Howatharra - Coronation Beach
Australia
Howatharra
Coronation Beach, in Howatharra, Western Australia, is a renowned spot especially among European windsurfers. The narrow sandy beach is bordered by a popular campsite, with a lively atmosphere in season. It is a favored location for its consistent wind and varied conditions once on the water.
The spot attracts intermediate and expert kiters due to its generous space at sea. A dedicated kite area is set up north of the boat access, separated from that of the windsurfers. In high season, from December to February, the beach is bustling with people but remains manageable.
Located 30 minutes north of Geraldton, it is a must-visit for wave riding and flat enthusiasts.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
- 🟢 10–16 nds : vent faible mais navigable (notamment en foil).
- 🟡 16–22 nds : plage idéale, conditions confortables pour la majorité.
- 🔴 22–28 nds : vent fort, réservé aux riders expérimentés.
- 🟣 28+ nds : conditions extrêmes, navigation engagée.
Localisation & Points d'intérêt
Informations utiles
wave
flatThe wind mainly blows from SSE, S, SSW, SW, often side-on or onshore relative to the northwest-facing beach. The first 50 meters offshore are gusty, with cleaner wind thereafter. The launch and take-off area is small, north of the boat access, in a cleared zone; use only this marked area to comply with local rules.
On the water, there is flat until the first break at 150 meters, ideal for freestyle or beginner waves, then moderate waves on a sandbank. The kite zone extends 300 meters downwind of the windsurfers to the south. Be cautious of stronger wind at sea than on land due to wind shadow on the beach. Tides have little influence on the water surface, but check the breaks according to the swell.
In summer, winds easily rise to 30-35 knots, perfect for wave riding on the first safe wave. Kiters and windsurfers coexist well if everyone respects the zones and etiquette.
Ideal conditions are with a wind of 20-30 knots from SSE to SW, side-on for smooth wave riding or freestyle on flat.
The water surface offers flat near the shore up to the sandbank, then chop and moderate waves of 1 to 2 meters depending on the swell. There is no shore break, making landings easier.
Currents are generally weak along the coast. Tides have a moderate range with no major impact on navigation. Stay vigilant near fishing areas or anchored boats.
Opt for smaller sizes like 7 to 11 m² due to strong and consistent winds, especially in summer where 6-9 m² are often sufficient.
The wind pattern is consistent year-round, with 20-30 windy days per month in summer (December to March). Average speeds range from 8 to 10 knots, but rise to 20-35 knots in season due to thermal seabreeze. Best months: October to March for daily sessions.
The climate is mediterranean with hot summers from November to March, where temperatures reach 25-29°C. Winters are mild, around 13-18°C from May to August. The rainy season is short and has little impact on kiting.
The depth is gradual with a sandy bottom shallow near the shore. You can stand until the first break at 150m.
Water temperatures range from 18-20°C in winter to 24-26°C in summer. A shorty wetsuit is recommended year-round.