just asked that same question a couple of days ago looks like theres an art to it

I took the family up a while back and had a bit of trepidation following a lot of reports. I watched it for a fair while even though it was only a moderate swell. Once I decided to go I used the power and went, no pissing around, same with coming back in, pick the lull, hop on the back of a wave and then go. Not hard, but be safe and cautious. Also make sure everyone has life jackets on just incase.

Haven't done it for a few years but I've done it in 3 or 4 different types of boat, including a 4.1 tinny in a 3m swell.

When heading out, pull up just before the Chinaman and watch the sets to see the pattern. When you have picked the pattern, pick your moment and go, don't pull out halfway thru either. Once you've cleared the passage swing left and head out a few hundred metres to totally clear the area (big swells will break further out than you may think).

Coming back do the same thing, stop and wait outside the zone and watch the pattern. Pick your moment, usually once the last big one in the set is half way across the passage is when I go. Go for it and keep on going till well clear.

If in doubt dont go out! I went out in the 4.1m tinny in the 3m swell and immediately thought stuff this, it took me 30 minutes of watching and waiting before I shot back in.

Good idea to be wearing a lifejacket in a smaller vessel, or if their are kids on board put them in one.;)

Sea Rescue up that way are very helpful and can give you some pointers, alternately you may be able to follow a local or someone experienced out if you ask around.

I've watched various methods but the one I use is watch the swells as you approach, then I move over close to the markers (port or seaward side heading out) and just take it slowly, keeping an eye on the swells as they come in.

I have found in the conditions when it's not looking like a washing machine to be ok.

I  have found they (the swells)  lose a lot of their power on the reef and just roll under the boat as I head out.

Same as "Big John", I head out past the end of the break and then turn seaward.

Coming in I generally try to hitch a ride on the back of a swell and just stay on it all the way back in.

I keep to the seaward side of the channel as it tends to get shallow very quickly on the town side of the channel.

Don't be shy about asking to follow someone in or out; most people will be more than happy to guide you.

ps (I've got a heavy 5.8m glass boat)

cheers

Thanks for the tips, we will see what it's like when we get there and if conditions are right we will give it a go,if not always done alright of the shore,better safe than soggy

G'day Culli

Best bet is to stay as close to the markers as possible and hold that line until about 200m past Black Rock. There is no need to rush it. Just stay alert and ready to give it a little kick if you need to. Most new people flog through there for no reason. The most dangerous section is less than 100m. Just dont shirk. Once you are committed you have to go. Most who have suffered have either tried to turn around or pulled back. Just stay well clear of Oyster Reef. If you need a hand or advise give me a pm before you head up and I'll point you in the right direction. The was a fella out in a fold up Portaboat 2 days ago to give you an idea of how easy it can be.

Cheers Mick