WA
133 posts
Might be moving to Mackay, so i guess i would like some info on their sailing seen, Spots and gear reqiurments, and how do you battle the stingers, I love my sailing but living in Vic inland, its cold and 4.5 hrs to my fave speed location Sandy Point. Currently have 100 ltr board and sails from 4.7 - 7.0. Back tom sunny QLD again, Lookin forward to it and any info from locals or anyone would be much apreciated.
Cheers Lenny
418 posts
Comrade Lenny
I have sailed in Mackay a number of times.
Just north of the city itself is a place called Eimeo (which you need to go through in order to reach the beach)
Tide dependent you will be able to get some super speed sessions happening with your current gear along many of the beaches here.
When the tides is right (they have massive tides) you will also get some bump and jump options with some little waves breaking on sandbars. Not big enough to wave ride but plenty enough for airtime.
There is also a great pub up on the hill with a wicked view of the ocean. Great place for a cold one after a sail.
In regards to the stingers you just need to check on the season and dont sail after a big rain if you can help it.
Alternatively you can buy a tinger suit which is a lycra body suit the same as a wetsuit steamer (just thinner and cooler)
You'll look like a kook but you wont get stung.
Just put a pair of boardies over the top and people will think you are a kite surfer anyway !
Hope this helps
NSW
78 posts
We have plenty of decent days where you'll get the 100 moving just fine. I like to sail as much as I can so I run a Formula and 9.5 as my biggest. Most of my sailing is done on a 140 freeride with 9.5 or 7.5. Kremlins right about the big tides, I normally launch on a high and just ride it out. The further out the tide gets the flatter the water seems to get. Long walks at the end though! About twenty guys and girls in the local scene who mainly sail from Far beach at Illawong. Good bunch of friendly people of all ages and levels. One local shop carries Starboard and Severne but Caloundra shops normally freight really reasonably. You will need a stinger suit at some point (about $65 locally but you'll never need a wet suit, Lowest water temp this year 22 degrees). Look forward to seeing you on the water!
Tim.
