White Bear Saturday afternoon?

[johntr]

Looks like there will be enough wind Saturday afternoon for a nice session at WBL. I'm thinking of showing up around 2:00, when the wind looks nicest. Come join me if the wind holds! Saturday looks like a day to get out without risk of sunburn!

John

[adamel111]

Haven't been out yet this year. I think I'll make Saturday my first day. Better get up a little early to get my gear set up so I'm ready to hit the water when I get to White Bear. Northwest isn't a very good direction for White Bear. I've never sailed off of Mahtomedi, but i imagine it is the best sport for the wind on Saturday.

[Stroh]

is Mahtomedi a good spot for the NW winds?

[adamel111]

if the winds are from the NW, then ramsey is offshore. Should be side shore at Bellaire and onshore at Mahtomedi. Might sail off of Bellaire since I've never sailed from Mahtomedi before.

[Dave Z]

Both Bellaire and Mahto work fine in a NW. It all comes down to fetch, how much North or West in it, and your preference for terrain.

Bellaire NW - less bump, less fetch = flatter water. If it's NNW sail up between Manitou Island and Mahto. The wind gets venturi'ed so it's usually .5 meters windier. Also a good starting point for a downwinder in NW-W winds to Mahto for those of us beginning kiters (me included).

Mahto NW - more bump, more fetch = bumpier water! Yipee!. Side-On Conditions and if it looks winder up between Manitou and Mahto you can sail upwind. If it's really Westerly I know some guys don't like Mahto cause it's dead onshore and very unsheltered...unlike Bellaire. I usually prefer the fine sandblasting and longer fetch offered up by Mahto.

[Stroh]

I'll go for the sandblasting more bump = steadier winds

[johntr]

I'll take a look at Bellaire and probably sail there if it looks good. I like flat and fast! Otherwise, see you at Mahtomedhi!

John

[Kevinousdigian]

I agree with Dave. I like Mahtomedi much more than Bellaire. There are a few zones out there that crank up really nice swell on windy days (I think because the bottom goes from 80' deep to much shallower). The long fetches are also nice. It is easier to sail out of there without the swimming stuff but last year they halved the width of the swimming area which made launching a lot easier in summer. NW is side-on shore there so shadows aren't an issue but it is usually windier out on the lake then by shore.

Kevin

[Mike W]

Stroh, what these guys say applies to windsurfing. Forget about kiting out of Mahtomedi. There is a very small launch, a deep drop-off, and docks and trees everywhere. Bellaire is pretty much the only choice on a NW at WBL for kiting.

[Stroh]

Thanks for the tip Mike Is bellaire good (looks kinda sheltered for NW)

[Dave Z]

Stroh - Bellaire will work on NW for stringboarding That's going to be my spot of choice for my newbie H20 kiting phase.... Bellaire's Best on E, W, NW.

Mike W's right on about Mahto - it's onshore. The only person I've seen launch out of there was Joe Levins on a NW'erly day.

[Stroh]

thanks guys

[Mike W]

I launched out of Bellaire once on a W/SW day, but it was very hairy. I almost ended u in the docks.

Bellaire is not an ideal kite spot on NW (Waconia is better). But Bellaire is good enough, especially if you are on this side of town. I have had many a good session there. I should be there tomorrow if it holds.

[Stroh]

Im on the wacky side of town I think I might sitck around

I am also considering washington

[Jim N]

Hope to be there with you guys! Looking huge all over the state. Feel sorry for the fishermen, but... J.N.

[Jacek]

Have the winds picked up yet?