Modoc Ramp : This is my primary beginner's lesson location. It is at the END of a dead-end road, GilChrist Ferry Rd, which is a left turn off Hwy 28/221 about 4.5 miles north of the Hwy 221 and 28 intersection. (Hwy 221 is the road that goes across the Thurmond Dam and joins Hwy 28 one mile to the east of the actual dam.)  From that intersection, as you go north, you will pass Scotts Ferry Landing, Modoc Shores, and Modoc Campground in that order. NONE OF THESE ARE IT. Then next landmark is Hwy 23 coming in from right and just past it is the cute little Modoc Post Office. About 100 yards further is the left turn at Gilchrist Ferry (at Bussey's Store) that leads to Modoc Ramp. There is no sign marking this as "Modoc Ramp", so you must follow these directions closely -- you'll be fine. (I suggest you print them out.) Go straight to the end for the windsurfing area -- not to the boat ramp itself. We have our own excellent parking and rigging areas. Long fetch on NW and SW, maybe not so good on due W. A beautiful small peninsula raised up a bit for a nice vista and breeze exposure.

Dames Ferry - From Atlanta, take I-75 south to the route 18 exit (this used to be exit #60, but this has changed) and turn left. Go east on 18 (for about 6 miles) until you come to the the first blinking red light. Take a left at the light on to highway 23 (north). Drive for about a mile and Dames Ferry park will be on your left. *NOTE. From October through mid-April, the main gate to the park is locked, BUT the local windsurfers have the combination. If you plan on sailing here, contact me and I can get you in touch with one of the locals who knows the combo. There is a $2 parking fee the rest of the year. The facilities here are very well maintained (toilets, vending machines, BBQs, etc...)

Station 29 - From N. Myrtle Beach to Savannah there are countless great places to sail, especially at Folly Beach and Hilton Head. But one premier spot within easy driving distance that warrants special mention, is Station 29 (one of the numbered roads perpendicular to the sea) on Sullivan's Island just north of Charleston. A unique combination of off-shore sandbars, curvature of the beach, and tidal currents, this venue can accommodate beginners in the cove inside the bars and experts can get radical out beyond the further sandbars. On 15 knot plus days, there's always lots of very, very friendly local sailors. Station 29 also has a telephone Windline, 843-883-5247, that will give you current and recent wind speed and a web site on Isle of Palms right next door at http://iopweather.com

Northwestern part of the state (Florence, Decatur or
Tuscumbia) - You can sail on the Tennessee River below Wheeler Dam called The Point. The Point is a spot on the river that can be sailed from most any direction but works great with W, NW, NE and SE.

A sandbar keeps the water flat on the inside (watch those shoal markers) and from there onto to the other side, the river can kick up a big swell, especially if the dam upstream is releasing water. Tony Peebles (205-381-1057) is the local host and runs a windsurfing shop there.

Take AL 184 west off of AL 101 just south of the river. (AL 101 crosses the river on Wheeler Dam. Turn right at the first road past the creek and bear left at the fork. Go until the road dead ends into the parking lot for the Point Restaurant. At the bottom of the lot, bear left and rig on the grass near the camping sites. Tony has the trailer right on the water. If you get lost, ask locals for the Point Restaurant. Try entering "Wheeler Dam Village, TN" in your search query.

Midsection portion of the state (Birmingham) - There are
numerous places on the Coosa River or at Lake Logan Martin.