MASON NECK STATE PARK LAUNCH# (Fairfax Co, VA)

     
FIG. 1 View of windsurfers ripping it up                FIG. 1B aerial view of the MNSP launch area
in Belmont bay in early April 
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Directions: Mason Neck State Park is a wildlife refuge off the Lorton exit of
 I95 south of DC. Take the exit on Lorton Road, and turn north to intersection
 with Route 1. Go south on Route 1 to traffic light at Gunston Rd, turn left,
 and go down Gunston Road about about 4 miles. Turn right into park, pay toll at
 toll booth and then proceed to visitor's center.  Near visitor's center, drive
 down ramp to car top launch.  Car top launch is only for loading and unloading,
 not for parking.  Park near visitor's center.

 
Comments: You are rewarded with a cramped unloading area and a shallow bay about
 1/2 by 3/4 mile, and access to Occoquan Bay and the Potomac River. The shallow
 bay is good for beginners or for practicing waterstarts and the larger area for
 cruising. The location is best when the wind has a W in it -- SSW CW to N. Site
 is poor for catching summer thermals.  Site is a prime choice when fronts come
 thru during the Spring and Fall. 
Site subject to excessive submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)
from July through November. This is mainly hydrilla.

Strategy:  MNSP launch is optimal in April when fronts come thru ushering in
Westerly winds and before the SAV proliferates.   

I am told that as of early June 2008, the hydrilla has already
proliferated making launching more cumbersome.
Must also walk out a large distance to sail when tide is low.
Bay area is quite shallow so shallow fins may be best. 
FIG. 1 shows the hydrilla plumes well in late September

FIG. 2 view of sandy launch area 
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hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed.  

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simply right click on the photo and then select 
"View Image")

Annual permits can be purchased.  Honors system in off season, bring proper
 change.

FIG. 3 view of launch area on a calm September day
(to view a photo:   
if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by 
hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed.  

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simply right click on the photo and then select 
"View Image")

FIG. 4 view of Belmont bay in late September
(to view a land photo:   
if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by 
hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed.  

To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape or Firefox, 
simply right click on the photo and then select 
"View Image")  

FIG. 5 aerial view of the Leesylvania and Mason Neck launch areas with North being
 to the top of the photo