Are there any riders in the area who use this forum regularly? Seems like the bay doesn't represent on this site very much. Holla if you hear me.

I agree. I'm moving to Tauranga from Auckland and don't see much
convo from Tauranga. Must be a scene down there-just look at the Nats??

i have a batch just north of the mount in waihi but there are mark and torrin down there

Mint. Know of any spots? ? Haven't been there in years so don't know area well.

There are a few spots that you will see people at, depending on wind direction + tides.

Fergusson Park in tauranga (5mins drive from harbour bridge) is a good spot on SW to NW (sometimes N and NE) the tide doesnt really matter there, but on SW its better with a incoming so the current is against you. Kulim park is just round the corner from fergusson, thats ok too, but better with a high-ish tide. A few obstacles though and not very good lanching spot. Fergusson is more safe, but can be gusty as hell.

When its N to E anywere along the coast.Some places are ok on NW and ESE because the coast bends around. Tay Street (mount), Domain (papamoa). Can still kite at Fergusson or Kulim in onshore winds if you like flat water.

Hope this helps.

Cheers Torrin

A bunch of us kite further down the coast at Maketu. Two estuaries and three beaches to choose from which covers every wind direction.

The main estuary is rather shallow so not so good at low tide. You can however sail the coast by the surf club even in a SW though it is slightly cross-off and a bit shifty. Amazing down the line in the rare occasion we get a ground swell though.

Simon

Hey thanks for the info Simon I'll have to check it out!

Any Oysters around those area's??

No oysters down our way. There a a few rocks to watch for if kiting off the Maketu surf club. I've got some photos on
http://www.nzkiteboarding.com/plug.php?e=gallery&f=170

Ohope and Waihi Beach are both goof flat beaches on Northerlies with more space between waves than the Mount.

I'm also have become a big fan of the beaches around Opotoki, where the predominant wind is a perfect side-shore westerly and there are regular sand-banks which jack up the waves about 100m off shore.

Simon

No oysters are all good.

Sweet photos, thanks for the heads up!