NSW
4 posts
I will move to Sydney on 1:st Oct for 3 months. What is the wind like during that time, and where should I look to live to have the closest to a windsurfing location? I am thinking somewhere between Queenscliff and Collaroy. Which of these beaches are you allowed to windsurf on, that are good?
QLD
147 posts
perra, collaroy is a popular sailing spot on the nthrn beaches, as is long reef a little south. on it's day long reef can be prime and is good fun in a typical summers afternoon NE, whuch will be firming up around the time of your arrival (I havn't lived in sydney for years so I'll let the local boys confirm or crush that remark).
for my money any further south the wind is starting to get a bit chopped up due to the headland/beach/headland/beach structure of the popular beaches. forget the smaller beaches.
I sailed a bit near home in manly, though you will have to be prepared for the parking nightmare and subsequent dodging of a million surfers and tourists as you slog out through the break. not happy, jan. give the flags a VERY wide berth or cop the evil eye of the pro-lifeguards.
when you get there, drop into the Wind Surf n Snow shop near Long Reef and get them to clue you in on all the local action.
have fun in sydney, but be prepared for a drive depending on what the wind's doing.
matt
NSW
3105 posts
The northern beaches are a great place to live in Sydney. Collaroy is a top spot (hasnt got anything to do with I live there).
The wind will be mostly NE (we hope) around the time you arrive.
We get southerly fronts quite frequently too, best place for these is Long Reef which is side-on. Also Botany Bay is good in a southerly and works great in a nor-easter due to the fact the flat terrain and hot black runways suck in the sea breeze making it 10 knots stronger than the northern beaches.
You can sail at all the beaches (legally) on the northside but as Goldy says some just dont work due to position and wind direction.
From the northern end you have:
Palm Beach.... Works in most directions but favors NE on Pittwater and beach side. Works good in NW but very gusty in W/SW due to West head. Bit further south is Sand Pt which is good in S/SE.
If your up for some hardcore wavesailing Newport reef is the go. Works great in a southerly but is recommended for experts only.
The stretch fron Narrabeen down to Collaroy has lots of different spots to sail. The nor-easter is onshore but can get pretty strong in the afternoon along this stretch. When the wind turns SE the "vacant lot" at Collaroy is a great spot to sail. From here you go upwind to Long Reef Pt which has spots like the Kick off the back of Collaroy pool, Brownwater, White Rock, Makaha etc.
Then around to Long Reef. unfortunately is doesnt work so good anymore in a nor-easter (noone knows why) but occasionally it gets in. Lots of breaks here. Launch from the lagoon and either sail upwind to Butterbox which is nearly at the tip of Long reef and is classic in NE and swell. Towards Dee Why you have the No-mans or Poles as its called. This whole stretch is good fun.
Past Dee Why its not recommended to sail as its uper crowded (Manly) and the wind is gusty and swirly.
Nearly forgot, there is also Narrabeen Lake which is good for summer fun sailing. The western end, Brooky Bobs, works well in a NE as it funnels down between the hills. Also works pretty good in W/SW and then around to the SE. Launch from the Wakehurst Parkway side near the Scout Hall.
Check in with Sam and Chris at Wind, Surf n Snow on Anzac Ave on
9971 0999. Anywhere you go there will some local guys around so just introduce yourself and mention Seabreeze and youll be fine.
Hope this helps.
