Waverly Beach, Crescent Bay, Bertie Bay, Thunder Bay, Crystal Beach, Sherkston"s Pleasant Beach are all within 10 to 20 minutes of Buffalo. Investing in a map of the area is a good idea since the access roads are otherwise easily missed.
The prevailing winds are from the southwest, but often you'll find consistent wind from the south or west as well. All are sandy beaches. Each launch can have significant shore break and undertow; Waves are, as always, dependant on wind and are two to four feet on a 15 knot day, with five-to eight-foot swells in a 25 plus wind.
Waverly Beach is at the end of Thompson Road and is very scenic and is ideal for a photo shoot, the City of Buffalo is right there in the back ground. The Parking is free and the park has a nice grassy area, the beach is sandy but the shore has partially submerged shoals as well as old piers. These obstacles are easily avoidable, and can add an element of fun for expert riders but be sure to ask a local sailor or rider to point them out. This spot is not for the meek. Best wind direction West and South West
Crescent Beach, just 5 min. from the Peace Bridge and has free parking a port-o-potty has great sandy beach and has a sandy shallow bottom for quite a way out. Be aware of a shallow rocky point, but it is deep enough to ride over. Also there is a small shallow rock shoal in the middle of the bay about 400 yards out. Access at the end of Crescent Road. Best wind direction SW.
Bertie Bay can be accessed via Bertie Bay Road. This Beach has some boulders, these obstacles are easily avoidable, but be sure to ask a local sailor or rider to point them out. Bertie Bay has a wind shadow which is not good for kitesurfing in the west corner of the bay, this spot is better with a on a SSW wind.
Thunder Bay beach at the end of Bernard Road is the most popular spot for both beginners and experts. There is grassy rigging, plenty of parking, a port-o-potty (July and August) and a safe sandy beach. There are no obstacles in the water. The only drawbacks to this spot are the abundance of swimmers in July and August and when the wind is strong the shore break can be challenging. This spot is good for any southerly wind, with a small shadow on a west wind. There are usually upwards of 10 sailors/riders at this spot on any windy day.
Crystal Beach is crowded during the summer. Spring and fall is good there on a SSW and East wind. Access thru the Bay Beach entrance.
Sherkston is for experts only! It has some of the best wave riding conditions on the lake and can be accessed at the end of Pleasant Beach Road, free parking a concession stand and a port-o-potty. This shore has two miles of coastline which for you “rippers” it can be torn up all day long. No shadow on a West wind.
For any wind with North in it head to the US side of the lake.
The prevailing winds are from the southwest, but often you'll find consistent wind from the south or west as well. All are sandy beaches. Each launch can have significant shore break and undertow; Waves are, as always, dependant on wind and are two to four feet on a 15 knot day, with five-to eight-foot swells in a 25 plus wind.
Waverly Beach is at the end of Thompson Road and is very scenic and is ideal for a photo shoot, the City of Buffalo is right there in the back ground. The Parking is free and the park has a nice grassy area, the beach is sandy but the shore has partially submerged shoals as well as old piers. These obstacles are easily avoidable, and can add an element of fun for expert riders but be sure to ask a local sailor or rider to point them out. This spot is not for the meek. Best wind direction West and South West
Crescent Beach, just 5 min. from the Peace Bridge and has free parking a port-o-potty has great sandy beach and has a sandy shallow bottom for quite a way out. Be aware of a shallow rocky point, but it is deep enough to ride over. Also there is a small shallow rock shoal in the middle of the bay about 400 yards out. Access at the end of Crescent Road. Best wind direction SW.
Bertie Bay can be accessed via Bertie Bay Road. This Beach has some boulders, these obstacles are easily avoidable, but be sure to ask a local sailor or rider to point them out. Bertie Bay has a wind shadow which is not good for kitesurfing in the west corner of the bay, this spot is better with a on a SSW wind.
Thunder Bay beach at the end of Bernard Road is the most popular spot for both beginners and experts. There is grassy rigging, plenty of parking, a port-o-potty (July and August) and a safe sandy beach. There are no obstacles in the water. The only drawbacks to this spot are the abundance of swimmers in July and August and when the wind is strong the shore break can be challenging. This spot is good for any southerly wind, with a small shadow on a west wind. There are usually upwards of 10 sailors/riders at this spot on any windy day.
Crystal Beach is crowded during the summer. Spring and fall is good there on a SSW and East wind. Access thru the Bay Beach entrance.
Sherkston is for experts only! It has some of the best wave riding conditions on the lake and can be accessed at the end of Pleasant Beach Road, free parking a concession stand and a port-o-potty. This shore has two miles of coastline which for you “rippers” it can be torn up all day long. No shadow on a West wind.
For any wind with North in it head to the US side of the lake.
