Tauranga - Fergusson Park (West)
West, Kaimai facing beach on inner harbour off Matua
Wind Directions (wind range) - SSW through to NE
Wind Conditions - SSW-SW is often quite gusty, as the wind is coming from the Kaimai Ranges. W is generally more consistent. NW can be awesome at low tides for flat water. 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.
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 SSW-W, or outgoing tide in N-NE. In NW winds the tide doesn't affect riding too much (however it can when riding the North-east facing beach).
Launching and Landing - There is a large grassy area for setting up, launching and landing. CAUTION: Be careful when launching and landing on SSW-W winds, it can be extremely swirly/gusty due to houses and a mini headland up wind. 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 - The Assault Kiteboarding Centre School often operates 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.
When parking here, we have an "un-written kiters rule" which is to park along the backside of the grassy area, leaving it clear for setting up, launching and landing.
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.
In good weather Fergusson Park is a popular picnic and swimming location. Please be considerate and stay well away from anyone in the water. We all want to keep our spots in the Bay open for Kiteboarding.
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.