Continent |
North America |
Country |
Oregon (USA) |
Next Big City |
Portland |
Next Town |
Seaside, Gearhart |
|
Type: |
Beach |
Rider Ability: |
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert |
Features: |
Parking |
Details
Surface |
Sand |
Hazards |
Cars |
Area Size |
Big |
Weather
Spring:
|
Normal |
Summer:
|
Normal |
Fall:
|
Normal |
Winter:
|
Thick |
The water is cold but you really don't feel it. A 4 or 5 mm wetsuit is fine. No booties unless you have timid feet. Most of the time you are dying to get out of our suits by a sessions end.
Wind
Best Months: |
May, June, July, August, September |
Wind Type: |
Thermal |
Best Direction: |
SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW |
Main Direction: |
NW |
There is wind 6 days a week. If you can't find it on Gearhart then head to Manzanita before noon, it always blows in Manzanita. Just need N to NW winds, which are extremely dependable all summer. When cool water is combined with warm inland air you get a beautiful thermal. This effect is evident from March until October on one of the best beaches in the world to kiteboard. Starts at around 2 pm (thermal). Speed ranges from 15 to 30 mph daily. Blows until around 7 pm, but it is kiteable until dark. Main kite used is a 12 sqm kite. Smaller kites for Manzanita as it usually blows 10mph stronger than the rest of the coast.
How to get there
Transport |
Car |
Access
|
No walk |
There is only one road through this area: HWY 101. Get to Seaside Oregon, take 101 North to Gearhart. Take a left. Drive until you hit the sand. Drive onto the beach with a 4x4.
Extra information
Say hello to the local kiters. The scene is growing here with transplants from the Gorge realizing this is better than the Gorge. Be courteous, launch downwind of the locals. But definitely introduce yourself to them. They are a wealth of knowledge for the area and all of them are friendly.
Nightlife