Baileys Harbor
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Baileys Harbor (Anclam Park / Ridges Beach area) on Lake Michigan is described as a kitesurfing-focused spot with clean water, a medium-sized sandy beach, and choppy conditions with small-to-medium waves. Reported water depth is shallow near shore (suitable for starting) and can deepen toward riding areas. Wind for the spot is best from the south to southeast, specifically ESE through S (ESE, SE, SSE, S). Peak kitesurfing months are May, September, and October. Typical wind strength is commonly described in the 15–25 knot range, with moderate gustiness and wind patterns that depend on passing weather systems. Safety-wise, rocks are a consistent hazard in the shallows, and cold Great Lakes water is a major consideration for comfort and exposure. A pier/jetty is also noted at the south end of the bay, so riders should keep clear of the pier and walkways and manage line placement around beach infrastructure. For wind direction, avoid riding on west or northwest winds because they are described as directly offshore into the lake; additionally, inland (west) directions are reported to be shadowed and extremely gusty. Overall, it’s positioned as an intermediate-level spot where competent riders can manage shallow rocky zones and handle choppy conditions effectively.
- Best wind directions are south to southeast (ESE, SE, SSE, S).
- Peak wind months: May, September, and October.
- Shallow, sandy access with chop and small-to-medium waves for kitesurfing.
- Shallow, sandy launch with chop and small-to-medium waves that suit kitesurfing when wind and waves line up.
- Best wind directions are from the south to southeast (ESE, SE, SSE, S) with peak seasons in May, September, and October.
- Solid year-round touring base with public beach access and amenities nearby.
- Rocky shallows and cold Great Lakes water increase risk and comfort demands.
- Wind can be moderately gusty and reliability depends on passing weather systems.
- West and Northwest winds are reported as offshore and should be avoided.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE, SE, SSE, S
- Offshore directions
- ESE, SE, SSE, S
- No-go directions
- W, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind is described as primarily frontal/gradient with passing weather systems.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on passing weather systems
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported gustiness is moderate.
- Best Months
- May, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Also described as medium waves further out / in the bay.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is specifically noted.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach at Anclam Park; can be narrow during high lake levels. Shallow water with sandbars.
Through the year
Busy on weekends in summer with tourists; kite/wind crowds are highest in autumn.
Late spring and summer can bring occasional severe thunderstorms; fall brings heavy gale-force systems.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A kitesurfing spot with shallow, choppy water and small-to-medium waves. Reported as best when wind and wave conditions align on south to southeast directions.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Excellent for bump-and-jump and wave riding on east or south winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Suitable, but riders must be cautious of rocks and shallow areas near the launch.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions are indicated.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Baileys Harbor in the full forecast view.
Baileys Harbor wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–14 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- S180°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2414 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–1.4 m4s period
- Temperature
- 8–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Baileys Harbor is forecast for daytime winds of 4–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.2–1.4 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Cold water
- Pier/Jetty
- Offshore wind (West directions)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence is reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Emergency response is provided via local authorities; a limited rescue availability is indicated.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency: 911. Door County Medical Center is located approximately 20 miles away in Sturgeon Bay.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism friction is indicated.
Rules of the spot
Respect beachgoers and keep lines away from the pier and walkways.
- Keep lines away from the pier and walkways.
- Booties are highly recommended because the bottom is notoriously rocky in certain patches.
- Avoid riding on West or Northwest winds as they are directly offshore into Lake Michigan.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Green Bay
- Nearest Town
- Town of Baileys Harbor
- Nearest Airport
- Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB)
- Parking
- Parking lot available at Anclam Park.
- Public Transport
- Very limited; regional transit exists but a private vehicle is recommended.
- Access
- Public access via Anclam Park at the south end of the village. Access to Anclam Park and Ridges Beach in Baileys Harbor.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various local inns, cottages, and motels in Baileys Harbor.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and breweries are within walking distance in the village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Specialized wind gear rentals are limited and often require prior arrangement; local rentals are described as limited for wind gear.
- Gear Storage
- Limited dedicated public storage; most riders store gear at local accommodations or within private vehicles.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized kite or sail repair shops in the immediate vicinity; minor repairs are typically DIY or sent to shops in larger cities.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A quintessential Door County destination known for maritime heritage, ecological diversity, and outdoor-focused tourism.
An iconic 89-foot steel-clad lighthouse offering views of Lake Michigan.
Wisconsin's oldest non-profit nature preserve, featuring unique boreal forest and ridges.
Guided kayak tours of the coastline and shipwrecks.
A popular local cafe serving coffee and light fare.
Public park with playground facilities and lake access.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Baileys Harbor?
The best overall months at Baileys Harbor are May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Baileys Harbor?
Baileys Harbor works with ESE, SE, SSE, S winds. Offshore directions are ESE, SE, SSE, S. No-go directions are W, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Baileys Harbor?
Recommended equipment sizes at Baileys Harbor: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Baileys Harbor suitable for?
Baileys Harbor suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.