Nehalem Bay State Park, Oregon (USA)
Nehalem Bay offers protected winter riding, but sandbars shift with the tide—know the schedule or lose your session to ankle water.
- 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
- 45.6684, -123.9402
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
- Strong currents and rip tides common in bay mouth transitions
- Choppy ocean swell creates unpredictable wave conditions
- Shallow sandbars shift seasonally, creating snag hazards
- Cold water temperatures increase hypothermia risk year-round
What that means for you
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Nehalem Bay State Park facilities with parking and restrooms
- Nearby Manzanita village with shops, food, and accommodations
- Beach access via park day-use areas with picnic facilities
Local tips
December-March offers the best wind window with 75 windy days annually. Plan launches around tidal cycles as bay conditions vary significantly between high and low tide.
Launch & beach
Launch from protected bay areas on SSW-SW winds to avoid strong ocean chop. Check tide conditions as shallow sandbars near shore can complicate entries and exits.
Local etiquette
Respect swimmers and other beach users in this state park setting. Share space with windsurfers and maintain awareness of other water sports traffic.
What to wear
Wear 5/4mm winter wetsuits November-March when water temps drop to 48-52°F. A 4/3mm suit works for April-October, though water stays cold year-round on the Oregon coast.
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
Nehalem Bay is a winter working spot on the Oregon coast. You launch from Manzanita—a quiet town with basic amenities and state park access. The bay shields you from direct ocean exposure while funneling consistent offshore wind. No resort infrastructure. No scene. Just water and wind.
Wind & Conditions
Dec–March is the only season. You'll stack 75 windy days across those four months if you're flexible. SSW and SW winds hold you safely in the bay's protected zone. NNW and WSW push you toward the bay mouth where ocean swell collides with bay chop—stay back.
That 11-knot average masks the real range. Winter blows hit 20+ knots and churn the water hard. Glassy days don't happen. Bring mid-size boards and a quiver ready for chop.
Water & Hazards
Cold year-round. Hypothermia is real—wear a hood and gloves. The bay mouth runs strong rip currents. Sandbars shift seasonally and sit shallow. Low tide leaves you wading 100 yards in ankle water before you can launch. High tide changes the whole geometry. Check tide charts before driving. Launch on high or slack tide only.
Stay inside the bay when ocean swell wraps in. The mouth is a grinding transition zone.
Who It's For
Intermediate minimum. You need tidal awareness, current reading, and discipline to recognize when conditions stack against you. Beginners get punished by sandbars and bay mouth transitions. Cold-water comfort and proper gear are non-negotiable.
Logistics
Manzanita has food and basic services. Park access is straightforward. No kite community or crew scene—this spot is transactional. You come for sessions, not for people.