Bradford
États-Unis · Wisconsin
Bradford Beach, on the shore of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, is an urban spot known for its direct access to the lake and its long sandy beach. It is a very popular place for local riders when the wind establishes well over the open water.
The spot mainly works when the flow comes onto the lake with consistency. The conditions are often cleaner than one might imagine for an urban spot, with a comfortable sailing margin offshore.
The beach is convenient for launching, with services and parking nearby. The location is mainly interesting for riders who accept cold water and rapid variations related to the lake.
The spot is mainly interesting with a wind from the east to northeast, which arrives in a side-on to side-shore manner depending on the exact angle on the beach. On Lake Michigan, this often results in cleaner sailing than in onshore wind, as the water surface is open and the fetch is significant. Launching takes place from the sandy beach, with a launch area to be carefully organized to keep space between the lines and swimmers in season.
The navigable area is wide offshore, but one must remain attentive to the urban environment of the beach and the shorebreak traffic when the lake builds up. The site is described as a rather sheltered spot due to its lakeside configuration, with a depth that increases gradually. According to spot guides, the most active period generally runs from May to October, but the most practical months for sailing with wind and fewer cold constraints are May, September and October.
The spot is mainly suited for beachside sailing on open water, with simple departures and returns if the wind remains stable. However, sessions require close monitoring of the density of practitioners and swimming areas, as it is a very urban and busy spot.
