Hey All,

Just moved to Adelaide from the Gold Coast and looking for some decent areas to sail.

Usually into bump and jump and wave but I've heard waves are a bit of a trek...

I'll be staying in Prospect, so Glenelg might be an option???? I'm assuming you guys get some decent seabreezes over summer? I'm at an intermediate to advanced level aswell.

Cheers,

B & J, Semaphore , Seacliffe and Kingston Park in the summer. Waves, Mid Coast ( Seaford ) & Middleton (near Victor Harbor )
I am sure Jn1 and others will be along soon to point you in the right direction . Friendly crew in Adelaide.
I personally only sail flat water at Boggy Lake.

Try semaphore south of the jetty as a starting point or north haven middle car park. Sea breezes late arvo Starting this time of year 20 - 25 knots normal a couple of times a week. Friday looks good...

Should be good tomorrow too.

Welcome to Adelaide Alec,

Hang around here a bit (also check out the windsurfing SA facebook page) and you will see where everyone sails,

Living around prospect I would say northern beaches, Semaphore, North Haven will be your best bet, especially now the seabreezes are starting to fire up,

These spots also give you good bump and jump options,

If you are looking for waves, mid coast and Middleton (south coast) is your go,

Aloha,

Dave,

north haven ,,semaphore ,, sw seabreezes ,,, marino sw storms ,,,,sellicks south easterlies ,,,uturns for best wavesailing goolwa and middleton beach on northerlies ,,, boggy lake and goolwa best flat water ,,,sems and northhaven get the strongest seabreeze in summer ,,,, it gets weaker as you go south until you get too the mid coast in which it turns the prevailing SE and funnels down the hills ,,, strongest being sellicks (button rd) ,, tempramental though i am comin down too spray the sems "wave sailors" over summer break

boggy got bigger waves than sems

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HaydenM said..

Hey Hayden, your post doesn't have enough commas ! . I'll come to Sellicks with you. I'll bring the slalom gear.

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HaydenM said..
comin down too spray the sems "wave sailors" over summer break

You coming home for a visit...
I better clean up your room !

<div>Windsurfing Adelaide Local Coast Beaches

This used to be on Onboard's website. I've reproduced about 2/5ths of it below and intend to post the Southern half at a later date.
<div>
Adelaide presents the advanced sailboarder with conditions as fun as anywhere in the world. Summer brings strong sea breezes ideal for all types of windsurfing. Our prevailing summer sea breeze is from the SW and from October long weekend right through to Easter it is generally reliable for 5.0 m sail or smaller sailing conditions.
<div>Ideal weather for local Adelaide sea breezes are daily temperatures of 22 - 27C with morning breezes from SE to SW. Any breezes from W - N - E work against the afternoon seaw breeze. An incoming tide in the afternoon also promotes a stronger sea breeze, as cold water from the southern currents flush into the shallow St Vincent Gulf creating a greater land - sea temperature differential.
<div>Most of Adelaide's local beaches have a sand bottom so there are no big rips or reefs which is good for intermediate sailors. In Adelaide you will see windsurfers spread far and wide at all the following locations:
<div>
NORTH HAVEN (enter via Australia II Drive)
Best conditions - NW'lies provide excellent flat water slalom speed donditions and ocean swell on the outside (inside on the odd freak day!). Good jumps are available beyond the breakwater. Sail from in front of the North Haven Surf Life Saving Club. Southerly sea breezes through to SE winds also provide good jumping conditions, sail from the next eastern car park. You will see a lot of kite surfers chasing the flat water on the Northerly days as well but there is plenty of room for everyone on the water and in the car park.
<div>
LARGS BAY SAILING CLUB
Good slalom in NE to N (clean airflow down the beach profides uninterupted wind). OK in in some SW'lies. Generally flatter water here than on some other northern beaches as it takse a long time to get deep here. The curved shape of these beaches allosw for safe landings after exhausting runs (or equipment breakages). You are almost guaranteed of beeing blown back to the beach, but be prepared to walk back up wind. The shallow bototm allows easy water starting and there are no problems with beach room or parking.
<div>
SEMAPHORE (N of jetty)
Good onshore wave conditions in SW to W winds. Can also b e good slalom in N'lies. Worst points - strong N'ly current - sail powered up!
<div>
SEMAPHORE (S of jetty)
The best beach for summer sea breezes along with North Haven. Generally 5 knots or more stronger here than other metro beaches during smmer. Being close to the dry North seems to enhance these convectional breezes. Also OK in Winter S'lies.
<div>
THE POINT AKA KITE BEACH? (at the end of Bower Rd, Semaphore)
Good for any S'lies that are threatening to turn SE. Also OK on a NW'ly.
<div>
THE CHICKEN SHOP (sorry no Chicken shop isn't there anymore but the beach still is)
This is an ideal location in summer, which tends to host the windiest sea breezes along the entire coastline. this is the place to windsurf late in the day after a good sea breeze, especially when all the other beaches have swung offshore and are patchy. The Chicken Shop will still crank a strong breeze till it is dark. Good grass rigging up area. The waves are often a bit choppy here s the wind has stayed strong all day, but you can get some great jumps here.
<div>
WEST LAKES
First timers can experience the flat calm waters of West Lakes. The Lake is a popular location with nice grassed rigging areas and a number of accessible car parks (e.g., Tirana Way - watch out for the radio control boats!). An excellent location for those learning or just looking to cruise aroujnd on a floaty board. Can be a good blast for slalom sailors in a howling S'ly but the lake tends to be a bit gusty from the surrounding buildings. Take the whole family and have fun!
<div>
HENLEY BEACH (sailed in front fo the local Henley Put)
Known to locals as "Front Yards" this beach has been regularly sailed for years by slalom and wave sailors, but tends to be more onshore compared to other locations. It can also be sailed in SE land breezes which occur late in the day. TIPS: Beware of the vicious shore break on windy days, and large freak swell patterns which frequent this location.

<div>NORTH GLENELG (Sailed just north of the Patawalonga breakwater)
This used to be a very popular beach for sailboarding. The recent construction of several large buildings and a Marina has caused this beach to be gusty in all but the best SW breeze. Swell size tends to be larger on the northern beaches, but the strength of the sea breeze is slightly less. In summer, local wave sailors get to sail conditions not unlike "Hell's Gates" in Geraldton (WA), with unreal port tack jumping and backhand wave riding. Slalom sailors get their thrills fro the icy smooth water inside the sand spit, ideal for the committed lay-down gyber. Beware of shallow sandbars and filthy water flushing from nearby locks.


<div>SOMERTON
This is where a regular group of sailors are keen to sail in any conditions. Most sail between the Somerton Yacht Club and Whyte Street. The beach is a popular haunt for first time short boarders, but still has talented speed and wave sailors ready to impress spectators. TIPS: Only sail on low to medium tides, as access on windy days with high tides tends to be tricky (jumping from the rocks - don't ask how people get in on these days - Insane!)


<div>SEACLIFF
Located between Kingston Park and the Brighton/Seacliff yacht club and in the lee of Marino Point, Seacliff is a reef/sand combination providing excellent wave/slalom conditions. Mainly a winter break (perfect for gale force SW'lies. The water conditions remain very smooth on Summer sea breezes, but these are lighter than on the northern beaches. Good in summer for the first time short boarder or slalom board gybers, as the water remains "chest" deep for 200 m to seawards. TIPs: Beware if the rocky shoreline in front of the local caravan park as it's quite hard to walk on and is fin munching. Also the offshore land breezes fill in here quicker than everywhere else and combines with early evening gully winds. Beginners beware - next landfall is somewhere on the Yorke Peninsula! When the breeze swings offshore here then it is time to pack it in for the day or head to the northern beaches.


<div>SELLICKS BEACH
Known to locals as "The Funnel" this is a gully wind location. When the temperature is forecast for a really hot day this place cranks some nuclear winds late in the afternoon. Sailed when the SW sea breeze has not arrived on Metropolitan beaches, but light SE winds are prevailing. Water surface conditions range from smooth to very choppy as the winds tend to be very offshore. When Sellicks is "On" it makes the Canary Islands look tame. Winds will range from 20 - 50 knots. Out of the question for long boards or inexperienced short boarders. TIPS: Only sailed after 4 pm in the afternoon, as this tends to be prime land breeze time. ultimate conditions for it to work are light SE to E winds in Adelaide and warm to hot land temperatures. Beware of Bullet Gusts!!

<div>WAVE SAILING LOCATIONS
If you are pre[pared to do a bit of driving and have some patience you will be rewarded with some epic wave sailing days. Here a few places to head:


<div>NORTH HAVEN
Some crew actually go wave sailing here in winter. On certain freak days there is swell and wind in the corner next to the breakwater. only works in a W or NW for winter. More big jumps than "down the line" action here.


<div>MID COAST
Just 30 minutes south of Adelaide on the coast "the Mid" has several top spots between SouthPort and Moana to ride in proper reef swells and good winds. These spots work best anytime in winter when the strong N'lies blow or in the S'lies during summer. The most popular spots lie between U turns and Seaford. Depending on the swell and the tide the easiest way to find the right beach is to check each car park and just look for other windsurfers whare are frantically rigging up. Else you can look over the cliff top and locate the sails out on the water. Beware of the walk up the cliffs and sometimes sharp reef. On lighter wind days keep clear of the surfers down there as well or at least let them have a few waves!


<div>ALDINGA (Snapper Point and Dead Cow Bombie)
head down past the Mid and Maslins to Aldinga Beach. Snapper Point has a big reef that you can sail when the tide is high enough or go 2 car parks north to sail t he bombie on any tide/. This p[lace works best when Seacliff is cranking in a SW or S'ly. It is an aquatic reserve and ALL sorts of fish are swimming around out there! Not a good place to sail on your own, Stick to sailing where the local hardcore masters are out and look after your fin! This place can get too BIG to sail on a massive stormy!


<div>KENT RESERVE (Victor Harbor)
Sail between the Bluff and Granite Island. Best wind direction is S'ly. Big jumps to be had!


<div>BASHAMS BOMBIE
A very fickle place. Best wind direction is SW, ok in S'ly. Bombie only seems to break in 6' and low tide. Wave can have steps in it so beware! Also beware of the vicious shore break near the track to the carpark. Best to walk a ways up the beach towards Port Elliot to launch/land.


<div>MIDDLETON POINT
Not ridden much these days as it is more of a surfing spot but it can be good if Day St is too big or too onshore. Also a good option in SW'ly on smaller swells for some onshore wave riding. Watch the rocks when launching/landing!


<div>MIDDLETON DAY ST
if the forecast is for strong NW or W'lies and all the local beaches on the Mid are onshore then this is the place to go. Mainly starboard tack heading out jumps. it can get over mast high waves here in winter so check the forecast/web cams before making the drive. This break can have some very big clean wave to s ride but there is often a bit of infamous windless dead patch on the inside which is really depressing when a 4 footer is bearing down on you - once you're down it's sometimes best to head back to shore and walk back up wind and start over (if your pride allows you!). once out the back you can get a very long ride in with a heap of top to bottom turns over the sandy bottom. If it looks to big and scary just watch the gurus sacrifice themselves - it is very entertaining!


<div>GOOLWA
this place works in the same conditions as Day St but is more exposed so the swell is always +1' bigger here and is a good option when Day St is small. Don't linger in the shore break!


<div>ROBE
The 3.5 h drive sought to Robe is well worth the effort in summer as it is a prime summer wave sailing spot. The bay is curved so you can windsurf anywhere along the coast to get side shore conditions. The swell is big, clean and predictable and works best in SE - SW winds. third Ramp is about 10 km N of town and is the ma9in windsurfing and surfing spot. You can drive off the main highway in any car or if you have a 4WD you could drive along the beach from the main town beach (1st Ramp). this is the location of the Easter Social Comp - Be there!


<div>BEACHPORT
this beach works in a Westerly with a touch of N. October Long Weekend often dishes up some epic conditions. The water is very clean and crisp with a sandy bottom and some good swells. it is about 1/2h drive from Robe. There is a big saltwater lake if you just want to blast on some flat water.


<div>BEACHPORT to PORT McDONNELL
This coastline is scattered with secret spots from "Pebbles" and "Black Fellows Caves". It hides some of the wildest coastline about and has people coming back from its beaches babbling stupidly about some over mast high waves. it is easier in a 4WD but you can still manage with a 2WD if you don't care too much about it! It is best to hook up with one of the local experts.

<div>INLAND LAKES AND RIVERS


<div>Being near the Murray River we have lots of freshwater spots to windsurf and most are within an hours drive from the city. Most places have a preferred wind direction but in the relatively protected waters of a lake you are always fairly safe.


<div>GOOLWA
Located S of Adelaide (near Victor Harbor) this freshwater olake is an excellent spot to learn to windsurf . There is plenty of room and good rigging areas along Barrage Rd. The Aquatic club is the most popular spot where there are also shops and toilets in a big car park. Right up near the barrage is alos good if there are lots of boats at the Aquatic Club.


<div>MILANG
Located on Lake Alexandrina between Goolwa and Strathalbyn, this freshwater lake is huge; 45 km across! It is generally slightly windier than Goolwa with less congested water. It is a long swim back so don't snap your universal!


<div>BOGGY LAKE
Found by some local Murray Bridge windsurfewrs in the early 90's this place is now really popular. It is a bit hard to find on your own but if you head through the hills from Strathalbyn to Langhorne Creek. Then head to Wellington, 17 km from Langhorne Creek there is a patch of wtger on your right. This is it! Head through the gate or follow the other cars loaded with windsurf kit, It is just a paddock next to a lake with no facilities at all, but it does have flatwater and the strongest and most consistent wind in nearly any wind direction.
<div>A farmer owns the land but he will let the windsurfers in there provided a few rules are followed:
1) no dogs
2) no burnouts or speeding
3) no litter
4) close the gate behind you every time
5) leave the sheep or cows alone
<div>For the speed sailors sail upwind to the speed strip next to the reeds on the south shore. If you cannot stay upwind on a windsurfer Boggy Lake mightn't be for you because there isn't a beach downwind that you can land on, but you can touch the bottom for about 200 m out so you can always walk back. Water starting is also easy.


<div>MENINGIE
Located on Lake Albert 200 km SE of Adelaide this is popular spot on the way down to the SE coasts (Robe etc). You can windsurf near the yacht club or caravan park. Get the right conditions and you'll be windsurfing fast on relatively flat water.


<div>LAKE GEORGE
This hot speed and slalom spot near Beachport is worth the 4 h drive from Adelaide. it is the flattest water speed sailing that has to be seen to be believed. Windsurfers on a police radar gun have clocked speeds of 70 km/h! You can drive out to the 'The Spit' if you want to get the rigth tothe best speed track or just blast off the 5 Mile Drift. Just ask the locals in Beachport.


<div>SAFETY TIPS
Now that you know more about Adelaide condition, remember these simple rules for SAFE windsurfing.
1. Always tell someone where you are going windsurfing and when you will be home or sail with a buddy
2. Rig your gear right - the first time. Avoid rig failure - you are what you rig!!!
3. Life jackets (occasionally policed)
4. Drink lots of water before windsurfing to avoid dehydration.
5. Water resistant sunscreen on sunny days is a good idea
6. Avoid collisions at all costs
7. Know your limits - ability and fitness
8. Beware of offshore winds

Hi all,

I just moved to Adelaide too. Thanks for the tips and the spots. It's a shame for Glenelg, the spot would be perfect and easy to access.
In my case, I don't have a car to move to the spots so I was wondering if there is a possibility to leave the equipment somewhere close to a spot. I have been told that Henley beach has some storage, is the spot good for slalom sailing ?
I am also super down to explore more spots one day so if any of you would go to semaphore or Lake George etc... It would be awesome if I could join you to share this session !

Adelaide is a car place. You need a car mate!

NORTH GLENELG (Sailed just north of the Patawalonga breakwater)
This used to be a very popular beach for sailboarding. The recent construction of several large buildings and a Marina has caused this beach to be gusty in all but the best SW breeze. Swell size tends to be larger on the northern beaches, but the strength of the sea breeze is slightly less. In summer, local wave sailors get to sail conditions not unlike "Hell's Gates" in Geraldton (WA), with unreal port tack jumping and backhand wave riding. Slalom sailors get their thrills fro the icy smooth water inside the sand spit, ideal for the committed lay-down gyber. Beware of shallow sandbars and filthy water flushing from nearby locks.



Hilarious!!
"Nth Glenelg just like Hells Gates"
I nearly fell off my chair.
Even when the marina wasn't there it was crap, now its even worse.

Best comment on this SA thread by far.
Well played sir,well played!!

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asdmuzak said..
NORTH GLENELG (Sailed just north of the Patawalonga breakwater)
This used to be a very popular beach for sailboarding. The recent construction of several large buildings and a Marina has caused this beach to be gusty in all but the best SW breeze. Swell size tends to be larger on the northern beaches, but the strength of the sea breeze is slightly less. In summer, local wave sailors get to sail conditions not unlike "Hell's Gates" in Geraldton (WA), with unreal port tack jumping and backhand wave riding. Slalom sailors get their thrills fro the icy smooth water inside the sand spit, ideal for the committed lay-down gyber. Beware of shallow sandbars and filthy water flushing from nearby locks.



Hilarious!!
"Nth Glenelg just like Hells Gates"
I nearly fell off my chair.
Even when the marina wasn't there it was crap, now its even worse.

Best comment on this SA thread by far.
Well played sir,well played!!

Fell off my chair as well Ian. Was good in its day but comparing it to the Gates not. Bahaaaa.