Van Pugh Park
From WindsportAtlanta.com: Wiki
General Information
Van Pugh on Lake Lanier is the epicenter for Atlanta windsurfing, especially in the cool/cold weather season. An easy launch in west and northwest winds, Van Pugh attracts Atlanta's best windsurfers when its 5.5 and below. It's almost a mile straight across to Aqualand Marina so there is plenty of space for long runs.
Facilities include real toilets, pay phone, picnic area with shelter and BBQs. At present there is a $4 entry fee or you can purchase an annual pass good for Lake Lanier Army Corps of Engineer parks.
Cautions: Van Pugh gets very crowded from May to August. Unless it's really windy or a weekday, go to Sunrise Cove or elsewhere in the summer. Also, this is not the best beginner spot especially on a westerly. You may get blown downwind to Chestnut Ridge Park which is a hike back and the swell and traffic make it somewhat annoying for beginning uphaulers (on the otherhand, you're more likely to get advice, both solicited and otherwise, here). Try Sunrise Cove for anything west and Tidwell Park and Vann's Tavern for east. Also, in the big fall winds, the further you go out, the harder it blows. Consult one of the local sailors for appropriate sail size.
One of our old newsletters has a nice article on Van Pugh and winter days: Lake Wind Advisory February 2000. See page 8.
Recommended Wind Directions
NW: yes | N: yes | NE: yes
W: yes | 
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SW: yes | S: no | SE: yes
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Legacy Directions
50 min. N I-85 to N I-985 to Exit 8 (Friendship Rd & Lake Lanier Islands). Turn left at top of exit. Turn right on Atlanta Hwy. In about one mile turn left on Gaines Ferry Road. Go straight, you'll pass one light (McEver Rd). Keep on for another 1.5 m until road deadends in park. Bear right and drive around past boat ramp and picnic shelter.
Local Tips
To sail a Southeast wind, sail off the "back" of the park by the sandy beach and boat ramp.
Ability
Intermediate Advanced
Wind Shadows
On a west wind, there can be a wind shadow extending up to a couple hundred meters offshore. You may have to uphaul or go further out on the point to get going. Also, don't judge the wind by just what it feels like on the beach. If the locals are telling you it's a lot stronger outside, it probably is.
The southwest wind shadow is pretty significant. [Sunrise Cove|Sunrise Cove] may be a better alternative but you are more likely to have friends to sail with here as Van Pugh is the default destination.
Sailing Upwind
On a west wind, if you sail quite a bit upwind to a set of islands. the Three Sisters, up by Lake Lanier Islands, you may find a fresher breeze. It may blow as much as a sail size harder at times.
Map
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="34.196327" lon="-83.988848" zoom="14" width="700" height="600" > 34.187688, -83.981579, Van Pugh Park Directions (C) 34.188684, -83.975309, Bozo Island Occasional downwind destination for those who underestimate Van Pugh's wind. (D) 34.197629, -84.008097 Three Sisters. Often, the wind can be stronger here on a west. Sail between here and Lake Lanier Islands to the south. (B) 34.200894, -83.972048 Aqualand Marina (A) 34.185418, -83.989901, Van Pugh South Park </googlemap>
Windsurfing Sites on Lake Lanier
- About Lake Lanier
- Windsurfing on Lake Lanier
- Kiteboarding on Lake Lanier
- Keith's Bridge Park
- Lake Lanier Map
- Lake Lanier Long Distance Sail
- Lake Lanier Sailing Club Members only unless special event
- Little Ridge Park
- Mary Alice Park
- Mountain View Park
- Old Federal Park
- Sunrise Cove
- Tidwell Park
- Two Mile Creek Park
- Van Pugh
- Van Pugh South
- Vann's Tavern
- West Bank