Popular Launch Sites near Wind Power
Lake Winnebago is a great lake for Windsurf & Kitesurf and many other activities. It is large and shallow and has good launch sites for different wind & water conditions. Lake Michigan has some good sailing when the conditions prevail.
If you have a good launch spot that is open to the public and you want to add it to our map, please send us the Google Earth .kmz file or the Latitude/Longitude coordinates along with a description noting any special features or watch-outs for new sailors.
Below is a Google Map showing select launch sites. If you are a Google Earth user, you can download the .kmz Locations file for these spots.
Launch Sites
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Wind Power Windsurfing & Kiting Center
This is Wind Power’s Shop. It is directly across from Roosevelt Park. The 'A' marker may be underneath the 'B' mark at higher zoom levels. If you zoom in, you will see the 'A' marker.
Roosevelt Park / Wind Power Launch
This is by far the most popular windsurfing site on Lake Winnebago. Roosevelt Park includes a large grassy rigging area, restrooms (open all year round), picnic tables, grills and abundant parking close to the launch. The lake is shallow and sandy for first 100 yards. Shortboard on southwest through northeast winds. Southwest crab to wind line to great slalom sailing. West to northwest gives port ramps. North to northeast gives yields port and starboard ramps and onshore waves.
Fisherman’s road
This local boat launch has a small grassy rigging area on north side of parking lot and porta-potties. This launch is supported by local fisherman, so please show your respect. Shortboard south through north winds. South winds produce a tricky wind shadow. South through west yield good port ramps, while north through northeast produce starboard ramps. Sail with a Friend!
Columbia Park
Columbia park features large grassy rigging area, restrooms, picnic tables and grills. Plenty of parking close to the water. Also, camping, lookout tower and boat launch. Shortboard on southwest through north winds. Southwest and north winds produce a tricky wind shadow between shore and wind line. Good ramps all wind directions. Advise Sailing with a Friend.
The Wayside
The U.S. Hwy 45 Wayside features grassy rigging, restrooms and parking on the water. Easy launch with very shallow bottom first 100 yards. Don't bust up that new fin, be careful. Shortboard on south, southeast and east winds. Good slalom conditions with small chop and waves. Big east wind days can produce good wave and ramps.