The Bend

The Bend is a wind sports launch near Gosford where the most consistently usable wind is from the north-east (with south-east also working). In summer, a sea-breeze pattern develops during the day and is described as building in the early afternoon, with a cited thermal/sea-breeze window around 13:00 to 18:00. For kitesurfing, the spot is commonly used for freeriding and foiling. Reported wind strength is often in the mid-range (about 15–25 knots), and a typical kite range given for average adults is around 9–12 m², though lighter-wind sessions may call for larger kites. Expect choppy water, with the launch and channel area becoming more challenging at high tide. The main safety issues are very sharp oyster beds along the shoreline and shallow areas, strong tidal currents in the channel area, and heavy boat traffic around the navigation/channel markers. The launch itself is tight and can become very small depending on the tide, so riders should plan for a safe, efficient launch and remain clear of boat routes/ferry and private vessel traffic. Water conditions are described as small-to-medium/chop and fair overall, with bottom hazards (oysters) and shallow shelf geometry near launch that drop quickly into deeper channel water. If you go, prioritize booties to protect from oyster shells and ensure your timing matches tide conditions; intermediate riders are generally the intended level given the current and access constraints.