advice for newcomer

[lmlang]

Hi! Just moved to the area and had just started learning how to windsurf in New Mexico (land of little water). Generally went to Lake Cochiti. Where is a good place for novices to practice. I live in Salt Lake.
Les

[Rick McClain]

Hi, I highly recommend Rush Lake for learning. You just missed one of the classic weekends there. Although last weekend wasn't terribly conducive of learning for a beginner (strong winds in the 3.2M to 6.5M range), the lake has our most consistent and reliable winds; north or south. It is also shallow and warm with a rockless beach and lake bottom and smooth water. Just fall off your board, stand up, straighten out your rig, and sail away; no uphauling. The lake is about an hour's drive to the west, south of Tooele and Stockton. Hurry, it may not be there long.

[layne.peterson]

Rush is near and dear to most of us and a great place for learning but it is rapidly developing a weed problem, which in addition to a receding water level, will soon render it un-sailable. Another reliable windy location is Deer Creek reservoir near Heber. It is only about 1 hr from SLC and gets an afternoon thermal that starts some where between 1 and 3 PM and lasts for 2 to 3 hrs (if you are lucky). The boaters and jet skis can get annoying but we deal with it and try to keep out of each other's way. There is a nice grassy rigging area within a short distance from the water. The daily entrance fee is more than hefty at around $9.00 + ? so it is best to buy a season pass to the Utah State Parks (~$70.00)which is good at Jordanelle, Utah Lake, Yuba and a few other places. Hope this helps!

[RickHeninger]

Hey, welcome to Utah Windsurfing! I echo both what Layne and Rick said... A couple other things... Consider your gear! You will sail anything from a 3.0 M sail up to 8.0 M... Now I know that'll get a little flack, a few people here have been known to sail bigger sails, (Carl C. 12+)... If you like going out in lighter winds, then a 7.5M will usually do the job on the big side... Get a floatier board... Something above 120 L volume... There is a grab bag of wind here... Many of us have been sailing for a long time and we still sail the big stuff... Especially when you need that fix in the middle of July!!!

We have the monsoon in July and August... The wind isn't quite as good. There are days that are great but they are hit and miss... So, we drive 95 miles up to Sulphur Creek in Evanston during those times... The monsoon doesn't kill it so much up there I guess. Craig G's postings are almost scripture around here on the message board titled "Where to Ride"... Read those when he posts... If he doesn't post for a day or two...Head up to Hood River, OR!!! That's where the good stuff is...

If you don't have big gear... Or any gear at all... Email John Dubock (look him up in the membership list)... He has a start board to rent...

We'll see ya on the water.