Most convenient time to sail is low tide but more intermediate/expert riders will be able to self launch/land on high tide. Essentially a surf beach but swell is usually 3 foot at the most. Best kiting done near the river mouth where perfect 2 foot ramps usually occur. Very few people kite this area and it is a perfect spot. 2 hours after low tide is a very good time to kite.
Beach is soft but can have sea-weed problems. High tide is for the more expert rider due to there being practically no beach to work with for self launching/landing. At high tide it is better to launch in the river mouth area. Low tide is by far the most user-friendly time to kite.
Wetsuit in winter, board shorts or spring suit in summer. Water temp is average in summer but frigid in winter. This is an ocean beach and therefore water temp is usually lower than in the bay area. All year round kiting venue.
Wind direction is usually South. Predominantly Southwest but summer sees Northerlies and Easterlies blowing. Kiting possible in Southerlies but can sail in the river on a Northerly. Headland can cause Southwesterlies to become gusty.
Melbourne to Ocean Grove is approximately a 1 and a half hour drive via Geelong. Closest international airport is Tullamarine and closest domestic terminal is at Avalon (20 minutes outside Geelong). There is a bus service to Geelong from Melbourne with connecting service to Ocean Grove.
No hassles, no fees, safety gear up to the kiter. There are rules in place where it is mandatory to wear a flotation device but this is definitely not policed at Ocean Grove.
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