Cannon Beach (Oregon)
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cannon Beach is an iconic Oregon coast beach-break and a wide sandy launch area where wind-powered and surf sports can run—especially in late spring through early fall. Water is consistently described as clean and cold, with year-round cold-water conditions commonly requiring full wetsuit protection. For surfing, the spot is characterized as an exposed beach-break with a peeling wave shape and moderate power. Providers describe beginner-friendliness when the surf is small and clean; conditions can change quickly with tide and season, and larger winter swells may become heavy, disorganized, and prone to close-out behavior. Wind effects are also important: east winds are described as offshore and cleaner for surfing, while other wind directions may reduce quality. For kitesurfing, the beach is noted for providing ample space, with best winds in the May–September window and typical speeds in the 15–25 knot range. Wind is described as strongly seasonal and thermally influenced in summer, and providers note wind shadows behind Haystack Rock/sea stacks, which can affect ride quality depending on approach direction. Hazards remain a key constraint: rocks and sea-stack areas are repeatedly flagged as hazards. Safety-wise, this spot is not only about cold water and gear—it also includes significant marine hazards and current risk. Rip currents are commonly reported, and Haystack Rock is a protected wildlife area where climbing and disturbing nesting birds is prohibited. Plan around parking signage, keep tourists and kite lines in mind during launches, and surf or kite only when conditions match the stated “small and clean” guidance for safer water behavior.
- Haystack Rock and nearby sea stacks (protected marine/wildlife feature)
- Wide sandy beach area for self-launch access
- Summer NW afternoon wind build
- Cold-water conditions year-round
- Expansive sandy beach area with easy self-launch described for kitesurfing.
- Summer winds are described as seasonal and supportive (SW/NW for wind sports; NW building in the afternoon).
- Surf is described as classic and beginner-friendly on smaller swells.
- Cold water all year long requires full wetsuit conditions.
- Rocks and sea stacks (including Haystack Rock) create serious hazards.
- Rip currents are common along the stretch.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, NW
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Summer wind is described as thermal/sea-breeze/thermal-pattern; winter winds are described regionally as more storm/frontal.
- Reliability
- Moderate; summer NW winds are described as fairly reliable while winter SW winds are storm-dependent.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Described as moderate-gusts in provider data; also consistent with strong seasonal patterns.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Flat — One provider describes wave size as flat; another describes medium wave conditions. For surfing context, conditions are generally described as small-to-medium depending on swell and tide.
- Launch
- Big — Very wide sandy beach providing ample room for kite/surf access, especially at low tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty described as easy for kitesurfing self-launch.
Through the year
Extremely crowded with tourists from June through August; quieter in winter.
Late October through March (heavy rain and strong winter storms described regionally).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wide sandy beach with side-shore summer winds; best described as freeride and wave riding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
A classic Oregon beach break that is particularly beginner-friendly on smaller swells; exposed to the open coast.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Providers differ: one indicates high tide; another indicates mid-tide is often best to avoid close-outs.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed open-coast conditions with sea-stack hazards; comparatively limited shelter.
- Wind Effect
- East winds are described as offshore and provide the cleanest surfing conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and disorganized with large winter swells, often closing out; not great on big swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality is described as good by one provider; another indicates average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power; also described as moderate in kiteforum-derived details.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Wave shape described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed described as medium in provider data.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length described as medium; one provider also notes breaks up to ~50 meters with decent sections.
- Ride Length Details
- Breaks can range from short to medium and may close out on low tide; one provider notes decent maneuvers and sections up to about 50 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cannon Beach (Oregon) in the full forecast view.
Cannon Beach (Oregon) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–15 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- SSW193°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.9 m9s period
- Temperature
- 6–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cannon Beach (Oregon) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.0–2.9 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
- Rocks
- offshore rocks
- seastacks including Haystack Rock
- boulders
- strong rip currents
- cold water hypothermia
- driftwood in the water
- large beach crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards are indicated in provider data.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-water kite/windsurf rescue; emergency services via local fire district and US Coast Guard (regional context).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital is in Seaside or Astoria; for emergencies call 911. Rescue availability is described as limited (no dedicated on-water kite/windsurf rescue).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — One provider indicates mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Haystack Rock is a protected wildlife area; climbing and disturbing nesting birds is strictly prohibited. For surfing, ride only when conditions are small and clean.
- No climbing on Haystack Rock.
- Keep distance from marine mammals.
- Park on the street but pay attention to parking signs.
- Surfing is often best at mid-tide to prevent close-outs.
- Kite launches require care around tourists walking near kite lines.
- Always wear a thick wetsuit with a hood and booties for cold-water conditions.
- Stay away from nesting birds and keep clear of Haystack Rock’s protected area.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Portland
- Nearest Town
- Cannon Beach
- Parking
- Parking along S. Hemlock St. and E. Jackson St.; pay attention to parking signs. Tolovana Beach Wayside has easy access; three paved lots off Hwy 101 near Indian Beach (about 10 miles south), with the east middle lot closest to the trailhead and bathrooms.
- Access
- From Portland: take US-26 W to US-101 S (Oregon Coast Hwy), exit at the signed Cannon Beach off-ramp; access via Tolovana Beach Wayside or beach access areas near Hwy 101.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels, vacation rentals, and campsites in and around the town/nearby area (provider + regional context).
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink options in the town center, ranging from casual to upscale dining (provider data).
- Equipment Rental:
- Local availability is indicated for surfing/SUP; kitesurfing/wingfoiling gear may require travel (regional context).
- Gear Storage
- Very limited; most riders store gear in personal vehicles or private rentals (regional context).
- Gear Repair
- Minor surfboard repairs may be available at local surf shops (provider data).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A scenic coastal destination dominated by sea stacks and a strong surf culture.
A 235-foot sea stack and protected marine sanctuary home to tufted puffins.
Local museum focusing on the history of the Oregon Coast and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.
Scenic cliffside trails offering panoramic views of the coastline and offshore rocks.
Popular beachfront brewery and restaurant.
Wide sandy area perfect for kite flying and family beach days.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cannon Beach (Oregon)?
The best overall months at Cannon Beach (Oregon) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Cannon Beach (Oregon)?
Cannon Beach (Oregon) works with SW, NW winds. Offshore directions are E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cannon Beach (Oregon)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cannon Beach (Oregon): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Cannon Beach (Oregon) suitable for?
Cannon Beach (Oregon) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.