ZION Wednesday 8/3

[Madison Greg]

Anyone got plans to go? Looks like a nice DW...

[adseguy]

It does look nice. Almost too nice. I fear the storms tomorrow are blocking us from seeing a clear picture for Wednesday's forecast. Tuesday night would be the better call.

[Like To Kite]

Probably heading to Waukegan on Wednesday. Hope the forecast holds!

[oceanwalker]

i'm game -- if anybody is interested in carpooling (i'm downtown), let me know. i don't have a car, but could get a zipcar & split costs or if you have a car, i'd pitch in for gas.

[elistark]

Hi all,
I hope this is not an inappropriate place to post this but I am at my wit's end at this point. I'm staying in the Chicago/northern Indiana area for a few days and would love to get out on the water and experience kiteboarding in this part of the country. However, I'm a novice, and not yet comfortable with the idea of just heading out on my own in an unfamiliar area - I think it's a recipe for potential ugliness.

Last week, I tried contacting some of the instructors listed on your website to see if one might be willing to do a lesson but have not heard back from any of them. So I'm wondering if there are any places where there are likely to be friendly, experienced KB'ers who are willing to just double-check my rigging, give me pointers on the area, and help me launch (or if any of you want to volunteer to do that ahead of time and tell me when and where to show up). The wind forecast seems best for me on Wednesday, hence my posting in this thread.

I'm pretty much an IKO Level 2I at this point, with a few Level 3 skills but have just started intentionally moving upwind. So I'd need to go someplace where going downwind is not the end of the world. If anyone has any suggestions or would like to point me in the right direction to get some guidance, I would greatly appreciate it. I'd hate to leave the area and not get out on the water if conditions permit.

I can be reached at eli.stark *put an "at" sign here* earthlink *put a dot here* net.

Thanks,
Eli

[Like To Kite]

Hi Eli, welcome to the Chicago kite community! I'd be happy to fit you in for a lesson on Wednesday or tomorrow if you are interested. I will email you right away. Also, Chicago kiters are generally a very friendly bunch and happy to help within safe limits. Waukegan would be a suitable place for learning as long as you start upwind along the beach. You must be willing to do some walks upwind staying away from any swimmers. Thanks and talk to you soon!

Happy Kiting!

[IVO]

Just a little reminder,on good ol' Norte Waukegan is not the place to be,,wind gets funky,gusty,weaker,,if there's hint of E,all is good..(not sure in what condition is Zion now after last storm)

Many times after riding 9m from Zion we have found guys rigging 13,14m ,shaking our heads...


Looking to take day off and found some mad waves to ride

[Northerner]

I will be there for sure, with a few others from the sheboygan crew. You guys know I like to travel.

Is Zion open?

Lets hear some some detailed predictions from you locals on how the wind will be.

Do you think that the Coriolis effect will be an issue???

[FSP]

uhh if u want the big stuff chk the harbor mouth area at mc-angles to waves and wind with such size is something to see. a touch smaller but still huge and otherworldly would be joe if all lines up. hope to sample both!!

[IVO]

I hope Coriolis effect wont be a issue at all,........, since from now on it gives pointers on what price others should sell own gear


on a other note Sheriff,I didnt speak to 2BRO toyota crew yet,but I might end up on the other side of a lake,gonna decide tmr and send out alerts as always.


Lets ride some waves finally



btw..Sheriff in Zion?Sounds serioussssssss

[adseguy]

Don't forget to pack your wetsuits too! A big south then big north at right around this time of year = Water turn! It could be 55* in only a few hours time

Hope this comes through and I can get a harness/bar on time lol

[Safe_Cracker]

Hey guys been gone for a while but got extra free time this month, with kids of course lol. Anyhoo I'm a thinking its gonna happen so I'll show up be good to see everyone... Polo.

[IVO]

with the forecast,

good N is uasually gusty first few hours and as day progress,it gets cleaner,,its still two days ahead,but right now I rather see weaker models for afternoon,but with wind switching from NW to NE,thats the best scenarion for that place.Wind usually peaks out,just in that time of switch and than fading out or staying,depends if there's more E,which is not case of wednesday so far..

15-25,sunny=solid day!

[Like To Kite]

Wednesday should be fun! Nice to get some wind after many calm days

Is this location correct for Zion? I saw Skysurfer Mike posted previously about the storm damage closures at Zion.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Chica ... 8&t=h&z=17

Thanks for all the info!

[Misfit]

I am going to attempt to get the day off work for the big north.

Waves! I'll be somewhere on the south end looking for the big stuff.


Cory

[gbleck]

I have to go back home over lunch today. I'll swing by the Zion south entrance and see if they are open. I'm in for the 3rd but will be late as I'm volunteering at the Lake County Health Department kids first health fair. Hope the forecast holds. Oh and if Greg from palatine is there I can give him his bar back.

[maly]

THE SOUTH UNIT PARK, CAMPGROUND, BEACH AND TRAILS WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC INDEFINETLY UNTIL STORM CLEAN-UP IS COMPLETED. THE PHONE LINES ARE DOWN AT THE PARK. PLEASE READ OUR PARK CLOSURE PAGE FOR DAILY UPDATES AND MORE INFORMATION.

]Illinois Beach State Park - will remain closed due to storm damage until September 9th, 2011. The situation at the park will be re-evaluated during this time.

[adseguy]

WOAH!! What happened? Was there a tornado or something?! Who ever uses that beach a lot find out some info and see if we can all get together to help out.

[gbleck]

Yea it was tornado damage. Not the storm the hit on a monday morning and took out all the power lines but the Thursday night before the 4th of July weekend. It blew down 500 trees and pulled the roof off the lodge/hotel and dropped it on the pool roof. Pain in the but for the couples doing there wedding at that location. I always love doing a down winder past that spot when they are doing weddings.

[anothermike]

Hello,

I'm planning on showing up tomorrow AM, but what exactly does the "Illinois Beach State Park" closure include? Waukegan as well or just Zion?

Thanks,

Mike