Lake Lanier / Georgia / United States

This is a classic windsurfing location with good wind and water in beautiful surroundings.  Kiters can come out here, but only during quiet times - kite surfing is not possible at weekends due to the large number of swimmers.

The beach is sandy with the occasional rock, and it is only small, hence the difficulties kite surfing here.  Temperatures are comfortable here, ranging from 14c or so in spring through to 28c in the middle of summer.  Winters are cool, dropping to maybe 5-7c in January and February, and the water will be cold then too so you’ll need a drysuit.

The wind blows pretty much all year round here, although it’s probably at its best in the winter and spring, while late summer can have a few very calm days.  At the best times, you will get 15- 20 knot winds and the best directions will be when it blows from the north, northeast, southwest, west or northwest, so you should have plenty of opportunity to catch something.  The water is clean and shallow here, and you will find that the surface is either flat or choppy, never making it into an actual wave.

Facilities aren’t bad here, but then it’s such a popular spot you’d expect it.  There is plenty of parking close to the lake, and public toilets dotted about.  As many people make it a day or weekend trip, there are also places to stay and a campsite in the immediate area.

Everybody and their dog comes here at weekends in summer, so you’ll have to be alert for swimmers, boats and jet skis as well as the obligatory submerged rocks near the shore.