I’ve been away from windsurfing for about 20 years and recently built a retirement cabin near lake Shelbyville. I was pretty active from 1978-2001, and my gear still looks in usable condition. I’ve yet to see anyone out on the lake, so I’m hoping someone on this forum might be able to suggest launch sites, etc. I’m also wondering about DNR rule changes that I should be aware of.

Welcome, Chuck! No rule changes since 2001. It's been awhile since I've sailed Shelbyville. Here's my Shelbyville album. Chris and I sailed 2 spots.

Photos 04 to 36 are from Eagle Creek golf club. It's been sold so not sure what the situation is. It was straight south wind. Like sailing in a small canyon. Bass boaters had never seen anything like us. One of them couldn't get over how fast we go out there.

Photos 41 to 49 are from Bo Woods. Wind was WSW. It was nice and wide, long reaches.

Shelbyville album: windsurfillinois.com/index.php/photos/63...bumid=27&photoid=319


Chris has a house boat on Shelbyville. He's down there a lot of weekends. He might be able to take you to any spot on the lake-
mobil launch craft! And sail together.

Hope to see you back on the water,
Reid

Lake Shelbyville is really nice lake with most of the shore in natural way..nice scenery..lot of small bays to explore..I call it Illinois Caribic. You choose good spot for retirement cabin.
I was sailing once of the Wolf Creek State Park Beach on south wind and it was really the canyon wind effect feeling Reid mentioned...
Half mile further behind the curve of lake there was no as much wind..
Watch for the underwater trunks of old trees in certain area..

I plan on sailing down there this fall, I’ll post when I go, hope to see you on the water.

This was Sunday the 22nd my first day windsurfing ever! It was tuff but after several tumbles we made it across the lake. Since then I’ve gone 2 more times. I end t yesterday with the wind around 17kts out of the south west, I was having trouble with the board wanting to head up wind rather than across. I think I was just over powered for my level of riding with a 5.9 sail. Once I get my footing right and find that sweet spot the board become much more stable once gaining a little speed. Still far from planning on the water. Would love to pay for lessons if there was anyone willing! Also I did get a good wetsuit since then

Starboard go 165
Duotone EPace 5.9

Ridge Tippit wrote:
Way to go, Ridge! That's amazing for first time. If you make it to Clinton sometime we'll give you a free lesson. In the meantime check out the Windsurfing Instruction forum here, lots of videos. Or I can find one you're looking for, or start a topic for questions.

Windsurfing Instruction: windsurfillinois.com/index.php/forum/windsurfing-instruction

That is great! Are you kidding me, no harness or foot straps? Wait tell you get locked in your foot straps and harness and are all powered up! It will take a little time, but all things worthwhile do.

You might like to check this windsurfing instruction video..