Safety Bay kitesurf: the pond at Shoalwater, Rockingham
An afternoon sea breeze and the flat water of the pond at Shoalwater make Safety Bay, south of Perth, one of the metro area's main summer kitesurf and windsurf spots.
Yes. Safety Bay, in Rockingham about 50 km south of Perth, is a summer kitesurf and windsurf spot: a reliable afternoon sea breeze blows over flat, shallow water from about November to March. December to February sits in the middle of that season, and the pond at Shoalwater is one of the best flat-water spots in the Perth metro area.
Facts as of November 2026, from the sources listed at the end of this page.
Where do you kitesurf at Safety Bay?
The riding happens at Shoalwater, the beach next to Safety Bay. The City of Rockingham calls the sheltered water there “the pond” and describes it as one of the best flat-water spots in the Perth metropolitan area. It draws expert freestyle riders.
Kiteforum lists the water as shallow and flat, with some chop, and rates the spot from beginner to expert. If you are still learning, the council’s advice is to practise on the ocean side of the pond, not inside it.
When does the wind blow?
The wind is an afternoon sea breeze. Kiteforum gives November to March as the best months and lists south, south-south-west and south-west as the best directions, plus north-west and north-north-west. The WA Holiday Guide puts the best windsurfing wind from November to April, when the sea breeze kicks in during the afternoon.
There is no weather station in the bay. Windfinder’s Garden Island station, about 8 km to the north, averages about 14 knots from the south-south-west in December and January and about 13 knots from the south in February, measured over the whole day. Afternoons with the sea breeze in are windier than that average.
Can you windsurf or paddle here too?
Yes. Windsurfers use the same afternoon breeze and flat water, and the WA Holiday Guide covers Rockingham’s water sports from windsurfing to paddleboarding. For SUP or a kayak, mornings before the sea breeze arrives are the calmer time to be on the water.
What should you watch out for?
- Keep clear of Penguin Island and Seal Island. Kiteforum’s rule is not to get too close to either.
- Shoalwater Islands Marine Park borders the area, so check its rules before you ride or paddle near the islands.
- Many families visit in summer. Give swimmers room when you launch and land.
How do you get there?
Fly into Perth Airport (PER) and drive about 50 km south to Rockingham. If you are based in the city, Perth has its own kite beaches under the Fremantle Doctor, and Lancelin is the next big spot to the north. More on the sports: kitesurf and windsurf.
How windy is Safety Bay from December to February?
Share of days with at least three consecutive daylight hours at 11 knots (4 Beaufort) or more, over the last 10 southern summers (2015/16 to 2024/25).
| December | January | February | Mean daylight wind | Most common direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Bay, Rockingham | 75% | 77% | 67% | 12 kn | SW |
Our calculation from NASA POWER hourly wind at 10 m (MERRA-2 model), 09:00 to 18:00 local solar time. The model grid is about 50 km wide, so it smooths out local sea breezes and gusts: use these figures to compare spots and months, and check a local forecast before you go.
Where do people ride at Safety Bay right now?
Explore+ in the Waterspeed web app shows recent sessions on a map, with sport and top speed, so you can see which spots are working before you go. Open Explore+. To record your own sessions, Waterspeed runs on iPhone, Android, Apple Watch and Wear OS, and syncs Garmin, COROS and Suunto.
FAQ
Is Safety Bay good for beginner kitesurfers?
Yes, but the City of Rockingham asks beginners to practise on the ocean side of the pond, not inside it, where expert freestyle riders ride.
When is the kitesurf season at Safety Bay?
Kiteforum gives November to March as the best months. The wind is an afternoon sea breeze.
How far is Safety Bay from Perth?
Around 50 km. Perth Airport (PER) is the nearest airport.
