I'm a bit confused about this Cudgen thing. What beach are you actually going to because Cudgen doesn't actually have a beach as it's very slightly inland from Casuarina Beach. You've got Fingal then Kingscliffe, Casuarina, Cotton, Cabarita, Hastings Point then Pottsville. Could you please clarify which one you go to as i'm trying to make a mental note of places to try for wave sailing that aren't too full on for my first attempts.
It's basically the land that forms a spit between Cudgen creek and the ocean running up to the entrance of Cudgen Creek at Kingscliff. Pretty much right next to the Cudgen Creek bridge on Casurina Way.
I probably wouldn't recomend Cudgen as a first attempt in the ocean, you can end up down there alone, and the area is known for a few men in grey suits lurking.
First hit out in the ocean, think north wind direction at Currumbin on the first day of wind - subsequent days the wind swell generally increases making it potentially a handful for a beginner. The angle isn't too difficult to get out, the launch is easy from the Alley as you are actually launching with the wave instead of against it and just try to avoid ending up too close to the beach at Laceys. I along with a number of others all had our first days in the waves here in the same type of conditions.
Personally I wouldn't recomend the Alley in a SE for a beginner, there are just too many variables there that can get you into trouble. The wind shadow will catch most out, the potentially long swim to Palm Beach if you get caught can knock you around and the popularity of the beach in general. It seems that no matter how windy it is out there you will always be sharing the spot with a good number of surfers and swimmers. I've never had any trouble on either tide there, but I will take others word for it that they have. Generally the surf is a little bigger on the incoming tide and there are some shallow banks on low tide that can make for some fast sucky waves, again not the best for a beginner.
For starting out, and this goes for most spots, aim for the top of the tide. The waves will be fuller and more forgiving, generally you wont encounter mast crunching waves smashing on a bank. Also beware of some spots shore break, Narrowneck in years gone by often had a big shory, it can be quite painful to both the body and ego to get smashed before you even get a chance to get on your board.
Also the southside of the Alley is only for experienced sailors if there are waves there. A lot of water moves up the beach from S to N and you can end up on the rocks in a blink of an eye. I helped some beginner surfers last year after they were washed on the rocks form the southside and can say they ended up a bit of a mess, leaving a fair bit of skin on the rocks.
My main advice, sail where others are and ask some advice before you hit the water. Most of us are hospitable, and will let you know where is safe and where is not, and probably keep an eye out for you out there if we know you are new to the ocean.
I found Currumbin easier on a NE than a N. Let's you launch at a better angle; you're not fighting upwind to get out past the break. I've been hammered on a N, underpowered and going nowhere.
Good summary Aus301 - my thoughts exactly regarding surf sailing in SEQ.
One other thing I've noticed is that the N/NE seabreezes along the gold coast surf beaches generally tend to come in strong bit earlier (eg. 12pm) rather than 2pm like the bay (eg. wellington point) however they can get a bit gusty late arvo (after 4pm) whereas the bay will stay consistent till dark.
There are a number of spots up and down the Gold Coast that I haven't mentioned that have been recognised as spots to sail at one time or another.
The old days used to have the Wind Action crew out at Broadbeach all the time, but I don't think I have seen anyone sail there for many years. We also used to sail Snapper Rocks in a NW/W but can't see that going down well with the 1000's of surfers out there these days. Oh and D-Bar, I guess some guys still get out down there, but with the number of surfers out there now days I am not sure it would be worth it unless the bar was working. Even 20 years ago we got our fair share of territorial surf issues down there.
You still see the odd sail out off Mermaid and Miami, still cross on in a n/ne wind but ok for jumps and the odd wave. And a few of us tried in front of the Sheraton on the spit a couple of seasons ago, but wasn't cross shore enough to make the flukey wind worth it.
I even sailed Kirra Point once in a massive swell and about 30knt SE wind. Was big enough that it was breaking over the reef and far enough out to sail. Was more for the bragging rights that I had sailed an iconic surf break, cause it wasn't that good.
I agree, have had some great sails at Golden Sands in a northerly. Experiences in a southerly? Could be good if sand bank is a bit further out at the time.
Is it possible that the increase in number of buildings and their height south of Narrowneck make that area less windy in a southerly?
Where is Cotton Beach?
If you/md47 were/was at Iluka isn't the beach North of Woody Point good? Recall seeing windsurfers and kiters there but arrived too late in afternoon to rig up.
If you're a bit of a hoarder Phenton I could offer you an old Warren Cornish or Island Energy waveboard.
Pretty short boards with the mast track way up front. Not good for those signature backloops I herd you are renowned for. Stick the nose in and it would never pop up.
Anyone know the origin of these brands???
getting a way off Narrowneck topic now...
im all for narrowneck man... I was sailing ther last summer and didn't see many folks out there... hope to see more. :(
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no more discounts for you
