Does anyone have any tips on good launches for kiteboarding on lake lanier? I'm new to Atlanta and hope to make it out there sometime this spring. Also, what is parking like there - is there a fee?
Unless the wind is out of the South, most windsurfers sail out of Van Pugh Park. Today (Monday) the wind was steady, but beware that gusty conditions are typical. Because of the variable wind, sailboats, and trees lining the shore, I haven't seen many kiteboarders on the Lake.
You definitely can't kite from Van Pugh -- there just isn't room.
Yes, most parks will have fees during the warmer months (I think from April to September). Unfortunately Lanier is one of the most crowded lakes in the US during the summer (boat traffic wise), but parking is usually no problem.
I hope you did not move from somewhere where you expect any sort of windy season. Welcome to the douldrums!
Old Federal Day Park seems to be the favored choice recently. In the winter you could do Van Pugh off the side beach but no way in the summertime as there are too many people/trees there. It's been done in the winter months but not an easy place at all because of the surrounding obstacles. You absolutely couldn't go off the beach the windsurfers use because it's right under the pines.
Some of the federal (not Federal) parks require day fees or parking passes in the summer. Many of the boat launches run by the state have day fees, too.
I'll let the kiters say more but Old Federal and Vann's Tavern (easterly) are the choices. Just a note: Lanier is very busy in the summer and requires care not to let your kite do something "bad".
Paul, Old federal park is where we kitesurf on westerly or NW winds.
Vann's Tavern with East winds.
Ive spent alot of time exploring areas arround the lake, these are probably the only two places that have a good launch and landing site.
Due to the gusty wind, no matter how good you are you will definately go downwind : ( , so thats the main problem, trees are everywhere here :(.
I ripped a couple of kites already in the trees.
Inspite of all difficulties Me and few other guys are still crazy enough to go out and try to make something out of it, Its addiction as you might know.
Its definately better to drive to Tybee Island ( the closest coast Ive been to so far -and someone please correct me if i am wrong ) . It takes about 3.5 - 4.0 hours drive.
and we have been doing that, we just leave early morning kitesurf and either come back the same day or the next.
I usually dont find anyone to go out with to the lake to kitesurf, so email me maybe we can go out the next time its windy......
There is an incredible launch site. Go to I-95 drive about 5 hours North. Hang a right at Rocky Mount and drive east for another 3 or 4 hours. Hey - wait. we're not at Lake Lanier any more. Dang. I think we're on the Outer Banks.
Unless the wind is out of the South, most windsurfers sail out of Van Pugh Park. Today (Monday) the wind was steady, but beware that gusty conditions are typical. Because of the variable wind, sailboats, and trees lining the shore, I haven't seen many kiteboarders on the Lake.
Barrett
You definitely can't kite from Van Pugh -- there just isn't room.
Yes, most parks will have fees during the warmer months (I think from April to September). Unfortunately Lanier is one of the most crowded lakes in the US during the summer (boat traffic wise), but parking is usually no problem.
I hope you did not move from somewhere where you expect any sort of windy season. Welcome to the douldrums!
Old Federal Day Park seems to be the favored choice recently. In the winter you could do Van Pugh off the side beach but no way in the summertime as there are too many people/trees there. It's been done in the winter months but not an easy place at all because of the surrounding obstacles. You absolutely couldn't go off the beach the windsurfers use because it's right under the pines.
Some of the federal (not Federal) parks require day fees or parking passes in the summer. Many of the boat launches run by the state have day fees, too.
I'll let the kiters say more but Old Federal and Vann's Tavern (easterly) are the choices. Just a note: Lanier is very busy in the summer and requires care not to let your kite do something "bad".
Paul, Old federal park is where we kitesurf on westerly or NW winds.
Vann's Tavern with East winds.
Ive spent alot of time exploring areas arround the lake, these are probably the only two places that have a good launch and landing site.
Due to the gusty wind, no matter how good you are you will definately go downwind : ( , so thats the main problem, trees are everywhere here :(.
I ripped a couple of kites already in the trees.
Inspite of all difficulties Me and few other guys are still crazy enough to go out and try to make something out of it, Its addiction as you might know.
Its definately better to drive to Tybee Island ( the closest coast Ive been to so far -and someone please correct me if i am wrong ) . It takes about 3.5 - 4.0 hours drive.
and we have been doing that, we just leave early morning kitesurf and either come back the same day or the next.
I usually dont find anyone to go out with to the lake to kitesurf, so email me maybe we can go out the next time its windy......
khaleel@hotmail.com
404-545-4020
There is an incredible launch site. Go to I-95 drive about 5 hours North. Hang a right at Rocky Mount and drive east for another 3 or 4 hours. Hey - wait. we're not at Lake Lanier any more. Dang. I think we're on the Outer Banks.