Bribie is not very forgiving as a learning ground. The passage (western side of the island <Bongaree>) is where most kiters go in an offshore (westerly) day, but you do need to be kiting and staying upwind to kite there. Very limited launching and landing area, and the water drop 20 feet within steps. The open side has dumping surf if it's up and water drop deep quite quickly. The beaches (e.g. Beachmere) on mainland have sharp small rocks here and there <wear booties!>

But if you have someone with you ready to jump in and lend a hand, it is not out of the question. Just take extra care. You will find a few locals kite at all those spots I mentioned often.

We are a school based at Sandgate (northside of Brisbane) and we do rental too. So if you are here just for the wedding, you dont even need to bring your gear!

Sandgate is the best spot for learning in the entire Brisbane region. Shallow water, no rocks, and plenty of space at half to low tide. Toilets, shower, BBQ, shops at location, and only half hour train ride from Brisbane city. Our school is right at the beach and we have 12 instructors in house always ready to lend a hand. When there is no wind, we have SUPs and kayaks for rental too. Let me know if you need any other info. We are also forming a chicks kite club in the next few weeks so come and meet other chicks kiters when you are here!

Padi

Sandgate would deffently be worth your while with shallow waters and great conditions to learn how to go up wind. Have another kiter watch trying to go up wind and get him to help with what your doing wrong & have fun :)

Yes Bribie on the eastern side is good but you need to be able to stay up wind. Not really a place for learning. I can get up wind ok but still not ready for the open ocean. Sandgate is ok if you like to kite with the rest of brisbane. It gets pretty crowded when the wind is on but dont think you will get much at that time of year. We are in the middle of our season and have had near none all summer except for the odd day. I would bring your gear and hope for the best and depending on your experience there are plenty of places to kite.

kg001 said...

Thanks Padi that's really helpful...1 more question what are the wind conditions like at the beginning of April in Sandgate...doesn't look too good on Windfinder?

Thks K

April is generally the beginning of the end when it comes to wind here in Brisbane. Luckily we usually get a good final blast of SE breezes then. If you are kiting Brisbane in a SE then give Brighton a try as it gets much cleaner wind than Sandgate and you will have more space.