Windsurfing near Rancho Seco
- Lake Natoma (35 km)
- Folsom Point off of E. Natoma St (41 km)
- Granite Bay - Folsom Lake (46 km)
- Lake Washington (47 km)
- Sand Bar (53 km)
Season: May through September.
Average Sail Size: 7-10 meter.
Wind direction: W/SW.
Level: Beginner through intermediate.
Parking fee is $5 or $30 for a season pass.
No rental equipment available.
Note: No motor boats are permitted on the lake.
Rancho Seco is an excellent beginner/intermediate sailing location. Summer thermals blow through here regularly. Typically when the valley starts to cool off the cool bay air starts to fill in to the valley. The best wind is usually after 6 pm out of the west.
Rigging is on grass under trees. You step from grass to water. There are a few weeds, but only in the shallow areas near shore. Water temps are warm but in the evening you may need a shorty. There are restrooms, solar powered showers and plenty of parking.
This is a great place to bring the family. There is a roped off swimming area with life guards on the weekends and paddle boat rentals. Plenty of picknick tables and BBQ stands. A general store is open on weekends as well. There are camp sites, each with a table, pit and running water as well as RV camp sites with hookups. The lake is very popular for fishing.
During the winter Rancho Seco offers great sailing on NW clearing winds. A 4/3 or 3/2 is required depending on air temps.