Where Wind Seekers Belong
The Oregon Coast holds plenty of adventure, but locals know there’s one secret that sets it apart: this is a world-class playground for windsports. From steady summer thermals to wide-open stretches of sand and surf, the Oregon Coast serves up conditions that rival the planet’s most iconic spots without the crowds. Of course, it helps to know where to launch, when the wind shows up, and how to make the most of it. That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re chasing your first wave or your next big session, windsports unlock a whole new way to experience the Oregon Coast like a local.
Why wind?
Around the world, the best windsport spots are often packed. On the Oregon Coast, you’ll often have the breeze and the beach all to yourself. Thanks to the North Pacific High, steady northerlies set up all summer long, perfect for cruising and progression. Come winter, the system shifts and storm-driven southerlies roll in, turning the Coast into an untamed playground for those who chase wind year-round.
Windsurfing? Kiteboarding? Wingfoiling? Do it all!
From north to south, the Oregon Coast has the wind and water to match whatever you ride. The launches listed below are the well-known access points, but they’re only part of the story. With steady thermals, open beaches, and endless stretches of coastline, this is still very much the wild west of windsports. New gems are being discovered every season, particularly for wingfoilers. Bring your gear, bring your curiosity, and know that exploration is part of the experience.
Know Before You Go
A little local intel goes a long way toward keeping your session safe—and fun. Here’s what wind riders who call the Coast home want you to know before you launch:
- Check the forecast. Conditions change fast on the Coast. Always look at wind and wave forecasts before heading out (resources below). In the summer, forecasts are generally accurate two to three days out. Winter southerly winds, however, are a wild card, and the wind can crank or shut off with little notice.
- Dress for the water, not the air. You can sometimes get away with a 4/3 in summer, but most of the year you’ll want a 5/4 wetsuit. The water can be quite cold even in August. Booties, a hood, and gloves may be essential in winter.
- Know your tides. The tide comes in quickly here. If you leave gear or bags on the sand, be sure they’re above the high-tide line.
- Watch for hazards. Logs and driftwood in the surf zone are common, especially after storms. Keep an eye out for them.
- Respect wildlife. Some beaches are nesting grounds for the western snowy plover and have seasonal closures. Launch only in designated areas and heed local restrictions.
- Parking passes. Many coastal access points require an Oregon State Parks pass, Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, or a day-use fee. Check signage at each site so you’re covered.
Want more wind? Head south. In summer, conditions generally get stronger as you move down the coast. If your current spot is too strong or light, drive 30 minutes north or south to find the perfect session.
North Coast
Fort Stevens, Astoria
Best for: Kiteboarding, windsurfing
Level: Beginner to advanced
Sailable directions: North and south
Locals often call this spot Shipwreck, thanks to the iconic launch near the Peter Iredale wreck. On sunny, windy days, you’ll also find riders at Lot B, where the wide-open beach and steady winds make it easy to get on the water. Both launches provide plenty of space to spread out, making it a great spot for beginners and advanced riders alike.
Downwinders are a favorite here. You can take a short run from Lot B to the Peter Iredale, or stretch your session all the way to Surf Pines. Just be sure to go with a buddy, have a safety plan, and keep an eye on other riders.
Most of the time, Fort Stevens is dominated by kiteboarders and windsurfers. Advanced wingfoilers may also enjoy downwinders if they can navigate past the break, but otherwise, the spot is best suited for kiting and windsurfing.
Manzanita
Best for: Kiteboarding, windsurfing
Level: Beginner to advanced
Sailable directions: North and south
Once a well-known windsurfing spot, Manzanita has evolved into a go-to launch for kiteboarders thanks to its wide sandy beach and reliable summer northerlies. The long stretch of coast offers plenty of room to spread out, and on the best days, you’ll see several kites against the backdrop of Neahkahnie Mountain. Windsurfers still find fun here, but it’s the kiters who’ve made Manzanita their home base.
Finding the launch is easy. Drive through the center of town until you hit the beach. The wind can clean up quite a bit the further south you go, so if it is a busier day, don’t be afraid to ride a bit downwind to find some wide open space. The swell here can vary, and on smaller days, this can be an excellent spot for beginner ocean riders.
Winging is challenging here due to shallow water, side-onshore wind, and a strong cross current. Most of the time, this spot is sailed on northerly summer winds, but it can be a good launch for more experienced riders chasing southerly winter storms.
Oceanside
Best for: Windsurfing
Level: Advanced
Sailable directions: North
Oceanside is a hidden gem for windsurfing, quietly tucked away and often overlooked by the crowds. While you can technically kite or wing here, the gusty conditions and strong cross current make it less than ideal for those sports. For windsurfers, though, a day with good swell and steady wind turns Oceanside into one of the premier spots on the Oregon Coast, and arguably the best on the northern coast.
Part of the charm is its quiet, untouched feel. While you’ll often have the beach to yourself, on truly epic days you might find yourself sailing alongside pros using the waves as ramps for huge jumps. With fewer visitors, long stretches of sand, and a powerful wind-swell combination, Oceanside is an absolute treat for those who make the trek.
As you enter town, look for a parking lot on your right side. It is called Symons State Scenic Viewpoint. The access to the launch is right across the street. It is a steep trek down to the sand, and hauling your gear down can be a workout, but it’s worth it. Check tides before you go because high tide can limit beach access.
Central Coast
Roads End, Lincoln City
Best for: Kiteboarding, windsurfing
Level: Beginner to advanced
Sailable directions: North and south
At the north end of Lincoln City lies Roads End State Recreation Site, a long stretch of beach that feels worlds away from the city crowds. The walk down to the beach is short and partially paved. This spot is mainly suited for kiteboarding and windsurfing, with steady northerly winds providing fun conditions for intermediate and advanced riders.
Depending on the swell, you can have a mellow day with knee-high waves, or it can get overhead on the outside on a bigger day. The wind will usually pick up as soon as the morning fog burns off, so this is a spot you can sometimes hit earlier in the day. Waves can get messy later in the day when the wind is strong, so timing matters.
For wingfoilers, this is an advanced spot and is best on high tide in the summer, when the water is deeper and waves are more manageable. Otherwise, getting out past the break can be tricky.
South Jetty, Newport
Best for: Kiteboarding, windsurfing
Level: Beginner to advanced
Sailable directions: North
The Newport South Jetty offers a versatile playground for kiteboarders and windsurfers. Drive south on 101 over the Newport bridge. You can access the water either from the jetty itself or from South Beach State Park. Just follow the state park signs to the day use area which has a nice grassy rigging area, outside running water and a restroom, while the jetty launch requires a quick trek up and over the dunes.
Sailing close to the rock jetty can produce smaller, more manageable waves, perfect for less experienced riders. Head further south and you’ll find bigger, more challenging surf. When conditions are right, the South Jetty offers some of the best down-the-line sailing on the Oregon Coast, with clean waves that make for epic runs.
This spot can be unreliable, and if the fog has moved inland off the ocean, it can shut down the wind pretty quickly. Don’t write this spot off till late in the day. Often, the wind here won’t come up till much later than expected, and you can get a surprise session even if the morning was quite calm. If the swell is on the small side and the tide is high, this can be a great spot for experienced wingfoilers.
South Jetty, Florence
Best for: Kiteboarding, windsurfing, wingfoiling
Level: Beginner to advanced
Sailable directions: North and south
South Jetty in Florence is one of the windier spots along the central coast before you head further south. On smaller days, it’s an ideal place for your first ocean session, making it beginner-friendly, while more experienced riders will enjoy the steady conditions for kiting, windsurfing, or wingfoiling.
This spot tends to come up later in the day, so if you’ve been sailing elsewhere, you can finish your session here with a perfect sunset session. The jetty is just south of Florence on 101. After crossing the bridge, turn right onto South Jetty Road and follow it all the way to the end.
Just before you reach the end of South Jetty Road, keep an eye out for a small cove on the right along the Siuslaw River. This hidden gem can be an epic wingfoiling spot. You may need to paddle out a bit to reach the wind, but it’s worth it when the rollers are coming in. The water gets deep quickly, and the wind can be very steady.
Southern Coast
Whiskey Run Beach, Bandon
Best for: Kiteboarding, windsurfing
Level: Beginner to advanced
Sailable directions: North and south
As you’re driving south, just before you reach Bandon, turn off onto Seven Devils Road and follow the signs to Whiskey Run. If you have a 4×4, you can drive right onto the beach to rig your gear, which most locals do. If not, it’s just a short walk to the beach.
This wide-open stretch of sand offers plenty of room to spread out, and depending on the day, you might have it entirely to yourself or find a few other kiters and windsurfers sharing the waves. Whiskey Run works well on both northerly and southerly winds, making it versatile for summer and winter sessions. The long, open beach is perfect for cruisy wave riding, especially if you’re doing downwinders.
If you have a buddy with a 4×4, you can shuttle cars down the beach for downwind runs. The ability to lap the beach over and over, driving up and down on the sand, is what makes this spot truly unique. Just be mindful of the tide line when parking and watch for driftwood and other hazards.
Face Rock, Bandon
Best for: Wingfoiling, kiteboarding
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Sailable directions: North
Face Rock has seen a resurgence as a killer wingfoiling spot after years of being mostly overlooked. Located at the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon on the south side of town along Beach Loop Road, the parking for the launch sits up on a bluff. Facing the ocean, the stairs to the launch are on your left. Once down at the water, you’ll find some large rocks, but between them, there’s a sheltered channel with a rip that carries you quickly out to the ocean, allowing you to ride swell after swell. This is definitely an advanced spot, but for wingfoilers, it’s hard to beat the fun and consistent rollers and waves alongside other experienced riders.
Kiteboarders should head about a half mile south, where there’s a parking lot on the left and beach access on the right. The wind can be a bit turbulent due to the rocks, but it can also make for excellent sailing conditions on the right day. The wind here is often lighter than a bit further south.
Floras Lake, Langlois
Best for: Kiteboarding, windsurfing, wingfoiling
Level: Never ever to advanced
Sailable directions: North
Tucked just over the dunes from the ocean, Floras Lake is the best spot on the Southern Oregon Coast for windsports. Freshwater flat water makes it perfect for absolute beginners, building confidence for intermediate riders, or dialing in tricks for the pros. Come for the conditions, stay for the community. This is one of those spots that feels like it was made for people who live for wind. Book a night at the campground to find new friends and make the most of your time here.
For beginners, the north end of the lake is a playground. Water here is often waist-deep, so losing your board isn’t the end of the world. You can just stand up and walk over to it. When you’re ready to send bigger jumps, head toward the deeper middle of the lake. Drift too far downwind? No problem, you can walk up the west side. Floras Lake Windsports School is on the east side of the lake and offers jet ski–assisted lessons for kiters, wingers, and even windsurfers.
Getting to the water is easy. Start at the Boice Cope Park boat ramp, cross the bridge, and make your way to the lake’s north end. Most people rig at the corner for extra space, but any spot along the top works. This spot is predominantly enjoyed on northerly winds.
Paradise Point, Port Orford
Best for: Kiteboarding, windsurfing, wingfoiling
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Sailable directions: North
Just before the bridge on Highway 101 as you roll into Port Orford, is Paradise Point. This isn’t a spot you plan your whole trip around, but it’s one of those hidden gems that can deliver wind when other nearby spots fall flat. The wind often accelerates around Cape Blanco, giving riders an unexpected session when conditions elsewhere are quiet. Not windy enough at Floras Lake? Give Paradise a try.
The beach can be challenging for wingers as the shore break is sometimes pretty intense. However, on smaller days, the water gets deep fast, making it easy to wingfoil the rollers. Kiteboarding here is a bit of a wildcard. Conditions can swing from gusty and challenging to perfectly smooth. It just depends on the day. The dune along the shore can even provide a little extra lift when the wind hits just right.
Parking is on the bluff, with a short walk down to the beach. You can drive a 4×4 down to the sand, but the soft surface demands caution. When the wind’s on, Paradise Point can really deliver a fun session that feels a little like your own private playground.
Pistol River, Gold Beach
Best for: Kiteboarding, windsurfing
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Sailable directions: North
If there’s one internationally recognized windsports spot on the Oregon Coast, it’s Pistol River. Known for hosting national and international windsurfing competitions, this stretch of beach has earned its reputation, but thanks to its remoteness from major airports and cities, it stays surprisingly uncrowded.
On the windiest days, you’ll likely find more windsurfers here than anywhere else along the coast, with kiters also making the trek to chase strong, steady wind. The combination of powerful wind and waves makes it a playground for advanced riders. At high tide and on smaller swell days, the conditions can be suitable even for wingfoilers.
There are three main launches along the beach, with the northernmost spot locally known as The Rock. If you have a buddy and can shuttle cars, you can launch at one spot and ride downwind to another. Keep in mind, getting to the beach requires a short trek over the dunes with your gear, but the session that follows is usually well worth the effort.
Forecasting
On the Oregon Coast, predicting the wind at each spot isn’t an exact science. Sometimes you’re squinting at readings from a meter miles away, and other times the only way to know for sure is to stand on the beach and feel it for yourself. That said, a few trusted tools can help you stack the odds in your favor:
- Windsurf Oregon –windsurforegon.com
Free daily forecasts broken into north, central, and south coast zones. Straightforward, reliable, and widely used by locals. - iKitesurf / iWindsurf – wx.ikitesurf.com
Offers pro forecasts in summer and access to exclusive sensors placed along the coast, giving paid subscribers real-time wind readings you won’t find elsewhere. - Victor the Inflictor – victortheinflictor.com
Gorge-based forecaster who also posts daily Oregon Coast forecasts in summer, often including photos of spots on the Coast.
Resources
Looking to learn, level up, or discover the best-kept local launches? These trusted schools and instructors can help you make the most of the Oregon Coast:
- Floras Lake Windsports School (Langlois) – The longest-running instruction hub, offering kiteboarding and windsurfing lessons on beginner-friendly Floras Lake, with jet ski support to speed up the learning curve.
- Michaela Pilkenton – A pro rider and advanced coach who works with experienced kiters. Michaela also offers guided day trips, helping visiting riders unlock hidden spots and chase the best conditions along the Coast.
- Adrenajen (Jen) – A longtime Oregon Coast kiteboarder and instructor with deep local knowledge. Jen specializes in ocean lessons, helping kiters build confidence in surf, swell, and the unpredictable conditions that make this coastline legendary.
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