NSW
62 posts
Hi,
I am a beginner windsurfer and will be on the central coast staying at Budgewoi in a couple of weeks. Wondering what conditions are needed to windsurf there and where to launch? Also any areas of the lake to avoid? I'll be there in early to mid June so I reckon there will probably (hopefully) be some southerlies blowing :)
NSW
1855 posts
Peel Street if the wind is from W or N, there is a small park and block of toilets. Buff Point if the wind is more from S. The lake is very shallow and with heavy weed, you will need high rake weed fins like delta, kestrel etc. If you don't have the gear try Canton beach on the other side, still need a weed fin, but conditions are not so critical.
Good luck
NSW
62 posts
Thanks heaps powersloshin!
Is the lake tidal? i.e is it better on a high tide?
I will be hiring gear so I will ask if I can get a weed fin. Never sailed in weed/ lake conditions only flat water ocean. Any tricks to sailing with weed?
Thanks
NSW
1855 posts
I never noticed a big difference between tides. Sailing with a weed fin is harder to go upwind and easier to spin out, try not to push on the back foot.
The best tip I can give you is to look for the friendly local windsurfers, rig where they rig and ask plenty of questions.
NSW
183 posts
That is a great link tbwonder. Any idea what the lake level was a couple weeks back(11th and 12th of May), when Ian and I were down? I couldn't see a way to search back through the dates on that site.
NSW
753 posts
Ezric, It was very close to 25cm when you guys came down. I would consider that to be the perfect level. Others may disagree and like it a bit deeper.
NSW
9029 posts
Make sure you have a good wetsuit. If its windy it will probably be cold. Plus water in the lakes gets much colder than seawater in winter.
NSW
62 posts
Thanks for all the replies and tips. Hopefully there will be some wind when I am there and I might see some of you guys at the lake :)
NSW
185 posts
Not sure about hiring gear. Don't know where hire is available.
154 posts
and make sure you've got a weedie...
NSW
181 posts
Hi all....driving to newwy to "spend time with the inlaws" this weekend..... is budgewoi the best place to launch within range of Newcastle?
NSW
753 posts
Depends what you want.
If you want to speed sail in shallow weedy water with a 50 degree fin then Budgewoi is the place to be.
Otherwise Lake Macquarie offers a range of places to sail in deep weed free water.
Try Marmong Pt in anything North/West or South. There will always be someone at the Marmong windsurfing club on Saturday.
Coal Point or Valentine in SW to SE
Budgewoi is still pretty deep after all the rain, so may not be particularly flat, but if the westerlies get up around 30kts it will still be the place to be.
