Tauranga - Fergusson Park (North)
North-East, Matakana-facing beach (beyond the boat ramp)
Wind Directions (wind range) - NW (cross shore from the left) through to ESE.
Wind Conditions - NW can be good. N and NE winds are quite consistent, but can be patchy at times due to the wind coming over Matakana Is and/or Mount Maunganui. E winds can be awesome, and generally are quite consistent. On ESE winds the port is upwind, which causes the wind to be a bit patchy.
Surface Conditions - Water conditions range from dead flat to very choppy. It depends on the tidal/wind direction, and tide heights, i.e. sandbars show at low tide, generally making smoother water conditions.
The harbour bed at Fergusson Park is firm and sandy, with patches of cockle shells. We suggest booties if you are learning or going to spend a lot of time walking.
Tides - Works on any tide. There's always water in the channel. Ideal conditions are when tidal flow opposes wind flow, i.e. incoming tide in NW, outgoing tide in E-ESE. N and NE aren't affected by the tide flow too much.
Launching and Landing - At this spot there are large trees completely lining the shore. There is a large grassy area amongst trees for pumping up, but launching and landing can be difficult at high tide when there's no beach. There is a small grassy area right by the trees, so BE CAREFULL when launching and landing here. Keep your kite low to the ground, and if possible always get someone else to help you with launching and landing. If the tides out, we recommend walking your kite out 50m to launch. This will save yourself a lot of potential risk and hassle.
Other Info and General Safety Tips - This is another great location for learning, so you will sometimes see the Assault Kiteboarding Centre School operating from this location. Please be courteous to those new comers to the sport, and give them plenty of space for their and your own safety.
There are rocks around the boat ramp, and a tree lined shore. Give yourself plenty of downwind space before the boat ramp and trees. We have seen plenty of kites stuck in trees, and some dragged over the rocks. Just be aware of how close you are to these obstacles.
For novice and some intermediate riders, when the wind and tide are going the same way, staying upwind can be difficult. Keep your first few runs from the beach very short to start with to see how you are going. This could save yourself a big swim or long walk, or others in the park a rescue mission!
Fergusson Park is a great spot for spectators to watch the action up close. There is parking all the way along the beach front. There are toilets and changing rooms down by the boat ramp.
This information kindly supplied by Assault Kiteboarding Center.