Not much flatwater around Ballina. I would recommend Clarks/main beach Byron Bay
in a NE. In Ballina you can sail near the (east) Ballina bridge if it's NE or strong southerly.
It gets a wave on lower tide with decent swell although probably not really safe on your
own.

Otherwise maybe head to Yamba, try this link:

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/Lake-Wooloweyah-near-Yamba-NSW/

Hi Mark,

I grew up windsurfing in Ballina (about 10 years ago now).

I would sail at the Richmond River Sailing club (yellow cross) in SE-S & W winds. Fairly easy to sail although the tide runs quite quickly so need to keep that in mind if the wind is running with the tide.

In nearly all other conditions I could sail in north creek (orange cross) launching at the serpentine although low tide can expose sand banks and become shallow in a lot of spots.

As tomp mentioned, the other side of the bridge can be a bit tricky as the tide can be strong and it can prove hard to sail back to shore where the wind is sheltered in a NE.

heading down to Ballina lakeside this Xmas.
Is shaws bay there any good for the kids and mrs to play around on a beginners kit?
Does it get the NE?
Thanks