Montauk to Lions Head Beach Downwinder

[Off-Shore]

Slowly but surely I am managing to explore the awesome downwind runs of the East Coast of the US. This past Sunday we headed up to Montauk, Long Island, and were blessed with 20 knot Easterly winds which meant we could do an 18km / 11 mile downwind run to Lion's Head Beach.

We put in from the car park at the corner of W. Lake Drive in front of Gosman's Restaurant, where there is a convenient breakwater to get you out in the Long Island Sound, and then it was a fairly straight run to the spit to the South of Gardiners Island. There we had to portage our boards across the spit, about 50m / 60 yards, and then a smooth run to Lions Head Beach.

The swell was big before Gardiners Island, as effectively you are getting the full swell from the Atlantic, but after Gardiners Island the swell was blocked

If anyone is interested in downwinding in this area (Long Island Sound) either from the CT or NY side, please PM me. There are a couple of us keen to get a downwind crew together, now that I will be spending more time in this area.

Some pics to follow

[dk78]

Very nice!

[drfierce]

Looks awesome and I know the area well. Think I need to work on my skills (and get a bigger board) before I roll with the big dogs.


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[Night Wing]

Nice downwind post. It's been a while since I've seen one. Thanks for sharing the post and photos too.

[yugi]

Looks awesome and I know the area well. Think I need to work on my skills (and get a bigger board) before I roll with the big dogs.


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just start!

A larger SUP surfboard is so perfect. I still whip out my 11'4 for downwinds if it's all I have with me when the wind is on. I'm not as far off the leaders as I'd have expected. We can still go as a group.

[burchas]

Looks awesome and I know the area well. Think I need to work on my skills (and get a bigger board) before I roll with the big dogs.


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Your SIC Bullet should be fine. I did few good runs on lesser boards.
I intend to join off-shore as well.

Since you already know the area, you know the conditions are good so no reason not to join.

[drfierce]

Looks awesome and I know the area well. Think I need to work on my skills (and get a bigger board) before I roll with the big dogs.


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Your SIC Bullet should be fine. I did few good runs on lesser boards.
I intend to join off-shore as well.

Since you already know the area, you know the conditions are good so no reason not to join.

Thanks for the encouragement guys. Give a heads up when you are going.

Other than the board, what else do I need? Have a 3/2 wetsuit, PFD, and camelback. (And obviously a paddle and leash).


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[PabstSUP]

Definitely interested in joining as would my wife on her 14' Naish Glide, though the next several days will be focused on surfing the Swell Irma is sending up to Long Island. 

[burchas]

Looks awesome and I know the area well. Think I need to work on my skills (and get a bigger board) before I roll with the big dogs.


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Your SIC Bullet should be fine. I did few good runs on lesser boards.
I intend to join off-shore as well.

Since you already know the area, you know the conditions are good so no reason not to join.

Thanks for the encouragement guys. Give a heads up when you are going.

Other than the board, what else do I need? Have a 3/2 wetsuit, PFD, and camelback. (And obviously a paddle and leash).


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We'll see what off-shore has in mind, he's the driving force...

[Off-Shore]

Great to see all the interest. As soon as conditions line up again over a weekend I will let everyone know. We can start on a shorter less demanding run.

As far as equipment goes, safety comes first. As well as a GOOD leash and leash tether, you will need

1. PFD. For beginners I suggest a full PFD not a CO2 type.
2. Good Whistle. Most PFDs come with them
3. Phone in waterproof case
4. Camelbak with water, gel, energy bar
5. Wetsuit. 3-2 is fine at moment but this will change later
6. Booties. This is just because entry and exit can be over rocks.

I also recommend a full length paddle rather than a 2 or 3 piece which can flex too much or worse crack or break.

I also carry a PLB (satellite Personal location beacon), waterproof light and floating knife tethered to my CamelBak...

[iDownwind]

Great pics offshore! On your F16?

[Off-Shore]

Great pics offshore! On your F16?

Actually not mine. This was a loaner from a very generous local paddler. My F16 is still in transit from HK to the US...