Continent
North America
Country
Washington (USA)
Next Big City
Seattle
Next Town
Everett
 
Type:
Island
Rider Ability:
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Features:
School, Toilet

Water

Type:
Shallow, Flat, Chop
Hazards:
No information
Quality:
No information
Best Tide:
No information

Shallow and flat water.

Beach

Type:
Sand
Size:
Tidal
Hazards:
No information
Beach Users:
July, August

Gently sloping beach. A lot of water remains in the beach sand at low tide, so don't wear shoes you care about. During the summer months (July to September), the island is packed with people and tons of kids. Kiters must launch and land at the far North tip of the island to avoid crowds. Tides: the beach slop is very gradual. During low tides, the water easily goes out over 100yards leaving plenty of room for launching and landing. During high tide the beach is almost completely gone. At these times you must go to the North tip of the Island for launching and landing. Up there a sand clearing will give you space. This is the same place kiter's go, to avoid the summer swimming crowds.

Weather

Spring:
Normal
Summer:
Shorty
Fall:
Normal
Winter:
Thick

Water temp: during the hottest summer months (July to September). Incoming tides over hot sand warms the water to a nice temp in the 70's°F. You can get by with just board shorts, but if you kite out too far the deeper water is cold! A 2mm shorty is ideal. Early, and late summer you will need a full suit.

Wind

Best Months:
June, July, August
Wind Type:
Thermal
Best Direction:
NW
Main Direction:
NW

The wind is usually only good on a hot summer Northerly. The island gets a good thermal kick from the West, and the winds are supper smooth, giving the island the nickname "Steady Jetty". The wind is sideonshore from the Northwest and starts any time between 2 and 7pm.



How to get there

Transport
Boat
Access
Medium walk

This 4-mile-long by half-mile-wide man-made island lies just off the Everett waterfront. A free summer ferry transports visitors about every half-hour across the Snohomish River channel until Sept. 5. From northbound Interstate 5, take Exit 193 in Everett and turn left onto Pacific Avenue. Go through town, turn right on West Marine View Drive, and head north 1.5 miles. Turn left into the 10th Street Boat Launch. From southbound I-5, take Exit 194 and turn right onto Everett Avenue. This island is only accessible by boat. During the hotter summer months (July to September) a free ferry service takes people to and from the Island. Most kiters raft, or kayak across to the island. Others have boats, but Jetty Island is only 200-300 yards from the mainland. Watch out for currents if your rafting across since they can be strong during tidal changes.

Extra information

Rules
Zones, Other

No pets or bikes. Adults must accompany children younger than 12. Not everything available on the island, so bring sunscreen and water. During summer the island is very crowded with people, and lots of curious kids. Then all kiteboarders move to the far North tip of the island to avoid accidents with innocent bystanders. Alcohol is prohibited on Jetty Island, and brings a $1000 fine to violators. Do not ride in the lagoon.

Nightlife

No nightlife.