Well I'm sure it's all going to work out and be a successful weekend for all, despite all the nay sayers and key board sailors.

Some of the Kite crew have started talking about 2017, and leaning towards being in Kingston from 14th to the 25/28th (around that time).

I'm planning to wangle a week away in Kingston, 16th to 24th, or 23rd to 31st (depending on work commitments, a new job, etc). Probably change from now until then, but currently those are my options

lachlan3556 said..
Thinking this year we could do a group expedition up the beach to see how far we get. Sail up, have a drink, turn around and fly back Would look quite a sight if there are a few takers!

Yep I'm in mate.
I went from the groyne in Kingston to 21kms north of the Granites in my kite buggy this year. I wasn't game to go any further as I was using a 13.4mtr kite and the wind was onshore at 4 knots. I was worried I wouldn't get back if the wind eased by myself. I had food and drink with me, but I really suck at walking.

Kite boys did a LOT of kilometers along the beach. One day I got 4 trips to the granites and back in, then went to the clay pan in the arvo when the wind turned SSW. A few of us even did a down-winder to the Granites and got towed back with a ute. It's a very pleasant cruise up from Kingston if the winds right Lachlan, so a great idea. Would love to see how far we can get.

Open WA State Championship on that weekend. Here in WA

The go is bring what you want to sail, anytime between 14th - 28th. Blokart National comp will be from 25th -28th and I imagine the lake will be quite busy during this period. FWIW I'll be there from 19th (arrive around lunch time) to the 24th.

No need to move camp if you are on the lake, there will be a 'rough' segregation between Blokart competitors and others, but its not set in stone and anyone is free to camp where they wish. I have a feeling we will end up mixing. I'm not sure of amenities at the lake in 2017, previously there have been absolutely none (ie: bring all you need inc water). Public toilets are in Kingston, as is servo (water available), supermarket, fishing shop and hotels. Fuel and food price is ok. No charge to camp at the lake.

Strictly no fires. No driving on the vegetation surrounding the lake. No 'circle work' or driving out onto the lake with cars (you will get bogged). Pretty much keep it respectful

A location map will be put up soon. Lake access road will be marked with flag, sign, etc. Lake is only 10 min north of Kingston SE and accessible by 2wd car. Closer to the date there should be venue reports, as of 1 week ago the lake is still covered in water. Back up/alternate location is the beach.

Great news! I cannot say how long the lake will take to dry out this year, we will get more accurate information as the weeks tick down

We haven't had to yet, but the beach is available should the lake be too wet.

In regards to the water in the lake and the condition of the area i hope to take a quick trip to kingston over the xmas new year holiday break as i have a couple of days off over the period, i will post on here and on conditions that i find, not sure when the trip will be expect sometime in the 1st week of the new year

Thanks for the updates. And the future updates.
How would you best describe the beach area we would be using as an alternative?

mosquitos, sandflies, flys,..... does one need mozzy nets, aerogaurd, citronella candles, fly nets

I am afraid this is getting blown out of proportion a bit,, i was there for the whole thing in 2016, yes there was the odd comment made on both sides BUT all in all everyone got along well. I might be blowing my own trumpet here a bit but I started the ball rolling with the windfest with the idea of having an event for ALL, and yes the kiters have been there a long time, I was there with my fed 5 trying the lake out as i couldn't seem to manage the beach very well, and it was a kite guy who suggested that i try the lake as it had a much firmer surface, the floowing year i went back and invited Lachlan to come over and it went from there. The point everyone seeems to be missing is that the whole idea was for US ALL to get togeather for a few days of fun, sailing, and making new friends not bitch'n and moaning and having an us and them mentality, the whole idea was, once a year come together and have a bit of fun , for god sake. The australia day weekend was chosen becasue its a national holiday and the last week more or less before we are all back at work for the new year. People are also forgetting that this area is public use land, for all to use not just 1 group or other. The January time slot was chosen for the titles because it was the only time that we could get help from the community like the loins club etc as they we committed to other activities at other times, and I think there is something that is being missed here also and that is that this is at this stage a 1 off event at this lake but the wind fest will I hope continue to grow in popularity and yes whose to say that sometime in the future another national event or even a world event won't be planned for the same time and place. You have to admit its a pretty good location close to facilities, that's why i picked it in the first place..my dream, for want of a better was/is to bring the wind powerd vechile community together once a year in one place to see what we are all doing swap ideas and have a bit of fun for everyone not matter what we sail in as long as we sail rather than have the fractured ****ed up way it is now, taking cheap shots from a great distance isnt going to help.
Joe, not many mozzies, maybe the odd one who is who is lost, sure like anywhere else there are flys during the day but not like up north, if you think you need the citronella candles bring them but i dont think you'll need them much. Hope that answers you concerns if you have any others let me know ..

Nicely said Beachball57!!! Only a couple of weeks and counting

Some images up on another forum of the claypan....looking a bit drowned I'm afraid. Good news is the beach looks great!

For those travelling to Kingston, the Kiters usually set up camp on the beach a little way north (1-2km) of the Blackford Drain (Long Beach Road - turn left off hwy right where the B1 is on map below). I will hazard a guess a say there might be a few landsailors around that area too. I doubt there will be anyone at the claypan/lake for at least a week (judging from photos and reports). Also, look for Kites/buggies/landyachts at the Kingston caravan park. Ask around, as we all end up knowing who's around fairly quickly. Otherwise, see you on the beach soon!

Not much more rain, some strong winds and a bit of good old Aussie heat, the lake might be good in a week?

Thanks for the update Chook, not quite the news we wanted but gives us some time to think about alternate strategies. See you in a few days mate

On Toop road beach at the moment having a very nice sailing session. Lovely weather too!