Riddell Rd

Long sandy spit, Riddell Rd accesses the bay which in turn is the northern side of the Tahuna Torea sand spit. A small launching area by the small car park at the end of Glendowie Rd, adjacent to the Churchill Club, or you can walk along the spit where you can launch from anywhere. Further up Glendowie Road there are also steps down to the water, and space to park. Beware fast incoming tide in the car park launch area. Fast launching is recommended as water can come in and wash away kite/lines etc. You can also launch in the Roberta reserve. Any winds from the N, NE will work great here. Easterlies and SE may also work but may be a bit gusty. N thermals in summer are light and steady, about 10-15 knots. Isobaric and frontal northerlies are stronger 15 knots up to over 50 knots. Frontal winds happen year round, N thermals in summer and early Autumn. Season is mostly during summer and autumn as the NNE winds are most common then. But occasional N direction winds come during winter and spring too and strong winds work great here. Hot water in sunny summers days, definitely no wetsuit needed. 3/2 wetsuit during winter is enough. Air temp of 21-3°C2 during summer, 10-20°C during winter. Water can get very warm in summer, over 30°C. Water: Shallow, Chop. Features: Toilet, Parking. Rider ability: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert.

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