Hi

I was wondering where the best place in Manly (or close by) to launch from?

Don't really see people kiting at manly, I don't think its not really possibly to launch a kite safely i think near the rock wall where most windsurfers are at. But I'm a windsurfer so thats just a guess. I have seen one guy like put his kite in the water and do like a water launch.

Alternatively, most kiters are at wello, or I usually see a fair few kiters on the southside of the harbour between manly and wello, I think they launch at the esplanade near Lota Creek. I think thats probably your best option, head down on a windy day I'm sure you will see where it is they launch from.

I have been moved on from there by Brisbane ports as they own/manage the land. The beefy security guard that turns up every 3 hrs made it Very clear we are not meant to be there. Not to mention the $500+ million worth of yachts 50m down wind just over a fence.
Imagine a kite going over and getting tangled ontop a mast and pulling a boat off a trailer. Dominos?
I see his point....

We kite 5mins down the road at Thornside. Better access to The mirror waters of Tingalpa creek entrance.

Cya there =)

Hi there I kited a fair bit last year there at the end of the wall at Manly - really ended up liking the spot and had no problems with security. There's a big movable chunk of concrete for self launching/landing so if you like doing it that way bring along a bit of rope and a clip. It's a good spot in South Easterlies just don't lose the plot and go down wind of the wall. With reliable wind I kited across to Wello a few times too had plenty of great sessions there. I found that Wello got pretty crowded and wasn't worth the drive as I lived in Manly.
Never tried Thornside though...
Cheers

After chatting to be locals there isn't a ban in place But ports are just getting concearned as they have seen people rescuing a few kites off/over the yacht club fence of late. If you are learning I'd Stick with Thornside on a N/E or up to Brighton in a S/E.
Manly and Wello are nice spots in a but def not for the inexperienced.

Cya on the water mate.