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Brooklyn wing foiling launches

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Created by danielseltzer 7 months ago, 20 May 2024
danielseltzer
2 posts
20 May 2024 11:24PM
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I've been curious about options along Brooklyn's coastline, including Calvert Vaux park (I heard that wing or kite folks launch there but haven't been) and Breezy Pt (the name is compelling, haven't been). I mostly travel out to the East End of LI or off the CT shore. I've wished the water quality in the Hudson was better all my life, but it doesn't seem to be improving enough to make me try it.

So what about Brooklyn? Anyone have actual launch experience -- parking, beach/rigging, local vibe, bottom conditions and mast length requirements, hidden threats to foils or limbs, flat/swell/wave, good directions?

Thanks,
Daniel

danielseltzer
2 posts
25 May 2024 11:13AM
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Thanks -- that post was what inspired my question actually.

SlowlyButSurely
106 posts
25 May 2024 8:26PM
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I once started SUP from Red Hook Pier and paddling around there, I realized that the Hudson River is a real mess. Strong current, water taxis, ferries etc make it quite daunting.
I did Plumb several times and quite liked. My advice is never go to Plumb after a big rainy day as most of the city dirt gets washed put there.
Other than that it is quite a pleasant place to be.
Gilgo is still my fav. You can do also nice downwind from Jones Beach to Demo Point.
Actually, if you into waves, Demo is by far my fav place in the area. Nice rollers.
You can also get a fishing permit and go to the beach with your 4x4.

Long Island sound is v good. Easier to park. There are many spots, Crab Beach, Manhasset, Bayville...
Hamptons is nice but wind is tricky as most of the wind is off season. Napeague might be too shallow.

Velocicraptor
664 posts
25 May 2024 8:55PM
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Select to expand quote
SlowlyButSurely said..
I once started SUP from Red Hook Pier and paddling around there, I realized that the Hudson River is a real mess. Strong current, water taxis, ferries etc make it quite daunting.
I did Plumb several times and quite liked. My advice is never go to Plumb after a big rainy day as most of the city dirt gets washed put there.
Other than that it is quite a pleasant place to be.
Gilgo is still my fav. You can do also nice downwind from Jones Beach to Demo Point.
Actually, if you into waves, Demo is by far my fav place in the area. Nice rollers.
You can also get a fishing permit and go to the beach with your 4x4.

Long Island sound is v good. Easier to park. There are many spots, Crab Beach, Manhasset, Bayville...
Hamptons is nice but wind is tricky as most of the wind is off season. Napeague might be too shallow.


I've always wanted to hit Democrat Point. Is there enough depth for a foil in there? Can you get to it from across the inlet or do you have to go from Jones Beach for any reason?

Gilgo, Long Beach, Lido, Sandy Hook are all good spots when they work. I spend more time on the water in RI/MA, which I find to be much more consistent.

SlowlyButSurely
106 posts
25 May 2024 11:50PM
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Select to expand quote
Velocicraptor said..

SlowlyButSurely said..
I once started SUP from Red Hook Pier and paddling around there, I realized that the Hudson River is a real mess. Strong current, water taxis, ferries etc make it quite daunting.
I did Plumb several times and quite liked. My advice is never go to Plumb after a big rainy day as most of the city dirt gets washed put there.
Other than that it is quite a pleasant place to be.
Gilgo is still my fav. You can do also nice downwind from Jones Beach to Demo Point.
Actually, if you into waves, Demo is by far my fav place in the area. Nice rollers.
You can also get a fishing permit and go to the beach with your 4x4.

Long Island sound is v good. Easier to park. There are many spots, Crab Beach, Manhasset, Bayville...
Hamptons is nice but wind is tricky as most of the wind is off season. Napeague might be too shallow.



I've always wanted to hit Democrat Point. Is there enough depth for a foil in there? Can you get to it from across the inlet or do you have to go from Jones Beach for any reason?

Gilgo, Long Beach, Lido, Sandy Hook are all good spots when they work. I spend more time on the water in RI/MA, which I find to be much more consistent.


Usually I go to Demo from Oak. With foils though that current when you exit the bay might be brutal to cross.
Probably safest is to drive directly with a permit directly to Demo and enter directly there.
Video of the spot here:

BoardMaverick
38 posts
26 May 2024 12:14AM
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I used to live in the city and was always searching for the easy access wing-able launches. Turns out the Hudson River at 125th St. was the ticket for me being a 5 minute walk from my apt:



My advice is to approach the Hudson and the inner harbor waters with extreme caution. These waters are daunting b/c the current, ebb/flow of the tide, pollution, and large boat traffic introduce quite a bit of complexity into navigation. Make sure you have a backup plan if something goes wrong. It also helps to ensure the wind is strong and (for the Hudson) aligned SSW or NNE. Show the harbor police your NYC Parks Kayak/SUP permit.

Plumb Beach was my other default, as the car and the subway were 1-1.5hrs. Avoid low tide, otherwise you will be walking a long way out. There's often seaweed in the shallows off the beach to the SW. Most wind directions are okay. Bay chop and decent rollers form with stronger SE winds. Lots of local wind-surfers and, unless it's offshore, kiters. Hardcore crew shows up year-round.

supperly
17 posts
8 Dec 2024 6:08AM
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What wind direction(s) does Plumb Beach work best to Wingfoil? And how long/after high tide is ok to foil there (80cm mast)? Am usually driving to New Jersey (Spyhouse, Keansburg, Sandy Hook or further south the NJ coast), but plumb beach is so much closer (living in Brooklyn),but have never foiled there yet.

Any other spots where you can find swells to ride as well?

BoardMaverick
38 posts
14 Dec 2024 12:37AM
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It's been a while, but I remember lots of good days that were ESE, SE, WNW, NW. Not to much S, SE, but those would work too.

I ride 72cm mast and the walk out at low tide is a pain, at least ~100 meters.
-s.



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"Brooklyn wing foiling launches" started by danielseltzer