Hy,
I am just passing by here : I am from France, and for professional reason I have to spend a while in Atlanta, which will include three days off any duty, from 27 to 29 November. This happens once in a while with my professional occupation though rarely that long.
Every time I have some off duty time I am looking for some way of sailing, but Georgia ? November ?
I was thinking of taking a road trip, may be to South Carolina ? I googled a bit, and there seems to be some spots over there, but I have no clue on the usual weather to expect in late November (end of Hurricane season ? temperature ? wind ? Croud ? ). Plus I guess it would be difficult to find some gear rental as it is probably out of season. I could get my travel kit, which means it would be winGfoiling only.
I found your wiki googling for spot information, now, I'd appreciate any advise.
PS : I guessed this section as most relevant for this request. Sorry if not correct.
Welcome and I hope your visit is enjoyable while you are here. Not only do we sail in November, it's one of the more common times as our summers have only limited wind. The tropic weather is pretty much over now - the jet stream is the main engine for wind as fronts pass through.
You could have everything from no wind to three days of great wind - no way to tell this far in advance. Our common refrain is: Bring everything!
Yes, there is great sailing on the coast which is 4+ hours from here. Charleston and Tybee (Savannah) are probably the closest spots and warmer Florida isn't much further (Gulf Coast and Jacksonville). Rental gear will be almost impossible to find around here as there isn't enough of a market. Do bring a wetsuit, 4/3 at least. If you spend a lot of time in the water, even a 5/4. I should mention that both Charleston and Savannah are very nice cities to visit even if it isn't windy and somewhat unique - unlike most cities in the US due to their history.
btw, are you the same 6u1d0 that's on windsurfing33?
Additionally, St Simons Island has been my Georgia "go to" place. Though I haven't "gone to" it in a while.
Windsurfers I know there are based out of this club whose website has some local contact info: https://stsimonssurfsailors.com/
Then again, I know you mentioned road-trip, but if you have only 3 days and are in Atlanta, the Atlanta area lakes might be worth considering if the forecast calls for wind.
Good suggestion.
North Beach Wiindsurfing
Tampa Florida is a good option.
It’s still warm there in November.
And they have rental.
Thank you for the welcome.
All these informations make me think I should definitely bring my travel kit, and check out the weather forecast a few days before arriving. I'll decide wether to hang around Atlanta or go on the road. Indeed Charleston or Savannah are appealing. These are really exotics destination for us Euro : most French people wouldn't even know where Georgia or south Carolina is...
The only draw back is that it would be winGfoil only (easier to travel with), and I am still a noob.
Indeed I am.
If you do decide to stay/try Atlanta and it's a decent day, I might be able to meet you at Lake Allatoona and bring some extra equipment to share. Lake Allatoona is 30 minutes North West of Atlanta.
I'm technically a French dual-citizen so I am obligated to make sure you feel welcome
Bon voyage
I need to check my schedule to see if I'm in town, but if I am, you can borrow some windfoil gear.
Woaw ! That's being welcome.
I'll bring my winGfoil gear and check for weather forecast a few day before I arrive. I didn't expect such a friendly windsurfing communauty in Atlanta, but now I am looking forward to meet you guys.
The nicer the people, the worse the wind.
Have seen your posts forever on w33 so figure it's my way of paying the community back a bit.
Bring neoprene (good 4/3, booties )and don't be surprised if we get 3 days of nothing. It happens.
Salut,
My 2 cents:
- unless you have an inflatable board, I would not bring gear for 3 days: no guarantees of wind, dealing with customs, airlines oversized bag restrictions…even with inflatable not worth it to me (if you do and have a regular board, make sure the car rental can accommodate the gear)
- Charleston/Isle of Palms/Sullivan’s Island would be my go to place for 3 days mini vacation: 5 hours drive - check out https://forcekiteandwake.com and contact them for options - best chance of wind in any directions
Bonne visite!
Trip time is approaching, so I am begining to check out forecast and... for what I have, it doesn't look great in Atlanta area. Air temperature a bit chilly (though not a real issue) and mostly not really windy.
South Carolina is more appealing. From what information I get, air temperature is around 18°c (64°F) and water a bit warmer.
I have to decide soon wether I stay at Atlanta, so what is your feeling about wind around Atlanta (I would have enjoyed a session with locals, weather permitting) ? Do you confirm the forecast I got so far ?
Looking at the two best weather models (generally) the Euro and GFS plus the National Weather Service output for Monday
Monday looks decent 10-20. Tuesday looks good for cycling. Wed has some promise by the Euro but not GFS.
However, while Monday looks really good for Charleston, Tuesday and Wed look no better than Atlanta if not worse. However, if you've never been to Charleston and don't mind the 5 hour drive, a beautiful place to visit. The drive isn't particularly scenic however - five hours of looking at mostly pine trees.
Ok I usually don't rely on GFS as it is definitly not good with our local spot. Looks like 5/4 and possibly hooded. Still monitoring forecast.
Ok, checking on the forecast and with other considerations, I am going to stay around Atlanta. It seems it's going to be a bit chilly, but not that much that I would not go sailing. So 5/4 wet suit and winGfoiling gear. I hope that you will give me good advise on where to go, and that we may meet on the water.
I had a emergency come up and had been away. I hope you managed to make the most of your trip.
Thanks eastcobbphil,
I had a great time winging on monday and tuesday, and enjoyed the pleasant weather on wednesday thanks to William's advises.
See you.