Thousand Island Information

kayell · Joined: 05 Apr 2001 Posts: 5

Hey:

I posted this on the travel forum as well. Im will be spending the week of July 4th In Alexandria Bay, NY. Can anyone clue me in regarding what conditions to expect?

michatoy · Joined: 06 Oct 2015 Posts: 4

kitemareInSF · Joined: 13 Apr 2001 Posts: 2

Although I now reside in San Francisco (thank God) I grew up in that area windsurfing. I go back every year and bring my gear - the conditions can be epic. First of all, you need to make a short trip up to Kingston, ONT about a 40 minute drive over the border. There is a good shop just outside of town and a few good places to launch. ABay is too far up the river so its gusty and there is a ton of boat traffic. Kingston is where the river opens up to the lake. July is pretty flaky - you may be able to sail the afternoon thermals with a 7.0 but most of the good sailing is frontal - Ive been out on a 4.5 in 5 foot rollers. The other spot to consider is Wolf Island or near the Cape Vincent lighthouse. Good luck.

gemoore · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 494

Kitemare is right on. Bring everything. Youll need big sails most of the time, but if a front comes through you can probably do OK in the 6.0 range, possibly smaller but the smaller sails are mostly be spring/fall.

Michatoy is an honest, if harsh judge. If you launch anywhere near a port of call (Alex Bay, Clayton, St Vincent, Gananoque, Kingston), youll have a LOT of MV traffic. This is especially true on July 4th. In the shipping channel, you can expect frequent ocean going freighters that you must stay WELL clear of...big wind shadows, no steerage, no stopping. Do NOT sail in front of an oncoming freighter thats within half a mile.

Current can be strong in places, so be wary of that too. The 1000 Is are a great destination; challenging sailing, well worth the trip.

GEM