Wing Foiling & Kiteboarding Locations
DISCLAIMER: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to use any of these locations. Wind and water conditions in the San Francisco Bay are dynamic and can change rapidly. All riders who venture out assume full responsibility for their own safety, equipment, and actions. SF Wing Foil Academy does not assume any responsibility or liability for individuals who choose to ride at these locations outside of structured lessons. Always assess conditions personally, check current weather forecasts, understand your own skill limitations, and follow all local regulations and safety protocols.
San Francisco City Front
Crissy Field
Difficulty Rating: Advanced
Best For: Experienced wing foilers and kiteboarders
Typical Wind: 15-25 knots, afternoon W/WNW thermal winds
Hazards:
- Strong tidal currents and eddies
- Heavy marine traffic including ferries, cargo ships, and tour boats
- Gusty, turbulent wind conditions due to terrain effects
- Cold water (50-60°F year-round)
- Quickly changing conditions with fog
Amenities:
- Parking (often crowded on weekends)
- Restrooms and changing areas
- Beach launch
- Nearby restaurants and cafes
- Ranger station
Notes: Crissy Field features world-class conditions but demands advanced skills due to strong currents, ship traffic, and variable winds. Not suitable for beginners unless accompanied by qualified instruction. Often crowded during peak wind times, requiring solid understanding of right-of-way rules. Best accessed 2 hours before max ebb tide for ideal conditions.
St. Francis Yacht Club (East Beach)
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate to Advanced
Best For: Experienced wing foilers and intermediate to advanced kiteboarders
Typical Wind: 15-25 knots, afternoon W/WNW thermal winds
Hazards:
- Powerful tidal currents
- Swimming area boundaries must be observed
- Crowded launch area during peak times
- Rocky areas exposed at low tide
- Wind shadow areas close to shore
Amenities:
- Limited parking (city street parking)
- No public restrooms at immediate launch (nearest at Crissy Field)
- Sandy beach launch
- Proximity to Marina district amenities
Notes: Offers slightly more protected conditions than Crissy Field but still requires significant experience. Popular with wing foilers due to flatter water in certain tidal conditions. Not recommended for first-time independent sessions.
East Bay
Point Isabel (Richmond)
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Best For: Wing foiling and kiteboarding progression after basics are mastered
Typical Wind: 15-22 knots, afternoon WSW thermal winds
Hazards:
- Shallow areas and mudflats at low tide
- Some boat traffic from nearby marina
- Submerged objects along shoreline
- Limited landing areas if wind dies
- Water quality concerns after heavy rain
Amenities:
- Large parking lot
- Restrooms
- Dog-friendly beach (can be crowded)
- Nearby café
- Rigging area with some grass
Notes: Good progression spot with somewhat consistent winds and relatively flat water, particularly during flood tides. The large, open launch area makes it popular for lessons and intermediates. Water tends to be slightly warmer than city-front locations.
Albany Bulb/Buchanan Street
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Best For: Wing foiling progression and freestyle kiteboarding
Typical Wind: 15-20 knots, afternoon WSW thermal winds
Hazards:
- Rocks and debris in some areas
- Shallow sections during low tide
- Wind shadow near launch area
- Limited rescue options
- Water quality varies
Amenities:
- Free parking
- No permanent restrooms (occasional portable toilets)
- Multiple launch options depending on tide
- Some picnic areas
Notes: Popular with freestyle kiteboarders due to flat water sections. Wing foilers enjoy the relatively consistent winds and moderate chop. The extended shallow areas provide some security for learning new skills but require careful navigation at low tide.
South Bay
3rd Avenue (San Mateo)
Difficulty Rating: Beginner to Intermediate
Best For: Learning and progression for both wing foiling and kiteboarding
Typical Wind: 15-25 knots, afternoon WNW thermal winds
Hazards:
- Very shallow water at low tide makes foiling impossible
- Mudflats and soft bottom (difficult walking)
- Limited deep water at extreme low tides
- Some boat traffic from nearby harbor
- Gusty winds in certain conditions
Amenities:
- Free parking lot (fills quickly on windy days)
- Restrooms and outdoor showers
- Wide beach launch
- Grassy rigging areas
- Nearby restaurants
Notes: One of the Bay Area’s premiere learning locations due to consistent winds, relatively flat water, and extensive shallow areas. Ideal for wing foiling progression during medium to high tides. Highly recommended for supervised instruction but requires tide awareness for independent sessions.
Oyster Point (South San Francisco)
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Best For: Wing foiling in various conditions, kiteboarding
Typical Wind: 15-22 knots, afternoon W/WNW thermal winds
Hazards:
- Boat traffic from adjacent marina
- Deep water close to shore
- Strong currents during tide changes
- Limited beach area at high tide
- Wind shadow near launch in some conditions
Amenities:
- Large parking lot
- Restrooms and changing area
- Small beach launch
- Picnic areas
- Harbor facilities
Notes: Offers diverse riding conditions with relatively consistent wind but requires more experience due to deeper water and boat traffic. Popular with wing foilers seeking longer rides and downwinder options to Coyote Point.
Alameda
Robert Crown Memorial State Beach
Difficulty Rating: Beginner to Intermediate
Best For: Learning wing foiling, kiteboarding progression
Typical Wind: 12-20 knots, afternoon WSW winds
Hazards:
- Crowded beach during summer weekends
- Designated swim areas must be avoided
- Some shallow areas at extreme low tides
- Wind shadow near shore in certain conditions
- Limited rescue options far offshore
Amenities:
- Multiple parking lots (metered)
- Restrooms and changing facilities
- Wide sandy beach
- Grassy rigging areas
- Nearby food options
Notes: Excellent learning location with forgiving conditions, particularly during weekdays when less crowded. The gradual depth change and relatively consistent winds make it ideal for wing foil progression. Water tends to be slightly warmer than other Bay locations.
Shoreline Park (Emeryville/Oakland)
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Best For: Wing foiling, light wind kiteboarding
Typical Wind: 12-18 knots, afternoon WSW thermal winds
Hazards:
- Limited launch/landing areas
- Some underwater obstacles
- Deep water access
- Significant currents during strong tides
- Limited visibility from shore in some areas
Amenities:
- Small parking areas
- Limited restroom facilities
- Small beach access points
- Some picnic areas
- Walking paths
Notes: Less crowded than many Bay locations but requires more self-sufficiency due to limited facilities and rescue options. Offers good wing foiling conditions during moderate winds but not ideal for beginners riding independently.
North Bay
Larkspur Landing
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate to Advanced
Best For: Experienced wing foilers, kiteboarding in specific conditions
Typical Wind: 15-22 knots, afternoon WSW thermal winds
Hazards:
- Ferry traffic requires constant vigilance
- Strong currents during tide changes
- Limited launch/landing area
- Deep water close to shore
- Significant wind shadow areas
Amenities:
- Limited parking (shared with ferry terminal)
- No dedicated restrooms for water users
- Small beach launch
- Nearby shopping center amenities
- Ferry terminal
Notes: Only suitable for experienced riders due to ferry traffic and strong currents. Offers excellent wing foiling during specific tide/wind combinations but requires significant local knowledge. Not recommended for independent sessions without prior guided experience at this location.
Keller Beach (Richmond)
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Best For: Wing foiling in more protected conditions
Typical Wind: 12-18 knots, afternoon WSW winds
Hazards:
- Rocky areas especially at low tide
- Limited launch/landing zone
- Some boat traffic
- Currents along deeper channels
- Variable wind quality
Amenities:
- Small parking lot (fills quickly)
- Restrooms
- Small beach area
- Picnic tables
- Park setting
Notes: Provides more protected conditions than many Bay locations but limited space restricts capacity. Best for wing foiling during medium tide levels when more beach area is available. Not ideal for kiteboarding due to space constraints and nearby obstacles.
Ocean Access
Ocean Beach
Difficulty Rating: Expert Only
Best For: Advanced wave riding for experienced ocean wing foilers and kiteboarders
Typical Wind: Variable 15-30+ knots, primarily NW
Hazards:
- Powerful shore break
- Strong rip currents
- Significant ocean swell
- Extreme cold water
- Fog and rapidly changing conditions
- Limited visibility from shore in fog conditions
- Great white shark habitat
Amenities:
- Multiple parking areas along Great Highway
- Restrooms at key access points
- Extensive beach
- Nearby cafes at north end
- Emergency services awareness of water use
Notes: EXTREME CAUTION ADVISED. Ocean Beach is infamous for dangerous conditions and should never be attempted by intermediate riders. Even experts should use buddy systems and never ride alone. Serious injuries and fatalities have occurred. Not recommended without extensive ocean experience and local knowledge.
Crissy Field Wave (Outside the Gate)
Difficulty Rating: Expert Only
Best For: Advanced wave riding wing foiling and kiteboarding
Typical Wind: 18-30+ knots, variable
Hazards:
- Powerful tidal currents and rips
- Cold water conditions
- Shipping lane proximity
- Potentially large swell
- Fog and visibility issues
- Limited rescue options
- Great white shark habitat
Amenities:
- Same as Crissy Field inner beach
- Emergency response awareness of the area
- Partial view from shore for safety observers
Notes: EXTREME CAUTION ADVISED. Riding “outside” requires exceptional skill and should only be attempted by expert riders with substantial local knowledge. Dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions can develop rapidly. Always use buddy system and carry safety equipment including emergency communication devices.
Safety Reminders
- Never ride alone at new or challenging locations
- Check tide charts before planning sessions
- Understand local wind patterns and daily cycles
- Maintain appropriate safety equipment including impact vest, helmet for learning/shallow water, whistle, and knife
- Respect other water users including swimmers, paddleboarders, and sailors
- Know your limits and stay within them
- Monitor changing conditions throughout your session
- Inform someone of your riding location and expected return time
- Carry a phone in a waterproof case for emergencies when possible
- Consider taking advanced safety courses including first aid and water rescue
Learning Progression Recommendation
SF Wing Foil Academy strongly recommends progressing through supervised instruction before attempting independent sessions at most San Francisco Bay locations. The combination of strong winds, powerful tides, boat traffic, and cold water creates challenging conditions even at “beginner-friendly” spots.
Consider building skills through our structured lesson progression before venturing out independently. Our certified instructors can provide location-specific guidance and supervised sessions at appropriate spots based on your skill level and the day’s conditions.
Remember that this guide is informational only and conditions change frequently. All riders are responsible for their own safety assessment and decisions.
