Hi everyone,

I'm Gabriel. I'm moving to Melbourne early August for work.

I'm considering bringing my kit over (it is a massive (and expensive) pain trying to get it over to Australia!) and it has just occured to me... What are the conditions like?

My current kit consists of Starboard Kode 113L, Kode 94L, sails 4.2 to 7.6. Basically go anywhere do anything type equipment which I'm quite attached to! 80-85kg sailor depending on time of the year...

Is it mostly slalom, wave, speed or freeride? Sail size-wise are we talking sub 5.5 m most of the time or over?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

How long are you here for? A long time, then buying second hand might be cheaper.The bay is J&B so the Kodes would be fine as would the sail selection. Flat water and waves are a 1-2 hrs away. Wind at this time of year could be 0 kts to 35kts, summer gets a sea breeze 15-25 kts.

Thank you for your reply.

I'll be in Melbourne 1-2 years with potential to remain indefinitely.

Shipping as cargo on the same flight I'm taking is approx AUD2200 for 80kg - which hopefully I can get my employer to pay for -> trying to justify it.

It is unlikely I will be able to sell my kit in France before I move to Australia hence why I would like to bring it with me. Buying a car/van + kit + paying rental deposits etc. would be too much to invest in the space of a couple of months when I arrive. Plus finding a whole quiver and the right sized boards etc. at the right price takes months if not years!

Hi Gabriel, In Melbourne you have a huge variety of wind in the course of a season and if you intend to sail mainly closer to the City on Port Phillip Bay the water is pretty choppy. The gear you have sounds to me ideal as a start and you will use it all...you may want a smaller board at some stage as it can get quite rough when it is 4.2 weather.

Thank you for the advice. Fingers crossed I I'll manage to ship all my kit over in one piece!

That gear sounds fine for Melbourne but don't expect much sailing in August, its the coldest month. Things start to improve in September though. Out peak months are December - February but you get some good days in November and March too.

Will be great to have another sailor on the water, make sure you let us know when you arrive, we have a pretty active Facebook messenger group which is very useful too.

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Relapse said..
That gear sounds fine for Melbourne but don't expect much sailing in August, its the coldest month.

I've been sailing all winter in England for the past 3 years; I think I might be ok in Melbourne :D 5mm wetsuit, boots, hood, mitts etc...

We get great winter storms if you like it windy and you will be cosy in 5mm suit.

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Nelle said..
We get great winter storms if you like it windy and you will be cosy in 5mm suit.

A good 4/3 is fine

Another option to consider for windsurfing gear is to join up as a member at Wassup Oz down at Chelsea. Members have access to a whole range of quality gear to suit the conditions for all levels and styles, freeride to slalom. I joined up in the past year and it has been the best thing I ever did for my windsurfing as it makes the whole thing so easy - full range of gear to choose from, instruction available from Wassup Oz Instructor, beautiful spot with direct beach access, shower/change room, BBQ/fridge facilities and a good friendly vibe. You can also store your own gear there if you go with that option. www.facebook.com/pg/WassupOZ/

you should bring all your gear, purchase a car.
we sail in summer 10 to 40 knots, spring suit to 4.3mm.
winter 20 to 40 knots. in winter you don't stay on the water as much it is cold even in a 5mm.
occasionally we get a 50 knot days.
see you on the water

Update: Have arrived in Melbourne and am settled in.

Kit shoud arrive in the next couple of weeks (hopefully in one piece) and I will then need to buy a car!

I've been added to a facebook group chat and it seems there are a lot of sub 4m days!! May need to invest in some even smaller sails...

Looking forward to meeting you all

Welcome to Melbourne Gabriel.