I just got back from the aloha clinic in Maui where I learnt the basics of wave sailing from Matt Pritchard and shawna croopa. Good times!
On Sunday I'm going out for my first wave sailing session. I'm pumped.
I am going to torquay. Anyone got any tips? Are there regulars who go there? Rocks? Dead spots etc?
Sail at pt danger - you need high tide. It is about as easy as wavesailing gets in Vic. You're gonna need some small sails too!
Pt Danger should be going off! If it's your first time though - be mindful that kiters will also be in the mix, so sit and watch for a start if you've never sailed with them (my first time sailing Pt Danger was with an even mix of >20 WS & kiters), and ask a local for advice on where to position yourself within the traffic. I found it a bit nerve racking for a start, but as soon as I realised that the tea-baggers and poleys have a good system there with everyone working together, I relaxed and enjoyed the sesh.
The same can't be said for SUPing the same reef earlier this year with a couple of SB surf-nazis - not as pleasant an experience unfortunately.
I'll be in Geelong with family (and no gear) on the weekend...heading home Sunday (3hr drive), might drive out to Torquay to catch a glimpse of the sailing. I might catch the last of the breeze when I get home - I hope.
Select to expand quoteAl McLeod said..
Sail at pt danger - you need high tide. It is about as easy as wavesailing gets in Vic. You're gonna need some small sails too!
good tip Al,
the forecast is 33 knots. im 75kg. how small would you recommend?
33 knots...I'd be guessing 3.8m ? ...or "handkerchief" size in layman's terms. What's the swell size forecast to be?
Most sailors in Melbourne will have something between 3.5 - 4.0. Just depends on the rest of your quiver really.
Well I didi it!
I wave sailed Torquay
30 knots and big messy waves. Honestly it was beyond my level but I still had fun. Most guys were on 4.2s. I rigged up a 3.7 naish session. First time I have sailed it. I probably rigged it wrong but it was horrible. Either totally over powered or dead. I had to do the walk of shame to get back.
So I rigged up my new severne blade 4.7 knowing that I would be over powered. And I was. But it was easier to control in the gusts than the 3.7 naish. It was smooth power. The kind you can sheet out and not just get blown over.
The blade impressed me. The session is now for sale.
Can't say I caught any big waves. Just a few baby ones. Had fun though.
The guys who sail there are all friendly and helped me navigate the entry. Thanks.
