Hi all,
It's off the windsurfing theme but I figured this may be the best place to post it...I've been considering immigrating to Tas. in the next few years, I'd be interested in hearing from people who have made the jump across the ditch, how they found it, the good, the bad, the ugly? Any information greatly appreciated. 
If you are looking for a job - FORGET IT!
If you are looking to sail - EXPEDITE THE MOVE!
Hi chilla, I moved to the mainland 4 years ago but still come back to tassie for summers. It's a small place, the pace of life is slow and cost of living is much lower than the big island. Our concept of a long commute is 50minutes and you Can day trip to almost anywhere. Summers are spectacular but the winters are cold and long, if you work 8-5 you'll leave home in the dark and get back in the dark. If you're into outdoorsy stuff you'll find everything you need from bush walking to whitewater. If you're a going out for dinner/events kinda guy you'll want to be in or near Hobart, otherwise just go and find your own patch of land in a lazy little town somewhere serene.
The windsurfing scene is awesome, everyone either knows or knows of everyone else and there are heaps of get-to-gethers, particularly in the south, sailing happens all year round but you WILL need a decent set of wet suits to get by.
My wife and I moved down here 8 years ago. We live in the north-east and love the place. Here it is quiet apart from holiday season from Christmas to Easter. Apart from those times, I go for an hours walk on the beach and it is unusual to see, let alone pass anyone else. I haven't found the winters too cold and regularly go sailing in mid-winter with a 5 mill wetsuit and little else on.
Lifestyle here is very laid back. If you want a job, well that may be difficult. More employment available in the major centres of Launceston and Hobart.
As for the windsurfing, around here the prevailing wind which is a westerly comes across the mountains and is gusty. When we get the summer winds which are more from the north there is great sailing to be had, wave or flatwater. We have some of the best beaches in Australia down here, you won't believe them till you see them. Definitely no wave rage here, I sometimes even talk to the occasional kitesurfer.
Great year round sailing can be had in the Launceston region with good flat and waves. Westerlies there are across the water and are nice and steady.
To sum up, we would never even consider moving back to the mainland, never, never, never. For a start it would mean a divorce, no joke. Just a word of caution, we get people who shift to our town and they last around 12 months and are gone again, I think the call of the family can be strong, don't expect the rellies to come and visit you, it rarely happens.
Thanks for all the information, work and rellies no problem for me. I like quiet way of life and outdoors. Was wondering if the cold gets a bit much at times?
I moved to hobart almost 3 years ago. Originally from germany, so I'm used to the cold anyway (-:
Have travelled around the mainland, and my favorite spots are WA and Tasmania.
The wind down south is pretty good. Not a lot of people at the beach, so plenty of space. If you don't have any trouble getting a job just come down here and try it. Its very relaxed here, cheaper than the mainland, and from my point of view I think that tasmanians are the friendliest and most helpful people in australia. I really like it. Good place to settle down.
Select to expand quoteChilla said..
Thanks for all the information, work and rellies no problem for me. I like quiet way of life and outdoors. Was wondering if the cold gets a bit much at times?
No the cold isn't that bad at all. Just wear the right clothing and your laughing. All you really need for winter is a goose down puffy jacket and your toasty. Water wise a 4.3 wetty, booties, hood or helmet and maybe some sailing mittons from our local distributor Damo. The snow is really pretty too. We sail when it's snowing on Mt Wellington.
Select to expand quoteriverider said...
Not cold at all down here
This is a Tassie forum. Not Canadian.
Select to expand quoteKazza said...
All you really need for winter is a goose down puffy jacket and your toasty.
...Um? What's a 'toasty'?...Where I come from we put cheese on them....
Chilla if you haven't already done so check out the Red Bull comp held in Tassie last August. The second day of the comp was held at Back of Lighthouse which to some is the best wave sailing spot in Tassie........................... and up with the best in the world.
www.redbull.com/int-en/events/red-bull-storm-chase
