The windsurfing speed record for New Zealand was set here, and it's a great place if you like long fast runs. It is good for kite surfers too, and is suitable for all experience levels from beginners to experts. Conveniently close to Omaha town, it provides a rare opportunity to ride flat water under consistently good conditions.
There isn't really a beach as such, you’ve just got both sides of the estuary and sandy banks either side. There are grassy areas around that can be used to set up rigging, and parking is allowed pretty much anywhere you can find room. A shorty will do you for most of the year as the water is quite mild, but winter a full wetsuit is recommended.
This place is best when the wind is coming from either the east or the west, and those are also the main directions. You find it blows consistently at 15 to 25 knots, and can really push you along at a good speed. The water is shallow and always flat, with high tide being the best time to be out here.
There aren't any facilities within the estuary itself, as you'd expect, but Omaha is a good size and offers a decent choice of facilities, including accommodation, restaurants and bars.
Out on the water your main hazard is other traffic, particularly boats, but on the beach there is a lot to look out for – there is a road, cars, power lines, trees and rocks so keep your distance and pick your spot carefully.