Hi,
We have an opportunity to be holidaying at Smiths Lake for Xmas, Staying at Sandpipers cabins apparently its right on the edge of the lake. Also Wallis lake is near by as I look at the map of the area.
I haven't been there before, so my wife the kids and I we are really looking forward to the break.
So has anyone been there and is the lake windsurfable???,
Wondering if Anyone can give me a preview of what to expect up there.
Hanging out for your replys. Thanks
Adriatic Blu
Hate to burst your bubble but the lake is open to the ocean at the moment (done illegally). You will be able to sail out the front of Sandpiper in the deep channel that is left, good for learning on lighter days but a bit flukey if the NE picks up. If a decent SE blows it will be not a bad little speed run. Had the same conditions last January. It will be better to sail from the kiosk/rental spot at Tiona on Wallis Lake (the guy who runs it is a sailboarder) if you want a decent run. I'll be camping at Sandbar in January and have ka sails so say hello, as usually I'm the only person sailing Smiths.
Use to stay at Sandpipers myself. It use to be awesome sailing up there. Opening up the lake to the ocean may have changed things a bit.
Hi. Sail Wallis lake.One of my favourite all time locations.For a N/E go to what i think the locals call Dots point.This is the best Flat water sailing spot I have ever sailed.Access is via a dirt track,on the hill about 500m before Tiona caravan park.(marked by no camping sign).Sailing from the rental shop is great for the kids but can be a bit of a hike through the shallows to get out into the wind.For a southerly go down to the sailing club which is a couple of k's down the road towards Forster.There is a channel out front of the club with a sand bank on the south side which makes for perfect fast,flat sailing.Talking about it is making me wish I was going.
Might see you there.
Hi to all,
From the sound of the replies from you guy it is all positive and sound like a fantastic place to holiday. I am very excited about the place now and can hardly wait to leave.
Sorry Johno I know how you feel the past 8 years we haven't been able to holiday at all work always interupted any plans, so when this opportunity came up I jumped at the offer. I am sure you will have some time soon to get away as well.
My only concern is the illegal opening of lake to ocean what does that mean is it safe???
Anyway can'nt wait
thanks again guys for the info
Hey gh will you be there from the 1st of jan we will be around there that time
Adriatic Blu
When the Lake is opened to the ocean the water runs out quite quickly. Once flushed it usually seals up just as quick.
It all depends how long ago it was opened - my guess is by xmas/new year it will have almost completely closed up with just a shallow (ankle deep at the most)trickle - pretty safe - the opening is fair way around from the Tourist Park, so the Kids (if you have any) will be safe too.
HI,
Thanks DavMen so the lake does'nt lose all of its water that a relief still sailable then and as mentioned safe. thats great.
Adriatic Blu.
With the lake open how is the lefthander at the entrance?
I remember surfing it a few years ago on a decent swell, it was quite "nice"
Also any bitey's been seen?
Adriatic Blu
I'll be there from the 29th of December. The lake is still sailable but a huge area will be sandbanks. The spot mentioned above near Tiona is Booti Point, a great spot but the track in is rough, needed a 4wd last year.
gh
latedropeddy
Don't now about the swell but last Xmas (lake was open again)a teenager ended up with some bite marks in his board after an early morning surf by himself.
gh
Hi,
Hey gh we will be there as mentioned for xmas to the new year so I will see you on the lake also maybe will a new KA sail if my darling wife allows me to have a spending spree in our recession if not then on my tushingham and tabou board.
We could take a day trip to wallis lake as the other guys suggested for longer runs, should be good see you there.
Adriatic Blu
The track is goood, a little rough but ok to get a van in and out.
The area at the base of the track just been slashed by Pete. So its nice and grassy.
I shouldn't say either, but it is one of the best flat water sailing areas I have sailed in a N/E for years, actually probably ever.
The area is reasonably shallow with fine white sand. And usually a few degrees warmer than most areas in the water.
Top place for the family.
