I'm planning a visit to Sydney in Nov/ Dec - ages away I know, but wondering if there are many options for flat-ish water sailing around Sydney with hire of equipment? It may influence where and how long I stay, and booking of flights! Any info from those in the know would be really appreciated 
Cheers, Becs
Lots of flatwater options around Sydney. Botany Bay, Narabeen Lake, Palm Beach. The guys at Windsurf N Snow at Collaroy have all the gear for rent.
No hire gear on the beach - you will need your own transport once you hire your kit- or alternatively hook up with a young winsurfer with transport and gear.
I recommend going on a trip or two out of Sydney, there are some sensational locations. Number one spot has to be Jimmy's Beach, Hawks Nest (2-3 hours north of Sydney). Beautiful clear flat water, dolphins chasing you etc etc, its heaven. Another location just to the north is Wallis Lake, I believe there is gear for rent there. If there is time perhaps go for a trip Huskisson, Jervis Bay, about 3 hours south and another beautiful place.
Quite a few flat water options then! Jimmy's Bay sounds gorgeous 
I guess from what you said there's no kit for hire there? Thanks for all the info, gives me a lot to check out! So many places.... Is it best to check out windguru or are there better sites over there?
the forecasts on Seabreeze are good for getting idea how the wind will develop during a 24 hr period. However, from my experience the forecast is always less then what you actually get. Especially the Botany Bay/ Wanda/ Cronulla area always seems to get more wind that what is forecast.
RE spots, both Wanda (suburb of Cronulla) and Gerro (approx. 90 minutes South of Sydney) can be great flat water spots when there is no swell around. A quick look at the cams on coastalwatch.com.au will give you an idea what the waves are doing.
Gerroa is probably what I would consider the most consistent and windiest spot during summer. The NEer Seabreeze is generally 5 to 15 knots stronger than in Sydney. Rule of thumb is...
- if there a NEer at 5 to 10 knts in Sydney, Gerroa will be a fun 20-25 knts.
- if there is a 20 - 30 knt NEer in Sydney, Gerroa will be a crazy 25 - 35 knts.
- if it's blowing a 30knts+ NEer in Sydney make sure you'll bring a towel to Gerroa because it will be blowing 40knts.
Either way, Sydney can be a lot of fun during summer. There are the odd years with below average NEer Seabreezes but last summer for example was great...
