Hi there!
I am new here.. and in fact havent sailed for about 25 years.
We recently bought a block of land out near Wivenhoe and Somerset dam and made a passing remark on the weekend on the way out there that it must be blowing 20+ knots out there to my partner (not a water person) given the whitecaps on the dam.. "you could probably sail out there".
So I have started something unwittingly ..
Yesterday at an auction he picked up an old Bombora slalom board and two complete rigs.. $12! I rigged them up last night in the garden and they are old but complete and in fair condition. Ok.. I think they are probably from the same vintage as I last sailed.. but maybe we will get along just fine!
So now this has evoked all those memories of sailing on the coast in my teenage years.. long hair trailing in the water working hard to sail faster than the boys! As time has evolved, I am greatful for a slalom board and not a wave board anymore ..and think this might be something fun to do with the kids.
But I am Brisbane based now.. where is good for me to crucify myself (I supect it will not like riding a bike) and to take the kids for a sail that is a bit quiet? Are there any good spots on the Wivenhoe or Somerset dams that anyone knows of? Any other suggestions welcome!
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Jana
Great to see you getting back into the sport after such a long spell off the water. Hopefully it gives you the same fix it used to.
One thing I will say is that the gear has changed a lot since you last sailed and is now a lot more stable (boards) and forgiving (sails). The width and length of the new boards have increased and decreased respectively providing super stable platforms that can handle the chop and smooth the ride. The sails have become far more user friendly also with the flex in the top part of the sail allowing them far more range and far less tendency to throw you over the handlebars. So if you get the chance take a ride on the new gear, possibly hire it, and give it a try, it might help you get the best out of the sport.
Back to the dams. I used to treck up to the dams in winter to take advantage of the westerlies but then through the drought we stopped. Also because I found out you could sail at Wello in a westerly. We used to go to Summerset, Wivenhoe and Muggerra and had a great time.
HI,
Thanks for your reply! I have no doubt the equipment has progressed light years since I sailed last..hahaha! Definitely will have a look at some newer gear at some point once I have my sea legs back again. Actually would love to kite surf really but I am not fit enough yet...
Great news that the dams are ok to sail :-) Do you remember where the good spots to launch at Somerset and Wivenhoe?
Cheers!
J
It's been a long time but there seemed to be ample spots and I guess once you get there the wind direction will dictate where you go in from. I can't remember being far from the main camping grounds.
Hey, you should launch from logan inlet at Wivenhoe.
It must be a stronger wester wind... the wind can get fickle / unpredictable... but you won't notice it much if it's strong.
Wello would be the best tho
