View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
mitsmats
Joined: 10 Jun 2008 Posts: 2
|
Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:21 pm Post subject: Sailing with kids in MA/NH area, where? |
|
|
Hi, I am looking for a good beach for kids to start learning windsurfing around Boston area ( to north). Obviously we don't need high wave, strong break or fast current. New to the area and I would appreciate your suggestion. Thanks |
|
Back to top |
|
|
nhsurf
Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 13
|
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:16 am Post subject: |
|
|
I live in southern NH and take my six year old to one of the small local lakes. The wind can be a little flaky at times but there isn't any jet ski or motor boat traffic.
I've never sailed at Lake Quannopowit in Wakefield, but you might want to try it if you are just north of the city.
What are you using for a rig and board?
Chris |
|
Back to top |
|
|
JRuffus
Joined: 17 Apr 2001 Posts: 293
|
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
if you can spare the extra drive time hit west dennis. steady warm wind and warmer water totally user friendly...you are better off spedning a bit more time driving and less time in the water as your quality factor will tripple and pound for pound the kid/s will get much more out of it and come out of it having much happier perspective on it. I started when i was 10, so i have a good idea as to what the kid windsurfing mentality can be. A lake can work, but west dennis will without a doubt work much much better.....
Plus, its part of the adventure down there that will be fun for them...its not so much about windusrfing itself for them right now, as much as the entire package......so the environment in which you put them in is as important if not more so than the sport itself. you make the trip down there fun and get icea cream and take them windusrfing....then they associate fun and warm and ice cream with windsurfing and next thing you know you got some wind addicts on your hands |
|
Back to top |
|
|
OliverTwist
Joined: 25 Nov 2004 Posts: 211
|
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:39 am Post subject: |
|
|
Some of us sail at Lake Masscupic (sp?) in Dracut, Lakeview Rd. It's not a great spot but it's nearby and accessible. It's best with a SW wind.
You can park and launch near the swimming beach and boat ramp or from a little park on Lakeview. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
mitsmats
Joined: 10 Jun 2008 Posts: 2
|
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:26 pm Post subject: Thanks |
|
|
I just would like to say thank you all. You guys are so wonderful. I have nine year old boy, who was inspired? when I was watching old Robby Nash's R.I.P. video.
I have Fanatic Viper 160L. I am thinking to just buy a children rig with 2-3 m2 sail without board. If he really likes it, then I will buy a kids board, (perhaps BIC?).
Lastly we are far away in Hanover NH. I am afraid I won't enjoy windsurfing in connecticut river, obviously it is not Gorge. Driving to NH shorline/boston area does not bother us much fortunately.
Again many thanks |
|
Back to top |
|
|
OliverTwist
Joined: 25 Nov 2004 Posts: 211
|
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
There are lots of nice lakes up your way but the only one I've sailed is Lake Sunapee. I don't know what the access is like at any others. Sunapee can be accessed from Bloggett Landing Rd. There are some big rocks but the water's clear and you can see them. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
alex177
Joined: 04 May 2002 Posts: 36
|
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
You could also consider Fogland beach in Tiverton, RI.
It is warm, shallow and very protected. Could be even closer for you
than West Dennis.
There is also a guy (Paul) with a big trailer at the beach who can
rent you out a kid rig to try. Paul also gives beginner lessons for kids if you are interested. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
-=koLLac=-
Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 39
|
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Haha, weird...I'm in Hanover right now and again for about 4-5 weeks in August/September. I'm pretty bummed about not having access to water right now since I really want to go sailing. I will be back in Burlington this weekend though and I'll probably end up going to the Sandbar on Lake Champlain after work on Friday. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
speedysailor
Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 841
|
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:24 am Post subject: Re: Thanks |
|
|
mitsmats wrote: | I just would like to say thank you all. You guys are so wonderful. I have nine year old boy, who was inspired? when I was watching old Robby Nash's R.I.P. video.
I have Fanatic Viper 160L. I am thinking to just buy a children rig with 2-3 m2 sail without board. If he really likes it, then I will buy a kids board, (perhaps BIC?).
Lastly we are far away in Hanover NH. I am afraid I won't enjoy windsurfing in connecticut river, obviously it is not Gorge. Driving to NH shorline/boston area does not bother us much fortunately.
Again many thanks | You are probably associated with the big D. The sailing club on Mascoma offers some windsurfing. I have seen posts from a guy that sailed there on another board. How about Occum Pond? Then again there's lake Sunapee. It's best to start at a lake or pond as it factors out the wave action of the sea. Indian Lake outside of Worcester might also be an option for you. They have a sailing club and many windsurfers have started there. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Barnett
Joined: 11 Jul 2000 Posts: 116
|
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 9:03 am Post subject: |
|
|
I have a "kiddie mast"...I think North....I listed it among items to sell but never sold it. I think it rigs on a regular base with small sails and it is in very good shape. I can't recall details as my youngest is 18 now. Anyway, if you can get down to the Northampton, MA area (about 1 1/2 hr south of Hanover on 91), you could give me whatever you want for it, or I would be happy to give it to you free if you are a starving student with an eager little windsurfer- gotta keep the sport going, right?
West Dennis has a pond across from the main beach- sort of far for you, but advantage is you could sail the ocean and your kids could sail the pond, plus it is beautiful. Nevin Sayre used to run a kids clinic there annually that was loads of fun for the little ones. You might check out if that is still happening. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|