Hey Trousers
I have recently moved to Mackay and I reckon there are some great places to sail here. Most of the local sail at Illawong beach,however this place is relatively flat,even when blowing 20 kts, so for the style of sailing I prefer, pretty boring.
Habour beach,North Wall, looks awesome in a decent blow. This is the local surfing beach,not that there are many surfers here. I was there yesterday to check it out. Nice cross shore wind 15-20 kts (according to my anemometer), and a nice 3 foots swell which I reckon would provide some nice jumps and waves. All the locals ride big gear,but 105 liter and 5.9 should get you out enough. The last week here it has blown 20- 30 kts constantly,so I think your mate has done well coming to Mackay,although he might have to do a little exploring. Another option is Bowen, about two hour drive North. This is a nice quaint little town with a variety of locations. BTW, not all beaches are affected by the tides,so by my investigation, as long as you want to do a little searching there will always be places to sail. This may be an overly optimistic view of Mackay for windsurfing, however, I have spent the last couple of months without gear deciding where to sail and what gear would work,therefore, the place has awesome potential which has proved itself to many many times over these last months.

Also,make sure a stinger suit is worn, $30 from Woolworths.

Sailed north wall heaps in the 80's. Used to go off in a S/Easterly, sail 100 to 150 metres downwind from the breakwall. Used to be able to drive along the back off the beach but its fenced off now. The sandbar that goes from the lookout at Lamberts out passed Slade point used to have its moments at low tide also.
The sandbars from the harbour to the mouth off the river can be fun if the tide is right.

Have had great sessions at Blacks Beach on the northern beaches, even gets a little reef type wave in the middle, was cross shore, awesome.

had a good little session today at illawong beach bit light on ~ 10 knots but still had fun practicing some tacks and gybes around the wrecked car in the water. if anyone sees a blue naish sail out thatll probably be me thinkin bout heading down again tomorrow for anzac day

windinyaface said...

new harness and shorter 38cm fin coming my way!

Noice one Luke, good to see your getting out. Can you send me a PM with your number, I lost the last one. Cheers Phil

another good session today!! got about 2 hrs out on the water!! learnt a coupla things, the right moment when to change your foot work whilst doin a non planing gybe!! feels good when you pull one off cleanly.

Dennis and Peter out, didn't do to bad on the little 5.3 had some nice planing in gusts

Hey Luke, keep missing you mate, I sailed Illawong on saturday with a few others. Anyway keep up the good work.

True!!! I was busy sat otherwise woulda been out. Our paths will cross sooner or later!

Thinking of getting one of these in the next few months (standup paddle board) you can put a sail on them and they are fantastic for light wind wave sailing on small 1-3ft waves! Im thinking it will be perfect at North Wall and also the headland at Slade Pt going into mcready creek looks great to! Sets are far apart and are full and take ages to break.

Much appreciated

Hada go of the new 6.2 Naish today went well in the light NE before lunch! If only the tide was a little later today! Oh well always Sunday :D

im pretty keen to head out during the week, maybe wednesday/thursday?