Gearhart
- Freeride, Longboard
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Gearhart is a wide sandy beach that supports multiple disciplines, especially kitesurfing in spring through fall. Conditions are described as clean with small-to-medium waves, and the launch is straightforward thanks to the large open beach area. Wind is most favorable from the north through northwest, aligning with a summer pattern that strengthens from afternoon heating. For kitesurfing, this translates into consistent side-onshore NW winds that are well-suited to freeride and wave riding, with a wind window that’s reported as most reliable during summer months. Surfing is a beach-break setup with multiple peaks along the long stretch of sand. Wave conditions are generally described as moderate/average, with mixed shapes; NW winds can create chop, while cleaner surfing is expected earlier in the day when wind is more favorable. Larger swell can overwhelm the break and lead to closing out when swell rises beyond the stated range. Access and safety require attention: beach traffic and cold water are recurring factors, and rip currents are a known concern. Vehicle access is permitted only in specific areas and requires 4WD/AWD for driving onto the sand (with driving closed south of the stated Highlands Lane / into Seaside). Checking tides before driving helps reduce the risk of getting stuck, and cold-water protection is strongly recommended (4 to 5 mm wetsuit; booties are optional for those who run cold).
- Large, vehicle-accessible sandy beach (4WD/AWD where permitted) with lots of space for launching
- Reliable N–NNW wind during spring to October
- Beach-break surf that can work for beginners in milder summer conditions
- Cold water year-round—plan for wetsuit warmth
- Expansive wide sandy beach with easy launching and lots of room
- Reliable north to northwest wind season (especially spring to early fall)
- Clean water and generally small-to-medium wave conditions
- Suitable for multiple wind sports (kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling after clearing the shorebreak)
- Cold water year-round
- Beach driving is restricted and requires 4WD/AWD access north of the stated cutoff
- Can get choppy on NW wind for surfing
- Rip currents are a known hazard along this stretch
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Northwest winds in summer reinforced by afternoon heating.
- Reliability
- High during the summer months for NW winds.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Gusts described as steady.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Reported as small-to-medium; one source describes small wave and another describes medium wave.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — NW winds can create significant chop for surfing.
- Launch
- Big — Vast, wide sandy beach with space for landing and launching; vehicles permitted north of the stated cutoff (10th Avenue / 10th Street area described).
Through the year
Highest in July and August; very quiet in winter.
November through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Best with N to NNW wind directions and works for freeride and wave riding in small-to-medium conditions. Summer side-onshore NW wind supports consistent runs and jumping over swell.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Excellent for bump and jump and wave riding, with reliable open-beach NW breeze as an alternative to more crowded options.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
Suitable for wingfoiling; shorebreak can be challenging on higher swells, but once beyond the surf the rolling swell is described as ideal for foiling.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions indicated.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A consistent beach break with multiple peaks along a long stretch of sand; generally more mellow and less crowded than nearby point breaks. Works for beginners, with more manageable waves in summer.
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide described as mid.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break setting.
- Wind Effect
- NW winds can create significant chop; morning sessions with E winds are cleanest for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds about 3 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Wave shape described as mixed.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed described as medium.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length described as medium; short-to-medium depending on sandbar configuration.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves typically offer short to medium length rides depending on sandbar configurations.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Gearhart in the full forecast view.
Gearhart wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–14 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- S189°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.8 m9s period
- Temperature
- 5–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, Gearhart is forecast for daytime winds of 2–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.0–2.8 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
- rip currents
- driftwood
- cold water
- beach traffic
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as no (spot-level).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital referenced: Providence Seaside Hospital in Seaside. In an emergency, dial 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues indicated.
Rules of the spot
Beach driving is restricted (permitted only north of the Highlands Lane / 10th Street area described in access notes). Follow beach speed limits and stay on hard-packed sand.
- Beach driving is restricted to specific areas; south of the Highlands Lane into Seaside is closed.
- No driving on dunes.
- Drive onto the beach with 4WD/AWD where permitted.
- Avoid beach driving south of Highlands Lane into Seaside.
- Check the tide before driving on the beach to avoid getting stuck.
- Use a wetsuit suited to cold water; booties are optional unless you’re very cold-sensitive.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Seaside
- Nearest Town
- Seaside
- Parking
- Parking available along HWY 101; street parking available at the end of 10th Avenue, or drive onto the beach with a 4x4 vehicle where permitted.
- Access
- From Highway 101, turn west toward the ocean in Gearhart; primary beach access is at 10th Avenue. There is only one road through the area (HWY 101): get to Seaside, take 101 North to Gearhart, take a left, drive until you hit the sand, and drive onto the beach with 4WD/AWD where permitted.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various hotels and vacation rentals available in Gearhart and the adjacent town of Seaside.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and coffee shops are located in the Gearhart town center, a short walk or drive from the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available nearby in Seaside; surf and wetsuit rentals are widely available.
- Gear Repair
- Minor surfboard and wetsuit repairs handled by local shops in the area are referenced.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Large public campground with historic shipwreck and military history
Iconic Haystack Rock backdrop at nearby Cannon Beach
Historic tower with panoramic views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean
Historic oceanfront walkway (1.5 miles) for cycling and walking
Local pub and restaurant near historic Gearhart Golf Links
Local dining and resort amenities at Gearhart Resort
One of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast, famous for its harbor seals
Beach exploration, tide pooling, and safer beginner surf zones at Short Sands Beach
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Gearhart?
The best overall months at Gearhart are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Gearhart?
Gearhart works with N, NW, NNW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Gearhart?
Recommended equipment sizes at Gearhart: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Gearhart suitable for?
Gearhart suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.