Hi,
I am visiting Tasmania for a couple of weeks in mid October. Staying in Shearwater. Have been advised Port Sorrel (also Baker's beach and Stanley) area suitable for a relative novice (can go upwind etc). Any advice much appreciated. I am guessing a 5mm wetsuit?
Thanks,
Matt
Hi Matt, 5mm is overkill for mid October imo, 3/2 will be more than adequate. Hope you have a great time and get some decent winds for your visit, you've got the good oil on the locations to check out. Might see you if your heading Stanley way. Cheers
Hey Matt, I've recently moved to Port Sorell so I can share a little.. I windsurf mainly but also beginner kiter and have found Baker's better for kiting as has cleaner winds in westerlies which seem to be the main direction. Port Sorell is a good spot but I've found it very gusty... Had my kite fall out of the sky a few times due to lulls, easier to windsurf I've found... But I probably just need to improve and/or kite in stronger winds.
Stanley is awesome especially in NE every time I've gone, just a bit of a drive but if the winds on who cares
As for wetty I've been wearing a 5/4/3 with booties during winter and I've been really comfortable, but 3/2 or 4/3 if you really feel the cold would be fine end of Oct.
Shoot me a message when you're down, otherwise see ya on the water
Thanks guys. Really useful stuff. Will definitely get in touch when I am in the area. Is port sorrel a shallow spot? I have not been in deep water much as tend to Kite in Christchurch NZ where we have an estuary that is not more than 2m deep.
Ha, cant comment about sharks but don't think its an issue in tas.. definitely currents as it is a rivermouth, but theyre easy to spot. Depending on the tide heaps of shallow water in the bay
Cool, thanks! I only ask about sharks as I saw that a great white was spotted at Stanley back in March?!
Where abouts exactly do you kitesurf at Stanley? Ideally looking for shallow flat water spots. Thanks!
Hey, generally I prefer kiting in the water.
Stanley depends on the wind direction, its all shallow and flat-ish, Peggs is the deepest spot as your not in an inlet there:
Easterly / North Easterly - Peggs Beach or East Inlet.
Westerly / South Westerly - West Inlet (access on Green Hills Road Stanley) or maybe Anthony Beach (7mile beach)
You want about 18kn or more to have fun.
Marrawah can be hit an miss, have been there and wind speeds were being reported as 20k - 30kn @ Cape Grim but was lucky to get 5kn on the beach, as per the spot guide for poleys: www.thespotguide.com.au/TAS/GreensPoint/GreensPoint.htm
When will you possibly be about?
Hi guys thanks for a great thread! I'm originally a Devonport boy now living in Sydney. I'm coming down for two weeks over Christmas and wondering whether I should bring my gear or not. Beginner kiter (practiced a fair bit of kite control and body dragging. Just starting with water starts). How consistent is the wind in late December? Want to make sure I'll have opportunity to go and make it worth paying for the oversize luggage. Cheers!!