Kiteboarding & Windsurfing in Oregon 2025

During the summer, Oregon Coast has the perfect combination of the waves and the wind for kiteboarders and windsurfers. With average wind between 13 and 22 knots and 4-ft (1.2-m) waves, Oregon's vast beaches are suitable for launching a kite or sailing. The windiest season on Oregon coast lasts from April to October, and wind direction is north. The best swells come in April-June and September-October. Oregon has a variety of surf shops offering lessons and gear for kiteboarding and windsurfing, in particular in Hood River, Fort Stevens State Park, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem Bay State Park, and Floras Lake.

Fort Stevens State Park is the northernmost point of Oregon Coast and one of the most popular kiteboarding spots. A large beach suits for the launch. From the beach, riders can go downwind for about 1-2 hours. Cannon Beach with shallow water is a good place for a beginner. Manzanita is possibly the windiest place on Oregon Coast. The south part of the beach is most suitable to launch a kite. Beautiful Nehalem Bay is another popular spot—so popular that you need a reservation to launch from the beach.

Oregon is famous for its superb windsurfing spots. The Columbia River Gorge from west to east has many locations with surf shops, schools, and other amenities for windsurfers. Hood River is undoubtedly the most famous windsurfing town in Oregon. The crossroads between Columbia and Hood Rivers is a Mecca of water sports: windsurfing, kiteboarding, jet skis, paddleboarding, or kayaking.

Rooster Rock State Park is another excellent spot on Columbia River located in just 30 min drive from Portland. October–November is the prime time to sail here. But beware of ocean tides. Also, Arlington is worth checking for wind sports—it's located a bit further in Columbia River Gorge.

Floras Lake, located in Langlois off Highway 101 in Southern Oregon, is excellent for consistent wind, flat water, camping, and relaxation. There're no tides or currents, so it's an ideal place for beginners. And if you want to move to the open sea, there is a Whiskey Run Beach nearby, located between Seven Devils State Recreation Site and Bullards Beach State Park.