Porteau Cove

[shmish]

Sailed Porteau for the first time today. I think the wind came up around 1:30. I’m guessing 14-15 knots. Met three other beginner foilers: Mike, Terry, and Ray. Rob M and Torsten were also there ripping around. I was getting some good flights on my 5.5, I think Rob was on a 7.0 flyer and Torsten a 6.0 flyer. Others were using 6.5 and 7.0 I think.

Very relaxing, easy launch, warm water - I wish I had a shorty. Many of my reaches ended with a breach and crash but definite improvement. Tweaked one of my metatarsal injuries so I couldn’t press or lift the rail very well after that.

I think I’ll do the same plan tomorrow: get to PC by 1ish and if there isn’t enough wind, head to Squamish for a later day session. Or I’ll stay home and drink beer if my foot is still hurting as much as it is right now.

[drummermom]

Does anyone know if it EVER gets stronger there ? Is it kite friendly ? Launch area ? Any info greatly appreciated. thanks.

[JonathanP]

Usually a large wind shadow at the shore. There's a large shallow area/beach at low tide both sides of the boat launch. I windsurf foiled there on an outflow last September I think on a 4.7. Some people kited from Squamish down to Spanish banks the same day. Was still a large wind shadow and I had to sail upwind constantly fighting the current.

[DavidJames]

I sailed there almost every day in 1984-5. It doesn't get much windier than 15kn with some gusts. We always drove through the camping and dropped out gear at the point and would launch from there. It gets you a bit further out of the wind shadow. I just loved that I could wear shorts. We'd sail up to Anvil Island late in the day there can be some nice rollers for your downwind home.

[ZeroR2]

Is this a good place for a 16 year old to learn windsurfing?

[mjamero]

Sailed there twice. Some good slalom sailing once you get out. However, I find the rocky barnacle beach to be very hard on gear. Have not been there this year. Maybe this has changed and/or there is a better spot to launch that is more forgiving on gear.

[Craig]

we sail when we camp, sites at the south end are in the wind shadow but not far to slog out and you can make it most of the way back to shore on a good plane. i take 7.2 and 5.9 but have only used the 7.2....smooth water with rollers, nice sailing.
Our kids (9yr olds bare beginners) were out on junior gear in the bay and could go out 100ft turn and return. we had a zodiac to fetch them if they got stuck out too far.
Enjoyable sailing.