S  ome launch sites are very good, but they’re  sometimes missing something: either no camping, OR you have to schlog out to the wind line, OR no sun shade, OR no wind shelter on shore, OR the swell line is far from shore, OR it doesn’t have sand to launch from.  And then there’s Hickory.  It just might be the nicest launch site for windsurfing in Illinois. (If the campground isn't closed off and the landscaping is kept up.) You might have to park at the roundabout and walk around some brush to the water.

RIG & LAUNCH
» To the right of the roundabout you’ll find campsite parking spots with plenty of shade. There is a path with makeshift stairs that lead down to a sand beach in the large gap of the riprap.   The scenic roundabout overlook is not only a favorite with the drive-by, windshield gawker crowd, but provides perfect wind protection on shore at the launch for windsurf sailors on cold days.

WIND
» Any westerly wind is best at Hickory. If the wind is west or west-northwest, the wind line will be very close to shore and provide perfect side shore conditions. If you catch a spring low pressure system with the low located at or just north of Chicago and the cold front near the Indiana border, when the sun pops out ... look out!   Because this place is gonna go off.

WATER
» The swell line is very close to shore for perfect photo opportunities. The launch has a sand bottom between the riprap opening with a quick drop off in this relatively deep part of the lake. On a big day you’ll have swell everywhere for both port and starboard jumps and more reach than you’ll know what to do with. After a big day, pitch a tent and reminisce over a camp fire.