Hi all,
After some business trips from France, I am now in Adelaide for several years. Thanks to gmitton (and his gear), I have had the opportunity to sail during these trips and since my final arrival last month. i have discovered few spots (north Haven, Middleton...) and some new faces on the beaches.
As my windsurf gear has arrived yesterday in the harbour (after 2 months on the sea), I will have it very soon (after Customs process). In France, I practised mainly slalom and foil windsurfing. Even if I am happy to practice more in waves and bump & jump conditions ((and may be try to loop), I really want to enjoy the days with flat water and low wind (under 20kts). I am very surprised because I have not seen anyone windurfing in these conditions...
Is there any slalom/foil windsurfer in Adelaide? On which spots?
In order to carry all my gear (too many boards/sails according to my wife), I am looking for a trailer but it is not easy to find something... If you have any idea or if you see something good...
Thanks
See you soon on the water!
Soto
There is a pretty big divide in styles in SA.
If you go to Boggy Lake, Stansbury or Murray mouth youll find plenty of guys into Slalom & speed, using big multi cam race sails on slalom boards going very quick!
most of these guys steer clear of the unprotected spots and focus on finding the flattest water to post the best GPS speeds.
As you've found at the coastal spots, even the metro ones without waves, Slalom doesnt exist. There is heaps of people out, but barely anyone uses a sail above 5.7 or a board over 95L. its all freewave + wave & the guys chase ramps at the windiest part of the day. I guess the chop is just too much for slalom, even on the calmer days
So that leaves a pretty big gap between the camps. There is a few freeriders at Seacliff sometimes but not many. I guess its a skill thing too. The coastal guys focus on waves & jumping/looping , the speed guys want be going 40 knots. So generally everyone sticks to their suitable gear and suitable spots and chooses not to cross over.
Thanks. My slalom gear will go to the sea less than in the past... But that's also good to switch to waveriding practice. It is never to late to learn forward loops.
However I will miss slalom / foil / speed (already passed 41kts) and I will check the spots you mentioned...
Semaphore is good for flat water. I need to introduce you to Clive. Or Lake Gorge is u want to break a speed sailing records...
For speed, join the Bogan speed team on GPS Team Challenge. Popular flat water spots are: Stansbury, Lake George, Murray Mouth (Sugars), North Haven on a northerly. www.gpsteamchallenge.com.au.
For speed, join the Bogan speed team on GPS Team Challenge. Popular flat water spots are: Stansbury, Lake George, Murray Mouth (Sugars), North Haven on a northerly. www.gpsteamchallenge.com.au.
You forgot Boggy Lake jn1 , that is where most of the Bogan's sail ( even though it is not your favorite spot ) Wind is always 5 - 10 knots stronger than the forecast in summer due to the sea breeze effect.
Thanks. I will study all these spots to be ready for next time. What are the good conditions for Murray Mouth and Boggy Lake (the closest spots of your list)?
I created an account on gpsteamchallenge but I cannot find it or activate it without any team...
On GPS Team Challenge site go to Rules. Click "Register" fill out your details. In the Location Tab go to South Australia and save details.
The two SA teams should come up. Choose the Bogan Speed Team. ( The SA Speed Demon team is virtually inactive apart from Chris D )
Boggy Lake can be sailed on any wind direction but a North wind is offshore. During summer the prevailing wind is South to SW with an afternoon sea breeze coming in from 12:00 onward. Can be sailed from 12kt on big gear. Murray Mouth needs to be S to SW as well and at least 15-18 + Not as popular as Boggy but smoother water.
I am now really impatient to test Murray Mouth. Only 2 weeks before having my gear at home...
Just be aware that this can be a very dangerous place to sail on a outgoing tide. You can loose your gear or worse yourself.
That's a good point. I went down there a while ago to check it out. Tide was low or lowish, and i could clearly see wooden posts and rocks in the water. I don't know if it would even be safe to sail through these areas on high tide. I could see these things on the carpark side of the strip of water that's sailed on. I don't know exactly where the slalom guys sail down there and on what tide, but it would be a good idea to find out first. i also remember one of them saying something about there being obstacles in the water.