Calling Stillwater Area Windsurfers

[Fred MPL]

I have been windsurfing for about three or four years now and living in Stillwater for the last two. I finally decided to try windsurfing on the St. Croix. I was not disappointed.

The river is honestly a little intimidating. I had my reservations about the launch site, wind direction, current and boat traffic. So here is the breakdown:

Launch Site: This is the biggest bogie. I was able to find a launch site at St. Mary's Point (I think that's what it's called). Take Minnesota 95 South from I-94 a few miles and you will go through Lakeland and Lake St. Croix Beach. Take a left at 20th street and you will run directly into the beach area where you can rig. There is ZERO parking near the beach, so you basically have to unload all of your gear and park two blocks away. This does kind of suck, frankly. The only drawback is the parking. Otherwise, this is an EXCEPTIONAL place to rig and launch.

Current: The current is really a non-issue for the river if you think the river is going to sweep you down to the gulf, don't worry. If you are windsurfing in an area where the river is wide, it's no big deal.

Wind Direction: Since the river runs North and South in most parts. If you have a North or South wind you are golden. Slight variations to that may work as well. I don't know for sure, though.

Boat Traffic: This is a real concern. Fortunately, if it is super windy there is likely to be less traffic out there. But I warn you that there are BIG boats going FAST down in that area. You need to make sure you are paying attention and don't expect boaters to necessarily get out of the way (even though they should). It's like riding a motorcyle and the only person responsible for your safety is YOU!

Basically, it was the best windsurfing session I have had ever! Give it a try and let me know if you want me to join you out there.

Fred (six one two) five eight eight seven three two five.

[Reds]

Fred - I used to ride the South wind down there years ago and I agree it is sweet ride. I'd like to get back down there sometime to ride. Does anyone know if it is good option for SW?

[Dave Z]

Back in the late 80's that was the place to be. We had a full on windsurfing shop in Stillwater - Windsurfing St. Croix. Was always stocked full of Gaastra Sails and Hi-Tech customs. There was always a big group of sailors with our matching neon wetsuits, sails and boards. You even used to be able to park in the lot!

We still ride there but these days it's usually limited to strong N winds in the spring.... Boat traffic aside it's still a fun place to ride...actually the St. Croix in general is a lot of fun when it blows straight up the river - Browns Beach over in Hudson is fun too.

[chaddix]

I windsurf the croix quite often, seeing how it is only 5 blocks away from my house. I live in hudson so I am in the middle of many launching spots, I generally go to Browns Beach on a S, SW wind, it is located in North Hudson. Take exit 1 and keep going until you go over a bridge, take your first left after the bridge, and follow that around the bend for a about a quater - half a mile, and you will see a sign pointing to browns beach. St Mary's Point is great for N winds but is very tough to ride south on.

[Fred MPL]

Chaddix,

I will have to try the Hudson launches.

I was sailing on a South yesterday at St. Mary's and it was exceptionally good.

Why do you think otherwise?

Fred

[chaddix]

well generally the wind gets tumbled around on the bend on the wisconsin side at st marys, so north winds usually are steady and clean, otherwise if its south or any variation of south, i like to head to browns beach, its pretty wide, i mean the wind isnt what it could be, but its pretty fun, usually its pretty packed with huge boats going through and its a nice beach to launch from

Chaddix