Ello there. I'm looking into buying a first board (
), but am total novice and no idea where's good to practice!! Nearest water is Elwood area. Have had a few lessons, just need to put in the hours I reckon next. Any suggestions?!?!? Read somewhere else you shouldn't really go out on your own, but how do you know where others are??? all seeming a bit mysterious!! -- apologies for the 'dumb' questions.. but you gotta ask right!!
Elwood is a good spot on the right conditions (ie light seabreeze) as it's onshore. I started learning there also. There's nearly always someone out in summer time at elwood, and plenty of people on the beach. I'm sure there's other appropriate places in the bay. Besides here the local shops would be the best people to ask about where, etc.
I used to live in Melbourne and sailing on the bay can be awesome but also difficult if your still learning (we're all still learning something). If you really want great places to learn... Inverloch, Point Henry and Lake Connewarre are all flat, safe and open... Most only 1-1.5 hours from Melb.
Another good area is down the southern end of the bay as it remains shallow for a long way out, but Elwood is fine, just a bit more swimming for you. Always remain safe and DON'T go out if the breeze is of shore.
Hi Arty,
Welcome to the addiction!
There's plenty of great spots to explore... and a cool bunch of locals where ever you end up.
Keep checking the Vic forum- WV uploads a "where are you sailing?" forum which is a great way to find some sailing buddies...
Like Red said, there's some awesome waters a bit further out of town- with spots
like Swan Bay over near Geelong, the lakes around Ballarat, and of course, Inverloch, on the South Gippsland coast. Once you start looking, you'll never have a problem filling your weekends with new places to sail!
Hope to see you out there!
Big breezes
I cut my teeth on Lysterfield Lake, right now I am guessing the fresh water will still be nice and cold..... great place to avoid the onshore waves of the bay
Best direction is N but depending what you are learning on any wind direction will work except for East.
Years ago they had a ranger on a rubber ducky chasing windsurfers off the water just before the gates closed or if they didn't have life jackets...
Close to Elwood you have StKilda Harbour. Its sheltered and shallow.
What windsurfing have you done previously?
The ideal place to pracitice is Sandringham Harbour on Jetty Rd, next to the Yacht Club. Sandy Beach HQ windsurfing school is located there and gives the best instruction around. They also have demo gear to try. You can contact Mike or Jono there on 95982912. Good Sailing!
Thanks for all the tips!!! Fantastic stuff ... Followed SHQs advice and got out on the water at Sandringham today... going to go and have a look at Lysterfield Lake tomorrow...
Lowrider - maybe I'll see you on on the water somepoint!
Jermaldan: not much experience, did an intro five years ago (on about two hours sleep but that's a different story) spent a week on the water in Thailand (nr Pattaya - would definitely recommend it) about a year ago but since trying to get out on choppy water here totally felt like i was back at square 1- thanks all for the words of encouragement and pointing out spots that are a bit kinder on someone just starting out!!!!
Inverloch Windsurfing Club is planning a number of beginner/intermediate training days this season. The Inlet, where we sail most, has protected waters, so on most days the chop is considerably lower than what you would encounter on Port Phillip Bay. Chop can be very disconcerting when you are a beginner. (that is why Sandringham Beach is also a good option) The Inlet has sand banks everywhere which is great when you get into a bit of strife. 1 1/2 hours drive from Melbourne makes it a full day but plenty for the partner and family to do. Sailed Lysterfield Park Lake as a beginner a few years ago and it can be challenging. The wind gets a swirl up and is gusty so you have to have good balance.
Keep an eye on the Club's website or become a member as we always have something on the go and are a friendly bunch
inverlochwindsurf.org.au/
