It looks like Saylorville Lake just outside of Des Moines is nearly open. http://www.schoolnet8.com/camera/viewer.phtml#KCCI-018
Does anyone know what wind directions work for kiting down there? I would like to get a session in next week if conditions permit.
Saylorville Kiting?
Moderator: MK
Re: Saylorville Kiting?
Whoa... I think a sails trip to Des Moines might be an order...
John Z
Midwest Mountaineering/Slingshot Regional Team Rider
Midwest Mountaineering/Slingshot Regional Team Rider
Re: Saylorville Kiting?
Clear Lake has already been kited. It has a open section in front of the sea wall, had a great time kiting that a few years back with Mike making the treck down. Let the season begin!
Rob Hyland
Cabrinha Shop Rider / Lakawa Team Rider
Cabrinha Shop Rider / Lakawa Team Rider
Re: Saylorville Kiting?
Rob, thanks for the report. I saw that open section on the camera. Do you think that launch would work on SE for Sunday? I may head down if it is not a washout.
Re: Saylorville Kiting?
Hey Mike,
I was hoping so myself so I rechecked the map, I dont think SE would work. Im saving up for the next warm westerly day before the ice leaves. Nothing better that being powered up on flat water next to the ice shelf!
I was hoping so myself so I rechecked the map, I dont think SE would work. Im saving up for the next warm westerly day before the ice leaves. Nothing better that being powered up on flat water next to the ice shelf!
Rob Hyland
Cabrinha Shop Rider / Lakawa Team Rider
Cabrinha Shop Rider / Lakawa Team Rider
-
toyletbowl
- Posts: 100
- Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2004 9:19 pm
- Location: madison ,wi...planet earth
Re: Saylorville Kiting?
Hey Mike,
Hopefully I can help out a little. I used to live in DSM and windsurfed there a ton and kite there now when on business. Great lake to ride if the winds are in the right direction and if you know where to go.
I was just looking at google maps and the landscape didn't make sense to me. I then figured out that the map shows Saylorville when it's flooded.
Bing shows it the way it should be. http://www.bing.com/maps/?FORM=Z9LH4
The most popular spot to ride is Cherry Glen in a SE or NW. This is NW 94th Ave on the map. It's also a boat launch with a nice jetty to break the waves to ride behind in butter flat water if it's SE. NW there is probably one of the best rides in the midwest for smooth swell/waves. It's usually consistent and longer periods due to the deep reservoir. I could do high sped transitions and stay on the same swell. It's that good there on NW.
SE is actually a little better up at the next launch at 98th Ave. Forget the name. Country Grove maybe? This spot is great also off season before they put in the swim buoys. In SE, you can ride behind the beach on the back side for flat water.
Across the bay to the north is Sandpiper. Another good launch and probably the best wind for SE. The Damn is really high, so Cherry Glen can be gusty and the other 2 a little better.
On the other side of the lake is Jester. Never kited there, but did windsurf. I have no idea on the launch anymore.
Right next to the damn is another launch which would be really good on NW, but the launch is very difficult and for advanced riders only.
Saylorville hardly gets kiters riding it and I've had some great sessions there, many solo. Great lake if it's not flooded.
Don't bother using google maps. It's a flooded view. Bing does the trick.
Hope this helps,
Bob
www.kiteridersllc.com
Hopefully I can help out a little. I used to live in DSM and windsurfed there a ton and kite there now when on business. Great lake to ride if the winds are in the right direction and if you know where to go.
I was just looking at google maps and the landscape didn't make sense to me. I then figured out that the map shows Saylorville when it's flooded.
Bing shows it the way it should be. http://www.bing.com/maps/?FORM=Z9LH4
The most popular spot to ride is Cherry Glen in a SE or NW. This is NW 94th Ave on the map. It's also a boat launch with a nice jetty to break the waves to ride behind in butter flat water if it's SE. NW there is probably one of the best rides in the midwest for smooth swell/waves. It's usually consistent and longer periods due to the deep reservoir. I could do high sped transitions and stay on the same swell. It's that good there on NW.
SE is actually a little better up at the next launch at 98th Ave. Forget the name. Country Grove maybe? This spot is great also off season before they put in the swim buoys. In SE, you can ride behind the beach on the back side for flat water.
Across the bay to the north is Sandpiper. Another good launch and probably the best wind for SE. The Damn is really high, so Cherry Glen can be gusty and the other 2 a little better.
On the other side of the lake is Jester. Never kited there, but did windsurf. I have no idea on the launch anymore.
Right next to the damn is another launch which would be really good on NW, but the launch is very difficult and for advanced riders only.
Saylorville hardly gets kiters riding it and I've had some great sessions there, many solo. Great lake if it's not flooded.
Don't bother using google maps. It's a flooded view. Bing does the trick.
Hope this helps,
Bob
www.kiteridersllc.com
bob
kiteridersllc.com
madtown, wi. usa
planet earth.
kiteridersllc.com
madtown, wi. usa
planet earth.
Re: Saylorville Kiting?
Great information. Thanks, Bob! I may head down there Wednesday. Anyone else up for it?
Re: Saylorville Kiting?
Mike, I may consider. Although, we may have some new snow to ride locally.
Kurt
Re: Saylorville Kiting?
I live right across the street from Saylorville and it is ready to go. Oak Grove is the place to launch from. The beach is big and it works for all directions (N, S, NW, SW, NE, SE). East and West don't work for Saylorville
Chris
Chris
Re: Saylorville Kiting?
Today was the first day of kiting on Saylorville and the wind was nukin. If anyone is getting the itch to get on the water come on down. Sunday is looking good with a SE wind 14 gusting to 18 and a temp in the 60's.
Chris
Chris