Kite Surfing in Darwin
DARWIN LOCATIONS / WIND DIRECTIONS
LOCAL AIRPORT WIND FOUND ON THE BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY WEBSITE
IS NOT VERY ACCURATE FOR THE BEACHES AS IT TAKES WIND READINGS FROM THE AIRPORT
IT GENERALLY GIVES YOU A VERY ROUGH ESTIMATE OF WIND DIRECTION AND SPEED.
LINK TO BOM WEBSITE
DARWIN KITESURFING MAP |
- NO CONFLICT. On all beaches, stay clear of all swimmers, other non kiting beach users and don't kite in or thru any marked patrol areas. Avoid conflicting with Surf Lifesaving Club activities. The lifesavers save kiters too, frequently. Be courteous when using the area around the Surf Club and clean up after you. Don't obstruct the driveway into the club and thru to the beach.
- NO DANGER. NON KITING BEACH USERS HAVE PRIORITY...ALWAYS. Clowning around, jumping on the beach and other dangerous behaviour around members of the public is not tolerated by the locals. Accidents reflect badly on all kiters and could lead to loss of beach access.
- HELP. In the top end, kiters help kiters. Learn and use the standard international signals and kiting rules. If you don't know them, ask. Assisting each other with launching and landing is safer especially for beginners and it saves a lot of kite damage from sharp shells. Just ask, or signal. On the water keep an eye out for kiters down and help if you can
- Crocs, Sharks and Stingers. The first two are as significant as they are in
any other location in Australia. They live in the sea, so use common sense.
Crocs are actively trapped in the Darwin area so are rarely a problem. Stingers
are in the water from October to May. Unless you enjoy severe pain, wear a stinger
suit in the wet season and keep some vinegar in your kite bag, just in case.