Southern Alberta is one of the windiest regions in Canada. Winds commonly range between 20 and 40 knots, and have been measured above 100. For perspective, a hurricane starts at just 64 knots.

This makes for great windsurfing. ^{Keho lake: kite beach at 40kts}

Beginners

While strong winds exist in Alberta, there are plenty of days suitable for beginners. If you are a beginner and want to learn, consider joining the WhatsApp group.

Community

There is a small but passionate community, usually found on the water when it's windy, but we don't coordinate much. The wind forecast brings us together.

There is a windsurf WhatsApp group though, and a larger kite Facebook group that accepts windsurfers.

Guide

Wind Systems

Good wind can blow from any direction over the prairies, but there's one system that's most noteworthy:

Chinook wind off the Rockies will funnel through Crowsnest Pass and jet out towards Lethbridge.

This system is reliable and strong. It’s where the best windsurfing happens, and where the majority of our wind farms exist. The system is most active in the winter, but for windsurfing on water, it’s best in the spring and fall.

^{Pincher Creek Airport weatherstation statistics}

Old Man Dam

Old Man Dam is the most optimally positioned lake for high wind, and the waves don’t get very big because it's narrow, but it does get bumpy. It's a good place to get comfortable with strong wind without getting overwhelmed by chaotic water.

Overnighting is permitted with a permit, and there are stalls for small campers.

Launching

Windsurfers launch upwind of the trees - Kiters launch downwind.

This convention is best for everyone: Windsurfers can't waterstart behind the trees as there is a wind shadow, Kiters can't safely launch in front of them.

Keho Lake

Keho could be considered the Windsport mecca in Alberta, and is the most exciting spot to sail. It's positioned really well for high wind, and gets swells above 30 knots. Most windsurfer's hang out and sail from Keho'okipa.

Launching

• Kite Beach: Windsurfers are welcome here, but Kiters claimed the name. The waves are smaller from this launch.
• Keho'okipa: This launch is mostly Windsurfers, probably because there’s a few trees around. The waves are larger here, and there can be a shore break. Launching often requires good rig control to wade through the waves.

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In progress