Ambleside

[dan.e]

Winds up and sun's out!

[AlexK]

Hey Dan,
Did u get out at Ambleside? R u kiting? I managed to get out for about 2hrs from Point Atkinson. Beautiful conditions. But no launch here if u kiting. Wing would be perfect.

[max.spock]

Cool where did you launch from at point Atkinson?

[Slappy]

I would guess Stearman Beach or Erwin Park

[max.spock]

I windsurfed out of Erwin a few times on easterlies but never on a westerly, shore break? I remember tons of logs

[AlexK]

Sorry for late reply. It is a very easy launch off a dock. However, if u kite its absolutely impossible as u need to first prone paddle about 25m to the windline on a (best Westerly), second best NW due to Acadia type swell. On East its 1 tack off the dock but massive underwater rocks, current and cliffs with trees 10 m to the other side. Also, it tends to be gusty.
For winging, windfoiling it is nice. Also, I think for doing a downwinder to Ambleside (on a really windy day) it would be a great launch point. No crowds. Very clean water. The wind is much better than Erwin Park as there is Venturi effect off LH Park cliffs (similar to Squamish cliff). So Dan if u ride WVan, this is a fairly low key spot. 2 weeks ago, I met an Omympic female windsurfer here. She launched from Dundarave and sailed up wind on her 8.m and RSx c daggerbiard to the point (Point Atkinson). She knew what she was doing to say the least.

[max.spock]

I think I know which dock you're talking about. I've been there before. I guess I'll have to give Stearman a try on the next westerly.

[AlexK]

Max the dock is west of Stearman at Tiddly Cove. Cheers. Let me know if u heading up ever. Just send me a pm.

[raquo]

I can't make sense of what you said about that place having a venturi effect... Is that on... eastern winds? On western winds everything around that dock will be in the rotor of LH cliffs, no? I haven't sailed there, just looking at the map.

[dan.e]

Unfortunately the winds died down shortly after getting in the water, that said, it sure beats the couch.

Thanks for the tip Alex. Someone on the beach was talking about launching from Dundarave, is there a recommended spot to launch a kite there ? If I remember correctly the trees surround the grass east of the water park, not sure if there are trees further east towards the heritage building.

Driving further west would be worth it with the stringer winds.

Thanksgiving for the tip!