Headed for Sherman Island, any advice ?

Gorgegezzer · Since 14 Jan 2007 67 Posts

Since I am retired now, I plan to take my time travelling down 101, camping, hiking and biking along the way. I have researched the kiting in the Bay Area and looked at the Sherman Island Campground on Google Earth.
From the internet, looks like the wind gets good in early April. Warmer than Portland, smoother wind than the Gorge? Hopefully I will be able to improve my kiting in more mellow conditions.
Looks like a small park. I will be staying in my trailer. I think there is a long time camping fee, $ 100 ? for the season? Sounds like it gets crowded in the summer, so I am thinking I will head back to the Gorge mid June.
Does this sound like it will work? What else should I be aware of?

cosmodog · Since 06 Oct 2005 204 Posts Stoked

Sherman usually doesnt really get going till late April. Not sure on the long term camping, but lots of folks stay there all summer and I think its cheap. The launch is a bit sketchy and there have been a number of nasty accidents. You have to be able to stay up wind to kite there - the river is bordered by a tall rock levee downwind. It does get crowded in the summer, but only on the weekends.

If you do stay there, keep an eye on the wind in the SF Bay (3rd Ave). It is often much better that time of year and not a bad drive. Another place to consider staying is Pismo Beach. Or since you are retired, just head down to SPI.

Gorgegezzer · Since 14 Jan 2007 67 Posts

Thanks for the info. I will research Pismo Beach. Maybe next winter, SPI. long drive but I will have the time.

shred_da_gorge · Thu Feb 25, 10 10:50 am

Ditto what cosmo said; Pismo might have better chance of wind this early in Spring. Also watch for SW in Half Moon Bay - it gets butter flat inside.

One of the key indicators in the bay area is the marine layer. Fog offshore = coastal winds, fog banked against west hills = 3rd or Crissy, fog covering bay = Sherman. Sometimes fronts will bring good winds to Alameda or Bezerkeley this time of year too.

But alas, it's still early, so when it blows it's short and sweet. Central or south coast might be getting some.

marina · Since 16 Jan 2006 150 Posts California coast Stoked

Spring is our season in Pismo Beach. if you are going down in March, we have the Pismo Beach Kite and SUP Expo March 19-21 where you can see/demo all the new 2010 gear and accessories from participating brands.

you can email me for more local info or kinsley@xtremebigair.com

lucky guy!

Gorgegezzer · Since 14 Jan 2007 67 Posts

I will check out these areas. Sounds like the Columbia River Gorge; watch the weather and go where it suits you. I don't know if I could make it to the Kite demo. Part of being retired for me is having just a vague schedule. If I don't get something done today, tomorrow will work. I have an air card for my laptop, so I will continue my lurking on nwkite.

I get a kick out of people getting sensitive about what they say on the nwkite site. It is kind of like doing something dumb at your favorite sailing site and everybody sees it ! You just have to kind of take it in stride. I try to, anyway.

backtoCaLi · Since 15 Mar 2008 74 Posts Nor-Cal

like said above, sherman starts in late April, but there are some earlier days. A sacramento county pass for your vehicle and trailer is $150(if I remember correctly) for the year & there is a $7/day camping charge. There is a two week max limit, then you must move your campspot. It does get crowded so if your pulling a mega 5th wheel you will need to put it near the boatramp in the main parking area.

sherman is not a good place to learn, but if you can go upwind yer set.

enjoy your travels & see you on the water.

SnowWhite · Since 24 Feb 2010 16 Posts All up in Da HOOD' Choad

Gorgegezzer · Since 14 Jan 2007 67 Posts

I guess I wil stay at Sherman Island for 14 days, travel around and then maybe come back for another stay. Wouldn't want to get bored with the place anyway.
Thanks again for the info, helps me plan a better trip.

kitenaked · Since 19 Sep 2008 70 Posts West Coast

You are a bit early for Sherman Island.

From May 1 onward is the best.

June through August are off the hook!

Gorgegezzer · Since 14 Jan 2007 67 Posts

You could say sailing starts in the Gorge in April too. Kind of cold. I know I have tried it. Gusty, swift current and floating logs.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1867 Posts XTreme Poster

Alameda can be good in April, though light more often than not. Sherman needs fog in the Bay Area to really get going, and as Mark Twain said, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Fog is a summer deal.