3rd Ave (Foster City)

3rd Ave (Foster City) is a well-known high-wind launch on the south shore of the San Francisco Bay, with consistently strong thermal NW winds running mainly from late spring through early fall. The water is generally shallow and choppy, with small waves, which keeps sessions active and lively but also demands good control and careful line choice. The wind builds through the afternoon (typical thermal window roughly 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM), and May–September are reported as the most reliably strong months. Spot conditions support progression and freeride, and many riders also take on wave/rhythm styles when the breeze is up. Safety is the key constraint here: low tide mudflats are a major hazard, and getting stuck can be difficult to recover from on foot. There are also hazards near the access/launch area such as rocks/slippery edges, driving-range nets close to shore, and downwind concerns like the San Mateo Bridge, plus heavy boat traffic in the channel. Operationally, follow the site rules around access: use the correct designated launch zones (kites from the Mariner’s Point/Upper area; windsurf/wing from the Lower launch) and keep the parking gate locked (combo 0420). Responder coverage is not reported at the spot, so riders should be prepared for self-rescue planning and conservative decision-making around tide and traffic.