Jetty Island 
  
SCENE
The area’s premiere light wind summer kiting spot. The water is fairly shallow for a long way out making it a perfect spot to learn and progress. At low tide the beach is huge! It is an island so crossing the 300m channel is the only obstacle. Many use inflatable boats or kayaks (life jacket & whistle required) to cross. There is also a free ferry that typically runs from July 4 through Labor day. A short walk across the island through well maintained trails will guide you to the beach. Kiters will be asked to walk a little further north during peak Summer times to avoid beach goers. You will see a sign that you are now entering a “Kiteboarding Zone”.
RIDING
This slightly side on shore wind is very forgiving to the beginner rider allowing them to easily head out with enough water to go downwind but, plenty of beach to walk back up. If riding a twin tip or surfboard you will want to bring your 12m to 15m kite for most days. Foiling here is great typically on a 9m but watch out for low tides as it could be difficult to get out. Wingfoilers can make the trek across the island but have been staying in the channel with the windsurfers.
SEASON
April - September
FORECASTING
- Clear skies and warm temps are usually good signs for wind, while cloud cover is often associated with calm conditions.
- Look for strong westerlies in the East entrance of the Straits of Juan De Fuca (15-20 or better), and a solid NW push (15-20 or better) through Admiralty Inlet / Point Wilson.
- Thermal driven spot. Best wind is usually in the afternoons.
CAMS / SENSORS
Golden Gardens
SCENE
One of the most scenic urban launches in the Sound, GG’s the ultimate peanut gallery spectacle if you wanna throw down. Waves can really ramp up here on the right tide plus a super flat butter section on the inside that makes it a good spot for freestylin’ progression. Parking can be an issue on nice warm summer days - particularly weekends. You must have good upwind ability to ride this spot as the Shilshole Marina is a looming hazard immediately downwind.
SEASON
May - September
FORECASTING
- First day of high pressure is typically the strongest.
- Look for Point No Point and West Point readings to be at least 15 or better.
- Thermal driven spot. Best wind is usually in the afternoon.
CAMS / SENSORS
Carkeek Park
SCENE
The sister beach to Golden Gardens, Carkeek is located about a half mile north. The beach is small (unlike this photo - especially at high tide) and can get very crowded with beachgoers in summer. Keek typically has a shorter season than GG, and is noted for it’s lofty winds. The wind can be flukey to non-existent near the shore and immediately downwind. It’s advisable to launch and get off the beach & upwind as quickly as possible.
SEASON
May - August
FORECASTING
- First day of high pressure is typically the strongest.
- Look for Point No Point and West Point readings to be at least 15 or better.
- Thermal driven spot. Best wind is usually in the afternoon.
CAMS / SENSORS
Richmond Beach
SCENE
A small beach loaded with driftwood and beach debris, Richmond Beach offers some of the best local winter kiting around. Like most winter spots in the Puget Sound with small beaches and nearby infrastructure, this is an advanced launch. Watch out for the “deadhead” pilings in the center of the beach that are submerged and not visible at high tide.
SEASON
October - March
FORECASTING
- Most often associated with pre/post frontal storms.
- Richmond beach has a sensor on iKitesurf.com.
- Watch for squalls that are known to roll through without notice.
CAMS / SENSORS
Magnuson Park
SCENE
Launches don’t get a whole lot sketchier than they do at Maggies. The wind is constantly being rotored due to the many large trees that rim the shoreline of the popular Lake Washington park. If you choose to ride here, it’s highly advisable to have someone hold you down when you launch. Further, if the wind has any westerly component in it, riding here is not recommended. Any west in the wind will make it extremely difficult to make it back to the beach. It will also rotor the wind to a point where launching will be dangerous. Otherwise, enjoy the fresh water, and note that in winter it’s much cooler water temps than the Sound.
SEASON
October - March
FORECASTING
- Most often associated with pre/post frontal storms.
- Use the 520 Bridge sensor which also has a cam.
- Squalls can ramp up without notice and can be deadly.
CAMS / SENSORS
Double Bluff
SCENE
If you’ve got the time to get there, this place has it all from butter to head-high swell. The fact it’s located on the southern end of Whidbey Island, means it’s a ferry ride (Mukilteo - Clinton) away for most. Check the tides before you head out. At high tide the only exposed beach is littered with logs & debris. Go here on a low tide and you’ll be hooked for life. It doesn’t get much better than DB!
SEASON
October - March
FORECASTING
- Most often associated with pre/post frontal storms.
- Make sure there is no westerly component in the wind.
- High tide bad (with exception of the slick). Low tide good.
CAMS / SENSORS
Iverson Point Camano Island
SCENE
This spots is located on the inside of Livingston Bay on Camino Island.
It is typically a fairly shallow water location and beginner intermediate rider friendly.
RIDING
This spot works best with SE wind direction and typically shuts down if wind shifts to SW direction. Check General Wa Marine forecast for the Admiralty Inlet section of the Puget Sound along with Ikite, Gfs spotter and Tj’s to confirm direction and timing.
SEASON
October - March
FORECASTING
-
Typically looking for E or SE winds to blow for this spot to go off
CAMS / SENSORS
DAMON POINT
SCENE
This spot is located at the southern most tip of Ocean Shores on the Washington cost. It provides a protected Bay to ride inside which supports beginner to intermediate riders, with some wave options for advanced riders on the outside when tides and wind direction line up.
RIDING
Shallow water with Flat to small Chop on the inside, Waves on the outside with lots of current if you dare.
SEASON
October - March
FORECASTING
-
Typically looking for E or SE winds to blow for this spot to go off
-
West Port has a sensor on iKitesurf,
CAMS / SENSORS
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