Lake conditions, flat and choppy, but good waves do come with strong Westerly winds as the lake is over 5 kilometers long coming into Kelowna for swell to form. Be sure to watch out for swimmers and boats as the popular Gyro Beach is a short tack from the Rotary launch.
Grassy rigging area. One of the sketchiest launches imaginable. Huge tree right in front of a sign that says it is a designated windsurfing beach. In summer the beach gets very crowded with tourists and no-one respects the designated launch. Talk to the locals there on how to avoid the "Tree of Death" on the launch site.
Wetsuits are common and then a nice drysuit also helps extend early and late season sessions. Season lasts until around early November before Kelowna is hit with its first snowfall. Head to Big White for some world-class snowboarding when this occurs.
Huge kites are recommended but you can get away with a 12 sqm on lucky days. Typical month will have about 9 days with perfect riding conditions, but in any session expect the winds to be very gusty. Most suitable and sometimes only rideable wind for Rotary is a West wind. Nice windy day will be about 20 mph in Kelowna. During summer normally calm winds but can get very windy. Winds pick up in the evenings. Best time of year for wind is early spring starting around March 10th.
Coming from Kelowna drive towards the bridge crossing the lake, but before the bridge turn South on to Pandosy Street. Follow Pandosy past the hospital, past Gyro Beach and then next right turn into Rotary Beach parking lot. On a windy day look for kites spread out on grass next to the Rotary washrooms. Approximately 2 km drive south from Harvey (main highway going through Kelowna).
No rules, no fees. Just ride at your own risk and do not jeopardize the legality of the beach by trying something stupid. Have fun and watch out for frequent onlookers on boats and for swimmers trying to get close to see the ripping action.
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