Hey gang - totally new to this and I am just after suggestions for a total beginner on where to learn and the types of wind conditions that are best on the Mornington Peninsula. No wind sport history either. 6m wing 95lt board. I have had 2 cracks in 20 -25kt winds on the bay in Dromana - bit too full on with the waves and a 6m for a beginner.
Cheers
Moose
You want cross to cross-onshore winds. 15-20 knots.
Onshore will blow you onto the beach and have bigger waves.
Offshore will blow you away from the beach and create a problem of how to get back. You might want to practice paddling and towing the wing.
You can try in 10-15 knots for the first couple of goes. You probably won't get going but you'll learn a few things about handling your gear and paddling and stuff.
Good access to parking and a short walk to the water. Grass for rigging and packing. Maybe some trees, shrubs or bollards to tie your wing to.
No rocks, especially on the bottom or reefs around you. No close interaction with boats or people.
If there's any kind of hazard downwind (rocks, people, boats) then you're certain to end up there.
Balnarring beach is quite a nice place.
Any of the beaches from Dromana on down in the right winds. You might have to walk out a long way at low tide.
Take a look on a map and work out what's good for you and what wind directions will be ok.
I'm also looking for the perfect spot for beginners on the bay. Suggestions welcome. Green point for Northerly winds. Hampton Beach for South westerly seems popular. However there is only about 50m of beach where you can enter from. There is a long stretch of reef along the beach so if you can't get back to where you started from you have to do the walk of shame and most likely scratch your new foil in the process.
Dromana is a great spot on a SW or S wind..
PM me and I'll join you when you are heading out next..
The beach from Mentone down is mostly free of rocks. There's a few clusters near the Parkdale yacht club and the cafe opposite Parkers road. Balnarring to Merricks is mostly sand around the edges. You can see the obvious reefs and rocks Google maps aerial imagery.
Rocks are more of a risk when launching. You walk/paddle out and jump on then the wind and waves sweep you down onto the rocks.
Coming in it's more of a self discipline thing. Many people are focussed on riding all the way into the beach and they don't think about rocks and the bottom. You need to take a decision to stop, check the water depth and bottom conditions, and if necessary flip your board over and paddle/swim/walk it in. Wear booties.
It's important to learn to relax with a foil and go with the flow. They have a tendency to amplify things and throw it back at you. Relaxing and taking your time about stuff makes things much easier.
Thanks everyone for your tips and suggestions. Sorry for the really late reply I lost my login details and forgot that I had to use an old gmail account that I never use to register for this site. Looking forward to seeing you all out on the water some day.
