Mid-Atlantic Launches
Maryland:
Anne Arundel County: Downs Park | Ft Smallwood Park | Jonas Green Park | Mayo BeachPark | Sandy Point State Park
Baltimore County: Gunpowder Falls State Park| Northpoint State Park | Rocky Point Park
Queen Anne's County: Jackson Creek Landing | Queen Anne's MarinaMaryland
Anne Arundel County:
DOWNS PARK, Pasadena, MD on the Chesapeake Bay - more info coming soon
MapFORT SMALLWOOD PARK, Pasadena, MD on the Patapsco River
more info coming soon
MapJONAS GREEN PARK, Annapolis, MD on the Severn River
more info coming soon
MapMAYO BEACH PARK Anne Arundel County - on the Chesapeake Bay
Wind Map
Best Wind Directions: S, SE, E, NE - click link for more details.
Mayo Beach Park near Annapolis is open to windsurfers with a Mayo Wind permit. Anyone wishing to windsurf at Mayo's "small craft launch area" (cartop boats only) must have a permit available through Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks for $75 annually. Permit applications available here, or contact Darald Lofgren at AAR&P 410/222-1978 410/222-1978 . A lock has been installed on the gate and permit holders will be given the combination.SANDY POINT STATE PARK - Anne Arundel County - on the Chesapeake Bay
Wind Map
Best Wind Directions: N, NE, E, SE, S
Sandy Point State Park has a designated area for windsurfers and is a popular spot for intermediate and skilled sailors. However, it is not recommended for beginners, due to a steep drop off at the launch site and a swift current that can often exceed two knots. Local sailors report a lot of chop, as well as large, rolling waves that build up south of the Lighthouse during southerly blows to make "interesting surfing." Admission fee during the season at Sandy Point State Park.
Best-suited for intermediate and experienced sailors, due to sharp drop off and strong current.
Sailors mention that north winds are stronger than reported on the meter, and due southerly winds are cleaner further offshore as blockage by the Bay Bridge lessons.
Baltimore County:
GUNPOWDER FALLS STATE PARK -
HAMMERMAN AREA - Baltimore County, MD - on the Gunpowder River.
Wind Map
Best Wind Directions: N, NE, E, SE, S
Sandy beaches, grassy rigging space, adequate parking, and the location of many BABA race events and clinics make this a popular launch. The Ultimate Watersports beach concession rents windsurfers (and kayaks, Hobie cats), has certified windsurfing instructors on staff, and provides a friendly and encouraging environment for beginners.
Best conditions are thermal enhanced summer southerlies. On-shore easterlies are OK, even due north winds, but northwest and west winds are disadvantaged because of a wind shadow from the hill up to the parking lot. Southwest breezes usually work from a funnel effect that seems to bend them up the river.
A day use fee is charged and a season pass may be purchased for frequent visitors. It is valid at all Maryland State Parks. The park is on the Gunpowder River, several miles from the open waters of the Chesapeake. It is a 30-minute drive from Towson and about the same from downtown Baltimore (see "Get Directions" in this section).
NORTH POINT - Northpoint State Park - on the Chesapeake Bay.
Map
Located in the Edgemere area of Baltimore County - a great launch for winds with a southern bias in the spring and fall.
ROCKY POINT PARK - Baltimore County - on the Back River
Wind Map
Directions to BCSC and Golf Course Launches
Best Wind Directions:
Golf course side launches - W, NW, or WNW.
BCSC beach launch - E or NE
Also referred to as Hart Miller Island on iWindsurf.com, Rocky Point is located in eastern Baltimore Co. The Baltimore County Sailing Center is located just outside of the park. The golf couse side launches offer flat water with some chop, good for jumping, in the middle of the river especially during an incoming tide with northwest winds. The iWindsurf sensor is located on the bay side (eastern) of Hart Miller Island. West and northwest winds are offshore to the meter so reported conditions will be lower than those you'll find on the water, especially for the very popular sailing site on the Back River. For these wind directions, the reported gust is a better approximation of the average conditions you'll find on the water.
There are two launch sites on the golf course side, one at the point that is rocky and one down a steep bank that is sandy.
Queen Annes County:
JACKSON CREEK LANDING - Queen Anne's County MD - Kentmorr Alternative
Wind Map
Best Wind Directions: NE, E, and NW.
Day use or annual permit required. Click on map reference I on the QA Co. website. Grass rigging area and sandy beach, shallow water for about 200 m out.QUEEN ANNE'S MARINA - Queen Anne's County, MD - Kentmorr Alternative - on the Chesapeake Bay
Wind Map
Best Wind Directions: SW, W and NW.
Windsurfing friendly spot on Kent Island - call the marina manager before going to make sure there's not a private party in which case there's no access. Show your appreciation for this great launch by shopping in the marina store. Grassy rigging area and sandy beach.
Clubs:
Baltimore Area Boardsailing Association - for windsurfers in the Washington, DC/Baltimore Area. Racing, trips, social, etc.
Windsurfing Enthusiasts of Tidewater, Inc. - the voice of windsurfers of the lower Chesapeake Bay area and serves as a contact for those interested in the sport.
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