Windsurfing near Gordons Beach
- Jordan River (15 km)
- Esquimalt lagoon (30 km)
- Cook St. (37 km)
- Ediz Hook (42 km)
- Willows (42 km)
Great Bump and Jump windsurfing, and kiting for those who can handle the sketchy launch. It's one of the most reliable places to sail on the island. Quite predictable wind in the late spring and summer.
How to find Gordons: The launch access is a right of way off Sooke road. Drive west on Sooke road, past Otter point convenience store, then you will hit the 80km/hr speed zone, then a straight away. The access is on your left and only about 20 feet wide so you'll likely miss it drive by on your first try. But that's OK because you need to turn around at a pull-out coming up anyhow. The right road will turn right, and you will see a pull-out to the right. pull-out and head back where you came. In about 10 seconds you will see the access on the right side. Park. The parking is somewhat limited. maybe 10-12 cars. Be careful, it's a dangerous stretch of road. Please DO NOT park in the access/rigging area.
Which wind direction is best: West or North-West
What time of year is best: Late April to Late August
What time of day is best: this is almost strictly an afternoon spot. The thermal winds typically come up in the 2-4pm timeframe and blow until 7pm, sometimes until dark. Fog at the west entrance of the Juan de Fuca makes Gordons work.
Gear: Typical day: 4.7m sail, 80L wave board. Light day: 6.0m sail, 100L freestyle or freeride board
Any local hazards: really none. no reefs to hit, no beach break. As user friendly as they come.
Can you kitesurf there? yes, but the launch is risky. lots of trees, not much beach. kiters often launch just upwind of the access at Tugwell creek.
Links to weather forecasts for the site: [1] (http://www.bigwavedave.ca). This site has a webcam and a weather station. The Sheringham lighthouse report is a good indicator. If it's > 20knot gordons will be happening.
Cook St or Gordons? You are often faced with the decision: Cook St (in Victoria) or Gordons? If it's cloudy and showery out in Sooke, Cook St is likely a better bet. If it's summer and not windy yet at Cook St, but windy already at Gordons, then head west! Also, a big fog push can shut down Gordons and make Cook St work. So, if it's fogged in out in Sooke try Cook St.
Live Webcam:
