Visiting from BC - where are the best coast spots???

jatkinson · Since 24 May 2006 15 Posts

Yeah yeah I know that you aren't going to reveal those "private" wave stashes that you save for locals only but I was hoping for some guidance on some spots.

My wife is somewhat of a beginner and has no experience in waves so I would be lookng for places that aren't going to kill her.

The basic plan is to drive to Floras, and spend a few days there the work our way north up the coast. Where are the best bets along the coast for some relatively mild wave action. Strong wind is OK, I am just trying to avoid sending her out in waves that are way overhead.

From what I gather Sunset, Manzanita, Florence etc. are the best bets.

Cheers,
JJ

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

the size of the waves has more to do with the forcast then the beach. when the swell is small florence newport astoria should all be doable.

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

ft. stevens hands down.

bamboo · Since 24 Jun 2005 165 Posts da 'chung; taiwan Stoked

so where are the best spots to go up there? i'll be heading to squamish in three weeks and by the sounds of it that's an ideal spot. any 411 on winds, launches, websites, etc.

i second the notion for ft. stevens. it really doesn't get much safer and easier.

jatkinson · Since 24 May 2006 15 Posts

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Jul 20, 06 1:12 pm

I would love to go to squamish and hang out. My buddies and I used to get all kinds of downhill crazy at the north shore and whistler.

After 3 yrs, like 30,000 miles on my car, three broken ribs, a broken wrist, a seperated shoulder, a major concusion, and two broken frames, I sold all my DH stuff and got into kiteboarding.

I miss it though, my north shore peeps have it made!!

When are you coming down?

jatkinson · Since 24 May 2006 15 Posts

I am planning to head down August 5-13ish.

Is there any way to get a good wind/swell forecast without internet access? We are going to be camping, so probably won't bring the laptop.

Squamish is a fun spot for sure. It is pretty tough to beat the scenery. Come on up and play!

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Jul 20, 06 1:46 pm

If you have a internet capable phone you can do the ikitesurf.com thing. Or you could call some of the local kite shops and ask them what is going on.

jatkinson · Since 24 May 2006 15 Posts

OK so it's roadtrip time tomorrow. Couple of last minute questions.

What is the fastest way to Seaside (from seattle). Astoria Bridge...exit at Longview... through Portland?

Any great coast or gorge campsites that might not be too obvious to newcomers? For that matter, any that really suck and should be avoided?

Any other tips or spots to check out?

Cheers,
JJ

wylieflyote · Fri Aug 04, 06 2:55 pm

Take a right off of I-5 through Kelso to Longview, go over the Longview/Raineer Bridge, and head west on the Astoria highway. When You reach Astoria, continue towards Warrenton, and on to Seaside. This is the shortest way for us folks from the north. You could also hit Jones Beach about 20 miles west of the Longview bridge on the Oregon side, it's near Clatskanie. I've only windsurfed there and I can tell you Jones has very steady fan winds. Watch the Ast/Portland gradient to hit .5.

What is the fastest way to Seaside (from seattle). Astoria Bridge...exit at Longview... through Portland?

Any great coast or gorge campsites that might not be too obvious to newcomers? For that matter, any that really suck and should be avoided?

Any other tips or spots to check out?

Cheers,
JJ[/quote]

jatkinson · Since 24 May 2006 15 Posts

Thanks for the answer. That is what looked shortest on the map, but I have not done that drive for years.

See ya on the water. I will be the one looking like a kook in the waves because I am used to flat water Smile

JJ