Forest Lake Open and Ready

[Randy]

Hard to believe it's March. Actually, I've never sailed Forest Lake this early and it's the first year it's been my opener. I lost our local bet by more than two weeks. Pete, I hope Pepin was great. Be sure to put up some pictures if you've got some. I would have joined you had I more confidence in my digestive system. Somehow, a rumbling stomach, no way of escape from a drysuit...well, you know what I mean. I played it safe, played it close to home, and ended the day without damaging incident.

I do want to remind everyone to think about taking the cold water test before being tempted into sub 40 degree water with these warm air temps. While it's difficult when the wind's blowing, just take some time to sit in the water and see how long you're comfortable. Almost all windsurf deaths have occurred from improper clothing. I've got a Bare Polar and found a comfort limit of about twenty minutes and know that's about how much safe drift time I have before it starts getting painfully cold. It seems that period of time has dramatically dropped with each decade of my age.

Anyway, it was a great day. We heard the loon for the first time of the year, saw our first heron, and felt like it was the end of April rather than March.

[Pete]

Randy, glad you got a session close to home. Pepin was extremely gusty and full of holes. Sure was a good time though! No pictures.

Pete

[Diego]

Glad you guys got out. I went to the St. Croix and it was a nice 3.5hrs 5.8/86L sesh. wind was gusty in the MN side of the river but a lot better in the other half. Overall a great opener!

Later

[windthrash]

Awesome! Mark let me know of the openess too. I'm stoked to get out on Flake! Thursday is looking decent for some big sail action! I plan to be out there after 3pm as long as no other obligations come up!!

[Iceman]

When do people launch from on Forest lake?

[windthrash]

When or where?? I am hoping to be there around 3-330 PM today! I will sail from a public access which there are a few. Look along the North shore drive to find one that looks suitable for your launch needs.

[JAE]

If the wind stays like it is now - NE, the park right in town works great. Lots of room to rig kites just north of the beach. I've kited there once. I'm hoping it turns more SE though so Ramsey will be good.

[Iceman]

Where is right. I have never been on Forest lake is it sandy or rocks the shoreline has a lot of rocks. At the park in town is it shallow there?


Dave