QLD
14 posts
I was wondering what windsurfing is like in north east port philip bay (say near Mentone suburb). I'm looking to move around there. I'd say I'm intermediate, still happy on flat water, or bump and jump conditions.
What's it like around there? Can you just show up at most beaches, rig up and sail, or are some beaches off limits to windsurfers?
what are the conditions like?
QLD
133 posts
Hi, I'm by no means an expert on the area as I've only lived in Melbourne for a year but have been sailing in the vicinity a bit recently. Parkdale yacht club is where I have been most and is not bad - not as strong in a seabreeze as Elwood / Sandringham area but is supposed to be great in a SE breeze. Whilst I haven't done it you can head to BonBeach (S) or Frankston (SW) to take advantage of the different angles of the beach. Nearby to Mentone is Ricketts Point - I've only been there once but it is meant to be the place to sail in an E or W but you wouldn't want to break stuff in E breeze. For mine Green Point (near Brighton) would have to be the best in a Northerly / North Westerly unless you drive down to Rye. Dendy Street / Hampton / Elwood are probably all strong in a seabreeze - I usually go to Elwood as I'm yet to learn where the rocks/reef are at Dendy St. Hope that helps - I'd say the only thing to watch out for near Mentone is the height of the cliff and the effect it has on different breezes - you need to be able to work your way off the shoreline to get into steady breeze.
VIC
1509 posts
Bit of a backward step coming from WA, but ya can't have everything. Mentone is pretty good so there shouldn't be any need to travel far in the usual conditions. You could also go a bit further south to Gnotuk Avenue, Aspendale which has a fairly good group of sailors. The usual wind in summer is 15-20kts southerly with waves to 1 m, with some big days (like yesterday- 30kts+) from time to time. Big gusty northerlies tend to dominate in winter. Autumn can often be very light.
I'm not aware of any beaches being off-limits, except for behind the breakwater at St Kilda, but that's where the kiters hang out and it stinks of seaweed, so you probably wouldn't want to launch there anyhow.
See you on the water.
QLD
2172 posts
One of the best bits about moving to Melbourne will be that you can go sailing at Sandy Point for a day trip. :-)
