s.lake washington. locations

erichad · Since 27 Mar 2010 1 Posts New Member

ok, i am new this after a week of lesson's in the caribbean. i see people riding at magnusn park north of 520, but never anyone south of I-90.

are there any good spots? any reason i never see anyone here? the wind is good, i run here all the time and see windsirfers...

thanks

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

Check the seattle link at top of page, should be some local info there

Pepi · Sun Mar 28, 10 7:57 am

Magnussen Park and Juanita Park are the only kite friendly launches on all of Lake Washington (*Note these are also not exactly beginner friendly, but are do-able for kiting).

The windsurf spots, such as Newcastle Beach and Coulon Park are only accessible for windsurfers due to the wind conditions and limited launch spacing/safety access.

I personally have kited from Newcastle Beach, but it was super sketchy and everytime it was a total shit-show with the launch and landing and resulted in lots of drama.

If you are trying to develop your skills, then the Carkeek to Meadow Pt (Shilshole) downwinder on Puget Sound is your best bet for a Spring kite downwinder.
OR, just make the time to either head up to Jetty Island or come down to the Gorge for either more lessons or proper wind/water conditions.

Lastly, as the other person had mentioned, go to www.pskite.org for your local info.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

hey eric,
the lake is usually reserved for southerly winds, this includes..S/SE/SW directions.
If you were to kite south of the floating bridges, I think it would tend to be too gusty coming over land. by the time it gets up to the north end of the lake, it cleans up enough to score a session, but keep in mind that both Juanita Bay and Magnuson beaches are extremely advanced launch spots.
I avoid Magnuson due to the higher risk of lofting, ripping your kite, and there is no easy way to self launch. This spot is really a two person support crew to get to the water. One launching you and the other holding you down and walking to the water with you, preventing any lofting.
Jaunita Bay is an onshore situation with plenty of obstacles both in the water and downwind on the beach.
If you are itching to get out and are relatively new, go up to Double Bluff on Whidbey Island and progress there. This is the best place to kite in the Puget Sound on our many southeasterlies.

I'm not saying it can't be done on the south end, because I know some kiters that have done it.
You can also kite on Lake Washington in the summer time on a Northerly, but get someone with a boat, because you'll probably need some support.