Summary
Surfers Point is in the remote South West of Australia on the Indian Ocean and only a few miles from the Southern Ocean. The wind is remarkably consistent through the season from November to March. Most afternoons you'll have a perfect 20 knots and through the summer you'll get another 5 or 6 knots of sea breeze. You can go out most days with a 6 or 7 and you never need more than a 9/10. Most of the locals go on this shallow reef break with a surf board and straps and you must have a leash. If you are a freestyler, while surfers point may not be perfect, you can head 1km south to Gnarabup where its more protected and flat. You should bring a wetsuit (2-3mm). In September the water temperature is 16 - 19C and it warms to 20-22C by 1st March. The water is incredibly clean and clear. Margaret River is very well known for surfing hosting the World Surf League Pro each year, but its relatively undiscovered for kitesurfing. Its not uncommon to be one of only a couple of kiters in the water with the dolphins to keep you company. Until December you will also see a lot of whales! Absolute paradise!
The Destination
The Experience
Located 5 minutes from the famous wave riding spot of Surfers Point, the Surfers Retreat is the perfect base for your Western Australian kite surfing adventure. A trip to the Surfers Retreat allows you to combine world class kiting with amazing food, wine and nature. The activities are endless with awesome surfing, biking, hiking and kayaking. However if you're staying at the Surfers Retreat, the best thing to do is kick back in a hammock with a locally crafted beer or wine and enjoy the Australian bush. Set on 3 acres of natural bush land, the Surfers Retreat truly is a paradise to come home to after a hard days kiting. Your only 2.3kms from the spot, so its not a long journey! You'll see kangaroos and many of the beautiful native birds and be able to watch the sunset over the trees. Make Margaret River Surfers Retreat your next kite holiday destination!
The kiting
The conditions at Surfers Point are remarkably predictable so you will be able to kite every afternoon when the wind comes in. With a perfect 20 knots, you mostly only need a 6 or 7 and never need more than a 9/10. While Margaret River is very well know for surfing, it's stunning reef break is relatively undiscovered for kiting, so it's not uncommon to find yourself with only a couple of other kiters and the dolphins to keep you company! There are other great kiting spots not too far away. Boronup Beach is a beautiful long beach break where you can park your 4WD on the beach. Augusta River offers awesome flat water riding. Both are only 30 minutes from the Surfers Retreat by car. Gas Point is good for beginners and very safe and Gnarabup (10 mins from Surfers Point) offers flatter water and is protected by a reef)
Out of the water activities
When you are not in the water, Margaret River offers endless options. Home to some of Australia's best wineries, you can experience the best food and wine the country has to offer. With a strong emphasis on local and organic food and an incredible weekly farmers market the opportunities are endless.. You can have a long leisurely lunch at a winery or brewery, eat Pizza that would rival anywhere in Italy and experience Japanese fine dining all within 15 minutes of the Surfers Retreat. The natural beauty is truly stunning and the area is well serviced with excellent hiking and mountain bike trails. Trails vary from fire trails to single track and there are a few options for hiring bikes and tours. The town of Margaret River itself is small and quaint yet has everything you need. There are plenty of places for a massage and a few options for yoga.
Getting to Margaret River
The closest international airport is Perth and that's a 3 hour drive from the Surfers Retreat. The best thing to do is hire a car and drive. The area is not well serviced by public transport and transfers are expensive. You will also need a car when you arrive in Margaret River and local rental options are very limited.
Accommodation
Australia
More about Kitesurfing in AustraliaYour Host: Mandi
Mandi is your host for this experience and will provide you with all the information needed.