The wind continues to blow for another mid-island thermal spot.

Canal Beach previously called Wild West Watersports will be open for the third season in a row and continues to help the wind community access the Alberni inlet.

When you see it blowing on the Harbour Quay webcam
<a href="/http://www.bigwavedave.ca/webcams.php?cam=11" target="_blank">Harbour Quay Webcam</a> the gates to Canal Beach at the south end of Plywood Drive on the waterfront in PA will be open. Typically, it's a late afternoon/evening thermal wind blow. Check the BWD message board for OSRs and current updates.

Canal Beach offers ample room for parking, a warm, sheltered, grassy rigging area and a controlled launch and land for your kite off the pier. Also, a wooden staircase was constructed for improved windsurfing access.

It's best if you are proficient at staying upwind while riding. Otherwise, if you are still learning, we offer jetski supported kiteboarding lessons and assisted downwinders in the inlet. Please arrange with Matt (skeltic) 250 937-9463.

There will be no fee this year, although donations will be accepted and/or much needed work party assistance in various ways to improve the site will be extremely welcomed.

Gratitude and much appreciation for the countless volunteer efforts by so many people over the past few years to support and assist us to improve recreational access to the beautiful Alberni inlet. Thank-you and we look forward to riding with you again!

<a href="/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQY6-792 ... re=channel" target="_blank">A Taste of the Alberni Valley Adventures</a>

Canal Beach (Pt Alberni's destination for kiteboarding, windsurfing and other recreational access to the inlet) season is ON now that the heat of summer in the valley has arrived. No fee for 2012 season (for launching).

As TomB wrote in his session log from yesterday, 'cross between Nitinat and the Gorge' and only one hour from Nanaimo. Great, accurate statement!!:) Convenient after work sailing location for mid-islanders. Contact us directly about camping options, ie. staycations (camp and kite, etc.)

Not to mention, the warm, fresh inlet, and way less crowded on the water. The conditions of the wide open canal make our jet-ski assisted kiteboarding lessons great for beginners, since it's less busy than the summer thermal comparables.

Some methods for forecasting the upcoming conditions, include checking out the temperature differences from the coast and city of PA and fog on coast <a href="/http://www.bigwavedave.ca/images.htm" target="_blank">image4km</a>
Also, check the wiki under Wild West Watersports, all info has been recently updated, except the name change to Canal Beach, which is waiting for BWD's behind the scenes assistance.

Forecasting for Canal Beach (upwind of Harbour Quay) continues to be a combination of art and science for us. For those, who have been sailing PA for years, feel free to add your forecasting wisdom to this thread. Thanks for all of the helping hands, hardwork and input for Canal Beach.

We've been having a fun, hot time at Canal Beach so far this summer and great to see many familiar wind peeps venturing over the hump to stop and play in PA!

Just want to remind visitors/guests/friends to please take their garbage, recyclables and empties with them. Our port-a-potty is maintained by our local <a href="/http://www.hetheringtonindustries.com/" target="_blank">Hetherington Industry Co.</a>
weekly, so, no need to bring TP. Just bring your gear to rig, bathing suit, and camera. No launch fee this season.

Looking forward to more warm, thermal winds this weekend!!

Pt Alberni is having it's hundredth birthday celebrations tomorrow, and inviting anyone who's lived here or wants to visit. Lots will be happening all around town <a href="/http://www.portalberni.ca/centennial_calendar.html" target="_blank"> PA: Centennial Weekend, calendar </a> and we'll be playing on the inlet windsurfing and kiting mid-late afternoon/evening Saturday, Aug4th when the wind is up through the Canal Beach launch.
Watch the <a href="/http://www.bigwavedave.ca/webcams.php?cam=11" target="_blank"> BWD Harbour Quay webcam </a> for wind updates.
Come join us, feel like a pioneer and trail blaze through the wide open inlet to demonstrate an exciting way of the future for this 'town in transition'. There will be lots of spectators, cameras snapping photos and interest in the natural elements of the Valley.

Well done Sandy! Looks great. ShawTV clip:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbYyodrs ... e=youtu.be[/youtube]

Why wasn't Ray sitting on the paddleboard in his easy chair?

nanmoo wrote:Why wasn't Ray sitting on the paddleboard in his easy chair?

lol, I think RV was working hard that day, while his wife got to play! Keeping things all equal and in balance

Yesterday's front page news story in Alberni Valley Times, "Inlet Beach now open with limited public access"

<a href="/http://www.avtimes.net/inlet-beach-now- ... s-1.623106" target="_blank">Inlet Beach now open with limited public access</a>

City of Pt Alberni (Parks+Rec, city managers, much of the city staff and councillors, plus mayor) had an 'open house' this past Wednesday to show the public all of the changes to the beach. Parking lot was full and beach was bustling. It is so exciting to be involved in such a paradigm shift for this community. Much time and effort over the past several years by many committed people and groups to see this vision come to fruition!

There has been over 500 truckloads of gravel and SAND added to the beach and the contours are really changing the landscape. We're stoked to watch the daily evolution.

Personally, I have been swimming most days after work there, since the water is so warm and it is beautiful to enjoy the serene inlet with mountains around and wildlife.

As the article states, the city will be looking for a 'caretaker' or host for next spring/summer to live on the site to open the gate/close it at night daily for this multi-use beach and recreational park.

It would be great to involve a person with some wind/watersports experience and background, and that's why I am posting this story to plant the seed for a potential island wind community member. It is a pretty sweet place to live for a summer