Colonial Beach Launch

FIG. 1 view of launch area at east end of Irving Ave @ very high water

Colonial Beach launch has a lot going for it.  It is 1) free, 2) spacious,
3) is well exposed to the wind from many directions, 4) there is a short
gear carry, 5) it is popular enough so that you may find other windsurfing
buddies present, 6) there are plenty of stores, restaurants and motels
near by, 7) does not appear to be overly managed or regulated by excessive
rules or excessive police presence/enforcement/interference and 8) is just
 over an hours drive from Richmond. 

Colonial Beach is not just a single launching area but a long, continuous
launch area rarely found in the mid-Atlantic. 

Best Wind Directions:  N, NE, E, SE and S

Fees:  None

Amenities:  trash barrels, benches -- stores, restaurants and motels
all near by

Hazards:  water may fill with motor craft on summer weekends

Stratagize:  for NW winds, consider nearby Westmoreland S.P. launch

FIG. 2 Map of the Colonial Beach area showing launch areas and directions

The launch is comprised of one long section of beach in town and a shorter
section to the south on Irving Ave near the marina and boat ramp.  The
long section in town has a northern boundary at Virginia Ave and continues
south past Colonial Ave and Boundary St to Weems Street along Irving Ave. 
The shorter and less populated portion is at the southern end of Irving Ave.

Note:  The launches near the center of town near Colonial Ave face NE
The launches near the south end of Irving Ave face S to SE.

Directions:  from Richmond, take I-95 N to exit 104, travel on VA 207 E for
11.5 miles to U.S. 301.  Take U.S. 301 North for about 20 miles.  Shortly after
crossing VA Rt 3 on 301, turn right onto VA Rt 205 E.  Follow to a traffic light
in Colonial Beach and turn left at a McDonalds onto Colonial Ave (Rt 205Y).
Travel to an end.  To find Irving Ave, turn right onto Washington Ave and
then left on Boundary Street and then Right on Irving Ave.

from Washington DC and Fredricksburg, take I 95 S to exit 130 and get on
VA Rt 3 E.  Travel through the village of King George and get onto
VA Rt 205 E shortly before the junction with U.S. 301.  Then follow as above.

from Baltimore and Annapolis, take I97 South to U.S. 50/301.  Get on U.S. 50W
towards Washington DC and exit to stay on U.S. 301 S.  Stay on U.S. 301 South
into Virginia.  Shortly before reaching VA Rt 3, turn left onto VA Rt 205 East.

FIG. 3 view of beach at North end looking South with Days Inn and Riverboat
Restaurant in view

FIG. 4 view of regulation sign at launch

FIG. 5 view of intersection where one turns onto Colonial Ave
from 205E.

FIG. 6 view of beach area from North end of Irving Ave -- note that
these photos were taken during spring run off -- consequently you
are likely to find more beach real estate than shown here