Advice needed on best east suburb lake for teaching kids

[ippo]

Hi all,

i have been sailing White Bear for years but it has gotten too busy with irresponsible boaters and jetskis, to the point that I do not trust to take the kids there for sailing (12 and 10).

Any suggestions on non-motorised lakes around the east side area? (I guess there is always Lake Calhoun) but I was wondering of something closer.

Thanks in advance

[Coach]

Are you talking small sailboats or windsurfing? Phalen would work for kids for either, probably. Forest Lake is your closest option for a reasonably big lake.

White Bear can get ugly, but if you pick and choose your times, it's not too bad. Saturday and Sunday afternoon can be awful. But, if you get out before noon or 1 on the weekends, it's great. Weekdays are rarely that bad, besides holidays or really, really nice or extra-warm days.


-Coach

[DaveH111]

Ippo,
We worked with Rachel (10), in close next to the swim area, at Ramsey beach last year without difficulty. We also did Chataqua for light westerlies, which also worked out well ( although a pain to get down to).

Dave Holmes

[Jim N]

It's rumored that the Greek Islands are an excellent site. :lol:Was that funny? How about Carnelian or Square out by Stillwater? Little if any boat traffic, but not sure about wind elevations. What about that chain of lakes off Little Canada Rd ? They don't allow motor boats 'cause they act as St. Paul's water supply. CU/H2o Fellow Bear Sailor,JIM N

[Peter C]

I kited on Big Marine Lake this winter and it seemed good. It's near co. rd. 4 and Manning rd. Have any of you sailed there?

Peter C

[John Luk]

Hey Ippo:
I agree with Coach. Janine, Pam, my brother and I all started out learning at Lake Phalen before progressing to the Bear. I remembered while learning to uphaul, the wind blew me to the other side. I would leave the rig there. Took a short walk (cussing the whole time) back to the parking lot and drive the car around to pick up the gear. The only downside is that this lake only works well with SE winds.

Looking forward for us getting together to get our kids started this summer.

p.s. See you all Bear sailors real soon.