Windsurfing near Lopez Lake
- Pismo Beach (18 km)
- Jalama (77 km)
- Arroyo Laguna (86 km)
- Ledbetter Beach (113 km)
- East Beach (113 km)
Lopez lake is a great place to learn windsurfing that can also produce some pretty good wind for slalom conditions. I learned how to waterstart there. During drought years the water level will be quite low making it appear as more of a pond than a lake. There is a designated windsurfing area that is a no-wake zone for boaters. The half a mile out and back reach is usually un-obstructed on a good day but when the winds are weaker there are some holes. On those days a floaty board is a good idea. On weekends the area can be quite crowded with windsurfers and also fisherman who unfortunately choose to fish in the windsurfing area because there is a nice beach there. There is camping but not close to the windsurfing area and it usually is full on weekends. The water is warm in the summer and usually a shorty is all that is needed. The wind can blow strong enough to windsurf from spring thru October.
When the fog has engulfed the coast and the central valleys are hot is when it usually blows at Lopez. There are hotels and restaurants in nearby Arroyo Grande, Grover beach, and Pismo beach.
see www.iwindsurf.com for more info.