anyone kite in new mexico?

kt · Since 16 Mar 2005 761 Posts Portland, Or Opinionated

hi forum,

anyone every kiteboard in new mexico or know of anywhere to kite? mostly big lakes i would guess?

thanks
kt

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

There's a nice lake just north of Carlsbad

mystrygrl · Since 07 Sep 2006 95 Posts PDX/HR - What day is it?

Hi.... we used to live in NM in the P.K. era (pre-kiting), so cannot be entirely helpful. But we did go down to Elephant Butte for camping/boating quite a bit. Its located about 2.5 hours south of Albuquerque -- and it is the largest lake in the state... think I've seen windsurfers there... so it probably would be your best bet. Although do not know much about the wind there.

Rollo T did a search and emailed a windsurfing e-group from Albuquerque a while back... there are some lakes in Northern NM too that they use... there was one lake near Las Vegas, NM whose name I cannot recall right now (yes, I do mean Las Vegas, New Mexico... there is really another town with that name). But the northern lakes are fairly small... couple of boaters, windsurfers and a kiter or two, might fill 'em up!

Have fun if you go. And post any experiences you have there.

kt · Since 16 Mar 2005 761 Posts Portland, Or Opinionated

hi all,

thanks for the replies. i did find this link to the new mexico sailing club: http://www.nmsail.org/

looks like lake heron in the northwest is the best bet.

if anyone else has any info, it would be appreciated.

kt

wano · Since 16 Feb 2006 17 Posts seattle

Yo KT, I moved to Albuquerque recently and I got one of the best kite sessions of my life in on Saturday at Santa Rosa lake.
My favorite is Santa Rosa lake, only 2 hrs from Alb and it has good S, SW
and W wind direction with a protected bay for smooth water. Very scetchy
launch, but that is typical in NM
Elephant Butte can have good wind and again S, SW and W are best directions.
Check longs point for best launches. Actually sandy beach here.
Ute lake is good, but pretty far. Bad launches, but big lake.
Storrie lake in Las Vegas NM is good, colder water so mid summer late summer
is best.
Most locations spring to late fall is best, but high gusty winds in the
spring and steady wind in fall, but lower velocity so with bigger kites is
ok.
So the definition of steady wind in new mexico is "gusty" so always be
careful and storms can be intense so watch for them.
I met a couple other kiters here and they gave me most of this info. I've been here for about 6 weeks and I've managed two decent sessions. I probably could have had more, but I'm still feeling this area out. South Padre is about 13 hours away, which is the best closest spot.
Hit me up if you need anything else.
Rock on,
Wayne

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1214 Posts Portland BRACKISH

wano · Since 16 Feb 2006 17 Posts seattle

My dreams of living in Seaside were crushed by a job offer in New Mexico. Unfortunately, I'm forced to deal with desert kiting conditions which will hopefully be offset by a trip every couple of months. I'm planning to be back in La Ventana the last week of January - you should try to make it out for a reunion! I've met some kiters here who I think stayed with you earlier this summer - Dave, Mike, Tom... They were pretty amped on the wave riding which is nonexistant in these parts.
Keep the Seaside posts coming -> Rock on!!

kt · Since 16 Mar 2005 761 Posts Portland, Or Opinionated