Bowen has the reputation of often being windy and is often affectionately referred to as “Blowen Bowen”.
There is plenty of spots around Bowen where you can kitesurf, windsurf and wing foil.
In a S, SSE, SE breeze, local’s windsurfers & kitesurfers head to the front beach in Mc Canes Bay to the south side of the Bowen jetty.
The water is shallow and has small chop offering good bump-and-jump conditions.
If the wind is blowing you will always find a good number of kitesurfers & windsurfers here.
Suited to
Because the water is pretty shallow, this makes it a great place for kitesurfing & windsurfing beginners & improvers and when the wind is howling it is great for the more experienced.
For wing foil beginners, Queens Beach would be a better option as the chop on Front Beach adds to the challenge of standing on the board.
Access & Launching
Most kite surfers park next to the Port Denison Sailing Club and rig on the grassy area right in front of the club. There is a couple of nice trees providing shade and a picnic table.
Alternately, if you are windsurfing you can park anywhere along the bay where you will find some nice shady trees and grass to rig on.
Depending on the tide, at high tide you pretty much step straight into the water from the shore. It doesn’t take long before it is deep enough to kite or windsurf although big slalom fins might require a little further walking.
At low tide it can be a 200m walk to the water’s edge.
Whilst wing foiling is possible here, be prepared to wade out a further 200m to get deep enough even with a 60cm mast. Once out there, the water becomes deep pretty quickly.
Best Wind Directions
This spot works best in cross-on-shore from S to SE. Easterlies can work but the more E in the breeze the more obstructions and the gustier the wind.
It should be noted that the shallow shore break can make it look a lot winder than it actually is. So best to rig bigger than it looks.
Hazards
For the month’s of October through to end May it is recommended you wear a stinger suit which is basically a lycra suit that covers the entire body including a hood on your head to protect you from dangerous jelly fish stings.
Crocs are not really an issue in this spot nor are sharks but always be aware they could be in the area.
Local Services
Smile Kitesurf offer kitesurfing lessons & wingfoiling lessons in and around the Bowen area.
