Good launch in Marblehead?

Awalkspoiled · Joined: 21 Sep 2013 Posts: 44

Visiting family on monday 6/13 but may have a few hours in the afternoon to ride. Haven’t been there in many years. Any specially good (or unexpectedly bad) places to launch a longboard? Looks like NW winds. They’re on Gas House Lane which looks like it is near a little harbor area but is probably in a big shadow in northwesterlies. Thanks!

flaherty · Joined: 01 May 1997 Posts: 437

Others may have a better answer,as I haven't sailed on the North Shore in a few years. But, I would go to Nahant beach, look on Google. NW would be slightly off shore , but pretty flat , and easy for a longboard. Go all the way to the end of the beach, and you can launch there.

shreddbob · Joined: 31 Mar 1987 Posts: 361 Location: Hawaii

I have seen people launching at Chandler Hovey Park, at the tip of Marblehead Neck. This was many years ago though. At that time parking was free for everyone, even non residents, and on weekends the lot filled up early but most people don't stay too long and spots would open up.

Ideal would be a light to moderate NW wind. NE works too. Don't try in NNE (too onshore to the launching). There are rocks in the water near shore, but I think the cove location I've marked below has a relatively rock free zone to launch from. There is a steep scramble to get down to the cove with your gear, but it has been done. (Myles, you listening?) Could be dicey launching at high tide, with some small breaking action of any swell? Once you accomplish the tricky launching there is nice scenic sailing to be had to your right. Be sure to stay clear of boats coming and going from the harbor to your left.

I've always intended to sail there myself, but never have.

Hope this is helpful. No guarantee on the present parking situation, or on how many rocks you might hit with your skeg Cool

Good luck!

Bob

Awalkspoiled · Joined: 21 Sep 2013 Posts: 44

Thanks for your thoughts, guys - Nahant is probably the wisest choice and I’ve sailed actually there, back in the ‘80s. One of the few places to get real side-off surf because you sometimes got waves wrapping in and breaking on the little sandbars a hunder yards out. I’ll see how the afternoon shapes up. Big front coming through sunday and Monday should still be pretty strong but gusty by the time I get free.

mat-ty · Joined: 07 Jul 2007 Posts: 7850

Definitly Nahant. Easy access, clean offshore with glass conditions, and most likely some nice waves to play with. That launch in Marblehead would be sketcky imo. lots of boat traffic, very choppy conditions.

shreddbob · Joined: 31 Mar 1987 Posts: 361 Location: Hawaii

Awalkspoiled · Joined: 21 Sep 2013 Posts: 44

Nahant was flat so I just launched from the little inlet where my cousins were staying. Once past the headland conditions were just about perfect - all lit up on an 8.5/Carbone and gorgeous views everywhere. Some pretty fluky currents but with that much wind the currents didn’t really matter. Fantastic day. My little cousins (5&3) got to flatwater “surf” on the unrigged board which was memorable too.