Just came back from a short break up the mid north coast of NSW.
I did a bit of driving around to get some sailing in.
tried Muddy Bishops but way too shallow. There were heaps of dope-on-a-rope's there and was told its way too shallow for sailboarding.
Got a good sail in at Wallabi Pt but no one else around.
Sailed Wallis Lake by myself for hours with only one other windsurfer out. The lady was a short board beginner so ended sailing by myself having drags with the cat sailors.
One kiter came out for a short while.
The conditions were perfect, strong nor-east, sunny & warm and k's of flat water or chop whatever your choice. I was doing 3 k runs and if you stuffed it or wanted a breather just hope off and it was mostly waist to shoulder deep.
But Im the only one out for 4 days in a row. I know its not a huge population area like Sydney but you would think with all those top spots there would be some sailors around.
I did notice a kite shop in Tuncurry.
Go figure

I too just got back from the North Coast. I had a fabulous day of Formula sailing at Hawks Nest then had a reasonable sail the next day at Great Lakes sailing club on Wallis Lakes. I tried to go out the next day at Coff Harbour but the wind was light and there was a small surf break inside the harbour so I watched the last day of the cricket instead. Still, it was a good break and lots of fun to sail different places.

being 30 must make me a grommie!

Its pretty weird really. Qwerts is right, down the south coast it blows its t**s off all the time but compared to Sydney its deserted.
There does seem to be a fair few newcomers around up my way on the northern beaches.
Harrow, I dont get down to Botany as much as you do but I can remember last summer there were heaps of guys there most weekends in nor-easters. everyone seem to think this season has been a bit strange weather wise but Im still getting as much sailing in as I did last summer. Your right about the age groups. Mostly the same old faces (no pun intended) and occasionally you will get a returnee coming out of the closet.
I also reckon windsurfing is not seen as "cool" anymore, unfortunately kite surfing IS. Totally different learning curves.
My daughter wants to learn this summer but being of an age where she will soon start the fashion/trendy/shopping thing with her friends I think it will be just a dad/daughter thing for some occasional fun.
I really hope Im wrong. She likes all my sailing friends which I hope will help.
Its not like the shops, sorry I mean shop, dont push the fun aspect and ease of learning on modern gear. Its never going to be as big as was in the 80's but it would be good to see some more people out on the water be it beginner or veteran.
Sailing by yourself is fun but does get dull after awhile.
Anyone else??
Anyone under 30 like to comment??
Qwerty, you dont count as you have been around long enought to qualify for non-grommet status.

If anyone wants to know about the great sailing places on the east coast between sydney and Grafton, just ask me.

cheers
Matt

Kremlin had a sail at Nobbys last sat but have been sailing lake mac.Been 20 knts + for weeks. Has 2 b the best place for freestyle.

Comrade Donk
You need to be comin up north for waves... waves aplenty going unridden ( there is only so many wave Glovey and I can catching)
Comrade CJW
For sure Gerroa is awesome when the south swell and nor east wind line up BUT I am for thinking we have it beter up here... wind maybe 3 - 5 knots less but swell is always more... and there is also option of going from Birubi round to One Mile/Samurai to get perfect cross off shore wind with swell !
I put Animal Bay and surrounding coast higher than Geroa on consitancy stakes (waves not wind)!
You best be coming up this way for trying for sure yar !

Kremlin, we all admire your pride in your local spot (yes Birubi and One Mile can be fun), but get over yourself.
I spent a few summers in Wollongong when I worked there a couple of years ago and it craps on anywhere else on the east coast (and I've pretty much been everywhere). And that's not even including Gerroa (which on its day is as good as anyone will ever see anywhere). Perhaps you have never had a good day down there? The seasons I spent there had more head high plus days that not, with some great mast high days too (sounds like they're getting it good down there this season too, lucky bastards). Sailed plenty of small slop up your way too. Only going by my experiences.

Gerroa is just one spot. there are so many perfect cross-off spots for every wind direction. Its harder to find somewhere thats on-shore. (Not to mention the "special" spots not far south of seven mile beach). It makes you want to go to shoalhaven heads sometimes just to have a break from all the cross-shore sailing. As for waves, there are too many to mention. reef beaks, point breaks, beach breaks, river mouths, etc, etc. Perfect surf. Don't even bother trying to compare the quality or consistency of waves.

I'll be looking to move back there as soon as I can.
Perhaps you should consider it too YAR??? ....NAAAAAAH!

www.seabreeze.com.au/gallery/gallery.asp?imageid=3137

This was on wednesday just gone. Not bad for a place that gets little swell eh. I've sailed this size on numerous occassions over the past few seasons. I wonder how many times you have sailed samurai as big?

Kremlin, maybe you made the mistake of only ever coming to Gerroa on contest weekends. Guaranteed to be crap!
Gotta back up Boris on the consistency factor. Gerroa has been firing most days of the week for months. although last week was disappointing, probably because I was on holidays and actually had the time to sail every day.

Whyner can employ you. He needs someone to answer his phone while he sails all day.

I would say, on average the swell this season has been pretty small, when a NE is cranking anyway. We've had a good season down here in the Gong so far, I've pretty much used my 4.1 75% of the time however the swell has been small on average. If there is any N in the swell Gerroa is a swell de-magnifier for sure but it's been pretty good this season, unfortunately i've missed the best days...damn work.

The thing that has been mystifying me the last few days is the wind in the Gong. It's been 10kts N here the last 2 days and 30kts NE in gerroa and 20+kts NE in Sydney. It did this quite a bit last season too, not good for the old fuel bill :P I think it must be due to the prevailing airstream (high sitting too far North), too much N in it, with this being the case I think the escarpment kills the wind in the Gong...particularly on the Northern beaches. It might be better down Warilla's way. Just a bit annoying as by the time you've knocked off work and driven to Gerroa you lose and hours sailing.