Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay) is a San Francisco Bay wind-sports venue best known for its reliable summer thermal winds from the west through northwest, typically building in the afternoon. Riders commonly target late spring through early autumn, with May through September called out as the strongest months. On the water, conditions are generally described as flat to choppy, and water quality is consistently noted as cloudy. The launch and landing areas are small and can be rocky; at higher tides, the usable shoreline can tighten significantly, making landings more technical. Stones and slippery rocks/rip-rap along the shore are frequent hazards, so careful route planning and footwear are important. Wind conditions can be strong enough to support freeride and foil styles for kitesurfing, along with windsurfing that can include freeride and slalom when the wind builds. Wingfoiling is also supported by the ability to access deeper water just beyond the immediate shore-rock zone, which helps avoid the shallow rocky edges. Safety planning at Coyote Point is strongly tied to compliance and environment: there are designated exclusion zones related to the SFO airspace boundary, and kiters are expected to avoid the swimming beach area. Tidal currents can become notable and may pull riders toward bridge/offshore directions depending on the cycle; emergency response is via 911 with regional coverage referenced, and lifeguards are described as seasonal.
- Reliable afternoon thermal winds from W to NW during May–September
- Flat-to-choppy water with cloudy visibility
- Tight rocky launch that becomes more challenging at high tide
- Stone hazards and strong tidal-current potential
- Reliable summer thermal winds from the west and northwest
- Flat-to-choppy conditions with good opportunities for kitesurfing and windsurfing
- Well-developed park access and on-site watersports infrastructure via a local training center
- Wingfoiling can benefit from deeper water away from the immediate shore rocks
- Tight and technical rocky launch/landing area, especially at high tide
- Cloudy water and stone hazards
- Strong tidal currents depending on tide cycle
- Airport airspace restrictions near SFO require strict compliance
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, NW
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal sea-breeze build-up on the San Francisco Bay; strongest conditions commonly described as afternoon through early evening.
- Reliability
- High during spring and summer months.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Wind can be shadowed very close to trees and behind the breakwater/point.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand is noted, while other accounts describe mixed shore/launch areas.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Flat-to-choppy conditions; occasional chop is mentioned.
- Launch
- Small — Small, narrow shoreline access; can be technical at high tide.
Through the year
Can be crowded on windy weekend afternoons during the summer.
November through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat to mildly chopped conditions with a sandy/rocky launch that is described as relatively easy for self-launch in some accounts, but can be technically tight at high tide due to the rocky shoreline. Best wind is from W to NW during the summer months.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–11 m²
A classic San Francisco Bay windsurfing spot with flat-to-choppy water and conditions that can suit freeride and high-wind slalom when winds build.
- Sail Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Supported by consistent afternoon wind and deep water access away from the immediate shore rocks.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1.5 meters beyond the immediate shore rocks
- Wing Sizes
- 3.5–5 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay) in the full forecast view.
Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- WNW288°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 239 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.0–0.3 m2s period
- Temperature
- 11–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.0–0.3 m with a period of about 2s. 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
- Stones
- Large slippery rocks and rip-rap shoreline
- Strong tidal currents that can pull riders toward the San Mateo Bridge or offshore depending on the tide cycle
- Obstacles in the launch area
- Proximity to SFO airport flight paths
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Nearest emergency services are in San Mateo; call 911.
Rules of the spot
Kiters must avoid the designated swimming beach area and follow the airport airspace exclusion / 'no-kite zone' boundary near SFO.
- Restrictions apply around a designated swimming beach area.
- Strict exclusion zone related to SFO airport boundary / airspace.
- Beware of submerged stones in the water.
- The launch/landing area can become very tight at high tide because the beach area shrinks against the rocks.
- Wind is often cleanest a few hundred meters offshore; watch for local lines/positioning.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- San Mateo
- Nearest Town
- San Mateo
- Nearest Airport
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Parking
- Paid parking lot within the County Park; fees apply daily.
- Public Transport
- Caltrain (San Mateo and Burlingame stations) and SamTrans bus routes; Bay Trail bike access is available.
- Access
- Accessible via the Coyote Point Recreation Area entrance road off Hwy 101.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels are available in San Mateo and near the SFO airport corridor.
- Food & Drink
- A restaurant is within the park; additional food options are available in nearby downtown San Mateo.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through the on-site shop for windsurfing, wingfoiling, and related board sports.
- Gear Storage
- Storage may be available for members or school clients.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs and parts are available at the local shop; repair services are referenced via the on-site training shop.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Coyote Point sits in a major recreation area with family amenities and easy bayfront access, with nearby sightseeing options including a science museum and shoreline paths.
A popular regional park offering picnic areas, a giant playground, and views of the bay.
A science museum and wildlife center featuring native California animals and interactive exhibits.
A scenic shoreline path for cycling, running, and walking that spans the entire bay perimeter.
One of the largest castle-themed playgrounds in the region, located within the recreation area.
Coyote Point County Park features kids park, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay)?
The best overall months at Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay) are April, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay)?
Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay) works with W, WNW, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay): Kitesurfing: 7–11 m² · Windsurfing: 4–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 3.5–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay) suitable for?
Coyote Point (San Mateo Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.