Rocky Creek (Perry Lake)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Rocky Creek (Perry Lake) is a low-profile kitesurfing launch at Perry Lake that works best when the wind turns northerly, with providers describing north through north-northwest and northwest directions. Riders get chop on the water, and the spot is characterized as having a relatively small beach/launch footprint with a shoreline that includes rocks and rip-rap.
- North and north-northwest wind direction is the key orientation
- Decent fetch across the lake for chop
- Clean water reported, but launches/water contain rock hazards
- Strong north to northwest wind orientation with decent fetch across the lake
- Chop provides usable riding conditions for freeride and wave/freestyle-style progressions
- Clean water reported by spot database
- Small, basic launch area with rocks/rip-rap hazards
- Wind can be gusty/punchy
- Turbulence possible near shoreline due to banks/trees
- No lifeguards; rescue for this launch is limited
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider data indicates frontal/gradient-type winds for the spot area.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Spot area described as often punchy and gusty on reservoirs.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Mixed — One provider describes mixed; another describes sand.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Providers describe small waves/small surf energy alongside chop conditions.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Spot described specifically as chop; kiters report flat-to-choppy conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy beach plus grass near the boat ramp per provider notes.
Through the year
Usually quiet; busiest on windy weekends in the spring.
Severe thunderstorms and tornado risk are highest in May and June.
By sport
What to expect for each.
North to northwest winds create workable fetch across the lake, producing chop suitable for freeride and wave-style riding. Rock hazards and gusty conditions make the launch and water riskier than typical sandy beaches, so intermediate riders should be comfortable with self-rescue and managing obstacles.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for windsurfing, though riders are more commonly kitesurfing at this specific cove based on provider notes.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Foil-friendly once clear of the shoreline rocks, but the launch can be tricky due to submerged rip-rap. Minimum depth indicated for foiling is 2 meters.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly once clear of shoreline rocks.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rocky Creek (Perry Lake) in the full forecast view.
Rocky Creek (Perry Lake) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–12 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- S170°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3012 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 14–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Rocky Creek (Perry Lake) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Rip-rap along the shoreline
- Floating debris after heavy rains
- Gusty wind conditions
- Power lines near entrance roads
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No direct rescue service is indicated for this launch; regional rescue is described as limited via lake patrol/sheriff services.
- Emergency Info
- Jefferson County Sheriff and local EMS serve the Perry Lake area. Perry State Park Office (KDWP) contact: (785) 246-3449.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism indicated.
Rules of the spot
Standard US Army Corps of Engineers lake regulations apply; launch only in designated public use areas.
- Launch only in designated public use areas
- Best used on a clean north wind to avoid turbulence from the hills.
- Keep an eye on the lake level as the beach can disappear when the reservoir is high.
- The wind is often punchy and gusty typical of Midwestern reservoirs.
- Rocks present require caution and self-rescue readiness.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ozawkie, KS
- Nearest Town
- Perry, KS
- Parking
- Campground parking available at Rock Creek Campground; paved parking lot available at the boat ramp and public use area.
- Access
- From Perry, Kansas, take Highway 24 west to KS-237, continue north ~3 miles, then turn east on Rock Creek Park Road and follow signs to Rock Creek Campground on the south end of Perry Lake. Alternatively, access is described as via Highway 237 to the Rocky Creek Public Use Area.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is available within the Perry Lake State Park and Corps of Engineers campgrounds.
- Food & Drink
- Limited options in Ozawkie; more extensive dining available in Topeka.
- Equipment Rental:
- No specialized kite or windsurf rental at this specific launch.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A central recreation hub for Northeast Kansas with extensive nature trails and outdoor lifestyle centered on camping, sailing, and fishing.
A rugged hiking and biking trail system extending over 20 miles around the lake.
A collection of historic buildings and artifacts showcasing local heritage in Oskaloosa.
The lake is a major destination for walleye and crappie fishing.
A private club that serves as a social hub for the local sailing community.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Rocky Creek (Perry Lake)?
The best overall months at Rocky Creek (Perry Lake) are March, April, May, September, October, November. The best wind months are March, April, May, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Rocky Creek (Perry Lake)?
Rocky Creek (Perry Lake) works with N, NNW, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Rocky Creek (Perry Lake)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Rocky Creek (Perry Lake): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Rocky Creek (Perry Lake) suitable for?
Rocky Creek (Perry Lake) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.