Lake Pontchartrain:
Bonnabel Boat Launch
- Conditions: Rocky entry, but the bottom is shallow and sandy once you get past the rocks. A submerged pile is marked with a white float. Don't ride here unless you know where it is. Best in North winds.
- Directions: Bonnabel Blvd. to the Lake. Cross over the levee and park in the eastern corner of the parking lot.
- Level: INTERMEDIATE
- Rules: Watch out for joggers and cyclists.
West End Boat Launch
- Conditions: This is the traditional New Orleans windsurfing launch. Kiting from here is possible but rocks and various other debris make it difficult. WSW, N around to E works here.
- Directions: From West End Park and the marinas go out Breakwater Dr.
- Level: ADVANCED
- Rules: Look out for broken glass, condoms, needles, etc.
UNO / Pontchartrain Beach
- Conditions: The only sand beach left in New Orleans.
This was an amusement park with docks and piers (some of which remain).
While it is easy to rig and launch here, numerous piles remain in the
water and the space between the piers is small.
- Directions: Lake Shore Drive to UNO. Park on the West side, walk in.
- Level: INTERMEDIATE
- Rules: none
Fountainbleu State Park
- Conditions: State park with sandy beach on the Northshore of the Lake (east of Mandeville. $1.00 fee to get into the park. Small beach with a pier in the middle. Rig and launch on the East side. Some old piles and debris in the water. Best SE, S around to W.
- Level: INTERMEDIATE (due to size of beach).
- Directions: From Causeway take US190 East about 7 miles. Park gate on left.
- Rules: Look out for people on the beach and swimmers. If anyone asks what you are doing say "windsurfing"
