North Beach

FIG. 1 view of the North Beach launch area on a warm April day

the upshot:  this seldom used windsurf launch faces east into
the Chesapeake.  It is seldom used by windsurfers because
1) Bayfront Park is nearby and is less congested and
2) Mayo Beach to the north has been a big draw

This launch carries a fee during summer, can get crowded on a
nice weekend day and presents several obstacles (see FIGS. 1 and 3),
 such as the erosion prevention barriers, the pier, the wooden
poles and the nets and lines that may be strung between the
poles to keep jellies away from the shore. 

This launch can be considered a replacement to Mayo, but
Bayfront park is instead recommended

FIG. 2 map showing driving directions to launch

Directions:  from Annapolis, get on MD Rt 2 South
at Annapolis (Solomons Island Road) and travel about 20 miles
south and then turn left onto MD Rt 260 Chesapeake Beach Rd. 
Travel 4.4 miles on Rt 260 E to an end at Rt 261.  Turn left onto
Rt 261 North and travel 0.85 miles and turn right onto 5th Street
and travel one block to the beach at Bay Ave.

 From Baltimore, take I-97 South to U.S. Rts 50/301 East to
Aris T Allen Blvd Rt 665 to Rt 2 South near Parole

from Washington DC, take beltway I-495 to exit 11 and get on
MD Rt 4 South and travel 13.6 miles south on MD Rt 4 and bear
right to get onto MD Rt 260 Chesapeake Beach Road.  Travel
SE on Rt 260 9.1 miles to an end at Rt 261 and follow as above

Fees:  $8, see FIG. 6 below

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

Amenities:  trash barrels, restrooms

Hazards:  pier, rock jetties, poles, may have
net and lines present.  Hazards near shore. 
Summer weekends can involve a lot of motor
 boat traffic.

Regs:  Lots--see FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 11 below

FIG. 3 Aerial view of launch area showing the many obstacles to getting
out to open water

FIG. 4 view of recommend launch area from pier

FIG. 5 view of the obstacles one must navigate around on the south side
of the pier

FIG. 6 view of 2010 fee structure

FIG. 7 view of list of rules

FIG. 8 view of sign of rules posted in launch area

FIG. 9 more rules

FIG. 10 No, this is not the future, this is now,
life of the 21st century windsurfer

FIG. 11 guess what, more rules - I forgot the pier