Kite-surf Glendowie Sandspit

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert Type: Ocean Water type: Flat, Chop Water hazards: Currents, Ships Water quality: Clean Infos: Super flat on the northern side. Small chop on southern side. Depending on tide there is a current flowing in the channel. Works on all tides but best at high tide. Beach type & size: Sand - Tidal Infos: The beach is narrow at high tide. Launch off the end of the sand spit. No real issues with the launch except the strong wind. Beach is mostly sand with a few shells. Entry is by 3 methods: 1) launch from southern side and sail round the point. 2) walk 500m along the spit from Glendowie and launch from end (best option). 3) sail across estuary from Buckland Beach side. This works great at low tide but watch current and ferries and moored yachts. Identified hazards: None Beachgoer: None Weather specificities: Water temp is 15C in winter, 23C in summer. Best seasons are winter and summer. A wetsuit is necessary in case you get into trouble in the channel. Air temps are similar to water temps but in winter the southerlies that work great here bring cooler than average temps so it won't be warm. Wind type: Thermal, Frontal Wind specificities: This spot only suits wind over 20 knots. Best direction is SW to SSE which occur during winter and also during summer along with the occasional 15-25 knot thermal. The strong westerlies common in spring are the wrong direction for this spot. In winter the southerlies work great here. Best months: January, February, June, July, August, December Access description: by Car - Head to Glendowie, get the map out and head to the end of West Tamaki Rd. Specific rules: Other Extra: Watch for tidal currents in channel, ferries etc. Use a kite leash at all times. Accommodations: None