California is located on the west coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The Californian coastline stretches over several thousand kilometres, punctuated by the bays of San Francisco, Monterey and Santa Monica. California offers a playground that kitesurfers want to experience for its current, which stretches for about 2500 km. Swell and waves are always present. There, we will speak more readily of “kiteboarding”. Let’s go and discover the most beautiful Californian kitesurfing spots!
Where to find my dream spot?
There are many beaches in California where you can ride the wind. Here are some of the most popular ones.
San Diego and Mission Bay Park
Mission Bay Park in San Diego is the largest man-made water park in the United States. Paradise coves, numerous beaches and two islands make up Mission Bay Park, an ideal kitesurfing resort for beginners and pros alike. With more than 43 km of shoreline, beginners and intermediates will have a blast at Pacific Beach and South Mission Beach, as well as Dog and Sail Beaches. For more advanced surfers, the strong winds of North Pacific Beach will do the trick.
Fiesta Island is one of San Diego’s best beaches for scenery, swimming and of course, kitesurfing. It’s one of the most popular places to enrol in a school and start discovering Californian spots on the right foot! The most popular areas on Fiesta Island are Kite Beach and Enchanted Cove.
Los Angeles, Long Beach and Zuma Beach
Don’t look for it: Long Beach is the only authorized kitesurfing spot in Los Angeles. Indeed, kitesurfing is forbidden from Los Angeles to Redondo Beach. It’s also the safest spot, so it’s ideal for beginners. As a result, the place attracts a lot of people. It happens that more than a hundred riders go out in one day.
Zuma Beach is the most popular and one of the largest beaches in Los Angeles County. Every year, it welcomes the top surfers for its good waves. The many currents can be dangerous in some places, but kite surfers will appreciate the northern end of this beach for the optimal wind conditions, especially in the late afternoon.
San Francisco Bay
San Francisco Bay is one of the most extraordinary kitesurfing areas in California. The winds are strong and reliable, and there are great wave riding and calm water spots for beginners and advanced riders alike.
Alameda Crown Beach is the perfect choice for beginners. The water is shallow and there are few obstacles on the 3 km of beach. Moreover, the conditions are ideal. The 3rd Avenue spot in San Mateo is the place to be for kitesurfing in the San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as a “must ride”. The locals have been going there since the 1980s. All the facilities are there for you to enjoy: parking, showers, wave indicator, etc.
If you have a high enough level, you will enjoy playing with the waves at Ocean Beach. Its proximity to the mouth of San Francisco Bay creates strong side currents.
Why choose California for kitesurfing?
Who hasn’t dreamed of diving into the turquoise, if a little cool, waters of the Californian coast? To discover its long sandy beaches, heckled by waves that attract all lovers of sailing sports? To enjoy California and kitesurf on mythical spots, book your summer!
Its geographical location leads to temperature differences between the Pacific and the sun-warmed land. Add a zest of air current from the northwest and you get the perfect breeze for kitesurfing, racing or freestyle. Winds in this part of the US range from 15 to 25 knots during the summer months. Only the area between Los Angeles and San Diego can be protected from the wind at times.
There is something for everyone, including Pismo Beach for experienced riders, Jalama Beach Park on the central coast, Port Hueneme Beach with its uncrowded waters, etc.
Let yourself be tempted by a beautiful walk along the Californian coast for a unique experience.