Rockaway Beach, Oregon (USA)
Winter-only Pacific Northwest spot with 63+ windy days annually. Choppy conditions, cold water, and strong currents demand solid intermediate skills and proper prep.
- 10.2kts
- Average wind
- 64
- Windy days / year
- 13:00–16:00
- Peak wind hours
- SSW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Seattle / Tacoma International, WA
- Coordinates
- 45.6147, -123.9455
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
32%
rideable
14.3 kts
Feb
32%
rideable
15.7 kts
Mar
27%
rideable
15.8 kts
Apr
13%
rideable
14.9 kts
May
2%
rideable
14.6 kts
Jun
7%
rideable
14.5 kts
Jul
0%
rideable
Aug
3%
rideable
13.4 kts
Sep
2%
rideable
13.2 kts
Oct
16%
rideable
14.8 kts
Nov
32%
rideable
16.4 kts
Dec
44%
rideable
16 kts
Best wind directions
- SSW
- S
- SW
- WSW
- SSE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with strong currents typical of Oregon coast
- Cold water temperatures increasing hypothermia risk
- Rocky outcrops and shallow areas near shore
- Occasional heavy fog reducing visibility
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
- Parking areas near the beach
- Local cafes and restaurants in nearby Cannon Beach
- Restroom facilities at the beach access points
- Equipment rental shops in the surrounding area
Local tips
Winter months (Nov-Feb) offer the best wind with 63+ windy days annually, but come prepared for Pacific Northwest weather. Check tide conditions before launching as they significantly affect beach access and water state.
Launch & beach
Launch from the sandy beach area, timing your entry during lulls in the choppy conditions. SSW to SW winds are most consistent; watch for offshore wind patterns that can make launching more difficult.
Local etiquette
Respect other water users including swimmers and surfers; stay downwind of other kiters. Check local regulations as some Oregon beaches have seasonal restrictions or designated zones.
What to wear
Wear a 5/3mm wetsuit year-round; water temps stay cold even in summer. Booties are highly recommended due to potential rocky areas and cold water.
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
Rockaway Beach is a winter-only proposition. You're looking at 63+ windy days per year, most stacked November through February. The beach itself is straightforward—sandy launch, parking nearby, facilities at access points. Once you're on the water, conditions get serious fast. Chop is constant. Cold water is non-negotiable. Strong currents push you down the coast if you're not actively managing position. This spot teaches quickly and doesn't forgive sloppy decision-making.
Wind & Conditions
SSW to SW winds dominate the season. Consistency is real—you can plan sessions without obsessive forecast-checking. S and WSW work too. The tradeoff: offshore patterns complicate launch sequences, and you'll burn the first 10 minutes of every session just clearing the break. Winter storms deliver genuine wind but also fog and cold that makes mistakes expensive.
Water & Navigation
Pacific Northwest water demands a 5mm hood and booties minimum; most pack 6mm full suits in peak winter. Strong currents are the primary hazard—they'll sweep you south fast. Tides matter for beach access and water state. Check tables before you leave.
Who It's For
Intermediate minimum. You need cold-water experience and the judgment to bail when risk exceeds reward. Bring solid equipment. Respect matters more than ego here.
Logistics
Canyon Beach is the nearest town with cafes, restaurants, and rental shops. That's secondary. You're coming for winter wind and coming prepared. The payoff is consistent, strong wind during months when most of the country isn't in the water.