Lancelin, also known as “Lano” is one of Western Australia’s best windsurfing, wing foiling/wingding and kitesurfing destinations. Located just 1.5 – 2 hours drive north of Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive.

The area offers everything from flat water blasting and freestyle conditions in turquoise blue lagoons through to sublime wave sailing. Lano is blessed with consistent winds making a mecca for windsports addicts and an ideal place to stop on a road trip or surfari.

This destination offers something for everyone, including beginners foiling.

With a permanent population of around 700 people, Lano has a real sense of community. Outside of Lano’s roots in the fishing industry, mostly cray fishing, Lancelin is also famous for holding the longest-standing windsurfing & kitesurfing event in the world; the Lancelin Ocean Classic. See more information here

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Lancelin for windsurfing is during the Australian summer, which typically occurs from December to February. During these months, Lancelin experiences more consistent winds and warmer temperatures, creating ideal conditions for windsurfing, kiting and wing foiling. The afternoon prevailing winds in the region are generally from the southwest (from the left-hand-side, SSW to SW), providing good cross-shore winds for windsurfers, kiters and foilers. In the mornings, the wind tends to be off-shore in the morning (S to SSE).

Wind strength can vary, but the summer tends to offer a good balance for both beginners and experienced windsurfers, kiters and wing dingers.

Outside of the December through to February window, you will also have a good chance of scoring good conditions between October and March.

The best chance of swell is in November and March however you can score some 2 – 3 metre days during the other summer months but they are more ad-hoc.

The water temps during summer are generally above 20 Deg C to 25 Deg C with air temps around 23 Deg C reaching up to 30 Deg C.

Nightlife

Things are pretty quiet around Lancelin during the week-days so be prepared to entertain yourself.

On the weekends, on the other hand, The Endeavour Pub comes to life with weekend visitors; this is the place to hang out to meet some of the locals. If you stay at the Lancelin Lodge it is quite social and you will meet like-minded wing-dingers, kiters & windsurfers.

The town has a pizza shop, chicken shop and fish and chips but don’t expect any up-market restaurants.

During the week, most things shut down by 8pm.

If you stay at the Lancelin Lodge, then there are always like-minded kiters enjoying a beer in the common areas in the evenings and that is where we had the most fun! The Lancelin Beach Hotel is also a good spot for a drink and some food too if you are in the northern end of town.

Kitesurfing, wing foiling & windsurfing spots in & around Lancelin

The crystal clear turquoise waters of Lancelin are mostly flat with waves further out on the outer reef. The bay is nicely shallow, perfectly suitable for the beginners. The reef goes on for about a half a mile (800 Meters) off the shore.

Lancelin has several local spots, to get whatever fix you need:

• Back Beach – Popular for windsurfers and kiteboarders wanting flat water on turquois-blue water when the swell is low.
• Main Break Lancelin – Classic point break wave spot, get there early when there is a decent swell, leave it too late and it gets choppy.
• South Passage – South Passage is a cross-off wave riding spot.
• Lancelin Lagoon – Flat water bliss, expect to be blasting at blistering speeds on flat water. Great spot for beginners.

Other Activities

In the unlikely event the wind doesn’t kick-in or for those non-sailors, Lancelin has plenty of other activities.

One of the most common activities is to explore the massive sand-dunes for which Lancelin is famous for. You can access via 4WD or jump on a 4WD tour. Sandboards are available for rent for those who want to ride the dunes, highly recommended!

Fishing, snorkelling, surfing, SUPping, dolphin watching are other great activities in Lancelin.

There is also a golf course on the outskirts of town.

If you want to head out of town, you could also consider a quick trip to the Pinnacles.