Lake Del Valle is perhaps the state's foremost beginner windsurfing location. With an excellent school program, consistent wind, warm and shallow water, and all the latest beginner equipment, Lake Del Valle is the perfect place to learn the sport. The beach where you launch from is sandy and pleasant and the wind blows perfect side-shore. You couldn't ask for a better place to learn how to windsurf.

When it happens
Lake Del Valle is primarily a summer spot. It does blow during the spring, but the winds tend to be a bit gusty. In the summer the thermal winds usually start around mid-morning and continue throughout the afternoon. The summer winds are consistent and dependable, which helps to make it so ideal for windsurfing lessons.

What are the conditions like?
On a typical summer day, conditions range from 10 to 15 knots. The wind rarely gets above 20 knots and rarely drops below 5 knots. This is not a spot for high wind or short board sailing. Lake Del Valle is a place were beginner to intermediate windsurfers can come to spend an enjoyable day windsurfing in light to moderate conditions.

How's the temperature?
Comfortable to warm. Much of the appeal of Lake Del Valle is the warm and comfortable water temperature. The air is also warm and dry, so much of the time you don't need a wetsuit. If you plan on spending the entire day in the water you may want to wear a shortie to keep the wind off of you. It might also be nice to bring along a lycra top to keep the UV factor under control. Because it can get rather hot during the middle of summer.

Getting there
From 580 east: Head to Livermore Avenue in Livermore. Exit to the south and cross 1st Street in downtown Livermore. Stay on Livermore Avenue until you reach Mines Road. Make a right on Mines Road and continue going south until you reach Del Valle Road. Make a right on Del Valle Road which will take you to the entrance of the reservoir. There are road signs along the way which direct you to Lake Del Valle, so watch for the signs as well.