Hi all, I just moved to Townsville on the beach and want to get stuck into Sailbarding/Windsurfing. I cant seem to locate any buisnesses with gear and dont understand what has happened to the sport? Kiteboarding take over? Is there anyone here who knows a place in Townsville to shop for gear? I did a little sailboarding 20 yrs ago, had my own gear but never advanced too much as I was just too far from water. I dont see anyone sailing at the Strand - where is the best place to go? Many newbie questions to ask cause I have this burning desire to get on the water and sail! Thanks.
Hi get hold of nbr on this forum, he sails or used to sail in Townsville.
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Queensland/Windsurfing-in-Townsville/
this link may help, its an old thread.
or these guys may be able to point you to somewhere
Skin Ski & Surf
Address: 320-322 Flinders Mall, Townsville, QLD, 4810
No-one sells didley squat. Internet is you best friend. Seabreeze for secondhand and a couple of Brisbane shops for new gear. Don't forget to buy a stinger suit ;) there are about 4-6 windsurfers in the ville depending on the day.
Oh and pallaranda is the best place, one beach entrance back from the kiters near the old folks home. The kiters in Townsville don't bite so you could also sail from there.
Been a long time since I sailed Townsville, but Pallaranda is definitely the go. I recall sailing at an angle just out from the beach, so if you ever get in trouble you get washed back to shore.
I tried the Strand a few times and in a NE it seemed to have a huge wind shadow, so always opted for Pallaranda. I did sail it in a SWly a few times but remember its a long float back in, so not the best spot while learning.
The chandlery in South Townsville was around when I was there, but it never stocked anything worth buying! Most OZ shops are online now, that will be your best bet.
Don't forget your stinger suit!!! Oh, no one mention the crocs