Launch at the northern end of umina at the end of Barrenjoey road. Anything form SW to S to SE is good. The current can be strong at the northern end so you need to know what it's doing. High tide gives good waves over the bar for beginner wavesaling. An outgoing tide is good as it helps keep you upwind and keeps the waves standing up but is risker if you get in trouble. Another option is to launch further north (About 200 metres) where there is easier access but current is strong here.
I've tried it in a NE but found it a bit fickle and gusty as the wind coes ver box head. Lauched from southern end of umina just before the road goes round the head to pearl. Maybe I'll try pearl next time. There is a good launch site about half way up near the kids playgroung with grassy rigging area and easy access to beach (no dune fences to walk down like barrenjoey rd at umina).
