Hi,
I moved to Atlanta from FL about 7 years ago, and just never got around to looking into windsurfing up here. It's been at least 15 years as well since I have been on a board.
What are the best locations around for getting back into the sport? I would like to learn kiteboarding, so looking for a location with a fairly large beach area and not tons of people.
I live off lake Allatoona on 575 in Canton, so it would be great if there was a place close around the lake in Canton. But Lanier would also work.
I am planning on heading to FL to maybe find a place on a weekend to take lessons.
Steve
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Steve,
Check the "Places to sail" link under "Knowledge" on the left hand side of this webpage. It will give directions to all the local spots. You live nearest Galts Ferry, which is a popular windsurfing spot for many of us. Galts is very low on water this time of year, but will improve a lot in the next month or so.
There are also several spots on Lake Lanier, which are listed under the places to sail link.
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
For Kiteboarding info, check with the Locus Wind Kiteboarding, Atlanta's Kiteboarding Shop.
http://www.locuswind.com
There are some Kiteboarders who Kite on Lake Lanier but it is not the place to learn. Locus Wind does offer lessons on the coast.
If you need to update your Windsurfing gear, it has changed alot over the years, check with WindSense Windsurfing, Atlanta's Windsurfing Shop.
http://www.windsensewindsurfing.com
Gene
WindSense Windsurfing
770-967-0104/404-735-4944
Gene Mathis
Thanks. I drove out to Galts Ferry today around 12 noon. Looks like a nice spot. Lots of parking and the shore area is large, but might just be becuase the water is so low. There was zero wind and about 30 degrees outside, so just looked around for a second.
I am about 10-15 mins from here so once I get into kiteboarding I'll have to give this spot a try.
I noticed on the map that I live across the water from Fields Landing. So I might drive over there and check out that spot also.
Steve
Steve,
Fields is a very nice spot for sailing when the wind is South or Southwest. However, its only open during the warm weather months. So your drive may not be worth it.
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
http://www.gizmag.com/go/3272/
Steve,
I live off 575/Sixes road in Canton. There are about 3-5 of us who use Galts Ferry/Allatoona on a fairly regular basis. Galts is great in the fall/winter/spring but it gets crowded and the wind dies in the summer. If we get any kind of winds in the summer I usually go to Sweetwater. It is the same area as Fields Landing but run by the Corps of Engineers.
Give me a call if you want to go out with a sailing buddy.
Patrick 404-547-9976
"Give me a call if you want to go out with a sailing buddy?"
I thought you were married Patrick.
Yea, after I hit SUBMIT I kind of wanted to take it back cause it kind of sounded gay.
All in fun Patrick. I just couldn't pass that up.
Then of course, there is always the edit button, if you REALLY wanted to change it.
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Hey Patrick,
I'll have to get with you and the rest of the guys around here once I take some lessons. I just got back from Melbourne Australia and got the kiteboarding bug watching them on the beach there. They offer lessons http://www.kiterepublic.com.au but I did not find out about it until I was getting ready to head back. I counted 20 kites on Sunday when I was at the beach. I just got back to GA Wednesday. Can post photos if I can figure it out in this forum.
For now I plan on getting a learning kite so I can practice on windy days.
If I can talk my wife into it I might take a trip to FL (March / April) and take a 3 day session to get the basics down.
I live also on Sixes road (bridgemill). We back up to the lake, about a 5 min walk thru the woods to the water from my back yard. I can see a white sand beach area directly across the lake when I walk out to the shore (Sweetwater). Then to the right I can see a large park area with rock walls (Fields Landing I think).
So whenever I learn, if I get stuck on the other side of the lake I can walk home if needed.
Hey Steve et all,
Have you found a good spot to kiteboard. I heard lake lanier is too crowded. I just moved to Atlanta. Haven't kiteboarded in years since I left hawaii.
-Rob
There is a pretty active group of kiteboarders (maybe 6-10) that sail at Lanier -- so it is not too crowded. Actually I find Altoona to be MUCH more crowded than Lanier on any given warm weekend. The lake is a lot narrower and the boat traffic is insane.