Departure Bay is a nice learning location in an easterly wind. With a northwesterly (offshore) you have to be careful to not drift into the ferry lane...but it is still nice...I learned there eons ago (Konabuds!).
Parksville bay is great on the North wests if the tide is in or not too far out. Wind is usually a bit lighter than nanaimo. But if you don't like sand I'd stay away.
