Hi,
I am an intermediate windsurfer moving to Sydney from California Rio Vista - Delta area and am wondering if I should bring my gear (Kona, 155L and 117L and 5 sails (ezzy/naish) - shipping cost will equal replacement cost in Sydney I think). I prefer flat water cruising and no off-shore winds
Does anyone know how Sydney compares to San Fran or the Delta?
I could not get a good feel for the general wind conditions - one site says predominant winds are South while in summer its NE. Kurnell charts seems even better than the Delta - but with different directions - so probably storm winds?
Sailed at Balmoral one time - and may land up in North Sydney - so what is the scoop on Narrabeen - how many days and wind direction is common there.
Should I bring my Kona, which is fun for light winds to 16knots - but long and heavy, and Sydney vehicle requirements (van?) concerns. Not that keen on Formula or sails over 8.0.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks
Brad
Your gear sounds pretty good for Sydney. Most flat water sailing is done in Botany Bay. The best wind is the summer sea breeze which is normally between 18 and 25 knots from the NE and most windsurfers sail in the lee of the Airport runway. In the winter the wind is normally from a Southerly or Westerly direction. Narrabeen is fairly gusty and the runs are short. In Balmoral the wind is normally less than the airport by between 5 and 10 knots and is only really sailed in a NE. The Kona would be good for cruising around the harbour in the Balmoral area in most directions as the drive to Botany can be long on occasion depending on the time of day. Van is ok as long as fits in the garage where you are staying. Trailer is hard to park around most areas.
Regarding Narrabeen, it has its days. In spring & summer the western end (Middle Creek Reserve) gets the NE sea breeze as it funnels down headlands between North Narra and Collaroy.
It usually comes in a bit earlier than other spots but gets very gusty later in the day. Best from probably 12-3 in the afternoon. It does have short runs compared to Botany. There are also sand banks but if you ask, the fence sitters, sorry, locals will give you the info. There is a decent car park with taps and toilets but it is pay and display.
In winter the westerlies come from the opposite direction and like anywhere are gusty as due to coming off the land. Rig and launch from Bilarong reserve on the northern side. Bit of a speed strip upwind under Pipeclay Point where 40 knots runs have been done.
Its a pretty safe place if you get into trouble as its pretty shallow with weed and sand banks and you will wash ashore at some point.
Welcome to Sydney, have heard about the Delta and know a guy from there called Spennie/Wind Junkie.
Be prepared for easy going Aussie sarcasm, we put **** on everyone and everything as its our national pastime but its light hearted.
Introduce yourself and you will get lots of help and advice. Hope this helps.
OK - thanks a ton - I will bring the Kona. Thanks for all the updates. Never met Spennie but the Delta is a great spot - rvwa-siko.org/ . Will definitely check out Botany and Nararabeen.
