California’s extensive coastline offers some of the world’s premier locations for wind sports enthusiasts. From the consistent summer winds of the San Francisco Bay to the warm waters of Southern California, the state provides diverse conditions for wingfoiling, windsurfing, and kiteboarding throughout the year. This guide explores the state’s top spots and their optimal seasons.
Northern California
San Francisco Bay Area
Sherman Island (Sacramento Delta)
- Best Season: Late spring through early fall (May-September)
- Typical Conditions: Steady thermal winds 15-25+ knots, flat water
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Notes: One of the most reliable summer wind spots in California. The Delta’s thermal effect creates consistent afternoon winds. Shallow areas for beginners, deep water channels for advanced riders.
Crissy Field (San Francisco)
- Best Season: Late spring through early fall (May-September)
- Typical Conditions: Strong winds 15-30+ knots, choppy water, currents
- Level: Advanced to expert
- Notes: World-famous location with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge backdrop. Strong tidal currents demand experience. Best at medium to high tide.
3rd Avenue/Coyote Point (San Mateo)
- Best Season: Late spring through early fall (May-September)
- Typical Conditions: 15-25 knots, flat to choppy water
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- Notes: Popular teaching spot with a large shallow area at low tide. More protected than Crissy Field with generally steadier winds.
Crown Beach (Alameda)
- Best Season: Summer (June-August)
- Typical Conditions: 10-20 knots, flat to choppy water
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Notes: Shallow water and generally milder winds make this an excellent learning spot. Beach access can be limited at high tide.
Waddell Creek (Santa Cruz County)
- Best Season: Spring and summer (April-September)
- Typical Conditions: 15-25+ knots, waves
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Notes: Beautiful beach break with side-shore winds. Offers both waves and an inside lagoon area depending on sand conditions.
Central California
Pismo Beach
- Best Season: Spring and summer (April-September)
- Typical Conditions: 15-25 knots, small to medium waves
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- Notes: Wide beach with plenty of space. More consistent winds than many Central Coast spots.
Jalama Beach (Lompoc)
- Best Season: Spring and summer (April-September)
- Typical Conditions: 15-25+ knots, waves
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Notes: Remote location with consistent northwest winds. Can be challenging with strong side-shore conditions.
Morro Bay
- Best Season: Summer (June-August)
- Typical Conditions: 15-20 knots, flat water in the bay, waves outside
- Level: All levels
- Notes: Offers both protected bay riding and ocean wave sessions. The iconic Morro Rock creates interesting wind patterns.
Southern California
Belmont Shore (Long Beach)
- Best Season: Spring through fall (March-October)
- Typical Conditions: 10-18 knots, flat to choppy water
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Notes: Protected waters make this an excellent learning spot. Breakwater provides flat water conditions.
Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro)
- Best Season: Spring through fall (March-October)
- Typical Conditions: 10-20 knots, flat to choppy water
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Notes: Two distinct sides – protected harbor side for beginners and ocean side for more advanced riders.
Silver Strand (Oxnard)
- Best Season: Spring and summer (April-September)
- Typical Conditions: 15-22 knots, waves
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Notes: Excellent wave riding spot with consistent side-onshore winds.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea (San Diego County)
- Best Season: Spring and summer (April-September)
- Typical Conditions: 10-18 knots, waves
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Notes: Good wave spot when conditions align, but winds can be less consistent than Northern California locations.
Mission Bay (San Diego)
- Best Season: Spring through fall (March-October)
- Typical Conditions: 8-15 knots, flat water
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Notes: Protected flat water excellent for learning and practicing. Generally lighter winds than Bay Area spots.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May)
- Northwest winds begin to establish
- Can be inconsistent with lingering winter weather patterns
- Good time for Southern California spots as summer approaches
Summer (June-August)
- Most reliable season throughout California
- Northern California consistently experiences strong thermal winds
- Southern California benefits from more consistent sea breezes
Fall (September-November)
- Early fall can provide excellent conditions statewide
- Northern California winds begin to taper in October
- Santa Ana wind events in Southern California can create offshore conditions (not ideal)
Winter (December-February)
- Least consistent season for wind sports
- Storm systems can bring strong but gusty winds
- Southern California spots more likely to have rideable days than Northern California
Essential Considerations
Safety First: Always check local regulations, hazards, and weather conditions before riding. Many locations require permits or have specific rules.
Wind Forecasting Resources:
- iKitesurf.com
- Windy.com
- WindAlert
- Local webcams and weather stations
Tides and Currents: California’s coastal spots are significantly affected by tides. Research how tides impact your chosen location.
Crowds: Popular spots can get extremely crowded during peak season weekends. Consider weekday sessions or less-known locations when possible.
Water Temperature: Northern California waters remain cold year-round (50-60°F), requiring full wetsuits. Southern California waters range from mid-50s in winter to low-70s in summer.
Whether you’re looking for consistent strong winds, butter-flat water, perfect waves, or a combination of these conditions, California’s diverse coastline offers world-class opportunities for wingfoiling, windsurfing, and kiteboarding throughout most of the year.
