by AlexK » Mon May 11, 2020 3:08 pm
You could say I am a North Shore kid.
I have sailed there quite a bit lately over the last 5yrs. Beats driving to Jericho or White Rock for sure. Yes a foil gives u the upwind ability, the small sail the ease. And it is a lot smoother over the large swells and chop u face out there. I kind of luv it.
On a SE it is quite good. Very flat. I launch from Caulfield cove off the sandy beach all year round whenever it blows and if I am around. Some days u can just cruise the cove, other days if more East u need to be almost out of it.
On NW it is a sketchy exit with the foil and I have tried numerous launches. What I have settled on is throwing my gear off the wharf at Tiddly cove and prone paddling to the windline close to the point. Its easy on your gear. The wind will come around Lighthouse Park and can be gusty (but u can uphaul and get out into the windline). I have yet to try rigging the sail off my board (like the pros do) as it would make for an easier paddle out. Once u hit the windline u r gone, just look out for ships.
I don't like the launch at Stearman as it is super shallow and a long walk out across pebbles and barnacles. But if u hit the right day and tide it can be very rewarding.
One caveat is that it basically shuts down in summer and Squamish much much better, stronger, steadier. So no point. It is nice in fall and spring.Winter if not skiing or on the same day for a double D.