About This Spot
Lake McConaughy, Nebraska (USA) is one of the world's premier wind-sports destinations, located in Nebraska (USA).
Situated in North America, the spot offers Chop and Small waves water conditions, making it ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike.
With SE–NW winds, peaking from May to October, Lake McConaughy, Nebraska (USA) delivers the kind of sessions that keep riders coming back year after year.
Why Riders Love It
It blows there a lot since there's nothing stopping the wind. Sometimes it's too much, but generally it's great for kiting. Check out weather forecasts online before you show up and bring a weather radio to get up-to-date info. Storms can come in very fast, so you need to be prepared. Keep your eyes on the opposite beach for sand blowing up into dust devils and look for thunder clouds and lightning.
When to Go
Wetsuits are needed in the spring and fall, but the water warms up mid-summer so you can ride in board shorts. You can generally ride from May through October (in board shorts in late-July and August)
What to Expect
This is a huge lake. When full of water it is about 20 miles long and about 4 miles wide. Since the lake is deep, the water gets fairly choppy, especially if the wind is onshore since it has time to build up over the length of the lake. When the wind blows directly from the NW or SE, it barrels down the axis of the lake, and that creates monster swells. It can get some pretty big rollers going, which are fun to surf.
Wind & Conditions
SE · NW
Best wind direction
It blows there a lot since there's nothing stopping the wind. Sometimes it's too much, but generally it's great for kiting. Check out weather forecasts online before you show up and bring a weather radio to get up-to-date info. Storms can come in very fast, so you need to be prepared. Keep your eyes on the opposite beach for sand blowing up into dust devils and look for thunder clouds and lightning.
Best Months
Water Conditions
This is a huge lake. When full of water it is about 20 miles long and about 4 miles wide. Since the lake is deep, the water gets fairly choppy, especially if the wind is onshore since it has time to build up over the length of the lake. When the wind blows directly from the NW or SE, it barrels down the axis of the lake, and that creates monster swells. It can get some pretty big rollers going, which are fun to surf.
Check Conditions
Live Wind Forecast at Lake McConaughy, Nebraska (USA)
Check real-time wind conditions before you head out.
Facilities & Access
📍 Getting There
🚶Short walk to the beach
From Denver, take I-76 Northeast to the I-80 interchange and keep going East to Ogallala. Head North through Ogallala and follow the signs to Lake McConaughy. Go across the dam and take a left on road 92. Pull in to Arthur Bay, Sandy Beach or North Shore entrances and pick a spot. Have fun! Big Mac, as it's known, is three hours from Denver/Boulder. Add another 20 minutes to access various launch sites.
Location
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Travel Light to Lake McConaughy, Nebraska (USA)
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Schools at Lake McConaughy, Nebraska (USA)
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