Any recomendations for water to learn to windsurf?

[JSmith]

Hi!

Finally got myself a bigass 10' board to learn how to windsurf! Where would be a good place to practice? I live in Victoria. I thought Elk Lake would be good but someone said the wind can be "squirly"???

Any recomendations?

Thanks a ton,

Jeremy.

[KUS]

Willows can get a really light SOUTH westerly (westerlies will be gusty) and also steady easterly breeze sometimes, keep an eye on the cam. I have often thought it is great for learning with a big board and really safe I'd way rather be there than Elk, steadier wind, sandy beach, cooler and lunch on the blanket and all that Set a crab trap while you are out there

[more force 4]

Yep, Willows like Kus says; also Bazan Bay at Sidney can be beginner-friendly in SE to NE if you stay towards the south end well away from the US ferry, but it isn't windy often. Elk Lake does have warm water going for it, but the wind is squirrely, you will learn about wind shifts quickly and it will make you appreciate steady sea breezes! Its fun on a big board anyway once in a while.

Nitinat Lake can often have a long period of lighter beginner-friendly winds both before and after the nuking thermals, if you have time to camp and gas money.

With a 10 foot board probably anywhere thats rippled is sailable, especially if you have a daggerboard.

[JSmith]

Thanks for the advice! I will keep my eye on Willows beach. By the way, is Shawnigan doable?

I DO have a crab trap! Nice idea, a day of fun in the sun and dinner to bring home to cool the matrial heat!

[colin]

Are people still picking this sport up......?