I've just started windsurfing in Hobart, using a Alpha Waikiki (massive board from the 80s?). I am asking myself why I chose to learn in Winter (scraping ice off the windscreen to go windsurfing seems counter-intuitive), but I'm having a blast, just starting to use the harness and managed a couple of water starts.

I was wondering what wind prediction services / reports are best to use for the Derwent? I have to plan my outings a few days ahead (so I have the car and it fits around looking after our babies) and often the wind promised by the BOM model forecast does not eventuate!

I've purchased a intermediate 120L board (just waiting for it to arrive in Tassie). In an endeavour to be more adaptable to different wind conditions I've started looking at different sail sizes. I have a 4.7, 5.2 and 6.6. I'm thinking something (or maybe two somethings) between the 5.2m and 6.6m would be handy. All of this is on a budget and I've seen a few 1990s sails around for $50ish -- Are these worth it or have sails really improved dramatically since then? (I have 4m and 4.6m SDM 30% masts)

Anyway look forward to maybe seeing some other windsurfers out there ... one day!

Cheers,
Klaas

Hello Klaas, welcome to the club. I'm up in St Helens so I won't see you all that often but I do come down there sometimes just to help teach some of the blokes the more advanced stuff. Ant's forward loops are not to be believed until you see them. I'm sure you'll enjoy sailing with the blokes and hope to catch up one day.

The Derwent is a great place to sail, but be great if you could come over to Doran's one day when it does look like there'll be a few out (you can normally judge by posts on this forum) and look at some of the gear that's being sailed and perhaps have a try on it. There is some merit in getting some of the newer gear that is easier to sail and often not too much more expensive than the older gear, if buying second hand. Sounds like you're already well and truly on the right track though (and might not need any more gear at the moment), but if you are panning on getting more stuff, I recommend you do come and see some of the gear people are sailing locally and talk to some of the local sailors - or post questions here, as you have.

There are a heap of good weather forecasts out there, but the BoM is usually pretty good. If you look and the Marine Weather forecast, you will see a map of TAS (or Hobart if you zoom in) and can look seven days out at what's forecast.

hey Klaas,

The Bom and this site are good - Also Wind guru.

In case you dont know Dorans referes to Doran's Road, Lauderdale. where we launch from.

W also sail in the cremorne lagoon when it's southerly, also known as pipeclay lagoon of honey wood drive

Come along and see us some time,

Klass I go to Tassie surf it's got the lot

www.tassiesurf.com/

click on Coastal Forceast and Marine Winds 7 Days

You can also go to the BOM observations that will give you up to date winds

As Dave said come over to Dorans in winds from NW to SW and meet us but I will warn you we are a bunch of obsesive compulsives

Select to expand quote

houston said...

Klass I go to Tassie surf it's got the lot

www.tassiesurf.com/

click on Coastal Forceast and Marine Winds 7 Days



And thats why Houston has no idea when to sail!

Sorry Klaas meant to say some like Buzzy sail in the bath with his toy duck

Thanks a lot for all the tips guys.

I've tried Doran's a couple of times and it seemed to be worth the drive, a lot less gustier than when I went on the Western shore. At the moment due to family constraints I'm mainly sailing early mornings 6-8am (yup, the first bit is increasingly by moonlight!), but I'll try to get out there at a more reasonable hour sometime to catch up with you.

So as I understand the best places to go for different wind directions are:
NW-SW Dorans
S Cremone Lagoon

what about the remaining half of the compass? (At least Northerlies are not that infrequent...)

What adjustment do you use for Droughty Point wind? (I've heard 50%?)

Also if its not common knowledge, MAST reckon the Ironpot weather station is being looked at by datacall (the website is non-functional, although the SMS data request still works). They are hoping it's a problem on the server side -- if a visit is required to the station it will apparently take yonks.

Cheers,
Klaas