Hi,
I am in Sydney from QLD for a few weeks and wanted to go for a sail whilst here.
Can anyone recommend a good spot for an advanced beginner in a southerly? I am looking at going on Sunday and there's a forecasted 20knt+ from the SSE.
I also have to help a mate move on Friday morning on the northern beaches, in the arvo I was hoping to get a sail in. Someone at home mentioned Narrabeen Lakes? in a NNE (Friday's forecast)?
As I am here on my own and I am not that advanced I'd appreciate some advice on suitable spots.
Thanks in advance.
Hooda,
If you are happy to stay on the northern beaches then you can sail at Middle Creek Reserve on Narrabeen Lake.
Its the far western end of the lake near the Sydney Academy of Sport. Wind is onshore as it funnels off Narrabeen beach and Collaroy. Its usually gusty as but good fun and always someone around fro some advice/pointers. Off Wakehurst Parkway.
Try Kyeemagh near the airport runway for long runs and more consistent winds, lots of friendly locals down there too.
Hope to seeya on Friday arvo at Lake Dangerous 
A bloke broke his neck windsurfing at Narrabeen Lake from what I've heard. My wife saw a little shark there once too. However it's mostly harmless.
Anyway if the the forecast southerly comes through and you prefer flatter water then head up to Canton Beach on the Central Coast. A weed fin is needed there. I have a few videos on utube showing what it's like up there.
Thanks for the responses.
Did a bit of internet research and didn't come up with much;
So what winds and strength does Narrabeen Lakes or Lake Dangerous work in?
Is the lake depth effected by the tide?
Are the shallow areas marked?
Thanks again.
Dave
A bloke definitely broke his neck there windsurfing, I remember it, would have been in the late 80's
flatwater or waves?
try nswwavesailing.org under spot guide, full rundown of Sydney & east coast.
Botany Bay (Kyeemagh) or Wanda (Cronulla) for NE.
Sunday try Little Makaha which is Long Reef point or Newport if you are up the beaches.
For Makaha launch off Fisherman's beach Collaroy side, a bit tricky to get out although there should
be a few sailing there. Tack up to the point, probably one of the best spots in SSE on east coast if
there is swell getting in 
Hey Dave,
The lake is affected by tides (open at North Narrabeen beach) but it isnt major. There are shallow areas with weed and sand banks but ask anyone down there and spots will be pointed out. Its a pretty benign place to sail but can get sweet sometimes.
In a nor-easter or sea breeze it usually starts out around 10-15 around lunchtime and increases during the afternoon. Usually around 5pm it swings a bit north and can get up to 25 knot bullets.
It also works in W around to SW and then SSE to SE. Absolute crap in staright South and N to NW.
So for your stay today and tomorrow look sweet for sea breezes and Sunday even better for SSE.
Hope you have fun. Ill be down after work today and tomorrow around 4. There are a few retirees there around midday so just ask.
They will be the ones sitting on the "Log of Knowledge" and gasbagging 
Kyeemagh or Dolls Pt, worth the drive on a weekend for NEs.
Wanda I don't see on a NE (too 45 degrees), better on a southerly.
Narrabeen OK on a NEer, not really affected by tides - the channel for the lagoon is smallish (fun to float in when the tide changes, btw, but watch out for clams - wear boots). Few maneating sharks there ;)
As someone said above, don't even think of it if the slightest chance of a change to anything S.
Balmoral OK on a NEer once you get out Middle Harbour.
From there, go walkabout at Grotto Pt, couple of abos touristy things there.
Thanks for the responses guys, appreciated.
Still a bit confused if Narrabeen Lake will be any good in a 20knt SE?
Kyeemagh in a 20knt SE?
Thanks again.
Just don't wanna mess up a chance for a sail on Sunday as I can't do this arvo anymore!!!
Dave
Narra is good in a SE. Not as strong or as long runs as Botany but very flat water under the sand/weed banks.
Botany is bump & jump. Lots of guys to sail with.
If your staying northside then come on down to Bilarong Reserve on Wakehurst Parkway. Introduce yourself.
Cheers.
Select to expand quoteJfunk said...
A bloke definitely broke his neck there windsurfing, I remember it, would have been in the late 80's
Isn't that why the 24 hr winsurfing marothon started
Think it was a fund raiser for him mid 80'
Select to expand quoteBone43 said..Jfunk said...
A bloke definitely broke his neck there windsurfing, I remember it, would have been in the late 80's
Isn't that why the 24 hr winsurfing marothon started
Think it was a fund raiser for him mid 80'
Was mid eighties.i remember sailing there at the northern end on the eastern side of the lake and another windsurfer pointed out some shallow rocks to me and told me to be careful as someone had recently hit a rock and had broken his neck.
If you are an advanced beginner then Kyeemagh can be challenging in 20kn+ southerly. It's not uncommon to have a metre or more swell in the middle.
