7/7-7/8 at St. Joseph/Benton Harbor

[robroy]

Hi all,

I'm new to the sport, but I've practiced quite a bit with a trainer, and recently had the opportunity to take lessons in Ft. Meyers Fl. The advice of my instructor in Fl was to just get out and practice what I've learned as he felt I was safe enough after 8 hours of instruction over the course of three days to stop with the formal lessons.

I'm a physical therapist by trade, and serve as medical officer with a National Guard Special Forces unit, so I'm very safety conscious, understand the importance of training, and I'm not a rule breaker by nature. I am planning to be in the St Joseph/Benton Harbor MI area this weekend to meet family from the Kalamazoo area. I noticed the wind reports are looking pretty good on windfinder.com. I'm wondering if anybody with some experience is going to be in that area who would be willing to meet up with a novice who is not familiar with the area, or kiteboarding on Lake Michigan in general.

As long as the weather holds out, I'll be out both days.

Rob

[Dutchkiteboarder]

St Joe sounds like a fun day to do. If the weather really holds I might drive up to St Joe and have a good day at the beach.

[robroy]

Good, I'm open to suggestions on the best spot in that area to launch from. You can text me at 815-931-9249. I'll check the forum also before heading out.

Rob

[Bryce FLK]

Would love to join everyone 7/8 on my way through. Ill keep an eye on the forecast as well. It looks really light right now.....

[billg]

Hey robroy,
just a heads up on St. Joe, Silver Beach will be very busy. Launch is up at the base of the pier, narrow area before swim zone. If you end up down wind of the swim zone make sure you get to shore before the water intake plant. The beach ends there and it is all rocks for several miles. Windsurfed 25+ years in that area and did several rescues past the plant- not pretty down there when the waves are big. good luck, BG

[robroy]

BG,
Thanks for the advice. After reading the Where to Ride info I was thinking more along the lines of Warren Dunes State Park, just south of Weko Beach. However, I'm open to suggestions for any beach in this general vicinity. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Especially if it keeps me off the rocks
Rob

[foxzone]

Hi Robroy,
I plan to go to Michigan City beach early afternoon. I was there yesterday afternoon and had some rides.

[sledgeman]

If the winds come back up today, which is the forecast, I will be either at St. Joe's or Warren Dunes State Park (preferred as there is much more open area). Feel free to text me if you'll be around: 865-386-8609 (Ryan).