Current Lake Isabella Temperatures and tips

[*Matt*]

I was thinking about making my first trip up to Isabella next weekend or the weekend after. I am a beginner, in the harness, water starting, but not in the foot straps. I have been out in 4.5 conditions successfully, but still spend a lot of time in the water.

So, has the water warmed up enough for beginners?

What do I need to do to get my boards “registered” for the lake? Can I do this online or Saturday morning?

I can get to the town, but how do I find the windsurfing spots? auxiliary dam main beach? the ghetto? The windsurfers camp area?

[STEIN]

Isabella is a great place for intermediates. smooth water. I've been going for 20 years. The water will be cold, you'll need a 4/3 wetsuit. I just looked at the temps, 49 air temp. you can get board tags at the main gas station in town just off the main off ramp, personally I've never bought one, never been ask for one. But, I go on weekdays.

If you stay on the freeway past the damm, then go left at the auxiliery damm sign and you can camp 5 feet from the water the whole weekend. The Ghetto is farther down the highway past the damm turnoff about a 1/2 mile "old kernville road", go through the parking lot on the right and onto the dirt, down to the water(it's where I always go, a little more chop and no jet ski's), have fun.

Bill

[*Matt*]

Thanks for all the tips. How long do you guys think until a 3/2 wetsuit will do the trick?

Matt

[isobars]

[sergem]

[isobars]

[*Matt*]

I do have the gear for 120 deg air plus water temp, but it is not super fun. Plus, camping won’t be fun at those temperatures. Maybe I’ll check back in with you in a month?

I forget that it is not summer because it is always 70+ here.

Matt

[isobars]

Ooffff ... trying to sleep in that kind of heat .... not for me.

\m/

[spennie]

Matt:
Spennie the Wind Junkie here, King of the Lake Isabella Trailer Trash Windsurfing Association (LITTWA). We camp at the Aux Dam, downwind end, near the jibing bay. As soon as the air hits 60, you'll be fine in your 3/4 wetsuit. If you'd like to get my Fearless Forecast for Lake Isabella every Thursday (80% accuracy) right on your computer, e-mail me through my website www.windjunkie.net . Then come and join us at the Aux Dam, just look for my giant Sailworks flag, I'll teach you how to jibe with both feet out of the straps! --Spennie

[victor]

use the "100 degree rule"

if the water temp and air temp don't add up to over 100 you probably shouldn't be sailing.