Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert

Type: Lake

Water type: Shallow, Flat, Chop, Small wave

Water hazards: Swimmers, Jetskis, None

Water quality: Cloudy

Infos: Washoe Lake averages only chest deep. This dessert lake that has no inlet or outlet - water collects from melted snow and rain. Combination of shallow waters, high winds and muddy bottom - makes the famous Washoe brown. Depth varies from knee to chest high so be sure have your landings dialed. During summer water gets bathtub like warm and low in oxygen so watch out for the dead fish.

Beach type & size: Sand, Rocks - Medium

Infos: Sandy beach with nothing in the near vicinity. It has been proven to be kiteboarder friendly with its wide sandy beaches and absolutely no trees in sight. The lake forms a natural catcher's mitt and will catch anyone that drifts down wind and provide them with a safe and obstacle free landing area once arriving on the beach. The water level in 2006 was higher than it has been recent years, resulting in a very small beach at the North Ramp launch. In March 2007, the water level remains high. With typical W or SW winds, this leaves little margin for error when launching or landing. Washoe Lake State Park has lots of parking and bathroom facilities. Ranger might look you up for a parking fee, so use the drop box at the entrance. There is a friendly segregation of pole-dancers and kiters, as we tend to park right at the park entrance and windsurfers take the northwest part of the lot. There is a friendly bunch of locals so don't be shy with questions.

Identified hazards: Stones, Concrete, Cars

Beachgoer: April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Weather specificities: During summer, dessert and the lake itself gets very HOT. Shorts and lycras or shorties on cooler days are perfect. Spring and fall, you will definitely need 4/3mm with board shorts over it.

Wind type: Thermal

Wind specificities: The normal and good wind pattern is West or Southwest. It usually blows 16-22 mph. There are days when its reaches 20-35 mph or higher. Washoe is super gusty! Read: Not a place for riding unhooked. If you must self-anything be sure you know what you doing. Wind usually picks up around 2pm-5pm and lasts past sunset. 10 or 12m kite will cover most riders on most days at Washoe.

Best months: June, July, August

Access description: by Car - Washoe Lake is located 10 minutes outside of Reno, Nevada and 45 minutes from Incline Village at Lake Tahoe. Washoe Lake is off of US 395 between Reno and Carson City. There is a $5 day-use fee payable at the small ranger station when you enter the parking lot. From Reno take 395 South. Turn left on East Lake Boulevard. It is at the top of the first significant hill with a concrete divider in the road, approx. 15 minutes south of Reno. Drive 2 miles and turn right on Lakeshore Drive at the metal Washoe Lake State Park north boat ramp sign. Take another right at large wooden Washoe Lake State Boat Landing sign onto a dirt road. From Carson City take US 395 north to the East Lake Boulevard exit, drive north on East Lake Boulevard for about 7 miles. You will pass a 7-11. Turn left on Lakeshore Drive. Proceed about 2 miles, then turn right at large wooden Washoe Lake State Boat Landing sign onto a dirt road. From the north shore of Lake Tahoe take Hwy 28 to Hwy 431 over Mt. Rose and down into the Washoe Valley. You will have views of Washoe Lake once you are on the east side of the pass. Turn right on 395. Head south. Turn left on East Lake Boulevard. It is at the top of the first significant hill with a concrete divider in the road, approx. 15 minutes south of Reno. Drive 2 miles and turn right on Lakeshore Drive at the metal Washoe Lake State Park north boat ramp sign. Take another right at large wooden Washoe Lake State Boat Landing sign onto a dirt road.

Specific rules: Fees

Extra: Be nice and friendly to the locals, and do launch the way they do. Seriously. We don't want any more people crashing and burning into the parking lot at mach speed.

Nightlife: For nightlife go to Reno or Lake Tahoe.

Accommodations: Toilet, Parking