Hi Moby,

Umina may be OK on Monday, but it was a bit over the top today. It was very squally (over 35 knots) plus large messy waves of 6' or more. The shore break at high tide was a bit extreme at 3' and there was a lot of sand and trees being washed into the water by the large high tide. It was perhaps the worst conditions I have ever sailed in there and I have sailed there for years.

I had a 5.3m and an 80 litre board and it was pretty hairy to say the least (a tad over powered). Another mate sailor had a 5.7m and an 94 litre board and he too found it a bit extreme, at least he lasted longer than I did.

Hopefully Monday may be better if you get there mid-tide and can dodge the floating debris. Forecast at least looks a bit better, but the swell may still be 2 metres +.

I may venture out for another try or may go to Koolewong for some flatter water.

See u maybe.

Moby,
I wouldn't bother with Nara Lake in a S. Better options are BB, Manly (harbour) or Palmy on Pittw side depending on where you live. I've had many a sail in the harbour when the surf is big/rough and once you get out there are long runs and S funnels in nicely.

I sailed at Brownwater (Collaroy) yesterday and the direction was great, prob SSE, before swinging S mid arvo then back to SSE. Powered on a 5.0.

Bit of a shorebreak although usually a safe spot to launch, you just have to time it and dodge the seaweed!

Moby,

You are right about Umina being tops in a southerly. I did not go there Monday as I thought the swell would be too big. But if it is too big at Umina you can go out on Brisbane Waters at Koolewong at the boat ramp which is on the way home if you going via West Gosford. I was at Koolewong yesterday arvo with 7.5 fully powered up having a great time (although I launched from Gosford sailing club). Maybe you were too early. God knows we need a bit of company up here, get sick of sailing alone. A public holiday with a nice southerly & hardly anyone on the water.

Hi Moby,

Sorry but you got there too early on Monday. A few hours later made all the difference as the tide went out.

I got there at 2.30pm and it was pretty damn good. 20-25 knots most of the time and the waves were not as big as Saturday was. Only about 4'-6' most of the time. A lot smaller than Saturdays 6'-8' waves.

There was only three sailboardser and about 8 kiters out. Sun was shining and a greeat sail was had by all. One of the boarders was from Sydney and he had a great time once he got his sail size sorted.

Sorry again.