Please go to www.NjWind.info - the new site!

This site has been moved to www.njwind.info - please visit www.njwind.info for the new Windsurfing New Jersey Site

Whale Sighting Video on LBI

Wow, look at this! A whale has been sighted last summer on LBI just off the beach. Its pretty common to see bigger fish such as dolphins, sharks, and skates but whales are rather rare. sorry for the video quality.

Windsurfing Video Hookipa

Came across this awesome Windsurfing Video

Windsurfing Video New Jersey 2007

Here are some shots from last season. Hopefully this year will be just as great. Enjoy!

Windsurfing Guide NJ: "Where to Windsurf in the spring time"

Where to go Windsurfing in the Spring time in NJ?

Since the spring is coming up soon, its important to discuss where to go Windsurfing in the New Jersey area. Spring is usually the windiest season besides fall with the exception that the water temperatures are much colder and you will need your thickest wet- or dry suit with a good pair of gloves. However, the winds are much more consistent than in the fall making the sailing experience a lot more enjoyable. Depending on the forecast, there are several options you have when considering the perfect Windsurfing Location in NJ for the spring time.

Since many sailors take a break over the winter from sailing, a couple of warm up session do not hurt to get back on your board comfortably. The ocean wouldn't necessary be the first choice for a first day back on the water.
Long Beach Island is excellent for Bay and Ocean Sailing. Situated about 40 minutes north of Atlantic City, the barrier island LBI provides excellent bay terrain in between the island and the mainland and also on its ocean beaches. Barnegat bay is wide and big and many wind directions work, it just all depends on where you consider to launch. The are also some beaches that offer great launching for ocean sailing on specific wind directions. Let's look at what Windsurfing Locations on LBI work best on which wind directions:

1. The bay (southward of the bay bridge): When launching from the island, any wind directions coming from the south (including southwest and southeast) and anything coming from the north or northwest seem to work just fine. Wind directions from the east are blocked by the buildings and tend to be offshore. There is a launch site favored by local Windsurfers that provides a small rigging beach, a parking lot (free of charge), and showers and a bathroom.

Circled below on the map is the approximate location of the launch site mentioned. You can easily identify the parking lot by seeing a great boat parked next to it on the gravel.



2. The ocean works great on northeast, east, southeast, and south directions for Windsurfing. Depending on the tides and wind direction, a specific mixture can create anything from a wild ocean chop to a mild but windy light chop sea. Usually the northeast winds bring greater breaking swells and lighter winds, making it harder to sail out and creating a danger to get stuck sinking on your board with no wind. Not recommended for beginners. However, any wind blowing from the south is usually thermal and therefore consistent throughout midday. The water stays usually flater and creates beautiful chop to play with. One Windsurfing Spot on LBI NJ that particularly works well is Holgate, situated at the south end of the island. There is a small parking lot at the end of the island with a small beach that is popular for surfing, Windsurfing, and Kiteboarding. This location works well on south directions especially and can be used all year long since there are no life guards in that area during the summer.

Below on the map you see the south end of the island circled in red which is Holgate.



Here is a view overlooking Holgate from the parking lot.



Some NJ Windsurfers getting ready to have some fun in the water!



Another nice aspect about Windsurfing on LBI is the close accessibility of a Windsurfing Shop nearby. Island Surf & Sail is located south of the first bay bridge right upon entry of the island just a few miles down. They offer professional advice, rental gear, lessons and the qualified instructors you need. Here is the exact address of the Windsurfing Shop:

ISLAND SURF & SAIL
3304 LONG BEACH BLVD.
BRANT BEACH N.J. 08008

PHONE: 609 494-5553

To get better directions or an actual map image of the location, I suggest using google maps:

maps.google.com Web Submit search form

Windsurfing Tips: "Sail Rigging Guide & Advice"

Here is a basic Sail Rigging Guide I came across. Its pretty standard but definitely useful. I figured it would be important to discuss optimal sail rigging at some point.

Sails and Windsurfing gear have come along way over the years. It used to be just simple cloth Windsurfing Sails with a standard size one piece mast and a boom that ties on.

When you buy z sail today from a modern manufacturer, the whole rigging situation can become a little confusiing. How much downhaul should be applied? Is this the proper mast flex? You would think that ever since learning how to windsurf has become easier due to better gear, that setting up the gear would be just as easy.

Beginner gear is usually easier to rig up because there are not that many tweaks that need to be applied. And today's modern standard equipment does not really require the know-how and use for sailor knots like in the old days. So how about the more advanced gear for intermediates and pros? The stronger the wind gets, the better your sail should be rigged and tweaked. Otherwise you will end up sailing overpowered or underpowered and sacrifice your energy much quicker.

Traditionally, a sail required more downhaul and outhaul for windier situations and less tension for calmer winds. However, many sails today are already pre-shaped and do not tune as nicely anymore. At least unless you read the manufacturers guide on how to rig the sail properly, you are most likely failing to rig the sail to your liking without trying it out first. So what is the proper way to do it? - I believe the answer to this question relies on your materials manufacturers recommendation.

1. Always makes sure when you purchase a sail that you also know how to properly rig and tune it. The proper twist in the leech can make all the difference in terms of sailing comfort and backhand pressure.
2. Whether you're acquiring used or brand new windsurfing equipment, always makes sure you ask the seller for advice.
3. It would be optimal if you have the chance to actually try the sail first.

Like I mentioned, back in the days when Windsurfing was first born, cloth sails ruled the market. Then the monofilm era began and started to change the game with battens and shorter booms. Today, sails are lighter and sometimes almost bomb proof. Kevlar Reinforced XPly materials are being used to keep the sails lasting and in good shape. However, the monofilm found on many sails leaves consideration since it tends to crack over time from saltwater and excessive sun light.

Here is a quick video clip of some old school equipment with a giant cloth sail. Notice that in the old days, Windsurfing was all about fashion and bright colors.



Here's another video clip showing the old windsurfing school gear.



Here is my advice for rigging your sail and downhauling it properly:

1. If can't use your hands for downhauling and don't have a tool, use the hook of your harness to pull. It works better than anything else and you can perfectly fine tune your sail.

2. After bending the mast a little with downhaul, pay good attention to the twist. Leave it tighter during lighter and get it flappier during stronger winds but don't overhaul. You will notice overhauling when the sail gets too many wrinkles.

3. Outhaul: During lighter winds, leave the sail almost touching the boom. During stronger winds pull the sail almost flat.

Please note that these are just general instructions and that you should always refer to the actual Windsurfing Sail Manufacturer for optimal guidance.

Windsurfing Picture: "Windsurfing in the Grenadines - Carribean"

I came across this awesome Windsurfing picture while reading through the Windsurfing forums at IWindsurf.


This is really beautiful. It looks like Windsurfing Paradise. To view more Windsurfing Pictures, you can visit this one among many more amazing Windsurfing Photographs at the original Windsurfing Photo Post.

Windsurfing Lessons: "How to complete a perfect Jibe"

To be able to Jibe both ways comfortably is an essential procedure every Windsurfer should be comfortable with when Windsurfing in the open Ocean. So what is the perfect way to learn and master your Jibes?

Ever since I switch to a short board, I felt as if I had to start learning how to jibe again. It almost felt like I never knew how to do it in the first place. When I asked experienced sailors what the key to mastering jibes is, everyone would answer practice, practice, and more practice.

Its true, practice plays definitely a key role here when attempting to jibe perfectly (meaning not to fall in the water) both ways. However, technique is what really matters I believe. If you already learned how to jibe and switched to a smaller board, its obviously going to feel different because the board maneuvers differently and has a much more sensitive reaction towards your foot steering and body weight. I first learned jibing on a tank, an older Hifly Board that had a sword and fin. The board was way over 160l in volume. Here is a Video Clip of the old Windsurfing Board and Sail:



Now my biggest board is a 91l freestyle wave by JP. That certainly feels a lot more turny to ride then the old tank. I have also been using an 86l Fanatic Freestyle Wave thats even shakier on the turns. The foot straps settings are only inbound on this year's model which makes it a little more suitable for the waves then the JP where I have the foot straps set up closer to the rails.

The fanatic with the inbound footstrap setting:



Well here are some tips to improve and execute jibes easier. Note that it makes a big difference whether you're on flatwater or ocean chop.

1. Speed: You need enough. Especially the smaller the board gets you use. Seems like the slower the speed, the harder it becomes to finish. The board will also become unstable when loosing speed.
2. Footwork: Make sure you know your foot switching automatically. Unbalanced foot movements will affect the boards movement and eventually cause speed to decrease rapidly.
3. Positioning: Stand at every movement correctly on the board. Know your foot work and position yourself with both feet correctly on the board. Try different stances and you will feel what works better. Sometimes a little more weight in the back or front when turning imrpoves the motion of the board.
4. Sail Switch: Make sure to finish turning the sail over correctly and sheeting back in. When you let loose of the sail and switch side on the board, its the most critical point when attempting to Jibe. This is where most people fall. Just do it and do not hesitate to grab the sail.
5. Practice: Jibing is a combination of several things as previously discussed. Pratice it and even watch other sailors. Try different ways but do not give up. Start in calm water and then advance.
Here's a quick Video Clip of Jibing on a Short Board in light choppy water:



Here's another nice clip showing flat water jibing a little more close up:



Also, check out the following link for some more instructions and tips on Windsurfing Jibes:

Information about Jibing Technique

Enjoy!

Windsurfing Guide New Jersey: "My favorite Windsurfing Locations in NJ"

Out of all the Windsurfing Destinations in New Jersey, there are a few which really stand out to me. When I consider looking for a windy and reliable spot to go Windsurfing in NJ, I look at several different factors that every sailor would probably consider. I prefer easy accessibility, dependable wind information via Iwindsurf, moderately safe and clean water and possibly the least amount of boat traffic available. There are 2 ways to look at boat traffic:
You surf in the ocean and launch from the beach, you are likely not to worry about boat traffic since there is a lot more space (unless your situated next to a harbor). However, if you consider sailing in a bay you will most likely always face boat traffic and other hazardous objects in the area that you may need to carefully look out for. Anyways, now getting back to where to go sailing in New Jersey seems to be the most appealing. There is actually a place that covers all these needs, and it is no secret! In addition, it has proven to be one of the windiest areas over the course of the years. It is Lakes Bay in Pleasantville, or also West Atlantic City. Lakes Bay is a shallow Bay with little to no boat traffic, easy launching and very accessible and the weather can be really great there.

Here is what I really like about Lakes Bay:
1. It is located right off the Atlantic City Expressway and the Garden State Parkway, making it easy to find and fast to get to.
2. The wind can be easily predicted usually. Depending on the season and the weather, one can almost be assured that the south winds are going to deliver an awesome session.
3. There is a Windsurfing Shop with Rentals, Equipment, Gear and Lessons in the main parking lot next to a Hampton Inn. The NJ Windsurfing Shop is usually open during the spring, summer and fall hours all day and people there are very passionate and have tons of knowledge and experience about the gear they sell and rent.



4. Since there is a Hampton Inn located right on the bay, it would make the perfect Windsurfing Vacation or getaway for a few days for someone who is just looking to have some fun. Atlantic City is just a few blocks away.
5. The bay is shallow and deep at the same time, depending on the tides. However, on very windy days, there are actually places where you can get some pretty decent chop for jumps. Check out this Lakes Bay NJ Windsurfing Video showing a chop hop of one of these (not so little) ramps. Its hard to see in the video but the chop gets pretty decent:



6. Lakes Bay is overall a great place for beginners and intermediates to learn, practice and advance. However it is bay sailing.
7. It is safe and there are usually always people there.
8. There are toilets!
9. And there are no dangerous currents that will take you far away in case you break down or something similar happens.

Now here are some things I dislike about Lakes Bay:
1. It can get really crowded in terms of parking and rigging space. Rigging on the actual deck is prohibited what leaves the grass/sand/beach area to rig. My advice, get there early enough, especially on a weekend.



2. There are plenty of Crab Traps floating around that destroyed one or the other fin over time. Watch out for them!
3. The bay is not clean and the water is stinky and dirty. Rinse out your ears after Windsurfing and wear protective shoes. I once cut my foot really bad because of waste that was dumbed in the bay.
4. It is ok to pay for parking but many don't know it until they are being notified suddenly. There should be a sign perhabs?!
5. There used to be a shower. It is not there anymore what is sad but why is it gone?
6. It is not ocean sailing and the chop size is limited.
7. The bay only works well for windsurfing on south directions. Everything else is not steady or being blocked by surrounding buildings.
8. More and more NJ Kiters are sharing the space with NJ Windsurfers, which is ok as long as its safe.

However, these are only a few things which are not a bad problem. Lakes Bay is overall great for Windsurfing in the Bay. Going there saves you time and gas thinking about where to go sailing for a day or a quick session. Usually by midday in spring and summer with sufficient help of the sun, the thermal winds in the bay kick in and deliver winds from the high teens up to the high twenties. To sum up, if you're looking for great bay sailing and do not mind other sailors being around, look no further then Lakes Bay.

Here's a map of the bay and the area around it:



As you can see on the map, the red arrow indicates the center location of the bay and the red 1 shows the main launch site. This is where the Hampton Inn is located and where ExtremeWindsurfing the local shop is located. There is a big parking lot that stretches around the hotel and a big deck and small grass area to launch and rig your equipment.
The red 2 indicates the second launch site that is mostly used by kiters. This place is a little harder to access because you have drive through the grass and sand. It is not recommended unless your familiar with the area. The wind is usually side on to the main launch site anyways.

Here are some quick directions on how to get to the Lakes Bay New Jersey Windsurfing Location:

From Northern New Jersey or New York/Connecticut:

Take Garden State Parkway South to Exit 37. Turn Right at end of ramp. Follow road 1/2 mile to circle. Exit circle at Route 40 East signs. Stay on 40 East for 3.8 miles. The Hampton Inn is on your right. The shop and water access to Lakes Bay is in back of the Hampton Inn.

From Philadelphia:

Follow AC Express way to Exit 5 (Pleasantville). At end of ramp turn right follow this road to light at 322 turn left the bay and the shop are behind the Hampton Inn on right at 1.5 miles.

From Cape May/South/Ferry:

Take the Garden State Parkway North to Exit 36. Turn left at light at end of ramp onto Fire Road. At third light turn right onto Route 40 East (Black Horse Pike). Stay on 40 East for about 2 miles. The Hampton Inn is on your right. The shop and water access to Lakes Bay is in back of the Hampton Inn.

The local NJ Windsurfing Shop at Lakes Bay is called ExtremeWindsurfing.
The exact address is:

7079 Black Horse Pike
West Atlantic City, NJ 08232

www.ExtremeWindsurfing.com

To get better directions or an actual map image of the location, I suggest using google maps:

maps.google.com Web Submit search form

Welcome to NjWindsurfing.info - The Official New Jersey Windsurfing Blog

Mahalo and Welcome to NjWindsurfing.info, the New Jersey Windsurfing Blog, Guide, and number one source of Information on finding out where to go sailing anywhere in New Jersey. Even better, I will be posting Windsurfing Pictures and Videos taken on New Jersey Windsurfing Locations with Reports and News.
I have only been Windsurfing in New Jersey for a couple years now. Come to think of it, I have discovered that there is still a large Windsurfing Community out here. To me, Windsurfing is the number 1 sport out there. There is nothing else that comes even close to it. No other activity makes me smile every time I jump on a board again and rush onto a plane. Stay tuned and check back for the latest Updates and News.