Been there and sailed quite a few times. Very very sailable in Nor easters as well as Southerlies. Wallis Lake up the road is also really good and much bigger than Smiths lake. You'll end up with a bit more water traffic at Wallis and most likely will have Smiths to yourself. You can sail quite easily in the surf at Elizabeth Beach also and cruise across to the nude beach. Not too much surf on that beach so it's a fairly gentle introduction to surf sailing if you haven't done it before.
Hope you have fun :)

Someone mentioned the other day that the water level was quite low atm. So while it's a great spot for easy relaxed sailing, you will only get very short runs. Give Sandpiper a call to check on the conditions.

ka43 said...

watch out for the big goanna's at the sailing club, not dangerous but scare the crap out of you when they wander out from under your car[}:)]

Don't let them walk on your sail - razor sharp claws

If you go up to Sandpiper (had many a drunken weekend there) we have found that the lake out front is pretty terrible except in a strong SE. Very gusty in any other wind direction.

HOWEVER! There is the 'super secret spot' on Wallis Lake which is (a) very picturesque and (b) great for sailing in just about any other wind direction but SW.

Where is it? Hm difficult to describe but here goes (ring me if you can't find it or understand directions 0403 076 653): take the road from Smith's lake up to Wallis Lake. Go by the turn off for Bluey's, near the Reccy Club. Keep on going around until the LAST BIG TURN before you get to the Christian camp thing and entrance to the coffee shop. There is a dirt turn off with gravel there. At the back of it is a fire trail and about 150m of slow driving down you get to a clearing (we were there 3 wks ago and a local had kindly whipper-snipped the grass away) right on the nose of the point sticking out into the big lake. Flat bottom. Waist high. Picturesque. Perfect! Even non windsurfers love hanging out there while you fang around. Just beware snakes if you wander off into the long grass and bush to take a pee - makes lots of noise.

happy sailing! Take a big board and 7m sail in case of light winds - or just rent one from the boat shed there - they have all recent RRD gear. Very nice.

Cheers

John B
Dee Why

Hi,

I have just spent some time at Smiths Lake. Let me say that the place is a super spot.

Stayed at Sandpipers Lodge, the place if very children friendly and a relaxed atmosphere.

The lake is nice and warm it is opened to the ocean at the moment and is tidal so you can walk to the sandbar beach side from Sandpipers.

I sailed there every day some days just float around, wind ranged from 8 to 25 knots. 25knt two days out of 15 and the rest averaged at 8-12knots. Would be nice everyday at 20knts but when on Holidays and so close to the waters edge any wind was great.

If you are interested to holiday at Smith Lake I would recommend the area without hesitation. There are so many other places to see, We also had a day at seal rock, walk to the light house the kids loved it and another day at celito beach and Forster was on a 20minute drive so my wife had her shopping fix so we all were happy.

Here are some photos of our holiday experience, hope it will encourage you, and take a break and enjoy the place too.

Walt.

How to pack a car with the lot thanks.

This is the front view from our balcony purfect for rigging

Having a great time with my son on the lake, sailing that day was on the plane

Santa came to town the kid loved it lollies and all a real great time

The balcony was very usable ate breaky dinner all out side and the sail was always rigged ready to go and out of the sun

The kids loved the lake very safe and warm and shallow

My Beautiful family at celito beach we had a great time.


I hope the photos are okay

The lake was low from the caravan side to the sandbar, which was alittle frustrating because sailing from Sandpipers to the caravan side we had to stop at the point otherwise we could of sail thru top the sandbar. I guess that's the advantage of those kite sailor that were screaming over near the sandbar in 1foot of water.
If we had half a foot of fin we would always spin out I think.

Hopfully the channel closes soon a the rain fills the lake up then it will be awsome.
We are planing to holiday there again in May.

Hey Walt thanks for the pictures you bet me to it, what a great place hope your avaliable to get up there again in May with us. The wifes had a ball which give us more time to sail if there happy.