Smith Mountain Lake

[JMLVMI]

Just wondering, how was your trip? Did you enjoy SML? My daughter was up there Sunday she said it was busy and pretty rough water (of course she probably hit the lake at the crack of noon).

We always enjoy it (probably my 6th time there or so)...my FIL has a Catalina 30 at Pelican Point Marina that we go to 2x a year. We were out sailing on Sunday during the day and it was an absolute zoo...but even yesterday as we were headed home it was nearly a ghost town.

I went out Saturday and Monday morning to do some free skiing and found some decent water to get some passes in before heading back. My driver (aka wife) and I had to relieve grandma from our 2.5yr old and 8mo.

Such a great lake...for everything but smooth water. Wishing I had a tri-toon for weekends like this

[d2jp]

Just wondering, how was your trip? Did you enjoy SML? My daughter was up there Sunday she said it was busy and pretty rough water (of course she probably hit the lake at the crack of noon).

[JMLVMI]

That x14 color is eye-catching. Not for me but very unique for sure. Almost looks peach colored. May be the lighting though.

Yeah definitely orange with orange/gray/white interior. Radar ladies' P6 on the tower.

[GT500 MC]

That x14 color is eye-catching. Not for me but very unique for sure. Almost looks peach colored. May be the lighting though.

[JMLVMI]

Went out at 7:30 today, windy and cloudy but got a good run in. The slalom course is there and was being used. Cool orange X14 was anchored and must have been taking sets on an older Malibu. Then idled around and looked at Water's Edge houses. Parked next to a Maristar 245 for the day. FIL has a 30' Catalina at Pelican Point marina, so we might go sailing today!

[d2jp]

We are at Bernard's Landing. Hoping my wife and FIL will wake up to take a couple of runs with me early Sat and Sun before it gets crazy out.

The best I can do with Google maps is reference a street. So if you look at the area around 902 Cedar Key Ln, Huddleston, VA 24104 the entrance to that large cove is protected with no wake buoys. Years ago that was a 'fish camp' type of place. Now its all private homes and some rental cottages but the no-wake bouys stayed. It's a nice place to anchor. But any cove between the dam and there is state land so lots of privacy.
Or, around the State Park there is also some quiet coves. Again using Google Maps search Interpretive Trail, Huddleston, VA 24104 (Route 888). This road is in the state park so it's a good point of reference.
A couple of cool places to eat/hangout are Crazy Horse Marina/Mexico Viejo restaurant. The dock facilities are very nice and the water back there is calm too. That's not too far away and lots of million dollar (actually $2-$3M) homes on the way there to gawk at. Much further up the lake is Hales Ford Bridge. Lots do to there also. Heath's Grill at Mariner's Landing is good and has nice docking facilities.
It's a beautiful lake, I spend a lot of time there as it's about 28 miles from my house.
Forgot to mention, there is a course - don't know if it's set up or not, I'd guess it is:

http://www.smlwaterski.org/ski_course.html

[JMLVMI]

I was there today from 9AM til 6PM. Beautiful day, no boats, no wind, no waves. Tomorrow I suspect will be a zoo. I don't think there are any tie up spots or coves, none that I've seen anyways. Some folks like to gather near the cliffs area, on the mountain to the right of the dam. There are usually some massive houseboats there, tied up. But the lake is very deep, up to 200' in spots and most everything in a main channel will be 100' or more. There are some good coves for hanging out near the VA State Park, as this land is all undeveloped since it's owned by the state. Also if you go past the dam (it will be on your right), continue straight back along the mountain towards the coves back in that area, there are some really nice places too.I have a Prostar 190 and it seems REALLY small on SML during a busy weekend.

What part of the lake will you be on?

We are at Bernard's Landing. Hoping my wife and FIL will wake up to take a couple of runs with me early Sat and Sun before it gets crazy out.

[blackhawk]

I was at SML on the Saturday before labor day weekend about 2 years ago. Zoo is an understatement.

[d2jp]

Figured this lake should have its own thread!

Up here for the weekend with the ProStar 195. Happy to trade slalom pulls for a chance to wake surf!

Also, anyone know of locations for party/tie up coves on the lake for the middle of the day?

I was there today from 9AM til 6PM. Beautiful day, no boats, no wind, no waves. Tomorrow I suspect will be a zoo. I don't think there are any tie up spots or coves, none that I've seen anyways. Some folks like to gather near the cliffs area, on the mountain to the right of the dam. There are usually some massive houseboats there, tied up. But the lake is very deep, up to 200' in spots and most everything in a main channel will be 100' or more. There are some good coves for hanging out near the VA State Park, as this land is all undeveloped since it's owned by the state. Also if you go past the dam (it will be on your right), continue straight back along the mountain towards the coves back in that area, there are some really nice places too.I have a Prostar 190 and it seems REALLY small on SML during a busy weekend.
What part of the lake will you be on?

[JMLVMI]

Figured this lake should have its own thread!

Up here for the weekend with the ProStar 195. Happy to trade slalom pulls for a chance to wake surf!

Also, anyone know of locations for party/tie up coves on the lake for the middle of the day?