Mike Burns knows Hecksher. He should...he sails there over 400 days per year (that's unofficial, like the event.) Seriously though, Hecksher State Park is the site of the East Coast Windsurfing Festival June 7-8, where there's going to be lots of racing and freestyle and speed trials and all sorts of fun on the water. To tell us WHY it's happening at Hecksher, we turn to Hecksher's Most Familiar Face On The Water, Mike Burns:
"Heckscher is centrally located on the south shore of Long Island and very easy to get to. During May and June, the SW thermal winds are in full swing for a very steady reliable wind. The beach at Heckscher is also dedicated purely for the use of windsurfers. There are no swimming areas at the windsurfing launch that lifeguards will be yelling at us to stay out of, and no dangers lying slightly below the surface. The water conditions at Heckscher is choppy enough to go for really big freestyle tricks, but flat enough to really get some good speed for racing. It is a shallow bay (just slightly over your head), so the water is plenty warm that time of year. Some of us are already out sailing in our 3/2 wetsuits. There is more parking at the launch than anyone could possibly need, with grass rigging areas and only a 40 ft walk from the parking lot to the water. What else can you ask for? "
How about directions? Here is a link to directions from the Long Island Expressway. The parking lot is Field #7.
Hi, I'm a winsurfer and will be in Eastport for the summer. I live in NYC so I've always rented equipment (Napeaque). But I'm open to renting or buying some cheap stuff. I'd like to sail this summer. Any help on where, how, etc...is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Daisy
Posted by: Daisy | May 01, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Daisy:
There's a swapmeet at Windsurfing Hamptons in Southhampton on may 24th. You should be able to find some cheap stuff there, And of course John would be perfectly willing to sell you $$ome brand new items if you like. call 800-830-6098
Posted by: Joe | May 08, 2008 at 07:23 PM