Heading up to Simcoe for the weekend. Cottage R&R and hope to get a kite up too.

Looks like it will be mostly pushing from SW to W for the majority of the time. (who knows after friday).
http://localkitespots.com/vmap.aspx?site=1204146203442

Been eyeing this spot for about a month now, haven't checked it out in person, but from the writeup of it might be a good option for Saturday (close to where I am at). A few buddies and I are planning on checking it out this weekend.

If anyone has some exp riding there and wants to share?

cheers,

Lots of info already posted.


http://www.thechickenloop.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=99&func=view&id=5734&catid=2#5734

Perfect thanks.

I know there is some info already on this, I checked it out, and feel it needs an update,

a) watch out for subsurface floating logs.
b) for SW, tricky, if not sufficiently powered you may end up in the weeds there.
c) zebra mussels (wear boots) and muddy (very slippery bottom) if drift launching, I've gotten cuts there before.
d) doesn't work very well on NW as it becomes VERY gusty, once had to go help a buddy get his kite that he had to release from in the middle of the bay, we were walking the train tracks after dark down close to beaverton (a long ways) and found the kite up on a tree a few km away.
e) nice new addition is that you actually don't need to drift launch anymore IF the wind direction is westish, there is a NEW clearing and tiny beach on the south part of the parkette, where someone can acutally launch you, and land you if you're careful (the beach is exactly one kitelength wide), so this is a bonus for the spot!
f) otherwise make sure your drift launch works!!
g) if you kite a bit south past the weeds there is a nice sandy bottom zone where you can stand etc.
h) watch out for the power lines, don't launch the kite in the park.. not enough clearance.

Have you considered lagoon city if it turns more south? I've never ridden there.

Hope this helps.

I personally love that spot! Besides drift launching and locking my keys in the trunk, I cant complain about anything.

Actually I don't think I have ever been skunked there, and forecasts seem to be pretty spot on! My grandparents have a place in the kawarthas so its basically my local spot when I'm up there.

Definitely wear booties, and although it is possible to get a launch I personally think its safer to do a drift launch.

Oh and dont be discouraged if you get there and there doesn't seem to be any wind. If it was calling for a NW the wind gets blocked so you just have to walk a bit out into the water. This makes it for a warm grassy set up!

Sat. we showed up around noon and one guy was out. He came in right as we where getting ready to go out. Got a few tips from him and went out. After he left only us (2 kites) and a windsurfer for the whole session (4 hrs). Few people came by to poke there heads in and take a look but not much action.

Wind was up and down 15-22knts coming right out of the south west. Really started to get to the edge of my comfort zone on the 12m a few times. Staying up wind is still hard for me so I had to take a few walks back up wind.

But the spot looks good, had a great time.