The beach at the end of North Sea Road has been described as a good windsurfing launch for a very particular set of conditions. They are:
Northeast wind, at low tide, when you don't have the time to go to Gardiners Bay.
Thursday evening filled that bill. Jeff and I were hunting for the chance of a little late-day planing on the day's allegedly building northeast winds. We decided to take a shot at North Sea Road, where we ran into ABK Napeague alum Robert, and lucked into low tide.
About a quarter mile into the bay the rollers started on starboard tack. Half way to Robbins Island they were hip-high and good on both tacks for jumping. I can only imagine how good it might get in 25 knots!
Two cautions about launching at North Sea Road. There are fin-busting rocks at the shoreline...I recommend getting almost waist deep before beachstarting. Also, there's quite a bit of chop at the shoreline...it's a tough spot if your beachstarts aren't wired.
Here's a link to a tide chart for nearby New Suffolk. It pretty much matches up with North Sea Road. Check out North Sea Road and many other launches on the Long Island Windsurfing Map
(Photo: Jeff rips into a jibe on the inside)
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