Van Pugh Park

General Information

This is where everyone in Atlanta goes for the big blows. An easy launch in west and northwest winds, Van Pugh attracts Atlanta's best when its 5.5 and below. Facilities include real toilets, pay phone, picnic area with shelter and BBQs.

Cautions: Van Pugh gets very crowded from May to August. Unless it's really windy or a weekday, go to Sunrise 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 Park 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.

Recommended Wind Directions

North Northeast East Southwest West Northwest

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

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.

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="34.192636" lon="-83.984685" zoom="13"> 34.187688, -83.981579 </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