Wing Foiling, Kiting & Windsurfing at Shearwater Park, Gold Coast QLD
Shearwater Park on the Gold Coast in Queensland is a local’s hangout for Windsurfing, Kitesurfing & Wing foiling. It is a nice wide stretch of water across the broad water with small chop in a solid breeze, ideal for blasting and bump-and-jump.
It is particularly good for windsurfing & kitesurfing as the depth can be an issue at lower tides for foiling.
Suited To
The water here is protected and doesn’t get too rough plus it isn’t too far from shore or a sandbar in any direction so it is suited to beginners and up.
Best Wind Directions
It works in a S, SE, N & NE breeze and is best when the wind is against the tide. That is south wind on outgoing tide north wind on incoming tide.
The windy season here is during the summer months from October to March.
Water
The water here is mostly blue and clear and temperatures here ranges from around 20 deg C during winter to 27 deg C during summer. So most of the time wetsuits are optional particularly during summer.
It is generally pretty flat but can chop up a bit in a strong southerly.
Access, Rigging & Launching
Access via Runaway Bay Avenue and turn left when you reach the water. Here you will find plenty of free parking and a nice grassy rigging area right next to your car park. There is a lovely beach to launch from with little to no shore break.
It is also a nice place to lay on the white sandy beach and a safe place for a swim.
Hazards
The main hazards here are sandbars. There is a sandbar that runs north to south about 2/3rds the way across the broad water which appears at low tide. The water is pretty clear so it is reasonably obvious as you approach it, but always do with caution until you are sure you will clear it (particularly those on a foil).
Aside from this there is a bit of weed at the southern end of Crab Island to get caught up in.
The broad water is know for the odd shark but they are not seen very often due to the amount of boat traffic but just be aware.
