I'm trying to put together a list of top places in Sydney harbour for my girlfriend to learn to windsurf. good access, grassy beach set up areas, Sandy bottom or clean bottom and possibly shallow waist deep obviously ideal for those first tentative steps. I would like her 12 yo daughter to try as well but don't want to risk turning them off by trying in less than ideal environment. I live in Newcastle and learned on lake macquarie but we spend a lot of time in western sydney.

If you know of any good locations can you also add suitable wind direction info and maybe photos? for each place.

I was looking around lake illawarra last week but only found either really shallow ordinary spots or rocky beaches and deep water or offshore in a NE.

Also are there any schools worth going to to make the experience less painful for all?

cheers

I'm intending teaching my kids down at Rose Bay. Sandy and shallow.

its not Sydney Harbour but Lady Robinsons beach at the extreme northern end of Kyeemagh in Botany bay has had a makeover in the last year or two and is a great place for beginners.
Jason Juretic teaches his scouts there, its shallow near the shore and clean.
Only issue is on the weekends when it gets overrun by certain minority groups.

i thought kurnell was pretty forgiving, shallow for awhile, sheltered from swell. pretty easy access, grass, short walk to water.

here's a tip for teaching learners that i didn't think of for years until i stole the idea:

get some rope like thin nylon, about 20m, but not too long to tangle, tie around fin, let them go out, then tell them to drop the sail and reel them in.

so much faster to progress them, or hold and explain sail position. in my limited experience uphaul and stalling are most common problems, and the rope helps these both. small sail, light steady breeze, wetsuit to keep warm (saves energy, where tired = cranky), lower boom position, big stable board, all save frustration!

all the best, keep an eye on the weather forecast, a few years ago there were some crazy 40kt southerlys and storms with lightning etc.