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Magnetic Island Kiteboarding Locations - Geoffrey Bay
Current Kiting Conditions and Weather forecast - click here
Riding Information and safety tips
Geoffrey Bay is often a good option for an early morning session in winter when the southerly winds tend to be strongest. In fact it is the only spot in the Townsville region that works for kiting in SSW winds.
The typical E to ENE'ly afternoon wind is gusty and turbulent at Geoffrey, and you should ride at Nelly Bay instead. Geoffrey works in SSE to SSW winds, when it will be cross onshore starboard tack. These winds mainly occur in winter as cold fronts move over southern states, and usually start at about 0500 and are quite strong and gusty(20-25knots) from dawn til about 0900. They usually fade quite quickly and are generally down below 10 knots by 1100.
The AIMS weather station is 1km from the site and updates every 6 hours. The site at Townsville airport (10km away) updates every 30min but the wind strengths are much less when the wind is SSW.
Map of Geoffrey Bay showing Kiting Locations in SSW winds
Pump up on the beach adjacent to the bowls club, and then launch on the beach nearby which is clear of trees.
During launch, be aware that a road runs behind the launch site. Be ready to use your safety systems.
In SSW and S winds, kite upwind after launch into the western corner of the bay to get some space and good angle for hitting the waves breaking along the reef crest.
You need at least 0.9m tide to cover the reef flat in order to kite here, and best tides are 1.2m to 1.8m. Higher than 2m and it gets a bit choppy, and there is not much beach for launching and landing. Bring booties if you plan to kite on tides lower than 0.9m or do any standing on the reef bottom. Check the tides before you come.
You will find fairly flat water over the reef flat, and wind waves will break right on the reef edge along the whole length of the bay. Avoid kiting too far out to sea beyond the headland on the east side of the bay, as the SSW wind and current on an outgoing tide will quickly sweep you beyond the Island and into open water. Also realise that a kite down beyond the reef edge means a landing on the oyster covered rocks of the headland, so plan your tricks accordingly.
The nearest toilets, bar, accommodation and other essential facilities are located at the Magnums resort at the north-east end of the beach. You can get mobile phone reception at the beach.
Riding Geoffrey Bay on a morning SSW wind
Weather Links
Current Windspeeds in Cleveland Bay
Buoyweather Magnetic Island Windspeed Forecast
Buoyweather Outer Reef Windspeed Forecast
For more info contact us by phone or email.