Balmoral is located in Mossman on Sydney’s spectacular harbour.
It is a very popular spot for beach goers and can get extremely busy on weekends over summer.
It is also a popular spot for windsurfers looking for some flat-water-blasting and bump-and-jump.
The typical summer NE breeze is on-shore and the water waist-deep for a reasonable way out making it great for beginners.
If you want to take a formal lesson, Balmoral Watersports offer windsurfing lessons (2 hours morning and afternoons). They also hire big windsurfers if you are looking for a windsurfer to cruise around on.
Balmoral is also good in E/ESE (but the wind is not often in this direction). In a SE some sailors still sail off Clontarf beach. It is not the longest run but the wind funnels through there in that direction.
Access & Launching
On weekends and generally good weather days, one of the challenges is getting a parking spot. So this may ultimate dictate where you launch from. Also be aware that parking is quite expensive even for a couple of hours.
- Between the rock pool and the signs – this is generally an easy launch however there is a wind shadow here so bigger boards are generally required to get out. Once away from the point it’s usually straight on the plane and upwind to Middle Head where the Grotto wind funnel is at it’s best. You must to stay out of the swimming area marked by yellow buoys.
- South Balmoral Beach – you can also launch (legally) from the south end car park, near the sailing club. It is a bit of a hassle sailing through the moored boats in gusty wind before reaching open water.
- Edwards Beach – this is not actually a dedicated area for windsurfing however if you just get in to the water and head out slowly (or swim your gear out) until you hit open water you will be ok. Parking is still free of charge here for the first 2 hours and you launch from the beach directly in front. Beach goers tend to leave as the NE kicks in as it can become unpleasant on the beach.
- Clontarf – this launch is on the other side of the bay and has a good short speed run towards Chinaman’s Creek in SE breeze.
Services
As mentioned above, Balmoral Watersports offer windsurfing lessons and windsurfing hire.
Balmoral Sailing Club welcomes windsurfer members and hold regular racing events for windsurfers of various disciplines.
