Windsurfing near Nitinat Lake
- Jordan River (63 km)
- Columbia Beach (65 km)
- Gordons Beach (77 km)
- Esquimalt lagoon (99 km)
- Island View Beach (100 km)
Nearby Windguru Forecasts
March 2007 update: as of March 18, 2007 the campsite is still closed due to storm damage. Before you go up there check that it is open!
Spring through mid-autumn thermals. Guaranteed wind with sunny conditions and no outflow pressure slope. 20 kt most afternoons, 25-30 with fogbank offshore. Kiting upwind end of the beach, windsurfing downwind. Primitive camping amongst huge spruce trees. Some picnic tables and outhouses. Lots of friendly people. Very limited supplies available at Ditidaht General Store in village. Hiking, mountain biking (several stunt-filled trails nearby), Carmanah Park old growth forest, fishing/whale watching/cultural tourism (old longhouse remains) trips to West Coast available from Ditidaht boat operators.
Mornings start out completely windless, which makes for a relaxed start. Often there is an outflow wind that blows to the west coast. Around 10am the outflow ends and a light inflow wind starts up. The inflow usually builds quite rapidly, and often a wind line can be seen marching down the lake. Sailing typically starts around 1pm and continues to 6pm. On fog days, the action can get going as early as 10am.
The water conditions are 2-3 foot chop. Nitinat is great on many levels. As a learning spot it can't be beaten. It's also a freestylist paradise. Great place to learn all the new moves. And, for formula racing it offers steady wind.
One great thing about the location is that there is no driving to sail. You get there, setup your camp, and sail.
On the downside, Nitinat is seldom warm. Bring warm clothes for the night. Also, pack in all the water you will need for your trip.