Hi Everyone,

I'm planning to head out on Sunday which is currently forecast to be a 12-15kt SW.

I usually go from Hobsons Bay and Sandridge Beach, but I'll have a bit of time on Sunday, so can travel a bit further.

I was thinking perhaps down Elwood way, but I'd be keen for some recommendations given I'm still pretty green.

If it helps / matters, I'm currently on a tencate longboard, but hoping to upgrade soon ??

Thanks,
Simon

Hello, Simon,

The forecast for Elwood is that there will be some rain on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Whilst Elwood can be a good learner area in low winds, the rain may cause a lot of water to be discharged from the Elwood drain (at the south end of the beach) and a prevailing water current takes the discharge from the drain past the Elwood clubs and then toward St. Kilda. If the water is badly discoloured, it is not wise to sail there. Local windsurfers refer to the area around the drain as "Pookipa", a play of words on the Hawaiian sailing spot of Hookipa. The "Poo" is self-explanatory.

Also, you might care to ensure that you do not sail past the rocks at the north end of the beach (about 200m to the north of the beach caf?). The area past that changes from sand to BIG rocks, which are difficult to negotiate if you end up in that area.

Elwood is a great place to sail, but only in the right conditions.

The car park at Elwood is fee-payable and is usually haunted by grey ghosts. You can park on the Esplanade for free and then walk through to the beach.

Hope this helps.

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WindmanV said..
Hello, Simon,

The forecast for Elwood is that there will be some rain on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Whilst Elwood can be a good learner area in low winds, the rain may cause a lot of water to be discharged from the Elwood drain (at the south end of the beach) and a prevailing water current takes the discharge from the drain past the Elwood clubs and then toward St. Kilda. If the water is badly discoloured, it is not wise to sail there. Local windsurfers refer to the area around the drain as "Pookipa", a play of words on the Hawaiian sailing spot of Hookipa. The "Poo" is self-explanatory.

Also, you might care to ensure that you do not sail past the rocks at the north end of the beach (about 200m to the north of the beach caf?). The area past that changes from sand to BIG rocks, which are difficult to negotiate if you end up in that area.

Elwood is a great place to sail, but only in the right conditions.

The car park at Elwood is fee-payable and is usually haunted by grey ghosts. You can park on the Esplanade for free and then walk through to the beach.

Hope this helps.

Excellent info - thanks Windman!

I've read reference to Pookipa, now I know what it means ;)

Inverloch, lots of sand bars to keep you safe at low tide and an on shire wind. 1.5 hr sth of Melbourne

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kato said..
Inverloch, lots of sand bars to keep you safe at low tide and an on shire wind. 1.5 hr sth of Melbourne

Thanks - I wish I could, but that would have to be a whole weekend trip for me (I'm already 45min west of Melb) - definitely on the bucket list though!

At the moment I'm leaning towards Cairn Curran Resevoir, given the advice above about the bay!

Baker sailor..You could try Hampton beach left of the Life Saving Club looking out to sea. It is sheltered by the Yacht Club breakwater and has a big sandy beach. To the right of the Life saving Club their are usually guys sailing but the water gets rougher the further away from the brreakwater and it gets rocky. Only downside is the wind is effected by the Breakwater but is fine for learning on a floaty board.

Geelong area... point Henry, lake connewarre, barwon heads river all great beginner spots

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mr love said..
Baker sailor..You could try Hampton beach left of the Life Saving Club looking out to sea. It is sheltered by the Yacht Club breakwater and has a big sandy beach. To the right of the Life saving Club their are usually guys sailing but the water gets rougher the further away from the brreakwater and it gets rocky. Only downside is the wind is effected by the Breakwater but is fine for learning on a floaty board.

Thanks! Hampton looks great from the maps - I'll definitely pop it on the list :)

It seems though, every time I look at the forecast the wind drops, so I better stop looking at the forecast!

Cheers

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red said..
Geelong area... point Henry, lake connewarre, barwon heads river all great beginner spots

Yes, been looking at this area for a while - where would you recommend as launching spots for Lake Connewarre? I can't see obvious spots from the map...

Cheers

Hello, Simon.

Re Hampton: you'll need to buy a parking ticket if you sail there, otherwise an excellent learning spot.

On the beach side of the road, to the north of the traffic lights at Small St, there is a big sculpture of a swimming lady. If you park anywhere a between those two points, you'll get access to the beach.

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BakerSailor said..

red said..
Geelong area... point Henry, lake connewarre, barwon heads river all great beginner spots

Yes, been looking at this area for a while - where would you recommend as launching spots for Lake Connewarre? I can't see obvious spots from the map...

Cheers

Southern end of brindsmead lane ( Leopold off bellarine hwy) is launch spot.. 2km long runs across lake.. no deeper than chest deep

on south west at elwood it will be pretty onshore, if it's south west maybe try dendy st. but parking is a bit of a hassle.

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I ended up going to Cairn Curran Reservoir, as it was nearby someone selling second hand gear.

Had a great time, although the lack of wind meant that I didn't really get anywhere. The other drawback, the sailing club there has a great grassed area to rig up, but when the dam is at only 35%, it's a 100m walk to the water! That said, it was a great spot, and I'll definitely return.

The other great news is that I'm now the owner of a Starboard Carve 151, with a few sails! (sorry, only got a pic of the Ten Cate)

Cheers, Simon

The carve is an alltime great board. Good choice