Windsurfing near Bird Island Basin
- Bob Hall (16 km)
- Oleander Point at Cole Park (35 km)
- Corpus Christi (42 km)
- Indianola (142 km)
- The Flats SPI (146 km)
Nearby Windguru Forecasts
Located on Padre Island National Seashore, this is one of the most popular windsurfing spots in the country.
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Conditions
With shallow water (3-5 feet deep) which is flat to moderately choppy, Bird Island is a forgiving environment for any level of sailor.
Difficulty
Beginner and intermediate but can be a great place for learning at any level. For the advanced, the winds can be strong and water flat which makes for fast speeds and ripping jibes. Bird Island is a great place for learning waterstarts and planing jibes.
Wind/water
Any wind direction works here. A weed fin is needed from late spring through early fall. The bottom is sandy, but booties are recommended when sailing anywhere in the Laguna Madre to avoid cuts from oyster shells and other sharp objects on the bottom. Jellyfish are usually not a problem.
Facilities
Parking is usually adequate with rigging on the dirt shoreline. Primitive camping and restrooms are available at the site.
Directions
From Corpus Christi, take Highway 358 (SPID) over the JFK Causeway to Padre Island. The road changes to Park Road 22 South at the first stoplight on Padre Island. Keep going for another 12 miles. Once you pass the Padre Island National Seashore entrance station (and pay $10) take the first right and follow the road to the water.
Fees
Usage fee for Bird Island Basin is $5/day or $10/year. For more information on the park, check out the Padre Island National Seashore Home Page. Facilities/concessions: For more information on the windsurfing, and for on site equipment rentals, sales and lessons, check out [WorldWinds Windsurfing (http://www.worldwinds.net)]