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Lake Nockamixon Overview
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* Join the New Jersey Windsurfing Association
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* www.windsurfnj.org
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Lake Nockamixon is a favorite spot for windsurfers in the Philadelphia area. If the wind is averaging 10 mph or more, and you’ve got a wide board, head to the lake! (And longboards work in all winds.)
With its flat, fresh water, Nockamixon is excellent for beginners and intermediates. Advanced windsurfers also enjoy Nockamixon on appropriate gear. Formula boards are often the call.
Lake Nockamixon is approximately five miles long and 3/4 miles wide, and runs southwest to northeast. We usually launch from the Tohickon Boat Launch, which has ample free parking and a large grassy rigging area. The launch has primitive restrooms (no plumbing) – hold your nose in there!
Because the lake does not experience sea breezes, the strongest winds occur immediately before and after cold front passages. On average, southwest and west winds blow the strongest. Southwest and northeast winds are the steadiest and cleanest. Northwest winds, though strong, can be gusty – but wide boards really help you get through the lulls. Highest wind speeds occur from October through April.
With a strong (20+ mph) southwest wind blowing up the length of the lake, the swells in front of the Tohickon Boat Launch can be two to four feet high. So get your jump boots on!
When you want to bring the family along and get in a sail as well, Lake Nockamixon is a great location. You’ll sneak in some sailing time while the kids are amply occupied by the activities available at Nockamixon State Park, including hiking, bicycling, a swimming pool, and a boat rental. Call the park at 215-529-7300.
Attention sailors! Nockamixon is the home to an extensive sailing community, with sailboats up to 24 feet. The Nockamixon Sailing Club is looking for interested sailors to join their weekend race series. Racing season extends from April through November.
Lake Galena in Peace Valley Park is another popular windsurfing location near Philadelphia. Although much smaller than Nockamixon, Peace Valley is 20-25 minutes closer to Philadelphia and has a loyal following. We usually rig up at the boat launch at the southwest corner of the lake.
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| Season: |
All year, except when lake ices over |
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| Water: |
Flat, clean, deep fresh water; weeds near shore in summer and fall |
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| Ability Level: |
Beginner to advanced |
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| Familiness: |
State park: swimming pool; boat rental; hiking |
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| Parking: |
Free |
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| Launch: |
Tohickon Boat Launch: grassy; plenty of space |
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Maps & Directions
Lake Nockamixon State Park is located six miles east of Quakertown and twelve miles north of Doylestown.
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The Tohickon Boat Launch is located on Route 563 at the northeast section of the lake. From PA Route 313, it is about a 5.6 mile drive along Route 563. From Route 412 it is about two miles along Route 563.
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From the Northeast Extension of PA Turnpike: Use Exit 44, Quakertown. Take 663 to 313; 313 to 563; and 563 to the Tohickon Boat Launch.
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From Philadelphia: Take 309 north to 563; take 563 to 313; turn left onto 313 (where 313 and 563 merge); turn right onto 563 and take it to the Tohickon Boat Launch.
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Alternatively, from Philadelphia you can take 611 north. Turn left onto 412 (just past the Turkey Hill gas station). Then turn left again on 563 and take it to the Tohickon Boat Launch.
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Sensor Notes
The sensor is located at the top of a pole at the point jutting out from the marina. It is a good indicator of wind speeds in the middle of the lake.
On a west wind, the sensor may slightly understate the true wind because of trees upwind of the sensor.
The computer is located in the park office. In the park’s off-season, the office is sparsely manned, and the sensor is subject to occasional power outages and other glitches.
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