San Diego has a lot to offer for a kitesurfer or windsurfer. With miles of vast beaches, calm bays, year-round warm water, and sweet Southern California breezes, San Diego is a paradise for surfers of all kinds. Small gentle waves and swells, let advanced riders practice jumps, loops, and turns. The wind season in San Diego generally runs from March to October with peak times in the spring and fall. Northwest wind has a strength of 12-16 knots. Occasional south wind can reach 24 knots. June and July can be rather breathless in San Diego.
There are many kitesurfing schools and rentals in San Diego, which makes it easy for a beginner. They are concentrated in the popular kitesurf spots such as Silver Strand State Beach, along San Diego Bay, and Mission Bay Park. The latter has 27 mi (43 km) of shoreline, in particular, South Mission Beach, Dog Beach, Sail Bay, Enchanted Cove, and a dedicated Mission Bay Park’s Kite Beach. Another popular spot is Pacific Beach. Tourmaline Surfing Park at North Pacific Beach’s northern end offers many amenities for kite- and windsurfers. Fiesta Island (Mission Bay Park) and Coronado Shores (San Diego Bay) also fly kites during the windy days.
The bays of San Diego often get covered with sails. The local windsurfer community is huge and includes freestylers and wave riders. The bays of Oceanside Harbor, Mission Bay Park, and San Diego Harbor offer dozens of rentals schools. Tourmaline Surfing Park is an excellent place to start due to its gentle slow waves.
Practical info
When is the best season for windsurfing and kitesurfing in San Diego?
The season that provides great kitesurfing and windsurfing opportunities in San Diego is generally from March to October, with the peak times being in the fall and spring. San Diego has favorable weather conditions, including year-round warm water and gentle Southern California sea breeze suitable for every surfer. Show more
Where are the most popular kitesurfing spots in San Diego?
Silver Strand State Beach, Mission Bay Park, Pacific Beach, Fiesta Island, Coronado Shores and Tourmaline Surfing Park are some of the popular kitesurfing locations in San Diego. These destinations are widely known for their excellent conditions, making them a preferred spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers alike. Show more
What is the strength of the wind in San Diego during the peak season?
San Diego’s peak wind season is usually during spring and fall, where the northwest wind reaches a strength of 12-16 knots. However, occasional south wind can reach up to 24 knots. The city can be relatively calm during the months of June and July. Show more
Are there many kitesurfing and windsurfing schools in San Diego?
Several kitesurfing and windsurfing schools exist in San Diego, making it seamless for beginners to get started. The schools' concentration is mainly in the popular areas, such as Silver Strand State Beach, Mission Bay Park, Pacific Beach, Coronado Shores, and San Diego Bay. Several rental school options spanning across bays of Oceanside Harbor, Mission Bay Park, and San Diego Harbor are ideal for both kitesurfing and windsurfing. Show more
Which beach is recommended for beginners in San Diego?
Mission Bay Park is an ideal place worth considering for beginners due to calm bays and gentle slow waves. You can learn kitesurfing and windsurfing at several beginner-friendly riding areas, including Mission Bay Park’s Kite Beach, South Mission Beach, Sail Bay, Enchanted Cove, and Dog Beach. This picturesque location offers a great opportunity for beginners to hone their skills. Show more
