Ropes/Oleander Overview
In my book along the best site to kite from if you like the chop and a little wind swell. Tuff launch and you have to wear booties. There is broken glass and you can be out for the season stepping on it. On a southerly day go upwind to "Roses" about 500 yards, smooth water and nice rollers. The wind meter is way off, it it is anywhere above 10 mph average you are good to go. Great windsurfing crowd there that is friendly!!!
Since we're talking about two different spots here, let me elaborate a bit more. Ropes is a smaller area that's south of Oleander if you're driving from downtown towards the NAS. Ropes has about zero parking, but is a nice little spot as it has less of a windline and the rollers are bigger there. You can only fit about 10 cars, maybe on the side of the road and up on the grass. A little more advanced spot than Oleander.
Oleander as the parking lot, grassy rigging area and stairs going down to the actual beach/launch area. There is a windline here, so be prepared to slog your way out and then you'll hit the windline and really take off. Rollers, or chop can get big here....4 to 6 feet is normal with great starboard jumping on the way out. When a set of rollers is coming in, wait on the second as it's usually the better ramp.
The wind in the bay usually starts about noon during the windy seasons, so get there, rig up and be ready to go by noon and you'll be in good shape.
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Regional Directory
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Season: |
All year |
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Water: |
60 to 85 degrees |
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Ability Level: |
Intermidiate to Expert only |
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Familiness: |
Nice grass area with large playground area if you have non-windsurfing kids and family with you |
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Parking: |
Parking lot that holds approx 50 or so cars. |
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Launch: |
Grassy rigging w/ stairs or trails to launch approx 20 ft down. Rocky beach at actual launch |
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Maps & Directions
Ocean Drive runs from downtown Corpus Christi all around that side of the bay. Oleander, or Cole Park (the official name), is the first one you'll hit. There's an amphitheater and large kids play area. It's just south of the Holiday Inn Emerald Beach. A little further down Ocean Drive and you'll come to Ropes. There are signs, but you have to look or you'll miss it.
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Sensor Notes
This site is located on a 2-story house, a short walk across Ocean Drive, and about 200ft from the water. The sensor is around 50ft above sea-level Use the 'gust' value to more accurately anticipate conditions on the water when winds from most directions.
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