they hadnt even started dredging out the shark (and whale) stories.

I remember driving there many years ago on a Saturday morning trip from Carnarvon and picking up a shearer who had missed the turnoff to Quobba, he had driven until he ran out of petrol (on Friday night) and then left his car and started walking back ! We picked him up early Saturday morning and took him back to Quobba. I think the poor bloke was on the way to death by dehydration (no water - or shoes !) You all know the rule - stay with the car. We thought the people at Quobba might thank us but they just sh@t on him for being late and told him to get to work.

So there are other things to worry about up there than drowning, being cut to pieces on the reef, sharks, whales, snakes, killer sheep and killer horses !

(I forgot alcohol poisoning)

quote:

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Originally posted by grumplestiltskin

GT, you will notice I am taking pictures and not sailing.

Beyond my skill level I'm afraid

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I am glad there are other places to sail at Gloo.

GT

quote:

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Originally posted by WINDY MILLER

i'd like to go but i'm a scaredy cat ...still thinking about it though.

i've never seen any intermediate footage, it's always been hardcore crankin stuff, thats looks way out of my league....

how forgiving is the wave if you slip on it

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Do it do it do it.

On head hi to logo it is really easy.... In Oct is the go as it is hell windy and not so big. Reason I say it is easy as that it is a nice peeling wave, so you can stay (for eg) 5-10m downwind of the peak and just carve really hard and fast on the bit that hasn't quite bowled up yet. If you stuff up there you don't get worked, just float up as it passes under you so as long as you waterstart pretty quick you're out the back again.

Your bottom turns will get so so good that after a few days of that you'll be right in the section and then think sh!t did I just do that!!?????


Essentials: 10L of water per day. Booties. Half round needle and fishing rod binding thread for sail repairs. Lots of fins. Lots of dingstick.