Sport Today

Ok, so I might have spelled it wrong, but does anybody have any recommendations
for windsurfing at Lake Champlain, in Vermont? I'll be staying on the big
island in the middle, about an hour north of Burlington.

-Steve

I am posting here because your e-mail is bouncing on me.

I am from there area, but while I was there I wasn't much of a windsurfer,
but I do know some of the spots.
First of all, there are a buttload of spots. It seems that there
is always wind somewhere. It can be dead calm in one place and
screaming in another maybe due to venturi, I don't know.

Since you are going to be in the islands, I will tell you about
the popular spots near there that I know of.

#1 Sandbar state park in south hero. As you head out to the
islands you will pass over a causeway. Look left, look right,
water all around you. On the right side is the park which costs
$3 (last year) to park. It will be mayhem on July 4th if it is
warm. You may pick a side depending on wind direction. Weed fin
is advisable on the right side, crucial for the left side unless
you head upwind into deeper water. The park has a rental shop
that could help you out.

#2 White's (sp?) beach in South Hero. There tends to be much
more chop and sometimes swell. People try to loop there. The parking
is locals only, so you will need to unload and move the car elsewhere
if it is crowded. I think the direction here is SW W NW. You will
need to ask the locals for directions.

#3 The Hatch. This is the state fish hatchery in either So. HEro or
Grand Isle. Ask for directions. You can see NY about 1.5 mi away.
PRetty removed. Can't remember the good wind directions.

#4 Keeler Bay on the other side of the island from the hatch. You may have
look hard for a launch area there. I think preferable wind direction
is N, Nw, Ne.

Boy, I can't believe that's all I know in the islands. I would be interested
to hear what other people say. As far as temps - if you're tough, you can
go with just  a bathing suit otherwise a shorty to full leg/short arm
suit will keep you comfortable. Booties are a must because of rocks and
clams. There are other spots, but they are at least 30 minutes from the
islands. I have never seen a sailing spot too crowded.

Hope this helps,
Vic

                Good Luck - hope this helps,   TED