Moolack, Oregon (USA)
Moolack delivers consistent Pacific Northwest wind—150 days a year—but demands respect for cold water, heavy swell, and a rocky launch. Intermediate skills required.
- 11.8kts
- Average wind
- 150
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- NNW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Seattle / Tacoma International, WA
- Coordinates
- 44.7042, -124.0618
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
39%
rideable
15.1 kts
Feb
35%
rideable
16.9 kts
Mar
45%
rideable
16.1 kts
Apr
47%
rideable
14.3 kts
May
42%
rideable
13.8 kts
Jun
57%
rideable
14.8 kts
Jul
66%
rideable
14.8 kts
Aug
31%
rideable
13.7 kts
Sep
28%
rideable
13.5 kts
Oct
21%
rideable
15.8 kts
Nov
33%
rideable
17.8 kts
Dec
47%
rideable
17 kts
Best wind directions
- NNW
- SSW
- S
- SW
- ESE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with strong Pacific swells and unpredictable wave patterns
- Cold water temperatures and hypothermia risk year-round
- Rocks and reef hazards along the Oregon coast requiring careful launch/landing zones
- Strong rip currents common in Pacific Northwest coastal areas
What that means for you
- Reef booties recommended at low tide
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
Amenities
- Nearby beach access and parking at Moolack Beach
- Local shops and accommodations in Newport, Oregon (15 minutes away)
- Restroom facilities at the beach
Local tips
With 149.5 windy days annually, conditions are highly consistent but check swell forecasts before sessions. Winter months (Nov-Feb) and summer (Jun-Aug) offer the most reliable wind windows.
Launch & beach
Launch from sandy areas during lower tide to avoid rocky sections and minimize chop exposure. Primary winds from NNW and SSW work best; avoid ESE winds which can create confused swell patterns.
Local etiquette
Respect the local beach community and stay clear of swimming areas. Coordinate with other water sports users and check local regulations for kite zones.
What to wear
Wear a 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit year-round due to cold Pacific water (50-58°F). Add booties and gloves in winter months for extended comfort.
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
The Experience
Moolack is rare on the US West Coast: predictable wind. Nearly 150 windy days annually means you're not waiting around. The trade-off is real. Cold Pacific water, heavy swell, rocky launch. Locals work it. You'll need solid ocean sense—tides, swell windows, rock navigation—before paddling out.
Wind & Conditions
NNW and SSW winds are consistent year-round. Winter (Nov–Feb) and summer (Jun–Aug) are strongest. Average 11.8 knots keeps you flying without getting worked. ESE winds create confused swell; skip those sessions. Check forecasts before you go—don't show up hoping. Low tide is your launch window. The sandy zones open up then; high tide means threading rocks on entry and exit.
Water & Hazards
Cold water year-round. 5/4 wetsuit minimum in summer, 6/5 in winter. Swell is constant but choppy. Rip currents run along this coast—know how to read them. Rocks scatter the approach and launch zone. Some swell gets broken up by the reef; others turn it into a minefield. Don't walk the reef zones.
Who Should Go
Intermediate kiters comfortable in ocean conditions. If you're already in Newport, this works. If you're flying in specifically for this spot, California has better options. You're here because you're local or chasing reliable Pacific wind without the crowds.
Logistics
Newport is 15 minutes away. Moolack Beach has parking and restrooms. No rental shops or kite scene—stock supplies in Newport first. Tide tables aren't optional; they dictate your session window. Winter delivers more consistent wind. Summer has flatter days but less swell.