Hello all,
I'm just been offered a contract for 3 years in Melbourne (I'm from Ireland). Was wondering if anyone can let me know the year round weather conditions i.e windspeed, direction (onshore, offshore etc) air and water temps.
Kiting time plays a big part in my move. I weigh 115kg so need a bit of puff to get me going!! Also need to start planning for some new toys if my current kit won't suit!
Thanks for your help guys and gals!
MadG
Mate how come your profile says's Australia
you have stated you live in Ireland... mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm[}:)]Bad start
Although i have never lived in Melbourne but have visited several times, all i can honestly say is that 1 min it's nice next it is shizzzz.
I am sure people who live in this area for kitting if any will give you the down low in time
Fix Your profile!!!!!!
Best of luck if you take your new job.......
O and what is your current gear?
Profile fixed. I whizzed through the registration and wasn't paying attention. Definitely not in Australia yet....!
Hey MG,
First bit of kit you will need is a car/wagon/van... be prepared to travel a bit, depending on the weather, and you will kite in some great and varying locations. Melbourne offers access to the bay and open coast in east and west directions. Travels times of 10 mins to 3 hours will give you some World class spots, so day-trip or weekenders are amply catered for. Lots of gear space is handy if you want to be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you.
Next bit/s of kit is a big kite and/or a big board... (let's face it, you're a big fecker) you wont need this all the time, but if you like to kite often you will need some light wind weapons. The Victorian seabreeze can be a bit thin sometimes. A 16m bow/SLE or a 18-20m C kite should do, but only if you're that keen. A big mofo early planing twintip or a nice floaty surfboard will help.
A shorty suit for the heat of summer, or a 3x2 if you feel the cold, but you can get by with shorts and a rash top if your good at staying above the water. You'll want a 4x3 and booties for winter outings. The booties will be handy at some bay locations due to sea urchins etc.
Other than that you should be OK with a 13-14m kite, and a twintip suited to your height & weight, for most of the season. A 9m kite for ballistic days, probably wont get too much use, but it will last you for more than just a few seasons.
For details on historic weather stats etc, go to the BOM www.bom.gov.au/ more specifically www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/ca_vic_names.shtml
The most important bit of kit will be your AKSA tag. You can get it from http://www.kbv.org.au/ for your kiting pleasure in Victoria.
Cheers,
AzzA.
PS The KBV website also has lots of Victoria specific kite goodies on tap.
MG
I moved over from the UK two years ago. I can say that I have kited all year round. Summer rocks and if you are used to Ireland then winter is going to be a breeze for you.
Look us up if you decide to come over and we will show you the best spots.
BTW, if your employer is offering you a 3 year contract over here you would be MAD not to take it. Melbourne kicks any European city into touch mate!
Email me if you need to ask any questions (where to live etc etc).
Cheers
Junglist you tease, we all know melbourne weather is crap and totally unsiuted to any form of kitesurfing whatsoever.
And why dont you have a pommy accent!!!!!!!!! 
SSSsssshhhhHHH!!! I want him to rent one of my houses 
The accent? Well after two years listening to you lot I think I have been assimilated......resistance is futile!
Good on yer cobber
Thanks for the replies guys. Should find out in the next 4 weeks...but looks like I'm coming to Oz! Bringing my 12M and 8M Liquid Force Havoc's with me!
Thanks for the offer Junglist. Reckon I'll be in touch shortly!
Dumb question...do the Irish get branded as Poms along with the Brits or do we end up as something else???
You will just be known as Irish.Or Paddy.
If you kite with us,you will be one of us.
Beware though,Irish jokes are very poular.Most Irishmen (and Kiwis) keep a small stock of Aussie jokes ready! Usually involving sheep and such!
Example: A Kiwi with went in to hospital for an operation to have half his brain removed.
When he woke,the Surgeon said to him," There has been an awful mistake.We accidentally took your whole brain out"
The Kiwi responded with "She'll be right mate!"
You might have to come here to get that one!
MG, irish are very welcome here and are top of the expat UK social pecking order! Love Guiness mmmmm beer
Grrr...Ireland isn't in the UK!![}:)] Although Mrs. MG is English and baby MG I guess is half and half. She'll be bringing her Irish rugby jumpersuit though...
Look forward to much mickey taking and beer consumption. Great way to round off a day on the water. Sadly much of it may be directed at my kiting ability (or lack of).
