Floras Lake
Floras Lake Kiteboarding Guide
Part of the State of Jefferson Kiteboarding Guide
Intro:
Located 16 miles south of Bandon Oregon, fresh water Floras Lake is separated from the Pacific Ocean by narrow sand dunes. Floras offers relatively shallow water and consistent but sometimes gusty summer wind. The overall scene makes for a user-friendly kiteboarding location that is popular with beginners.
This popularity among beginners can also be a bit of a concern on weekends and holidays when lake traffic is high. Always keep an eye out for that less skilled rider. The locals are really supportive of learning so visiting kiterboarders should do the same. Speaking of locals, Floras Lake is home to Floras Lake Windsurfing which operates a windsurfing and kiteboarding school on the Lake. Please give their teachers and clients plenty of room and do not complain about the jet skis. The locals have been known to rescue a kiter or two so stay on their good side!
Launch:
The north end of the lake offers nice sandy beaches with minimal dune grass near the waterline during most of the season. If you are used to a crowded launch, you can change your habits here. There's plenty of room along the north end of the lake so there's no excuse to rig on top of anyone. Please be courteous and willing for a short hike to be a safe distance from others.
If you are a beginner or teaching a beginner, the west side of the lake parallel to the ocean offers shallow waters and is at the end of the kiteboard traffic pattern. An even better option for beginners is to go to the shallow cove on the far west side, midway down the lake. This spot is downwind from both kiteboarders and windsurfers. Try to avoid being that beginner learning to relaunch a kite smack in the middle of the traffic pattern along the north shore on a busy day.
Hazards:
The Cove-of-Doom on the northeast end of the lake has tricky wind influenced by trees along the shore. The swamp at the south end of the lake is not to be messed with and even has a haunted house.
Wind Data:
The bewitching hour. (photo: Greg Brock)
Camping:
Camping is available on the east side of the lake (Curry County Boice-Cope Park). There is a fee for both day use and camping. Amenities include restrooms with cold water only. Warm showers are available for a fee. Camp sites include RV and tent spaces. The entire tent area shares one water faucet. There is a also a fee for an extra vehicle which is allowed one per camp site. This campground usually fills up early on weekends so a reservation is a good idea.
Edison Creek Campgroud (BLM) to the south towards Port Orford and inland of Highway 101 is a warm alternative that tends to be clear of fog and wind. There is also the Bandon / Port Orford KOA campground not far to the south of Floras Lake on the highway.
Dining and Eats:
Convenience foods and a few camping supplies can be purchased at nearby Langlois Market (48444 Highway 101). They carry the usual food stuff plus offer Umpqua Dairy Ice Cream, home made deli sandwiches and hot dogs. Hours are somewhat short even on long summer days so shop early. They now offer a wide selection of micro-brews and kombucha with a several on tap. Refillable growlers are available and can be used for beer or kombucha.
The closest decent sit down dining options used to be in Port Orford to the south or Bandon to the north. However, that has changed since new owners took over the Spoon in Langlois.