Seasprite Boys at Gnaraloo

12th Apr 2008 @ 12:51:37 PM

sSs Team Rider, Kit Brogan continues his updates on windsurfing life in Western Australia, this time it was Gnaraloo. Kit tells all - how to get there, where to sail, what else is happening etc.:-

I have just returned from a trip to the WA windsurfing Mecca - Gnaraloo, with fellow teamrider Simon Hurrey, his girlfriend Laure Treboux (North/Fanatic) and a few others. Unfortunately I could only stay there for a couple of days due to work commitments but those two days were windsurfing perfection!

The first day we arrived was perfect, logo to mast-high conditions and everyone was ripping especially Simon and Laure who outshone all the rest of us boys. Not to be shown up however, I took it upon myself to try for the biggest wipeout! This was a bad idea because I was washed out over towards the bomby (offshore reef that gets HUGE). After taking nearly two full sets of waves on the head I made it out back and then for some unknown reason decided to ride this wave at double mast-high all the way back to camp. The wave was shared by a small pod of dolphins and it was only about an an hour back upwind with the wind dying that made me regret trying to win that contest.

The second day was much the same except the wind was slightly lighter so I opted for the RRD 80 wave cult and Ezzy Wave 5.0m but Simon stayed on his RRD 70lt HCW, his technique being just a smidge better than mine! The waves were slightly bigger and with only 5 of us on the water there were plenty of waves to go around. Everyone was going for massive tricks - goitres, wave 360’s, big aerials and the usual complement of at least 10 turns per wave!

How to get there: Quite simply - drive. Then drive a bit more. And a bit more. And finally keep driving North. It is 1200km North of Perth along the coastal highway and I would recommend maybe a stopover in Geraldton on the way up and back to break the journey in half. Once you get to Canarvon you hang a left and drive to the coast. Once you get to the coast you’ll then be on a dirt road. If you turn left at the end of that road to you can have a look at the blow holes - which also gives you an idea of the swell size! Driving to Gnaraloo is possible in a 2 wheel drive provided you check the road conditions first. Simon and Laure managed admirably in there VW transporter, although they couldn’t play in the sand quite as much as the other two of us with Landcruisers!

Once you’re there: There is not a great deal there although basic supplies are available from the shop but it is worth stocking up before you’re there. Shade is also at a premium and taking your own is well worth it as well as booking a site with a windbreak. Take toys for all eventualities (snorkeling, surfing, fishing, reading etc) as there can be a long wait for the conditions to get good.

Windsurfing: This is a wavesailors paradise and I had the best sessions of my life here in the last few days. There are 2 main waves. The famous Tombestones and the not so famous Shark Alley. Tombestones (or ‘Tombies’) is just South of the camp on a rough track that is very obvious. It is a long left hand reef break that works in anything over a 2 metre swell and is fun at logo to mast high and works up to mast-and-a-half but is not for the feint hearted at that size. Ask the locals about the launch and things to watch out for as you can get stuck on the inside if unaware. Shark Alley is a less well known break situated in 3 mile bay and is a much more gentle wave (ideal for first timers) but with only one or two turns as opposed the potential 15 bottom turns at Tombestones. 3 mile bay is also a good learner/freestyle/kitesurfing/slalom spot as there is some nice flat water here.

Extra activities: Snorkeling is superb as this is the start of the Ningaloo reef. Spear-fishing and line fishing are also very popular here. On my last spear fishing adventure I nearly shot a 2.5m tiger shark so beware! Surfing here is also good and the waves are suitable for anyone that can stand to professionals depending on the spot and the swell size. There is some nice walking too but the temperature precludes walking in the middle of the day. Mainly it is a place to surf early, chill out over breakfast and wait for the wind to come in.

Thanks to Seasprite for all their support with equipment and thanks to all those on the trip for making it what it was - epic!

Kit is also sponsored by Edge Watersports in Exmouth. www.edgewatersports.com