Advice on Acworth/Allatoona

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Micah
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Advice on Acworth/Allatoona

So Friday and Saturday look moderately windy and I have no plans. I am a beginner and am not looking for the most extreme experience but a consistent breeze would be nice. Will Galts work on a NW wind or will it be gusty? I live a long "stones throw" from Lake Acworth, which is recommended for beginners, but I am always sceptical of the water quality.

Is there anywhere else for NW winds that may work besides Lake Lanier?

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Re: Advice on Acworth/Allatoona

If you have the time, make the drive to Lanier - if you are comfortable that you can go out and back. Van Pugh is a side-shore launch, ie if you get blown downwind and can't make your way back upwind, you are getting home by some other method than sailing. Old Federal will likely have Gene or someone else messing about with a kite and it's a bit more protected. If the weather were warmer and the lake more crowded, some of us would be up at Sunrise - because it's not as crowded - which is onshore on NW.

The present forecast for Lanier certainly is not in the "extreme" range. A lot of the eye candy pics you see are taken in 20-35 (or more) mph winds as where the forecast this weekend is substantially less. Much smaller guys than you will likely be on anything from 7.5s to 9.5s.

And, that's where most of us will be. The extra time driving you'll make up by meeting folks - we are a friendly sort - and having the opportunity to ask questions, etc if you want.

If you want to stick close to home, I'd think that Acworth would have steadier winds and flat water but I'll let the NW crowd (randy, windlord, etc) chime in on that one. I don't think Acworth's water is anywhere as dodgy as it used to be.

Other than that, you have to drive 70+ miles or more to get some place windsurf worthy.

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Re: Advice on Acworth/Allatoona

update: Friday's forecast is looking a bit more frisky. Nothing extreme but (at this moment) more 7.5-6.5 for the avg guy. Saturday still looks light (not as challenging) but chilly.

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Re: Advice on Acworth/Allatoona

Galts generally works well on NW winds. The wind comes directly through the channel so its not bad at all. Right now the water level at Lake Allatoona is really great - 835. You have large shallow areas near the beach and you can sail out and back then take a break in the shallows. Galts is not as good for W, or N, but do able. Winds at Galts are a bit gustier than Lanier, but the water is much flatter - so pick your poison. When I was learning (still am) I found Lanier gets "big' in a hurry, so I spent most of my time at Galts. It is generally the case that Lanier has more wind, which is what I think motivates most experienced sailors to go there. When you are learning that is not always what you want.

Acworth is an even easier place to sail, but the winds are not generally as good and the place is pretty small. I still go there once in a while in the summer mainly for something different.

Where you go depends on how much time you have and how aggressive you are. If you really want to sail with the big dogs, go to Lanier. If you get you ass handed to you, then go to Galts next time. Or if you go to Galts and are totally bored - go to Lanier next time.

Friday looks pretty windy - you might try Galts on Friday, Lanier on Sat.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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Re: Advice on Acworth/Allatoona

Galts generally works well on NW winds. The wind comes directly through the channel so its not bad at all. Right now the water level at Lake Allatoona is really great - 835. You have large shallow areas near the beach and you can sail out and back then take a break in the shallows. Galts is not as good for W, or N, but do able. Winds at Galts are a bit gustier than Lanier, but the water is much flatter - so pick your poison. When I was learning (still am) I found Lanier gets "big' in a hurry, so I spent most of my time at Galts. It is generally the case that Lanier has more wind, which is what I think motivates most experienced sailors to go there. When you are learning that is not always what you want.

Acworth is an even easier place to sail, but the winds are not generally as good and the place is pretty small. I still go there once in a while in the summer mainly for something different.

Where you go depends on how much time you have and how aggressive you are. If you really want to sail with the big dogs, go to Lanier. If you get you ass handed to you, then go to Galts next time. Or if you go to Galts and are totally bored - go to Lanier next time.

Friday looks pretty windy - you might try Galts on Friday, Lanier on Sat.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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Re: Advice on Acworth/Allatoona

Don't know how that happened. Webguy - where is the edit button?

To summarize - Lanier if you like to drive a lot, and want to get thrown into the water by waves, chop and swell. Galts if you would prefer getting launched into the water by gusty winds...(just kidding, but that's pretty much how it worked for me when I got

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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Re: Advice on Acworth/Allatoona

Thanks for the advice! I think, due to the work day, Acworth/Alatoona are my best bet Friday. Maybe Lanier on a Saturday or Sunday. I help with clean-ups of the creeks that feed Lake Acworth and, even though I know they test the water, its hard for me to get the stuff I find out of my mind...ignorance is bliss!

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Re: Advice on Acworth/Allatoona

On Randy's recommendation, I'm going to Galts tomorrow... 3-ish. (I coincidentally have a job in Kennesaw). If it sucks like I remember it sucking, Randy loses all credibility in my mind. East was amazingly great for me there the few times I've been... west– notsomuch. Sorry 2

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Re: Advice on Acworth/Allatoona

I'll be there around 4:30. Hope to see you there.

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