DOWNWINDERS
On a southwest day, a nice downwinder
takes you from Sauble Beach (or, in my
case, I’ll leave from my cottage on
French Bay, one bay south of Sauble
Beach) to the mouth of Sauble
River. The river is on the far north
end of Sauble and it is about 6-7
km downwinder to get there. On a
Northwest day, my buddies and I just
reverse this downwinder, ending up
at my cottage in French Bay where
there’s a nice hot water outdoor
shower waiting for us. The river
mouth is probably the most exc iting
to hit when there is a nice Northwest.
The river current pours out into Lake
Huron at about waist to chest deep and
creates some really nice peeling great
lake waves. Here you’ll find the best
surf in Sauble.
SEASONS
Canada is Canada. There will be a
few warm days in the summer where
you can get away with just boardies or
a bikini but, for the most part, you’re
wearing at least a shortie wetsuit.
However, summer doesn’t provide
much breeze for the wind driven. The
spring offers a bit more but windy
days can become victim to the doming
effect. It may seem really windy when
you are inland but, the water is still cold
while the air has become warm. The
cold from the water forces the warm
windy air to travel high up and over
the water making it impossible to kite.
During the spring, a lot of Canadians
make their way down to Cape Hatteras,
North Carolina (including myself, my
friends, and family) to wait for the cold
Canadian winter to wear off a bit more.
The best month for wind in Sauble is
September. The water is still warm,
the beach-goers are back to work
and school, and the fall frontal winds
start to set in. The wind can be a bit
unpredictable and you can have a day
of 9m wind followed by a day of 13m
wind. Depending on the wind direction,
you’ll be wearing a shortie to a fullsuit
but it’s still warm enough that there is
no need for booties, gloves, or a hood
yet. I’ll usually bring a couple wetsuits
for a day of sessioning. It’s a lot easier
to get back out there after a lunch break
when you’re not wedging yourself into
cold, wet neoprene. Although I find
myself mostly on the road these days,
I always look forward to coming
home to Sauble beach. Canada may
not be very well-known for its kiting
but the unpredictable conditions
makes for a strong community of
committed kiters who can make
the most out of whatever situation
they are handed. Here you find wind
fanatics who are able to have a great
time whether or not the wind is actually
blowing and I’m always stoked to get to
spend time with my friends back home.
Canada is a beautiful country that
offers good people, good vibes, good
wind, and good fun. And good hockey.
“
I’ll usually bring a
couple wetsuits for a day of
sessioning. It’s a lot easier
to get back out there after a
lunch break when you’re not
wedging yourself into cold,
wet neoprene.
Sam Medysky
Photography: Josh Pietras