Hi Ive just moved to Lake Munmorah and wanted to know where the best places to windsurf in a NE.
Depending on what you do. For wavesailing you live five minutes drive from Fraser National Park where you'll find Birdie Beach. I'd suggest getting a $22 (around that) annual National Parks pass - well worth it because there is also Fraser Beach (great surfing) and other nice parts in there to explore (good bush/coast walks etc). Birdie is cross-cross off in NE and always has swell. During summer me and my mates sail here most NE'rs.
Flat water - the southern end of Lake Munmorah gets good NE, again five minutes away down at Budgewoi. You also have Vales Point in Mannering Park which is on Lake Macquarie. Ten minute drive and in my opinion much better that Lake Munmorah. Park at the boat ramp, grassy rigging area and at times a couple of sailors. Nice long run in very consistent wind plus great wind chop.
There is also Swansea channel for real good bump n jump. Being a channel just be cautious of direction of current as it is open to the ocean. Park on the south side of the channel at Swansea Heads.
Lake Macquarie definately has more options to offer and you will have fun trying them all, and it is only up the road from you. You live in a central spot to some very good windsurfing spots in all wind directions.
Might see you around, Peto.
Peto,
Re Birdie, how do you pay for a daily visit. Is there a 'ranger' on duty or is it an honesty system? I haven't sailed at Birdie but at Norah Head/Soldiers a few times and only seen 1 x kite and 1 x wave sailor at Norah. Is Birdie better or are you put off Norah due to the surfers?
I've found Norah great with a S/SE swell.
Yeah Tomp I agree, Norah is great in south swell off the point - very clean wave with NE wind. Surfers aren't a problem, as anywhere just give lots of room/respect. I have sailed Norah plenty of times but it is very inconsistent on the point. Birdie is far more consistent and will have swell when everywhere else is flat. Give Birdie a crack and see what you like better. I think you will get on the water more and have a more satisfying sail at Birdie.
As for fees in the park. I think there is still parking machines at both entrances where you have to pay with a credit card ($7 entry per day). They removed the coin option due to theft I believe. But, if you arrive after around 3 to 4 o'clock on any day you will get away without paying as the 'rangers' have usually knocked off. $22 annual pass is great value. Without ticket or pass I still think it's a $70 fine. There is an office at the entrance off the Pacific HWY where you can buy annual passes or visit the website.
Thanks heaps peto, ive got it sussed in all conditions except NE, ol pete and mick kay have been taking me to the aquatic club, sorta near canton. but not great wind consistence, the sailing i like is the easy stuff, trying to go fast, slowly, Hehe, im looking for as flat as possible, with some sweet flat gype banks, i guess, as close to botany as possible
Milsy,
The slips at Belmont is popular in NE. Gets good breeze & pretty flat as it offshore.
Shingle splitters beach & lots of other places on the western side of lake Macquarie probably have better NE & more chop.
Tuggerah Lake gets great NE but dirty water & must have weed fin. Mostly at the Fish Coop at North Entrance. Has a big flat speed area & wide spaces in the chop but the launch is pretty foul.
have never sailed at Vales Point, might give it a go. Anyone know if Vales Point has razor clams?
For a southerly try Umina Beach, I am getting sick of sailing there on my own & it is worth the trip from your place. see this google earth link for the location, the tracks are from my GPS last Sunday.http://www.ka72.com/viewge.aspx?fid=18076&tid=0
thanks peto. if the rangers are even half as bad as manly then worth a few dollars to save a fine. it's more like $87. will check it out this summer although the NE has to co-operate with work/family/car!!!
Hi guys,
New to the Furms, and couldn't resist commenting on. Great memories of that area from about 10 - 15 years ago. Windsurfing was a big sport up there then.
I used to live at North Entrance and there are many good NE spots. Lake Munmorah and Tuggerah Lake struggle with weed these days though I think. I used to bash of the southern end of Lake Munmorah in a NE. Strong as anywhere on the coast and good wind chop, but I think you would struggle with the weed now though. We used to sail off the Fishermans Coop on Tuggerah Lake too. NE'er was stronger there than anywhere ealse on the lakes.
Norah Head / Soldiers is great in a strong NE. Used to sail there heaps about 10 - 15 years ago. The left hander off the island is great fun. Wind gets a little fluky there but it is nice wave over a gentle reef if you are just beginning in the waves. We would drive up there from North Entrance, rig, and blast all the way back down the coast to the Entrance. Huge fun. Pelican is a spot just south of Soldiers Beach - cross offshore and the wind strengthens nicely between the two spots. Great fun indeed. Then it is just downwind reaching and wave sailing all the way south to the Entrance, awesome stuff. Rubber leags and arms by the time you get there!!
The other spot that is great, but in a southerly, is Towoon Bay. Great spot to launch safely, good flat inside section and easy access to the open ocean without any hassle. Wave on the point to jump if you are keen.
