New to Windsurfing in Socal, where can I go ??

markgroenhuyzen · Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Huntington Beach CA

Hey All,

I'm just starting to get back into windsurfing after being out for about 17 years. I used to live in Europe and loved it, but Live took over and just stopped. I became a professional skater until my body gave up. I thought about it for years, but finally I quit making excuses, got myself some gear and are ready to go out.

Since I have been out for so long, I'm sure I have to start from Scratch, no big deal, I'll pick it up fast.

I live in Huntington Beach, and I'm looking for the good spots to go to. Initially I would like some flat water with some desent wind, ones I'm feeling more comfortable, I want to get back in the waves.

Are there any lakes around here that are worth going to ??

Please tell me where I can go.. I have waited far to long.

Thanks

Mark.

surfsail2 · Joined: 04 Apr 2008 Posts: 1

Mark, Lake Isabella is by far the best flat water sailing in California. You can look it up on iwindsurf. every Thursday their is a fearless forcast posted that will give you a good idea for that weekend. You are also close to Cabrillo beach that has good conditions as well.

Kevin
Windjunkie

coolmtnbiker048 · Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 372 Location: California

Huntington Beach and Sunset Beach/Bolsa Chica are the BEST wave spots in LA/OC. Sunset has more wind than Huntington so you will end up sailing there more. It's all side-on wind.

For flat water/getting used to windsurfing again, I would recommend Cabrillo Beach, Belmont Shores, Seal Beach, and Lake Isabella (although it gets crazy windy and gusty there).

Edit: OH YEA, for forecasting isabella, check Spencer's site for 80% accuracy fearless forecasts, www.windjunkie.net.

*Matt* · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 67

Hey,

I am new to the area (and new to windsurfing), but I have been researching a lot.

Locally, cabrillo beach is a good place to learn (I have sailed there) and lake Isabella is one of the windiest places in the usa.

Click on these links to learn about all the local areas:

http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=129&siteID=208&Isection=Local+Info

http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=129&siteID=204&Isection=Local+Info

http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=209&siteID=1521&Isection=Local+Info

http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=129&siteID=3254&Isection=Local+Info

http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=209&siteID=209&Isection=Local+Info

http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=129&siteID=2752&Isection=Local+Info

Hope to see you out there,

Matt

markgroenhuyzen · Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Huntington Beach CA

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the Info... great help.

Does anyone know how long the drive is from HB to Lake Isabella and is there specific spots to go to ??

Another question I have, is there really a season here in Socal where you can sail or is it pretty much all year long ?

Mark.

victor · Joined: 03 Aug 1998 Posts: 581

Lake Lopez, near Arroyo Grande (SLO Co.) is a very pleasant place to splash around. Not as big or windy as Isabella but closer. Nice launch beach, fresh water, large campgound.

I've only been there once and had a great time for a couple of days on a 6.0/101 L. Locals say it gets better. Not sure of the season.

I took two boards and they made me pay $5.00 launching fee for each. Next time I just take my big one.

markgroenhuyzen · Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Huntington Beach CA

Hey Victor,

Thanks, I'll look into that. I'll be sailing my big board anyway for now, so that might work out fine. I have a 7.8 rig, so that might work.

Mark.

coolmtnbiker048 · Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 372 Location: California

markgroenhuyzen · Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Huntington Beach CA

didn't get in the water yesterday, got home late from work, but I did get about an hour and a half on my wind skateboard. I went to State beach by Brookhurst, was blowing pretty good...

Got some good Jibe practice in... Looks like we might have some more good wind this afternoon, so depending on the time I can get back, either I'll get in the water or go back to the Parking lot... this time of year they are pretty open and better then sitting at home.