Whenever I visit my folks (near Coolum beach) there seems to be wind and waves the whole way up the coast, but never see anyone out at Coolum beach. Is there a reason for that? Are you allowed to windsurf there?

Yes, normally you go out near Stumers Ck where it's there's a good rig area. Marcoola is a bit better though and is very close.

Select to expand quote

Zed said..
Whenever I visit my folks (near Coolum beach) there seems to be wind and waves the whole way up the coast, but never see anyone out at Coolum beach. Is there a reason for that? Are you allowed to windsurf there?

This used to be the go to place in the day , bunch of us would sail on the RHS of the SLC close but not too close to the head land , mid tide was best , it was always pretty cross on so we'd have to play chicken through the surfers in front of the break in front of the SLC . soon as the wind gets a bit South it doesn't work , and if you end up in front of the SLC or to its left you get done by the current and wind shadow . the 'clubbies' used to chase us away like we had leparacy they simply couldn't get their head around windsurfing .. back then you could jammy a park 9/10 on the angle parks just up from the SLC , rig up on a grass patch which is now the board walk path . straight down over the rocks short walk out in water and away you go ..

to get a park there now you'd have to turn up at 4am or reserve 6 months in advance . and the clubbies would be all over you like a rash ...

So yes you can , but it's not easy , I haven't sailed it for years , simply because I can never get a park

SE off Mudimba way less hassle no SLC issues just a few rocks to deal with , better wind but more BJ than wave, can be some fun bits around the island too . NE works best around the island .

marcoola and mount coolum is too onshore in SE .same as Peregian , Sunrise I've sailed them all

NE any of the open beaches work but you need to factor is super strong side sweeps , so you have to power up sail bigger to get out , then deal with the bigger gear once your out,,, not as crazy as Scarborough beach WA sweep/rip but there's more than one . so you need to get through a few before your powering ..
hence this is why so many locals switched to kitesurfing the open waters here . you don't need to deal with the same level of hard work ..:(

I'd like to sail it again . might have to camp out there overnight to secure my park !

couple of old pics for evidence ..as no one would ever see anyone sail there these days ....