Jacks Point
Nouvelle-Zélande · Otago
Jacks Point is a kitesurfing spot located in the Jack's Point subdivision, south of Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu. It can be accessed by following the road to Kingston, then turning into the residential area until reaching the clubhouse and continuing towards the lake.
Kitesurfers usually park near the concrete pad and use a sling on the car's tow bar for launching. The atmosphere is calm with a beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
The spot works well with strong south winds, providing good sessions for experienced riders who know the area.
Historical averages by month — not a live forecast.
The Jacks Point spot is oriented for summer thermal winds from south (S) or southwest (SW), which come in side-on relative to the beach, favoring a relatively clean water surface despite the lake. A strong wind, around 28 km/h or more (about 15 kts minimum), is needed for it to work well as the lake can be gusty due to the surrounding terrain.
The navigation area extends over Lake Wakatipu, wide and deep, with water entry from the rocky beach. Use a sling on the car for safe launching from the parking lot. The downwind area is clear but you quickly reach the shore with a wind shadow in the corner. No tidal influence since it is a freshwater lake, but levels vary slightly with snowmelt or rain without impacting the ride.
Local feature: the spot is in a residential area, so respect the rules of the Southern Lakes Windriders club. Ideal for freeride sessions on moderate chop, but ask a local for the first time as launching can be technical with nearby rocks.
Sources :slwindriders.co.nz · kitesurfinghome.com · slwindriders.co.nz
Open Windguru forecast