struggling to pick the right days for wind?

there's something new.

Mathew I'm sure you're the only windsurfer in australia or even the world, to have that problem.

when you find the right way to pick winds, just let us know and we'll tell you if you were right.

best winds
Tony L

I haven't been to Sandy Point since I first windsurfed as a youngster about 17 years ago. I'd love to go back. Any idea how long the drive would be from the Burwood area? And also for Inverloch? I remember its around 3 hours or so.

matthewi
Saw your last post as I was typing mine. If you're in Burwood, I'd say the best sailing, short of heading to Inverloch or Sandy, would be at the closest beaches to where you live, rather than at Rye. Anywhere between StKilda to Beaumaris is generally onshore and safe but it can be choppy, making it tough for newbys. You could try behing the breakwaters at either Sandringham or StKilda.

Someone may beg to differ, but I've rarely found the wind to be very good in Westernport, possibly because its often slightly offshore. But you could give Pt Leo or Flinders (front beach only for beginners) a try. Any wind with some easterly in it tends to be quite flukey in Port Philip Bay. Easterlies are not very common fortunately. Another tip, get to know a "wind tree". Preferably a tall gum tree on a high point that you can use as a wind guage. After a lifetime of careful observation you'll be able to predict the what the wind is probably like on the bay by what the leaves and branches are doing. And if branches are breaking off or the tree has blown down, just pack your smallest gear.

Unforunately I have no time off over xmas this year so I'll have to do day trips on weekends. I will be trying to get there over Australia Day weekend into the caravan park. Actually, do you know of any free bush camping in the area?

My last time out in some good wind I got my first taste of getting in the harness and into the foot straps and loved it!! I can't wait to get out there again!!

I sail all over Vic, but I'm sure Inverloch is THE place for flat water, slick speed runs, safe inlet sailing and especially surf sailing.
Need more surf sailors down there please!!!; great for novices and experts. The water over the bar (from Ozone St across to Point Smythe) is awesome; smooth smooth smooth smooth water on small rolling swells inside (so much fun esp on SW / W) / powerful surf outside and a hell of a beautiful spot. Any inlet sailors should come out here for a try; may never go back! (don't even have to go near a breaking wave if you don't want).
Awesome scenery 1 hr 40 mins from Burwood (more than worth the extra drive c.f. the bays!!).
Seabreezes not as strong as Northern Port Phillip Bay unfortunately, but any hint of E or SE and it REALLY blows by late afternoon (perfect cross / off).
Winds from E around to W are all fantastic, drive to Woolamai / Venus Bay / Kilcunda? / Cape Paterson 2nd surf (all surf only) on NW.
Take care over the bar on outgoing tide; stay south of the channel off Ozone / towards SLSC if flowing out.
Must be the best place to kite in Vic also!

Post number 10 in the following link provides a good summary of the weekly summer wind cycle (optimistic version).

groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.boats/TQ0Hj2Ban-g