Kiteboarding spot Montrose Beach, Illinois (USA)
Posted on 16. Apr, 2010 by admin in Kite spots
Location:
Great Lakes, Illinois (USA)
Montrose is one of the best if not the best “city beach” in the US, fairly big in lenght and width. Must have IKO or PASA ceritification to ride. Lifeguards check certification during chekc in. Shared beach with swimmers, kayakers, dogs. Guards on duty form Memorial day to Labor day.
Directions:
Head towards downtown Chicago. Head east towards the lake. The Lake side highway is called Lake Shore drive (LSD). Head towards the northside of the city using LSD and exit Montrose Ave. Head east until you hit the beach. Approx. 20 miles from both Chicago airports.
Beach rules:
1. Only PASA or IKO Level II (Intermediate) Certified Kiteboarders will be allowed to kite at Montrose Beach. This prohibits teaching kiteboarding or flying “traction” kites with students on Montrose Beach. 2. All Kiteboarders will follow generally accepted Kiteboarding Safety Practices and use attached Kite Safety Leashes. (No grab handles) 100 Foot Safety Zone from Occupied Beaches, Piers, and other Facilities while riding. 3. Kiteboarding allowed when bathing areas are closed to swimmers due to high wave conditions. Beach then transitions to a shared use for windsports and kayaking. SHARED. 4. Kiteboarding may be allowed by the Captain of the Guards at other times. Early morning, poor weather
Wind details:
• Wind: Chicago winds are lake effect thermal winds which are more difficult to predict vs. trade winds. They are also gustier and change direction unpredictably. Chicago winds are also more dense making them stronger then warm winds. Summer is generally offshore due to SW/W winds. Fall/spring is generally on/sideonshore and winds are 10-20 knots in average. About 2-3 riding days every 10 days. • Water: choppy on N, NW winds. Smooth on NE, ENE and E winds. Water temp. is around 65°F in summer and around 50°F in fall (Oct/Nov).