Hi all,

Ive just moved to Elwood and wondering if people windsurf at Elwood beach? If so, are there any restrictions or things I should be aware of? Where would you launch etc? I live closer to the northern part of Elwood beach so would be handy if I could just drop in there. Thanks!

Hi Steepy81

Windsurfing is ok in Elwood with the exception of the area in front of the Elwood life saving club, between the shore and the two markers 200m from the shore on either side of the Elwood Life Saving Club. The other restriction is 5kn speed limit within 200m from the shore in other parts of the beach.

Popular launch spots are Dawson Ave, point ormond and front of sailing club depending on wind direction and convenience. I usually launch around the kiosk as it's closer to where I live.

See you on the water soon.

Hakan

Hi Steepy81

Windsurfing is ok in Elwood with the exception of the area in front of the Elwood life saving club, between the shore and the two markers 200m from the shore on either side of the Elwood Life Saving Club. The other restriction is 5kn speed limit within 200m from the shore in other parts of the beach.

Popular launch spots are Dawson Ave, point ormond and front of sailing club depending on wind direction and convenience. I usually launch around the kiosk as it's closer to where I live.

See you on the water soon.

Hakan

The northern end of Elwood (aka Point Ormond) is better for the S/SSE summer seabreezes; the southern near the stormwater drain (aka PooKipa), is good for a bit of sideshore-wavesailing in a S/SW.

If you find the summer seabreeze is not quite strong enough, ( in my experience...) Middle Park tends to be a couple of knots more breeze.

Steely...There is a regular crew who sail either at Elwood Sailing Club or around the corner at Dawson Avenue. No problem sailing there just need to be aware of the no boating zone in front of the Life Saving club which is clearly marked. Might see you there if we ever get wind again!!

You can sail almost anywhere provided you observe the 5 knot speed limit. In reality the 5 knots gets stretched a little bit when there's nobody around.

There are some designated "shared wind sports" areas. I'm not sure they give us any actual rights, but they give us a moral sense that we can play in these area. Unfortunately they are also lovely beaches so you get lots of swimmers and beach goers in these areas. It's usually fine if you wait until later in the day when the wind picks up and the people have gone home.

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/478982/Elwood-to-Seaford-boating-swimming-zones.pdf

Thanks for all the information everyone. I will be moving into Elwood shortly and hopefully see some of you out there.