Not so good for windsurfing. Usually anchor your boat in the lee of an island out of the wind. The only good windsurf spot I sailed was in the Gloucester passage
north of Airlie beach near Bowen.
Sailed at Daydream on their hire gear years ago. I remember the tides were huge and the current was really fast. Would have liked to have some decent gear as it was really windy the whole time we were there. Not sure if that is the norm for the area or not.
Sailed there a few times over the years but I remember taking off from the park near Coral Sea Resort but some staff from Hamilton Island sail around there a bit.
Long Island, Shute Harbour, Hamilton/dent are all spots that I have sailed or know others that do/did. Arlie to Hayman was once a race, as was a massive long one from Mackay to the Whitsundays! Hard to believe! Others have 'island hopped' using long boards. Windy destination in the SE season.
Lots off offshore sailing on the wrong side of islands, so it's gusty.
whitehaven is the place to windsurf. northern end of the beach at the river mouth you might even get some waves.
Sailed off Whitehaven and into Hill Inlet, only on a sup, fabulous place.
Sailed from several islands, but you anchor on the leeward side and therefore
not very good for windsurfing, which is why i took a sup.
I've only sailed long-boards in the Whitsundays (including the Mackay to Airle Beach Marathon in 1987), as the launch sites are usually in the lee of land in the SE trades.
Bowen / Mackay is a better bet if you are looking for short board beach launchsites
I usually sail at bowen, but I`m keen to explore new spots around the islands when time permits. (Bloody house renovation!!)
Bought a 6m boat 2 years ago for that reason, but only kited whitehaven once on a 10-12 knot day, and South Molle on another occaision.
Got to be lots of great spots around all those islands, just a pain getting out there when there`s a decent wind blowing.
If your ever in town Al, pm me, could show you around, maybe get some great shots for the mag!