Gold Coast (QLD, Australia)

The Gold Coast is a fabulous area for wind sports with its beautiful waterways and pristine beaches. It is located in Queensland, Australia and is 78km south of Brisbane or 840km north of Sydney. There is an international airport located right in the Gold Coast.

Seasons

The Gold Coast has a sub-tropical climate with dry winters and hot and humid summers. The windy season is during the summer months from October to March. The water here is mostly blue and clear and temperatures here ranges from around 20°C during winter to 27°C during summer. So most of the time wetsuits are optional particularly during summer. Air temperatures in spring and autumn average min 15 °C to  a maximum of 26°C and min 20°C to 28°C during the summer months (often reaching over 30°C). During summer it can get quite humid and this is also the wet season.

Best Spots On The Gold Coast

This by no means all of the spots on the Gold Coast, it is those that we have researched & visited. From South to North some of the most popular spots are: Currumbin Creek – a small sheltered river mouth ideal for wing foiling of all levels and particularly good for beginners. Best wind direction is NE. Mitchell Park Boat Ramp (AKA The Train) – is a very popular spot for wing foiling & windsurfing. It is more suited to intermediate & above riders as there are a few obstacles to navigate like anchored boats. There is a nice sand bar running across the channel providing nice flat water in a southerly for some speed sailing. The best breezes here are S, SE, N & NE. KFC (Len Fox Park) – this spot is literally just a couple of hundred metres north of Mitchell Park Boat Ramp (the other side of the camping ground). It is mostly frequented by kite surfers as there is a nice rigging & launching area and the water is relatively shallow making it ideal for beginners. It works in a SE, N & NE breeze but not S as there are too many obstacles creating a wind shadow. Pacific Park (AKA Oatland Esplanade) – is a popular hang-out most for kitesurfers but is also frequented by wingers and windsurfers. It is a great spot for beginners and above with plenty of spots to touch ground and re-group. It works in a S, SE, N & NE breeze. Anglers Park (AKA  Jennifer Ave) – works for kitesurfing, wing foiling as well as windsurfing. Ideal for all levels. There is a nice sandy beach with a moderate incline. It works in a S, SE, N & NE breeze. Shearwater Park – ideal for windsurfing & kitesurfing. Could also work at higher tides for wingers. There is a lovely wide grassy area for rigging and a wide sandy beach. It works in a S, SE, N & NE breeze.

Where To Stay

There is no shortage of places to stay in the Gold Coast with thousands of hotels, motels, apartments, private residences and a number of camping grounds. If you are a camper, there is a camping ground located right on the Broadwater next to Mitchell Park Boat Ramp. You can literally walk 100m from your campsite to the launch area! Unfortunately they are not pet friendly so if you have a fury friend you will have to look elsewhere.