Hamburg Beach Update

[mihelbergel]

Hey guys! I know that some of you come to Buffalo for WSW wind and like to ride at Hamburg Beach. Things have changed this year. The Town of Hamburg has now hired part-time security guards and have increased police presence to prevent non-residents from parking there. Non-residents must now be personally accompanied by a resident in order to purchase a day pass for $25. There is some street parking that people have been using, but the walk is far, so you need a set of wheels. I made a video showing the wheels that I use if you are interested Windsurfing When The Walk Is Far https://www.ericthebige.net/windsurfing-when-the-walk-is-far.html    Other WSW options in Buffalo include Woodlawn Beach, however, the walk is far there as well and you will need some wheels. Hope this helps. I do not know what hours security guards will be present. I imagine mostly on the weekends and nice sunny days during the week, but I don’t really know. Police will issue parking tickets, but I don’t know how much they cost. Just wanted to let you guys know. See you on the water.

[Rich]

Hey Eric, thanks for the update. Glad to see Hamburg has their priorities in order. I heard it was an old law originated to keep the lower income minorities from Buffalo off their beaches.  Anyway, how about Gallager Beach? Is that parking lot still roped off also?

 

[mihelbergel]

Yeah, the parking lot is closed at Gallagher Beach for social distancing. We have been parking on the street, but it’s a little dangerous with the traffic zooming by. Be careful! You could park in the big lot on the other side of the park, but you would need wheels to transport your gear that far.

[Rich]

All right, Thanks Eric!  See you on the water!

 

[carbon based unit]

Hey guys, There are a few sites we used to frequent back in the old days.  I’d like to know if they are still viable.   Hoak’s restaurant…  crappy little launch at the North end of their parking lot.  Wendt beach..  small access road to a very shallow rocky break. Good for more south oriented winds.   Evangola State Park… only sailed there once, but it was great.  Waterworks, Hamburg.  never mind on this one. Sailed there once  and it was horrible. Submerged pilings ripped my leg apart.   I gave plenty of blood to the Lake Erie gods that day.   I don’t get to Buffalo much these days, but if the opportunity presents it’self I’d like some options.

 

Thanks

[mihelbergel]

Those are all still available. Lake Erie water levels have been pretty high the last couple years so the launch at Hoak’s (Clock Tower) is a little sketchy, but if the wind is under 25mph it’s doable. Not much room for error though on the downwind side. There’s only a little beach you escape at if needed. Dozens of other locations to launch from. My new favorite is Woodlawn. The waves are incredible and it gets the best thermals. I’ve got some of the launches here https://www.ericthebige.net/wny-windsport-launch-sites.html

[windydoug]

Wow Eric!

Very thorough launch site listing.  Well thought out, described, and organized.  Woodlawn will hopefully get a visit from me this summer.

Wd

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