. Even more amazing was that the water was warm. I mean trunks only warm. The shorebreak was relentless but not huge or scary. Watched two guys exhaust themselves trying to get out on windsurfing gear. Just too on shore and they could have used a half meter more sail or floatier boards. Tried to swing by Tott Lot on way back but was packed with firemen. Watched from West Jetty as rescuers searched for missing swimmer, apparently without luck from headline on Monday's paper. I believe I saw Tighe and Scott kiting late afternoon? All and all I was very impressed by the place and plan to return but I am going to have to get the break through shorebreak in onshore conditions thing wired, especially if it blows harder. Hope to see more posts on Duluth in the future so I can learn from others. Already wondering if it works at all on a NW wind and if the water is always that warm in August? No wind on Monday but another great beach day.Duluth last Sunday
Moderator: MK
Duluth last Sunday
Took the family up to Canal Park on Sunday for an overnight vacation. First time there. Spent most of Sunday afternoon at Park Point. Was amazed to find great wind, although I had no equipment with me . Even more amazing was that the water was warm. I mean trunks only warm. The shorebreak was relentless but not huge or scary. Watched two guys exhaust themselves trying to get out on windsurfing gear. Just too on shore and they could have used a half meter more sail or floatier boards. Tried to swing by Tott Lot on way back but was packed with firemen. Watched from West Jetty as rescuers searched for missing swimmer, apparently without luck from headline on Monday's paper. I believe I saw Tighe and Scott kiting late afternoon? All and all I was very impressed by the place and plan to return but I am going to have to get the break through shorebreak in onshore conditions thing wired, especially if it blows harder. Hope to see more posts on Duluth in the future so I can learn from others. Already wondering if it works at all on a NW wind and if the water is always that warm in August? No wind on Monday but another great beach day.
. Even more amazing was that the water was warm. I mean trunks only warm. The shorebreak was relentless but not huge or scary. Watched two guys exhaust themselves trying to get out on windsurfing gear. Just too on shore and they could have used a half meter more sail or floatier boards. Tried to swing by Tott Lot on way back but was packed with firemen. Watched from West Jetty as rescuers searched for missing swimmer, apparently without luck from headline on Monday's paper. I believe I saw Tighe and Scott kiting late afternoon? All and all I was very impressed by the place and plan to return but I am going to have to get the break through shorebreak in onshore conditions thing wired, especially if it blows harder. Hope to see more posts on Duluth in the future so I can learn from others. Already wondering if it works at all on a NW wind and if the water is always that warm in August? No wind on Monday but another great beach day.A few days ago the water is as warm as I have ever know it for the big lake. I was in boardshorts and rashgaurd. 2 years ago it was quite warm in late Aug but a shorty was needed for me http://www.downhaul.com/windsurf/010823/ Last year we did an Aug trip and I was glad I was in my BARE Polar drysuit.
Always go up there and expect anything. Bring All Your S$%t (BAYS)
Always go up there and expect anything. Bring All Your S$%t (BAYS)
There were about 10 people pulled out of the lake on Sunday. Everyone was saying how unusual the "rip" was. The only thing unusual was the number of people in the water that didn't know what they are getting themselves into. The "rip" is pretty much a function of the wave size and is quite visable from shore. Now law suits are going to fly and who knows - the city may say we can't go in the damn lake anymore... They have already closed the beach to fires, alcohol, glass bottles, smoking....
On to better subjects:
Sunday was an example of a long fetch day. The wind was blowing at least 100 miles down the lake and made fairly large wave for the wind velocity. That is slightly unusual for August. Normally, you will see a sea breeze that will only have 20 miles of fetch or so and not produce waves of that height. This make for difficult sailing because, unless the wind is above 30 mph, you can't get enough power to deal with the waves.
The lake temperature was actually typical for a NE wind in August. That is well kept local secret. The air temp was a bit high (like everywhere else).
One other thing I've been seeing in comments recently on this site - the desire to blast outside of the shore break. As a local, I enjoy doing that until the wind hits about 30 to 35. If the wind is above say 35 (which sounds whicked but is a really great day) - then its a lot more fun to say IN the shore break. Actually, inside the shore break where you have wide FLAT water between breakers ramps anytime you want them. If you crash, you can walk to shore. Trying to go out through the shore break when the waves get above 6 feet gets a bit too scary.
Come play in the waves! The best sailing is now till November (lake reaches its peak temp in September) NW sailing really doesn't start until late September. Jon J. found that Port Wing is best for that.
On to better subjects:
Sunday was an example of a long fetch day. The wind was blowing at least 100 miles down the lake and made fairly large wave for the wind velocity. That is slightly unusual for August. Normally, you will see a sea breeze that will only have 20 miles of fetch or so and not produce waves of that height. This make for difficult sailing because, unless the wind is above 30 mph, you can't get enough power to deal with the waves.
The lake temperature was actually typical for a NE wind in August. That is well kept local secret. The air temp was a bit high (like everywhere else).
One other thing I've been seeing in comments recently on this site - the desire to blast outside of the shore break. As a local, I enjoy doing that until the wind hits about 30 to 35. If the wind is above say 35 (which sounds whicked but is a really great day) - then its a lot more fun to say IN the shore break. Actually, inside the shore break where you have wide FLAT water between breakers ramps anytime you want them. If you crash, you can walk to shore. Trying to go out through the shore break when the waves get above 6 feet gets a bit too scary.
Come play in the waves! The best sailing is now till November (lake reaches its peak temp in September) NW sailing really doesn't start until late September. Jon J. found that Port Wing is best for that.
I think duluth has gone too far with the non-smoking thing. I understand it if you are in a confined space. I also try not to fart in these places too. But the BEACH? Come ON! Move 10 ft if you don't like the smell of someone on the beach sheesh!
I challenge any non-smoker to make an argument for that one.
Chip brings up a point that makes my stomach do a flip. Could duluth impose a ban on access to the water?
(eric jumps in flame proof suit)
I challenge any non-smoker to make an argument for that one.
Chip brings up a point that makes my stomach do a flip. Could duluth impose a ban on access to the water?
(eric jumps in flame proof suit)
I should explain mayself..
I am a non-smoker and really like the no smoking in resturant thing - but they now say no smoking in parks too which I think is going too far. The beach is technically park so they COULD enforce it there too. All the other regs they have come up with are park enforcement stuff.. I can just see them saying "beach closed" when ever there is the slightest puff of wind off the lake.. Typical over reaction.
I am a non-smoker and really like the no smoking in resturant thing - but they now say no smoking in parks too which I think is going too far. The beach is technically park so they COULD enforce it there too. All the other regs they have come up with are park enforcement stuff.. I can just see them saying "beach closed" when ever there is the slightest puff of wind off the lake.. Typical over reaction.
some smokers are filthy inconsiderate animals!
How many thime have you been driving and seen the chimney in front of you crack there window a half inch and throw there burning butt out? I like to pull up beside these arseholes and give the the singal to roll there window down when they do I like to tell them the have dropped something and then fire them the bird. On beaches the butts usually end up in the sand or in the water. I dont care who smokes or where they smoke, as lond as they are concious of what they are doing with their garbage.