Manzanita, Oregon (USA)
Manzanita lights up Nov–Mar when Pacific storms roll through. Expect 75 windy days yearly, choppy water, and conditions that separate intermediate riders from tourists.
- 11kts
- Average wind
- 75
- Windy days / year
- 13:00–16:00
- Peak wind hours
- S
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Seattle / Tacoma International, WA
- Coordinates
- 45.7196, -123.9417
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
29%
rideable
15.2 kts
Feb
32%
rideable
16.2 kts
Mar
34%
rideable
16.2 kts
Apr
18%
rideable
14.8 kts
May
10%
rideable
12.9 kts
Jun
13%
rideable
14.1 kts
Jul
5%
rideable
12.3 kts
Aug
5%
rideable
13.7 kts
Sep
3%
rideable
13.9 kts
Oct
19%
rideable
15.3 kts
Nov
32%
rideable
17.7 kts
Dec
47%
rideable
16.8 kts
Best wind directions
- S
- SSW
- SW
- NNW
- WSW
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions and strong currents require experience navigating variable wave patterns
- Rocky outcrops and shallow areas near shore demand careful launch and landing zones
- Cold Pacific water and unpredictable weather changes are common year-round
What that means for you
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Small beach town with cafes, restaurants, and basic shops in downtown Manzanita
- Public beach access and parking areas near the launch zone
- Local accommodations including hotels and vacation rentals
Local tips
Best winds occur during winter storms and spring transitions; always check tide charts and local forecasts before heading out, as conditions can deteriorate quickly.
Launch & beach
The choppy ocean requires launching from sandy beach areas during calm tide periods; southerly and westerly winds provide the most consistent conditions for smooth launches from the shore.
Local etiquette
Respect swimmer and surfer zones, particularly during summer when beach traffic increases; communicate with other kiters about preferred wind windows to avoid congestion.
What to wear
A 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit is essential year-round due to cold Pacific temperatures (45-55°F); gloves and boots are recommended for winter months (Nov-Feb).
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 3/2 mm full wetsuit.
- On land
- Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
Wind & Conditions
Manzanita works November through March. You get roughly 75 windy days per year—mostly solid winter storm season, some spring transitions. Southerly and southwesterly winds are cleanest; northwest stuff is choppy and variable. At 11 knots average, this isn't consistent. You'll string together good sessions with dead spells in between. Forecasts matter obsessively—conditions collapse fast. Morning promise doesn't guarantee afternoon wind.
The Water
Pacific here is cold and rough. Rocky outcrops near shore mean your launch and landing zones demand precision. Strong currents shift with tide—you can't just point downwind. You need to know where the rocks are and read tidal movement. Water temperature requires hood and booties year-round. The chop isn't forgiving, and that's the point. It filters out people who don't pay attention.
Who It's For
Intermediate minimum. You need solid edge control, comfort in variable conditions, and self-rescue capability if the wind dies near rocks. This isn't a learning spot. Come here when you already kite solid and want sessions with real demand. If you're local to the Pacific Northwest or road-tripping the coast, check it. Flying specifically here? Easier options exist elsewhere.
Getting Dialed
Check tide charts before every session. Launch during slack tide from sandy zones, avoid rock areas. Bring extra layers—water pulls heat fast, air stays cool. Know your exit strategy and where currents push you. Winter storms bring best wind but flip moods quickly; sessions get shut down fast. Local knowledge isn't optional—conditions don't forgive guessing.