Road's End, Oregon (USA)
Road's End demands ocean awareness—cross-shore wind, Pacific swell, and reef hazards that aren't forgiving. Winter works if you can read conditions.
- 11.2kts
- Average wind
- 89
- Windy days / year
- 13:00–16:00
- Peak wind hours
- S
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Seattle / Tacoma International, WA
- Coordinates
- 45.0079, -124.0097
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
35%
rideable
14.9 kts
Feb
33%
rideable
16.3 kts
Mar
42%
rideable
15.7 kts
Apr
20%
rideable
14.5 kts
May
15%
rideable
13.2 kts
Jun
18%
rideable
14.1 kts
Jul
18%
rideable
12.7 kts
Aug
5%
rideable
13.2 kts
Sep
3%
rideable
15.1 kts
Oct
21%
rideable
15.4 kts
Nov
35%
rideable
16.9 kts
Dec
45%
rideable
16.5 kts
Best wind directions
- S
- SSW
- NNW
- SW
- E
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with strong currents common to the Oregon coast
- Rocky outcrops and reef hazards typical of this rugged coastline
- Cold water temperatures year-round increasing hypothermia risk
- Variable wind gusts from multiple directions creating unpredictable conditions
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 town of Cannon Beach with restaurants and shops
- Parking areas accessible from Highway 101
- Local kitesurfing community and potential rentals in surrounding area
Local tips
December through March offers the most consistent winds with 88+ windy days annually. Check tide and swell forecasts before sessions as conditions vary significantly with ocean state.
Launch & beach
Launch from the beach during S, SSW, or SW winds for optimal conditions. The choppy ocean state requires careful entry and exit timing; scout conditions before committing.
Local etiquette
Respect other beach users and local kiters; this is a shared recreational area. Maintain proper spacing and follow standard right-of-way rules when multiple riders are present.
What to wear
Wear a 4/3mm or 5/4mm winter wetsuit year-round due to cold Pacific waters (typically 45-55°F). Hood and booties are essential, especially during peak winter months.
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
Road's End is raw. You're launching into genuine ocean conditions on the Oregon coast—reef, strong currents, and entry/exit windows that require timing. The beach break transitions into rocky outcrops; you can't paddle out casually. This spot teaches current awareness and wave management fast. Intermediate riders who respect the ocean belong here. Beginners don't.
Wind & Conditions
Winter (December–March) is the window. You're looking at S, SSW, and SW winds averaging 11.2 knots, but gusts are erratic thanks to coastal topography. Wind shifts between directions—this separates riders who adapt from riders who muscle through. The tradeoff: wind and swell line up most consistently in winter, but unpredictability is part of the deal. Check forecasts and tide tables before you go.
Water & Hazards
Cold year-round. 5/4 wetsuit minimum in winter; anything thinner adds real hypothermia risk. Currents are strong and consistent with this coastline—learn to navigate them, don't fight them. Pacific swell means genuine chop. Reef exists; ride around it, not over it.
Who It's For
Intermediate ocean-aware riders with solid relaunch skills. You need to read conditions independently. Advanced riders will find it engaging but not technical compared to spots further south.
Access & Scene
Highway 101 access, parking available. Nearby Canyon Beach has food and rentals. Local kitesurfing community exists here but it's not crowded. Functional, no hype.