windsurfing at the Hamptons?

serious question... it looks (on a map) like there should be really good windsurfing off the N shore of the eastern end of Long Island... prevailing SW crosswind, deep water, big sharks, beautiful people.... but can the budget sailer get access to a public beach anywhere without being arrested for vagrancy?

There *is* good sailing in the Hamptons. In fact, the only windsurfing shop still doing business on LI is in South Hampton ( http://www.w-surf.com ). However, there are beaches which require a resident parking sticker, and beach traffic can be a beast on weekends. You can ask Jon Ford at Windsurfing Hamptons for guidance on sailing sites.

Personally, I think that Nappeague Harbor (Ammaganset) is the single best summertime sailing spot on Long Island. There is a huge 'walking sand dune' on the east side of the harbor which is slowly migrating further east because of the strong prevailing wind (it makes a great hike to walk over the dune and see the forest it is engulfing). However, I rarely sail there because I live 40 miles away, and it would take 3 hours to get there on a weekend. If I lived in East Hampton, though, I'd sail Nappeague every weekend. Actually, if I lived in East Hamptons, I'd be independently wealthy, so I'd sail Nappeague every day.

Where are you coming from and what kind of sailing do you have in mind? Maybe I can recommend some sites?

In addition to Larry's recommendation of Napeague (which is a shallow, flatwater location), there is also good sailing with public access at Cold Spring launch on the Great Peconic, just a mile from the mentioned store, Windsurfing Hamptons (631-283-9463).

As far as sailing on the North Fork, which would bethe north shore of the eastern end of Long Island, I don't know about any Sound spots (Larry?)...on the bays, some people sail from Nassau Point, and some on Cedar Beach, but I'm not familiar with the 'publicness' of the launches. Michael

Larry, how strict is the parking at Nappeague? How about Cold Springs Point? Of course, if one can get dropped off by the wife or other, most beaches on the island are available.

I usually launch from south Jamesport point. But I can get a sticker for that one.

Jim

<<Larry, how strict is the parking at Nappeague? How about Cold Springs Point? Of course, if one can get dropped off by the wife or other, most beaches on the island are available.>>

Sounds like it might be easier to become a corporate raider, layoff 10,000 people, buy a waterfront home on the Hamptons. <kidding, kinda>

Larry will have to answer from experience at Napeague. I've only parked there after Labor day, when there are no hassles.

Cold Spring is public...you don't need a parking sticker. Michael

One thing about Windsurfing Hamptons. they have an awesome kids thing with Jace who is a top Maui pro, who returns to the area every summer and teaches kids. He was at the King of the Cape with a bunch of kids and their families. My 12 yr old son, Will had a great time sailing with them!

John Ford owns the store and is committed to helping kids
www.w-surf.com

Bill Kline Gorge Sport USA Curtis Performance Fins, Orca Fins, Orca Kite Fins Hood River, OR USA

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