Underfoot conditions aren't that great but water is flat. The north facing beach is excellent for learning. Small chop in channel. North facing spot best at high tide. Channel best when wind opposes tide. Tide current useful for increasing apparent wind.
Air temp in summer is 24°C average. Water temp on northern side can exceed 30°C so wetsuit definitely not required. In channel the water temp is a comparatively chilly 25°C. The best time of year to kite here is summertime, best from December to April.
Summer thermals can come here for from 2 directions, N and SW. N thermal usually kicks in just before midday and usually peaks at 15 knots (more on occasions) and consistent for those big kite sessions. The SW thermal usually doesn't arrive until mid afternoon, if at all. Strength of SW thermal `Tamaki Doctor` varies from 10-30 knots but usually 15-25kt. In between period creates a hot windless patch with rapidly forming cloud which may produce rain and even thunder. Best directions here are from NE-N and WSW, SW. Winter and spring don't have suitable directions for this beach and the winds then are usually too strong for this place to handle.
Once at AK airport, get the map out and head to Pakuranga (eastern Suburbs). Once at Pak, get the map out and head to Farm Cove, then get the map out and look for Pak yacht club, drive down a few roads and your get to the yacht club on the eastern shore of the Tamaki Estuary.
Leash kite at all times, keep out of channel unless experienced, be courteous to other cars in car park. Pick up your rubbish. This place is closed from 9pm to 7am during summer months. (7pm to 7am during winter).
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