Hi Harrysurfer,

There are only really a handful of good newbie spots in all of Perth. Melville is good but has gusty wind and no beach, and can get pretty crowded. If you go there, stay downwind of the main crowd.

Pinnaroo can be busy, has large chop in strong wind, deep water, and during holidays, loads of other beach users, a steep learning curve but probably one of the safest spots around (especially if we're there with the boat to help rescue when things get ugly).

Mullaloo is good but they also have issues with the public and the flagged swimming areas. Can have some nice small waves to jump off.

Peli point isn't an ideal learner area as there are so many sensitive issues there including but not limited to bird conservation area, pedestrian pathway, no beach, rocks etc.

Woodies can be ok on the onshore beach, but going downwind can be a worry

Safety Bay is probably one of the best areas and works well in SE to SW. There are issues there too with some of the windsurfers, but it isn't as crowded as other spots.

All areas have their pro's and con's. It will probably be more determined by proximity to where you live. Get to know the locals at your closest beach and ask them where you won't be in the way. Remember, everyone was a beginner once and you are only a learner for a short time if you put your mind to it.

Good winds,

Given that AKS is up at Pinaroo, I think it's pretty reasonable for people to expect newbies to kite there when they are working on their skill after they complete lessons...

I don't think anyone can really complain, just as long as you know your right of way rules.

harrysurfer said...

i don't want to be newbie who gets in people's way and crash my kite into theirs! since im using a c kite and can only relaunch 50 percent of the time i like to practice in waist high deep water. i've kited at pinnaroo and pelican point both seem pretty crazy at times but i don't venture out when the wind is over 18knts. im getting up on the board now and feeling more confident everytime i head out

your input would be greatly appreciated

Good question harrysurfer, and as a real noobie in WA, one who's answers I am also interested in. Since I live in Doubleview I will probably try to get up to Pinaroo Point. I had some lessons on the river (Lucky Bay) and appreciated the ability to be able to stand up after stacking it, but yeah, does get a little crowded on that tiny strip of sand, and it's probably better if I am forced to learn how to relaunch without standing up

Kitehard (AKS), please keep an eye out for a blue and pink 2008 North Rebel, and take pity on me as I trudge back up the beach from a great distance downwind

Learner's common mistake at Peli is to stay close in to the launching area near the wall.

This is the worst place to learn given gusty sh1tty wind, no marging for error, and most annoyingly, right in the way of everyone coming and going to land and launch.

Head out a bit at least past the fence. Plenty of room, plenty of water, and plenty of margin for error if you stay outside the buoys. In addition, less chance of giving others the sh1ts as plenty more room for them to avoid you.

If you have friends, get them to launch you out as far as possible. If not, ask others politely.

My two cents!

MellowYellow said...

harrysurfer said...

i don't want to be newbie who gets in people's way and crash my kite into theirs! since im using a c kite and can only relaunch 50 percent of the time i like to practice in waist high deep water. i've kited at pinnaroo and pelican point both seem pretty crazy at times but i don't venture out when the wind is over 18knts. im getting up on the board now and feeling more confident everytime i head out

your input would be greatly appreciated

Good question harrysurfer, and as a real noobie in WA, one who's answers I am also interested in. Since I live in Doubleview I will probably try to get up to Pinaroo Point. I had some lessons on the river (Lucky Bay) and appreciated the ability to be able to stand up after stacking it, but yeah, does get a little crowded on that tiny strip of sand, and it's probably better if I am forced to learn how to relaunch without standing up

Kitehard (AKS), please keep an eye out for a blue and pink 2008 North Rebel, and take pity on me as I trudge back up the beach from a great distance downwind

i ve been heading to melville and staying downwind of the gum tree still plenty of room if you drift. luckily i am now up and going and can go up wind so im stoked no more long walks back . went kiting on thurs(2nd time trying with the board)friday (just starting to go upwind) sat (it all started to click) sunday(had a ball) mon(4 hours mad fun) unfortunately couldnt kite today too buggered sunburnt, and sore eyes. melville is a bit crazy when its busy. im ready to hit the ocean i will start at pinnaroo if all goes to **** a 6pack of beer for my friends at kitehard.

I wouldn't recommend Mullaloo for absolute beginners because of the waves, and amount of families that go there, especially during school holidays and when the wind is light. Over the last week or two I have seen many near misses (or should that be near hits) with kites crashing on the beach within metres of small children etc.
If you are going to go to Mullaloo or anywhere else to learn please be aware that the general public have no idea of the dangers a crashed kite present, it is up to the kiters to try to keep there kites away from other beach goers not for the public to try and dodge/keep out of the way of out of control kites.
If you are heading to Mullaloo please do not go out near the surf club, head north to the end of the fence line to launch and if body dragging or losing ground down wind try to come back to shore before you get to far north as there is usually a lot more people the further North you go. And if there are people on the beach where you want to come in come in down wind of them.
Where ever you choose to learn please make sure you have lessons from a qualified instructor, have fun but stay safe and try not to put other beachgoers in danger, we want to keep all the beaches open for kiting.

East coast of australia is by far the best. They have the lightest wind, the friendliest locals and the hottest birds.

Safety bay nowdays is so crowded i wouldn't recommend it, what with speed merchants windsurfers who go really really really fast in a straight line(my heroes) and the pond inhabited with all and sundry trying new tricks.

Penguin island side isn't bad, but the water soon becomes to deep to stand and many a newbie gets dragged 100m or so woodies style till the beach curves around.

Basic rule of thumb: Check the wind/wave conditions(direction/strength), crowded-ness of spot and assess your ability to stay clear of other beach users. Your instructor should have given you a baisc run down on where to go and in what conditions.