Alum Creek Lake / Alum Creek Park

In the fall and spring the park service allows the water level to drop. This makes it possible to stand far from the trees in knee deep water. During the summer, the water is deeper and it is barely possible to touch ground one kite line length from shore. When there are not many boats the water is flat and smooth (unless it blows more than 15 knots). White caps are rare most days, but show up on stronger days. During the summer it is a zoo (boats, jet skis, etc), stay away for your own sanity. During the off-season we can use the full length of the beach. When there are swimmers, only the boaters swim areas are allowed. The beach runs N-S with a slight tilt (<20%) to the E. The Rocky Dam runs the S end across the lake and is about 30 feet above the water level. It is possible to walk along the top (Nice wide grass path) of the dam if you end up blown downwind, but it takes forever. We often ride big gear. When it nukes use a smaller kite and a medium board. Watch out for the trees, they are everywhere, especially on the West launch. West winds should only be attempted by kiteboarders who can hold their ground or go upwind. Any wind direction can be kited, depending on your level of skill. Storm fronts mostly. Once in a while we get a nice strong steady day in the fall and spring. Usually from the NW or SW, although an occasional NE or SE is the best for riding the beach area. North winds can create a lot of chop as there is 3 miles of fetch coming down the center of the main lake. The wind tunnel affect can also be felt as you pass Kite Point. Nice and warm during summer. Rest of the year a wetsuit is needed. Water: Shallow, Flat, Chop. Features: Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking. Rider ability: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert.

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