Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Ocean, Shallow
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay) is an exposed sandy beach break on the Oregon south coast with a wide launch area and surf that’s often working when swell and tide line up. Conditions can vary a lot through the year, with summer frequently described as smaller/flat for surfing, while the spring-to-fall period is typically the most attractive window for wind-based sports. For wind sports, the spot is best with Northwest wind. May through September are the main months listed for consistent NW conditions, with a thermal reinforcement pattern during summer afternoons. Offshore SE/S winds are noted as helpful for surfing cleanliness, while NW winds are generally the driving factor for kite and windsurf sessions. Wind is commonly described in the mid-teens up to around 30 knots, with moderate gustiness. Safety is a major consideration here. Strong rip currents and undertow are reported—particularly near the jetty/mole structure—along with hazards including rocks and sharks. Water quality is also flagged as polluted in some summaries, and additional caution is advised after heavy rainfall. Cold water is consistent year-round, so temperature-driven gear planning is important even during summer. On the practical side, the beach is accessed via Bastendorff Beach Road and is served by a county park with toilets, showers, changing areas, fresh water, and camping facilities. Riders are also advised to check tides carefully; extreme low tide is discouraged because wave quality and usable beach width can change significantly.
- Reliable summer NW wind window for kitesurfing and windsurfing (May–September).
- Long, wide sandy beach with straightforward access and ample launching space.
- Exposed beach-break surfing character with peeling waves and good potential when swell matches.
- County park facilities including toilets/showers/camping.
- Wide sandy shoreline with ample room to launch (especially for kitesurfing).
- Summer NW wind pattern is reliable for NW wind sports (May–September).
- Surf can be reliable when swell lines up; exposed beach break with peeling character.
- County park access with basic facilities including toilets/showers/camping.
- Strong rip currents/undertow risk, especially near the jetty.
- Cold water year-round; wetsuit required.
- Water pollution and sharks are reported hazards.
- Summer can be mostly flat for surfing (wind sports tend to be stronger in summer).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- SE, S
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Summer NW winds are reinforced by a thermal pressure-gradient pattern.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gusts described as moderate.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Ocean, Shallow
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Flat — Some sources describe summer surf as mostly flat; overall surf varies from flat to medium working waves.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop level not consistently quantified; summer can be relatively calm compared with winter swell.
- Launch
- Big — Wide crescent sandy beach over about one mile from Yoakam Head to the south jetty; ample space for launching/landing.
Through the year
Moderate crowds in summer (July–August); less crowded in winter months.
November through March (frequent rain and heavy winter storms).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Works best with NW wind; ideal months May–September. Rideable surf with medium-wave conditions; a mole/jetty hazard is present.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Works well in NW winds with wave sailing or freeride depending on swell.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
Possible when swell is manageable; sandy bottom is suitable once past the breaking waves.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly beyond the surf zone.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters beyond the surf zone.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
An exposed sandy beach break that is often working year-round; summer can be small/flat. Waves break both left and right (some descriptions emphasize left).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW, NW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides except extreme low are suitable per spot notes.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Open exposed beach setting with semi-sheltered characteristics near the jetty/banks; overall exposed to weather.
- Wind Effect
- SE/S winds create cleaner offshore conditions for surfing; NW winds are more likely to be onshore for this setup.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become messy and undergo heavy closing out on very large winter swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as average by one source; good by another.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling, beach-break character.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves at a medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium ride length reported.
- Ride Length Details
- Up to about 50 meters reported; rides can be across sandbars with bank shaping at times by the jetty.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay) in the full forecast view.
Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–15 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- SSW213°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.4 m9s period
- Temperature
- 6–15 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.0–2.4 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- strong rip currents/undertow
- pollution in the water
- sharks (reported in area)
- rocks at Yoakam Head and the south jetty/mole
- turbulence near the jetty structure
- cold water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — On-water rescue for kite/windsurfers is not guaranteed; rescue not available for riders at this spot.
- Emergency Info
- Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay is the nearest major medical facility; dial 911 for emergencies.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Use general beach safety and right-of-way rules; avoid extreme low tide conditions. Respect designated swimming areas if present.
- Open fires prohibited July 1–September 30.
- Vehicles prohibited on the beach (seasonal/management rule).
- Seasonal restrictions for snowy plover nesting may apply in nearby areas.
- Rips/undertow and strong currents are a significant danger, especially near the jetty.
- Check the tide because beach width and wave quality change significantly; avoid extreme low tide.
- Watch for water pollution and be cautious after heavy rainfall.
- Surfing setup is best with offshore SE/S winds; winter SE/S offshore can help produce cleaner waves.
- Some riders report slightly more organized waves near the jetty’s northern end, but with stronger currents.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Coos Bay
- Nearest Town
- Charleston
- Nearest Airport
- Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) - 8 miles
- Parking
- County park parking available; day-use fee none (some sources note ample parking at the county park/day-use lots).
- Public Transport
- Limited local service; a car is essential for coastal access.
- Access
- Drive about 6.5 miles south of Coos Bay on Empire Blvd/Cape Arago Hwy; turn right onto Bastendorff Beach Road and continue about 0.4 miles to the county park.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping on-site at the county park and additional lodging options in Charleston and Coos Bay.
- Food & Drink
- Seafood restaurants and small markets are located in the nearby town of Charleston.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surfing/wetsuit rental reported in Charleston; availability may be seasonal/limited.
- Gear Storage
- Not widely available on-site; riders typically store gear in personal vehicles or accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs may be found at local surf shops in the Coos Bay area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Coos Bay/Charleston area is known for dramatic cliffs, expansive dunes, and a working waterfront, with multiple nearby parks and recreational areas.
Massive coastal sand dunes offering hiking and OHV riding.
Former estate of a timber baron featuring spectacular botanical gardens and cliff views.
Deep-sea fishing charters and crabbing opportunities in a working fishing village.
Popular local sports bar and restaurant in Charleston harbor.
Sheltered beach ideal for families, swimming, and tide-pooling.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay)?
The best overall months at Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay)?
Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are SE, S.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay) suitable for?
Bastendorff Beach (Coos Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.