So often look at the obs and it's blowing 5-10 knots stronger in Coffs than down here on the mnc. Are there any good potential flatwater spots in or around Coffs?? I can't think of any! Maybe something even a bit south of Coffs?? Thank you!
The only flat water places around or south of Coffs are in the harbour itself or in one of the rivers to the south, the Nambucca, Bellinger or Kalang rivers. Its hard to get a reasonably long reach and consistent winds in the rivers though.
Looks all the same as here- short river runs. You go to Grafton heaps, what about that section of river right near the hwy bridge- looks huge compared to the Macleay? Also what about those Lakes to the east, Hiawatha out towards Wooli and Wooloweyah just sth of Yamba? Dunno, maybe just move to Port Mac...
The river at Nambucca Heads isn't as good as it appears. Its where I learned to windsurf. In the 80s there was not nearly as much sand in the estuary as there is today.
Any time besides a very high tide its difficult to get a run more than 50 meters long. Last time I was there a couple of months ago I was thinking there could be a good downwind run in a NE wind on the other side of the sandbar seperating the ocean from the river.
Having something like a delta low profile fin would be the go.
It is beautiful though.
Don't need one, I'd move there tommorrow!
Hey Mark, that feeder creek to the south in the pic looks good for a short nor-east speed run. Maybe Moby will have some info on it? Nambucca is only 50 minutes from SWRs, but I'd still rather head down your way.
Manning Point is great in N/E as it funnels down the river - nice and flat.
The photo below was taken there.
I'll find some more photos & GPS tracks to post.
(Edit) See forum post below for photos, discussion, & google tracks etc.
Also agree that the bank up near bar could work in S/E
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/Manning-Point-Sand-Bar-NSW/#587681
Adam, Here's two pics. To my untrained eye there doesn't appear to be too much difference between Harrington and Sandy Point for speed runs? The main one is Harrington is 1500 kays closer and heaps warmer Definitly keen to hit it with who ever is keen for a run. Run-in tide, s/e over 15 knots would be a magic combo- even if the run is only 500 meters or more. Great place to spend the day I reckon.
I have a 12 ft punt, should get 8 or more in it, plus tow another 3 at least Just keep an eye on the weather. When the wind and tide is right I'll by pass Watsons and shoot straight down- too easy. There's a boat ramp off Sovereign Ave in the channal on the Harrington side. Looks like a kay or so run to the start off the sand bar. Amped
As for moving- sadly not in the near future. But have car, will travel
PS- Massive post hi-jack, sorry Nic...lol
Launch just near shop/restaurant adjacent to car park that you drive thru to get 4WD on to beach & spit
GPS tracks on googly earff
Red line is 550 m, white line is 1km
I have sailed there twice in a southerly wind with Wayne Hardes from down that way and it was gusty but did 33 knots easy , When i finished i drove up the the sand bar just on dark and it looks awesome so flat and the wind was consistent and stronger than where we sailed , i have the boat ready just need some wind and will venture down , I talked to one of the locals and on low tide the entrance at the moment is nearly blocked , so the tide should have little influnece at the moment .
"this is an awesome Coffs thread!" lol, classic
Worked out it's 142 kays from my house to the boat ramp, so a 2 hour run and the boat will be at the ramp ready to load up with sailboards and a pile of desperados. I'll need about 5 minutes notice though...
PS- Thinking of starting a new thread titled "Sail Sizes?" and mainly talk about fins, board bags and car maintenence...
"Thinking of starting a new thread titled "Sail Sizes?" and mainly talk about fins, board bags and car maintenance... " Awesome idea.....who knows what pearls of wisdom will be revealed!
Looks sunny next week (not word about anything else weatherwise please - whenever there is excitement and expectation we are let down big time - let's not scare it away)
Thanks so much for all your help guys. Just what I needed - another awesome spot south and even further away. Very helpful
Thanks Karl for the info.
I actually enjoy Trial Bay now. At first it piSsed me off, namely with the nor-east wind shadow in close, and the same with winds from the south and south-east, but in a s-west, west, nor- west and northerly, it's actually good fun.
You'll be pleased to know I tried two of those "gybes on waves" you mentioned were good fun in a nor-easter. Charged out, made the turn around the rim of the wave, through nice chunks over the back, but fell off trying to spin the rig. Gettin' closer
I'm starting to enjoy nor-easters there too, getting braver now to head out (across) to where the wind is cleaner. But I still wish we had some proper flatwater speed spots within a closer distance. But she's only 1.15 min for Queens and Watsons
So what were we talking about? Oh that's it, good sailing spots to the south...
Karl I grew up on Tuggerah Lakes (Toukley), so can varify ya stinky weed call. I use to dread hot days and howling nor-easters- we lived 20 meters from the water near Toukley bridge. You near needed a gas mask some days! Oh, and gotta love the pelican itch...
Now, back to more southern hot spots, as 5 hours to Canton is waaaaaaaay too close for Nic[}:)] I'm thinking Sandy Point, or perhaps somewhere in Tassie???
PS- Manning Point next decent south-easter for sure!
That's a great shot and angle Mark, shows the run perfectly. I'm there next south easter! I don't think I'll be alone either.