San Juan Islands Washington state

scottnorby · Fri Oct 16, 09 3:24 pm **San Juan Islands Washington state**

Has anyone done any extensive exploration of kiting spots in the San Juan Islands?
I would love to find out any good kiting spots.
It's all flat water----but could be fun in winter or summer.

Also wondering if any ocean swells get in and if anyone has ever heard of any small wave surfing in those islands?
I know that Port Angeles, just to it's south, does get decent swell sometimes so it seems possible.

Pepi · Fri Oct 16, 09 7:22 pm

I grew up sailing the San Juans as a kid and still keep a boat up there right now. For Kiteboarding potential the San Juans are not too friendly, unless you have a support boat or flippers. The winds are fickle and the currents are strong.
The only couple of places that know of where friends windsurf (and have tried kiting) are :
Fishermans Cove on the West side of Lopez Island, probably the best option. Think big lagoon. Works for north or south winds.
South Beach on the south end of San Juan Island, best during SE fronts or high pressure westerlies(either side of the peninsula, but you definitely want to have a set of swim fins for an 'oh shit' scenario) and Cattle Point on the south side of the peninsula boarding Friday Harbor.
And, lastly East Bay on Orcas Island for either southerly storm fronts or high pressure thermals in the summer from the north (would actually need a boat launch for kiting).

The best spot, nearest to the San Juans, is on the mainland just east of the town of Anacortes. The launch is called Bay View State Park on Padilla Bay. Or, even heading down to the south on the west side of Whidbey Island at Ebeys Landing or on West Beach (both are either good for high pressure westerlies or post frontal weather patterns).

These are just places I have either attempted or have learned about via local friends living on the islands.

You might also check in at PSKite.com for more detailed info from any locals up there.

Pepi

wylieflyote · Sat Oct 17, 09 5:34 am

scottnorby · Sat Oct 17, 09 11:30 am

Thanks for the info.

What about surf.
Do they ever get ANY swell in the islands?
I am sure it would be small windswell.....but kayak surfing or longboard surfing? Maybe standup?

wylieflyote · Sat Oct 17, 09 12:12 pm

http://danwebb.com/surfing/
Quotes:
"Good Surf Breaks in the Pacific Northwest
Strait of San Juan de Fuca -- West of Port Angeles

Salt Creek (Crescent Bay), west of Port Angeles, WA -- easy sloping sand bottom, caves and interesting shoreline to explore, playground for kids -- Call Heath Foxlee (purchased my waveski) at 360.681.7911 (home) or 360.683.9895 (work).

If the swell is from the NW (280° to 315°) and about 10 ft. (350 Hs) with an interval of 10 sec or more, then it is quite likely that the surf will be good enough to board surf. (With a whitewater kayak or waveski, we can surf a wider range of conditions.)

Crescent Bay was breaking on 8/27/2004 on an incoming tide when Grays Harbor waverider buoy showed 200 Hs (6 ft.) swell from 280°, giving 15-second rides. Look for 350 Hs (10 ft.) to 400 Hs (12 ft.) at 17-second intervals from the NW (280° to 315°) -- incoming tide is best.

Elwha Rivermouth, west of Port Angeles, WA -- surfing video "

Cascadiarch · Since 13 Jun 2014 4 Posts Portland Kook

How did Lopez Island work out? I will be visiting there in July and want to bring my kites. Any on-site descriptions and conditions appreciated!

Pepi · Tue May 31, 16 4:56 pm **Re: Lopez Island 2016**

Cascadiarch · Since 13 Jun 2014 4 Posts Portland Kook

Thanks, Pepi. I'll check it out. Still have a month to make friends with a boater...

ZigZag · Since 28 Mar 2012 4 Posts Kook

you could always catch the boat over to Vancouver Island which has great SW thermals in the Juan de Fuca at Gordons Beach in Sooke or further up at Jordon River or in Victoria the local Cook St spot near Clover Point is great!!