Hate to burst your bubble but the lake is open to the ocean at the moment (done illegally). You will be able to sail out the front of Sandpiper in the deep channel that is left, good for learning on lighter days but a bit flukey if the NE picks up. If a decent SE blows it will be not a bad little speed run. Had the same conditions last January. It will be better to sail from the kiosk/rental spot at Tiona on Wallis Lake (the guy who runs it is a sailboarder) if you want a decent run. I'll be camping at Sandbar in January and have ka sails so say hello, as usually I'm the only person sailing Smiths.

Hi. Sail Wallis lake.One of my favourite all time locations.For a N/E go to what i think the locals call Dots point.This is the best Flat water sailing spot I have ever sailed.Access is via a dirt track,on the hill about 500m before Tiona caravan park.(marked by no camping sign).Sailing from the rental shop is great for the kids but can be a bit of a hike through the shallows to get out into the wind.For a southerly go down to the sailing club which is a couple of k's down the road towards Forster.There is a channel out front of the club with a sand bank on the south side which makes for perfect fast,flat sailing.Talking about it is making me wish I was going.
Might see you there.

Hi to all,

From the sound of the replies from you guy it is all positive and sound like a fantastic place to holiday. I am very excited about the place now and can hardly wait to leave.

Sorry Johno I know how you feel the past 8 years we haven't been able to holiday at all work always interupted any plans, so when this opportunity came up I jumped at the offer. I am sure you will have some time soon to get away as well.

My only concern is the illegal opening of lake to ocean what does that mean is it safe???
Anyway can'nt wait

thanks again guys for the info

Hey gh will you be there from the 1st of jan we will be around there that time

Adriatic Blu

HI,

Thanks DavMen so the lake does'nt lose all of its water that a relief still sailable then and as mentioned safe. thats great.

Adriatic Blu.

With the lake open how is the lefthander at the entrance?
I remember surfing it a few years ago on a decent swell, it was quite "nice"
Also any bitey's been seen?

latedropeddy

Don't now about the swell but last Xmas (lake was open again)a teenager ended up with some bite marks in his board after an early morning surf by himself.

gh

The track is goood, a little rough but ok to get a van in and out.
The area at the base of the track just been slashed by Pete. So its nice and grassy.
I shouldn't say either, but it is one of the best flat water sailing areas I have sailed in a N/E for years, actually probably ever.
The area is reasonably shallow with fine white sand. And usually a few degrees warmer than most areas in the water.

Top place for the family.