Lake Lopez questions

vtm81 · Joined: 03 Aug 2009 Posts: 50

I have a few questions for the locals at Lake Lopez.

Last year, the water level was relatively low and it was possible to drive and park the cars by the water at the tail end of the lake near the Mustang Water Slides.

1) Is it still the case this year and if yes, is legal to do that?
2) Has anyone taught their kids how to windsurf at that end of the lake as I *assume* the water level can be waist deep for beginners even though the run can be short? Any potentially dangerous submerged objects around that area?

Thanks beforehand.

nw30 · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 11:33 am Post subject:

The water level is a bit higher this year, we had a good wet winter, but they won't let the lake fill past 80%, dam (damn) concerns.

Yes. you can park by the water in Mallard Cove, the spot you were asking about. And yes, Mallard is the best place to learn how to windsurf, if it has enough water, but there are some water hazards like tree stumps, so it's best to wear booties.

Back in the day (early 80's) Mallard was full, as was the rest of the lake, and it was probably one of the best places to learn how to windsurf in Cal. They even had two windsurf schools that were there all summer long. I'd even say that most of the windsurfers that live in or around SLO county probably learned how in Mallard Cove, before graduating to the main lake.

Here's a pic of the south side of Mallard Cove, looking out towards the main lake, back in the mid 80's. Classic.

capetonian · Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 1197 Location: Florida

vtm81 · Joined: 03 Aug 2009 Posts: 50

nw30,

Wow, thanks for the info.
My instinct was telling that it could be good and you helped confirm this.

I *love* the picture. Thanks for sharing!

Speedreed · Joined: 15 Jul 2001 Posts: 3

The only thing that's has not advanced in time in this photo is the 6pac cooler's. Nice shorty shorts Embarassed

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

jp5 · Joined: 19 May 1998 Posts: 3394 Location: OnUr6

csorens · Joined: 04 Jul 1999 Posts: 51

With inflation and the State budget crisis it would probably cost him $178 to eat a sandwich at Lake Lopez now... Wink

Arrgh · Joined: 05 May 1998 Posts: 864 Location: Rio

nw30 · Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2010 3:24 pm Post subject:

Here's another classic pic I found from the same period, 1985, Mallard is off to the right, around the corner, the lake was full.
This is a shot of the main launch area, notice one of the most popular sails of that time was the Gaastra Slalom. Then came the very popular 'Aeroforce' by Mark Reynolds, you could get one in any color you wanted, as long as it was all white (none in the pic). Those were awesome sails, when the lake was full of Aeroforce sails, it looked like the Klue Klux Klan was out there ripping.
Entry fee back then (w/o a season pass) and one board, $5.00.
Season pass for windsurfing, $35.00.
Vans and campers were handy, fill them up with boards, but only claim one board when entering. SOP, then and now.