Hey forum, I'm new to the sport and am looking at kiting locations close to me (Traralgon, Vic).

We're about an 1:10 from Inverloch and about 1:30 from Sandy Point/Andersons Inlet. I know these locations are really good. I'm just wondering if anyone has been to Hazelwood Pondage (which is only 20 mins from Traralgon) ? For those who don't know, it's near Morwell/Churchill in the Latrobe Valley.

Its a regular spot for sailing, power boating, wind surfing etc etc... But I've not seen much kiting going on over the years (although was never really looking prior to stopping all other things in life and focusing on kite surfing).

A few guys on a facebook page for gippsland kiters have suggested Lake Glen Maggie is an alternative, but suggest there's a few snags/tress that you have to watch out for. Theres also Lake Wellington near Sale....

Interested to see if anyone has had a crack at hazelwood... launched from where? in what wind directions etc?

I checked it out last week and it looks as though there are a couple of spot on the south west corner to launch from.

The warm water has to be a plus during winter!

It aint pleasant, but it can't be that bad ?!?

Warm water in Victoria in winter? Sounds awfully suspicious to me!

Stay in touch Munty - for those that don't know - Hazelwood pondage is heated all year round by the local coil fired power station - sweet for a winter kite!!
I hear it works best in a NW'r ?? Im keen to have a go this winter - local waters get down to around 12 deg or less so Hazlewood would be a comfortable change!!

Watch out for the crocs

22 degrees year round, thanks to the power station.

tried to upload some screen shots of google maps of the general area and south west corner possible launch site... but kept failing.

surely someone has had a crack at this spot ?

In the late 90's I wake boarded there..... Early mornings with steam rising from the water.
I'd say give it a go.

Any greens voters might want to avoid kiting at the pondage... Or make a day of it and throw in a protest at the same time ?