I was looking at the intelicast wind forecast for tomorrow, and it looks like the best wind (10-15mph) will be south-west of ATL, leaving lake Lanier (north-east of ATL) on the 5-10mph wind range.
Anybody has any word of advise on West Point, Horton or Juliette (other than what is shown on ABC's where to sail information) ?
Any word of advice on kitesurfing on these lakes (i.e. more threes than in Lanier?.... good/bad on easterly winds?... current water level/ decent size area to kite?) Almost any additional info is welcome.
Any body feeling a bit adventurous want to go try any of this sites?
Please post your comments asap, as sailing day tomorrow is around the corner.
rgds,
Emilio.
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Emilio,
If the winds are from the East, this could be your chance to give Galts another try.
I wish I was holding the kitesurfing lesson now.
pk
Juliette does NOT work on East or NE winds..
Lake horton does allow small sailboats but does not allow windsurfing or kitesurfing. West point at the dam might be an option if you dont mind getting your kite caught up in powerlines... I dont think kiting on Juliette would be good on any wind direction due to the lack stretched out launching areas.
lake tobefofkee in macon might be an option.
http://www.co.bibb.ga.us/LakeTobesofkee/Default.asp
Guys, I think Lanier looks pretty promising tommorrow. So much, so that I cancelled a dentist apt. Windguru (which is usually very pessimistic) is showing 12-15 kt in the am. Weather underground is showing it peaking out about 10kt, and Grad.iges.org shows 10-15 mph.
In my experience, easterlies often exceed forecast at Lanier, particuarly this time of year, early in the am. Wind on the lake can also exceed the wind reported at Gville, sometimes as well. The combination of cold air, and (relatively warm) water produces a fairly favorable set of conditions for some good wind. I would not be surpised to see lots of whitecaps, and some pretty fun conditions from until 11-12.
Of course, there are no guarantees with wind, but I plan to call G-ville as soon as I get up (7am). If it reports 10 kt or better it will be a very good sign, as it usually builds from there. If you wait till its reporting say 15 kt (if it ever gets there) you may well arrive too late. So I'll probably be headed to Tidwell first thing in the am. Its off exit 16 on 400, and may provide a good launching spot for kites as well. It would be nice to see someone there for a change! (BTW- a few weeks ago, I sailed 5.7 on a Sunday AM at Tidwell, when the forecast was no better than 5-10.)
I'll try to give Gene a call an give a report on conditions at the lake once I arrive (around 8ish) so that he can post it. If anyone ones me to call them, post your number here and I'll try to call (if I'm not to anxious to get sailing.)
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
thanks all.
Randy, my cel phone 404 509 4229.
Please let me know of the conditions tomorrow.
Most probably tough, kiters will try Van's Tavern, but we may check Tidwell out.
Emilio.
Just checked things out on Google Earth. Looks like Vann's has about a 3 mile fetch on an Easterly. Tidwell has a 6 mile Easterly fetch. Randy is it just because the water is low that Tidwell would work for kiters? Looks pretty interesting.
- Mel
Yes. The water is now low, so you may have some room for launching. That wouldn't be the case at full pool. I was there several months ago, and a kiter (who I didn't know) was preparing to launch. He had a problem with his gear and the wind later dropped so he didn't go, but he seemed to think it would work. So I think its worth a look. Tidwell also has less windshadow (depending on the direction) than Vanns Tavern. If it doesn;t look like it will work, its only 15-20 minutes to VT.
Emilio, I'll call you when I get there (assuming I go. If the wind doesn't pan out, I'll post that as well.)
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Almost live report from Randy at Tidwell, around 8:00 am, a few caps, he's rigging a 7.4. This almost live report brought to you by WindSense (and Randy.)
Gene
Gene Mathis
Well it turned out to be quite a good day. It was obvious, almost immediatly that the 7.4 was too big, so after trying down and outhaul, I finally went to 6.4, which was perfect. Sailed till around noon.
Emilio and Mel came over and flew their kites - it was a blast have some company for a change! They seemed to do great, getting lots of air and having a good time all around.
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Thanks Randy for advise us to this location. I stopped by Vann's Tavern by 8:00AM and it was on the wind shadow big time. Tidwell worked well on this 70-80 degree wind direction. Also it is closer to ATL (if you don't go via Old Federal and around the lake...duh...it may happen....)...
Will not advise beginer kitters to go to Tidwell since if you go donwwind you are for a LONG walk on the rocks and there are LOTS of no-so-friendly looking tress downwind from sailing space.
Wind reported by weather underground between 10AM-NOON was 17G23mph, so it was much more than the forecasted 5-10 mph.
Rgds,
Emilio.
Yea thanks Randy for the tip on Tidwell and the help launching. It's a lot closer to the city.
Enjoyed boarding with you!
- Mel