Kitesurfing until dusk at Cleeland Bight, Phillip Island

Session 130, 5 March 2011

Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 18-20 knots, E
Location: Cleeland Bight, Phillip Island
Time: 7:30 to 8:30 (1h)
Board: Naish Haize twin tip

Stuart and I headed down to Cleeland Bight on Phillip Island to check it out for kitesurfing.  We rigged up on the beach near Seaspray Avenue.  However, there are some large pine trees there, and there is also some gnarly reef in the shallow water just off the beach.  The wind dropped, so we really didn't get going.

After dinner at Cowes, a strong easterly had arrived, so after bedding down the kids at Cape Woolami we headed back down to Cleeland Bight and found a better launch site with good beach access near Cottosloe Avenue.  The sandy bottom was much nicer for launching too.

We scored a great session.  The wind was consistent and the flat water was nice.  We kept fairly close to the launch site and didn't go near the channel that separates Phillip Island from the mainland at San Remo.

Cleeland Bight, Phillip Island bridge in background

Self launching, San Remo in background

Onshore light wind, Cape Woolmai in background

Heading out, Cleeland bight

Evening session, Cleeland Bight, Phillip Island bridge in background

A word of warning.  Damien McKay, an experience local kitesurfer, died at this location in November 2005.  He was lofted on the beach after a kitesurfing session when returning to land his kite, and was unlucky to collide headfirst with some rocks on the beach.   There were not many rocks about that I could see. Rest in peace Damien.

This highlights the need to always consider safety.  I still wear my helmet when kitesurfing.

External links

• Man in hospital after kite surfing accident - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
• Kiteboarding on Phillip Island Victoria - Kitesurfing - Seabreeze Forums