Sailing Conditions
 Elwood
Beach is a very popular spot for windsurfing. The beach just off the club,
and Point Ormond, are the main launching sites.
The best wind directions are from S through to W and even NW. Generally
the winds are very squally in a N-NE direction and if strong enough bring
a small steep and choppy sea. Winds from the SE are not the best for sailing
as they are gusty and unpredictable - go to Ricketts. Any other direction
and the sailing is fantastic.
The frequent SW sea breezes that occur during the warmer months are
a feature of the beach. They begin in early afternoon, with ideal conditions
for beginners increasing as the day goes on, often peaking late in the
day at 20 knots. A fresh SW brings in quite a break that beginners may
struggle to get through, but the more experienced sailors will enjoy the
swell that comes with it.
Our 
site shows what our sailboarders
are all about!!
Summer Series Report.
For the real story of the season, the results, photos and the vibe check
out
Elwood Sailboarders
Board Storage
The ESC provides lockable storage lockers and change rooms. After a
long sail there's nothing better than having a nice hot shower. Go to
the membership page for fees for board and gear
storage and contact our Sailboard Storage officer
to arrange a locker.
If you are visiting from overseas and require membership just for summer
contact our Sailboard Storage officer
to work something out.
Parking
There is plenty of parking, and good beach facilities. Just don't forget
to check the parking regulations; inspectors are keen and strict. Late
on the warmer, summer days, parking can be extremely hard to find, but
generally it is very good earlier in the day. For regulars a season parking
permit is a good option - members can obtain application forms from the
secretary.
If you have storage ….. you can ride your bike.
Lessons
If you are seeking Windsurfing lessons contact Repeat Performance Sailboards
who store their training equipment at the ESC by phone on 03 9525 6475
or go to their website
for further details.
Equipment
There are two local windsurfing suppliers around the area, Repeat Performance
Sailboards (RPS) just a
few blocks away in Ormond Rd. Elwood and Sailboard Headquarters a little
further away in Jetty Rd. Sandringham. Their website address's are in
the links section.
Duncan's Swell Tips
Check out the Point Lonsdale Buoy swell
indicator which is updated every 5 minutes
This gives a up to date information on the wave data (average wave height,
max wave height, swell direction and swell period) for Point Lonsdale. The
only bad thing is you have to interrept the data. By a general rule
of hand, you need these characteristics for the swell to be good
West Coast
* At least an average wave height of 1.6 meters (will give around
2-3 foot at bells and 3 foot at 13th) with a average period above
8-9 seconds. A period any lower than this will be a peaky swell
breaking all over the place. Swell direction is best at around south
west
East coast and Phillip Island
* An average wave height less than 1.7-1.8 meters (this is about the maximum
wave height the open beaches can hold...5-6 foot...very big)
and a average period of at least 7 seconds. Swell direction is best
around south west.
Pennisula
* Needs a big swell for Point Leo to break well. Ave swell above
1.8-2.0 metres.
In general, the larger the period, the more consistent the swell will
be. At a average period of 13-14 seconds, there will be big lines
of swell across the horizon.
A good site is Swellnet.
The guy who runs this site has a masters in swell forecasting
and gives a prediction on what the swell and wind will be doing at
every coast. He is very accurate!
Hope this helps
Duncan
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