Ok, my GF is trying for a job in Perth and probably has an even chance of getting it. What types of windsurfing are available over there? (I'm in Brisbane) Is it all wavesailing or are there good speed/slalom/blasting spots near Perth too?
I have no idea about waves and am used to flat water blasting only. Can you do this over there?
Check out the GPS Challenge site. They are not doing those great times by just scooting down big waves at Margs.
Perth has easy access to all types of windsurfing. The river has as least two great spots with shallow water for blasting; there is a flatish water area up at Hilary's, sheltered by the harbour and Safety Bay (40mins South) has a great combination of fairly flat water inside the sand bar, grading to full ocean swell across the bay and with superb blasting across shallow water for 2-3km between the mainland and Pelican island. If you go up to Lancelin (1.5 hrs North) there is flat water in the lagoon inside the reef and wave sailing on the outside.
Do it.
Don't think, just go.
After you've seen a WA summer you'll want to never go back
who has yet to enjoy getting 3 Adams apples sailing in winter at some of our other spots.
i've never had so many grins and tummy tightening on this forum since last
Ex QLDer myself.Came over for one season and that turned into four and then i just moved here
You will never look back....exept maybe in winter when your standing on the beach at gearies shivering so hard you can't pick your kit up lolololol
A little colder than the westerlies over there....
Seriously WA is windsurfers heaven.
The move to WA would be a great one for any windsurfer. I left the UK nearly a decade ago and came here because of the wind and water. Best move I could possibly have made.
That said it has been a strange summer of few seabreezes
. But sailing the easterlies recently has been great
Add to that the current trial of daylight saving we get more hours sailing after work. I truly live in paradise!
Jebus it sounds awesome over there. I really want to come over.
I better go through the GF's application really carefully...
I've already told her it could take up to six months for me to find a job, what with all the sailing I'll be doing (ha!).
Will I still need my 8.5 and 7.5?
...hopefully next summer
I used to sail Wello then came over here for a six month trip to race on the circuit, I still haven't been back to Qld and that was over 12 years ago! Thought of going back after a couple of years but then started wave sailing and got hooked all over again.
Give it a go, there's plenty of work, wind and waves.
You asked about sail size. The year I got here I bought a 5.7 as my biggest sail 'cos I knew it is windy here then I bought a 6.5 due to lack of wind. That turned out to be an odd year and for several years I thought of selling the 6.5 as I didn't need it. I sailed seabreeze afternoons, hot, windy, warm water aaaaahhh.
Then this year it has been odd again: I think it is la nina years that are lower wind years.
So: come on over, beware having kit only for strong/ light wind as you would be best with both. On balance stronger winds are more common (IMHO) however you may have frustating years without bigger kit to fall back on ocasionally.
If you need convincing check out figure 9 in www.bom.gov.au/info/leaflets/nino-nina.pdf
. That turned out to be an odd year and for several years I thought of selling the 6.5 as I didn't need it. I sailed seabreeze afternoons, hot, windy, warm water aaaaahhh.: I think it is la nina years that are lower wind years.
I have tracked down me mate in Geralton, so will be popping over for a visit next summer. I'm told my 85 l board and 5.3 m sail would be considered "big gear" over there.
Thanks for all the friendly responses. It sounds like paradise over there.
I really hope she gets that job. I don't get anywhere near enough sailing in Brisbane and i hanging for it all the time. I've told her that if we move to Perth we won't have spend money on windsurfing holidays to Hawaii or Egypt.
you may need to get a new hat, and I dont think the monicle will stay in while your sailing, and you dont need to wear a uniform over here! Relax a little.
