Washoe Lake / North Boat Ramp

Washoe Lake averages only chest deep. This dessert lake that has no inlet or outlet - water collects from melted snow and rain. Combination of shallow waters, high winds and muddy bottom - makes the famous Washoe brown. Depth varies from knee to chest high so be sure have your landings dialed. During summer water gets bathtub like warm and low in oxygen so watch out for the dead fish. Sandy beach with nothing in the near vicinity. It has been proven to be kiteboarder friendly with its wide sandy beaches and absolutely no trees in sight. The lake forms a natural catcher's mitt and will catch anyone that drifts down wind and provide them with a safe and obstacle free landing area once arriving on the beach. The water level in 2006 was higher than it has been recent years, resulting in a very small beach at the North Ramp launch. In March 2007, the water level remains high. With typical W or SW winds, this leaves little margin for error when launching or landing. Washoe Lake State Park has lots of parking and bathroom facilities. Ranger might look you up for a parking fee, so use the drop box at the entrance. There is a friendly segregation of pole-dancers and kiters, as we tend to park right at the park entrance and windsurfers take the northwest part of the lot. There is a friendly bunch of locals so don't be shy with questions. The normal and good wind pattern is West or Southwest. It usually blows 16-22 mph. There are days when its reaches 20-35 mph or higher. Washoe is super gusty! Read: Not a place for riding unhooked. If you must self-anything be sure you know what you doing. Wind usually picks up around 2pm-5pm and lasts past sunset. 10 or 12m kite will cover most riders on most days at Washoe. During summer, dessert and the lake itself gets very HOT. Shorts and lycras or shorties on cooler days are perfect. Spring and fall, you will definitely need 4/3mm with board shorts over it. Water: Shallow, Flat, Chop, Smallwave. Features: Toilet, Parking. Rider ability: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert.

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