Hey just starting to get into this sport and wondering where the ideal beginner spots are in Mackay. I was looking at shoal point? Looks fairly ideal. Anyone else just starting out or getting back into it and wanting someone to sail with give us a yell! I have most fridays off and the weekend! Fingers crossed for some good conditions and suitable tides in the coming weeks :)

I only know of Yeppoon, South Of Mackay...

Not sure what the spot is like. Haven't sailed it

I have just moved to Mackay and want to get back into windsurfing as I have had a bit of a break. Haven't seen any windsurfers around,but heaps of teabaggers. This thread I found might interest you www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Queensland/Mackay-at-Xmas-any-chance-of-wind/
I reckon the place has heaps of potential especially since its been howling here the last week,I've just been too busy to make it to the beach.
Plan on purchasing gear over the next couple of weeks.

There are a few good spots.

Most folk sail off 'Far Beach' or 'town beach'. There are tidal issues and it can be a long walk home having done it once or twice . On a good NE you can head up to the mouth of the river.

We used to sail at Eimeo a lot (from the catamaran club) - not sure if any one sails there anymore.

There a quite a few good spots on the north side of mackay. Seaforth and Ball bay on a great on North Easterly.

Bruised

Hey Luke, give me a yell when your free for a sail. Grasstree Beach is pretty good with these Easterlies atm. I haven't done much lately so might need the beginners gear too! shoal point is a fair drive away for you.
Cheers Phil

Thanks for the replies lads! Phil you working friday mate? I bought a place in Mackay but im keen for a sail at grasstree on friday and maybe even saturday too? Tides should be good for it!

Going for a sail tommorow (friday) at grasstree beach got a 6m tide at 11:33am so ill prob be there before 10 to rig up. Winds are easterly 15-18km/h so should be fairly ideal hey phil?

I was wondering how you got on today as there wasn't much wind around.

yeah wasn't too bad ercorn, a little light but sailable, the main thing that was annoying me is being an easterly I kept on drifting back toward shore unless I was tacking really close hauled. It swung around to a south easter for a bit after 12 and I managed to get out in the bay and come back in with a little more pace. Definately a beginner though think I managed about 2 gybes and maybe 10 tacks cleanly without comin off. Room for improvement next session!

Actually, I reckon habour beach is the go. I have been down there a few times and reckon that if you drive north along the beach front you will find some good launching places. I will touch bases with you once I get my gear together,as I'm stoked there are others in Mackay that are keen to windsurf. Looking promising today.

Illawong is the place to go if you want to sail with other people in Mackay. You get 2 or 3 hours either side of a high tide. If the tide is up and there is wind there will be a few regulars there in front of the beach volleyball courts. There are a few regulars at the harbour also but the waves pick up there pretty quick once the wind gets up, not ideal for beginners or even intermediates in 20kts.

Hey Squid,what kit were you using while you were in Mackay?

My most used kit by far was sail about 6.5 and board about 100L. I was around 90kg most of the time I lived there. If you're lighter a 5.8 or so would get a lot of use. There are a lot of days over winter where it doesn't get over 15kts. If you don't mind collecting some bigger gear, like an 8.5 or a longboard, you could sail a few times a week.

Thanks for that. I am 80kg,so my big board will be 110 litres and small board 90 litres, as I am planning a few trips to Bowen once I get established. Sail ranger 5.0- 7.5.

Hey lads, went for another sail today at grasstree! had a bloody awesome session! water was much flatter and wind was much better! think im getting a little better to! stayed alot drier today then friday! anyway if anyone spots a white fanatic board and blue naish sail that'd be me

Sweet, I added some of these spots. A pretty good collection there. Cool!

schoolofsurf.com.au/windsurfing-spots-locations/central-queensland

Nice work with the site. Tides are all wrong this weekend. But next friday (the 11th) im up for a sail if anyones keen. High tides 10:50 so should go alright.

Hey Windy, if your heading out Sunday let me know and I'll pop down and introduce myself.

Hey mate, I really wanna go out sunday but I got me bday saturday so might b slightly hung over but we shall see! Had me first session at illawong today! Was great