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Kalmus Overview
Kalmus is the windiest known location from Georgia on up through Toronto, Canada. Frequently, you can sail here when all other beaches are unsailable. Thus, Kalmus draws windsurfers of all skill levels throughout the region. On some days, the 175 parking spaces may fill, in which case keep uncrowded West Dennis Beach in mind.
A large breakwater limits conditions to swells and chop even in the strongest winds. This further increases Kalmus' attraction to budding shredders. In the summer and early fall, consider a weed fin; otherwise, eel grass slowly accumulates on your skeg until you spin-out.
Given its popularity, congestion is an issue -- both in the parking lot and on the water. If you are heading here for the first time, be sure to check out the sign at the launch that posts the windsurfing etiquette, without which this beach would surely be closed to windsurfing. The chief concerns are that you 1) not rig in the parking lot, 2) take only one parking space for car and trailer, and 3) avoid becoming shark bait by the new high speed ferry (it's fast and can't stop if you fall in it's path). 4 Do not sail inside the white bouys it's for swiming only.
175 spaces, $20 gate fee when lifeguard on duty, There is also a Grill the end of the parking lot serving hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.
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| Season: |
March - November |
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| Water: |
chop, small swell |
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| Ability Level: |
All skill levels |
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| Familiness: |
Restrooms, snack bar |
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| Parking: |
Very Crowded, $20 in summer |
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| Launch: |
Nice sandy launch |
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Maps & Directions
Take Route 6 to x6 (132). Follow 132 through Hyannis Center. Exit the rotary on Barnstable Road (about 80 degrees). Barnstable Road turns into Ocean Street at the wharfs. Continue to the water. The parking lot is to your left where the road turns sharply right.
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Sensor Notes
The sensor is atop the concession stand at the east end of the parking lot, a peninsula that forms Lewis Bay. Thus, northerly winds (especially northeasterly winds) have a good fetch and are stronger than one might expect for the south side of Cape Cod.
Northerly (NW, N, NE) winds at West Dennis Beach come across the land (rather than a small bay) so speeds are much lower and gustier than those reported at Kalmus. As you sail away from the shore into clearer air -- not that we recommend this -- windspeeds will increase to those reported at Kalmus. For those rare southeasterly blows, West Dennis has a better fetch than Kalmus. Meter is accurate for sw and s winds which are the best sailing conditions for this area.
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