Dam Jam

[Matt V]

dam jam, Dam Jam, DAM JAM!!!!!!!!

Next weekend is the Saylorville Dam Jam on Saylorville Lake north of Des Moines, IA. It is one of the best windsurfing meets with wind like 10 years in a row.



For camping, the Dam Jam reserves a group camp circle that I am pretty sure has some power available. Shower houses are there too. But you have to pay for the night and I think it is pretty pricey ($18-$24 per camping unit per night). The meet takes place typically at the best kite launch, Oak Grove beach, which is a drive or bike ride away from the camper area (Prarie Flower Recreation Area).


Just a note - This is a windsurfing meet, NOT a kiting meet. So be respectful when you are kiting! Windsurfers have the "right of way" in all cases and, do not even think of going through the race course when a single windsurfer is out on the lake. Typically there is no conflict as the windsurfing course is upwind of us. But there can be beginner windsurfers in our launch and landing area.


Here is a link to a map of the lake.


http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Portals/4 ... %20Map.pdf


And water levels (836ASL is the best with big beaches, 840ASL is still ok, above 845 can be a problem for room to launch a kite but there are still options at other locations - high water levels can mean debris in the lake too).


http://rivergages.mvr.usace.army.mil/Wa ... ?sid=SAYI4