Long Island sailing

kraeva · Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 73

I just moved to Long Island, and trying to discover local spots. This is turing out to be a huge pain, as there may to many rules and regulations. All the town beaches, all the beaches not for sailors, pass for this, pass for that... I mean, how did the fisherman get the exclusive access directly to the beach?! And for their access to say there is no windsurfing there?! (seems like that puts Demo point, Sore Thumb and Cedar beach out of commission)

This has happened before, and there is a solution. In the 90s Oregon was getting that too. The orchard people didn't like the sailors around, and were coming up with rules to displace them. Oregon, a state with no rules, was starting to become like NY (where it seems like you can spit anywhere without violating something, or having to pay something) This is where the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association formed, and became a powerful force to protect our right. It became a powerful lobby group for local and state government, and fought for access, beaches, and freedom to sail. But they also coordinate competitions, built the Event Site, have swap meets, events, etc. I think we should organize as well to solve these problems on Long Island as well.

Sasha

Frank4 · Joined: 10 Apr 2006 Posts: 69

Access is not much of an issue in fall, winter, and spring. That is the windy season anyway. The summer tourist season can be a bit of a pain.

mewindsurf · Joined: 30 Jun 2000 Posts: 177

Franks right. From Memorial Day to Labor day we're getting killed by rules and regulations, but there IS a beach that not only you can windsurf at, but you can't swim, fish or pretty much do anything but windsurf. Come down to Heckscher. The wind is also typically stronger there than on the ocean during June and July anyway. The rest of the year, when it gets really windy, you can easily get out to Demo and the Ocean Sites, and also get into all the North Shore spots without a town pass. For the summer, come work on your freestyle with us at Heckscher.

I would imagine that getting things done towards windsurfing in the Gorge would be a totally different beast. In the Gorge the windsurfers make up a large portion of the population, where in NY the ones making the rules may have never even seen a windsurfer.

wheaties · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 6

You should take a look at the Peconic Puffin's website:

http://peconicpuffin.typepad.com/the_peconic_puffin/2006/12/windsurfing_pec.html

Not only is it a map of places to go but also describes each launching site. Fantastic resource.

PeconicPuffin · Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Posts: 1830

kraeva · Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 73

kraeva · Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 73

Yes, thank you guys! I have joined the Long Island Windsurfing Yahoo group, and have been checking out the Peconic website. Its a really cool resource, and I love the map!

I guess if people are going out, especially to the ocean waves, I would appreciate a holler! Maybe I just need some insider's intro

pete1111 · Joined: 16 Apr 2005 Posts: 193 Location: The Dude

Kraeva
Don't worry we will get you out in the ocean.Don't sail Demo on your own the fist few times, it's tide dependent and if you should break down you can get sucked out to sea in a hurry.
Just read the posts on yahoo.
Pete

PeconicPuffin · Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Posts: 1830

wstt · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 4

I also am just moving to NY (NYC), but from Chicago where I sail mostly Lake Michigan and on my yearly trips to Maui.

I'd also like to get some wave sailing in, but can't figure out which places are best for which directions and conditions. In my past wave sailing, I have never really had to deal much with tides which I guess can make things a lot more complicated. If someone could give me the heads up if a good wave day is coming up and where to go, I'd really appreciate it.

Also any general tips on sailing sites, wind directions, wind meters, or links would be greatly appreciated. It's the little tips that take years to figure out that make certain sailing spots much better. (eg In Chicago I know a wind meter on the lake that updates ever 5 minutes, and usually is about 5 knots higher than what we see on the water, when the air and water are the same temp. With certain readings, I also know not to even bother driving to the beach even though it looks windy.)

What are the typical conditions when it is good (ex 5.0 or 7.5, 80 liter or 120 liter, Temp 75 or 45, gusty, heavy shore break...?)

I see iWindsurf says SSW for Saturday building to 22 knots for the Peconic Bay.

Thanks

Ted