Henderson Point
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Flat
- Spot Type
- 12–25 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Henderson Point is a beach-launch wind-sports area on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with a large sandy beach and shallow water that extends far out, making it well-suited to learning and progression. Water conditions are commonly described as cloudy, consistent with brackish sound water and sediment after rain. The launch is straightforward with ample space to rig and land. Wind is available from a broad set of southerly-to-westerly directions (E through W). Seasonal patterns matter: warmer months are typically more sea-breeze driven, developing in the afternoon, while cooler periods see more frontal influence. The most favorable months are listed as January through May and October through December, aligning with a long year of wind opportunities. For safety, the key issue is avoiding the bridge area. Bridge pilings and power lines are specifically flagged hazards, and local guidance emphasizes keeping clear of the US-90 bridge structure and highway. The seabed can include oyster shells and debris, so booties are strongly recommended. On the sports side, kitesurfing is the best-supported discipline here, with freeride and progression-oriented conditions credited to the extensive shallow water and consistent side-onshore wind. Windsurfing is also common, particularly during winter fronts, and wingfoiling can work but is depth-limited—riders must find sufficient water depth beyond the inner sandbars before attempting foil riding.
- Very long shallow water zone (great for progression)
- Beginner-friendly conditions with strong emphasis on oyster-shell awareness
- Multiple common wind directions (E through W) and an afternoon sea-breeze window in warmer months
- Long shallow water zone that supports progression and beginner sessions
- Side-onshore wind directions across a wide compass sector (E through W)
- Big sandy beach with ample space for launch and rigging
- Cloudy/brackish water visibility can be reduced, especially after rain
- Shallow depth and seabed hazards (oyster shells) require attention
- Bridge and nearby power lines add risk—do not ride near the bridge structure
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Sea-breeze dominated in warmer months; winter fronts can dominate wind.
- Reliability
- high during frontal season
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Wind shadow possible very close to the bridge on westerly directions
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Flat
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Kiteforum lists shallow/flat with chop and small waves.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for rigging
Through the year
Can get busy on weekends during the spring; otherwise low crowds.
June–November (hurricane season; peak typically August–September in the region)
By sport
What to expect for each.
Excellent spot for freeride and progression due to the massive shallow area and consistent side-onshore winds; shallow water for a long way out makes it beginner-friendly (watch for oyster beds).
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Popular for local windsurfers, especially during winter fronts. Shallow water requires short fins.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Suitable but depth limited; riders must walk out past inner sandbars to find enough depth for the foil.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Minimum depth of about 0.8 m once past the sandbars.
- Min Depth
- 0.8m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Henderson Point in the full forecast view.
Henderson Point wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- E79°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.5 m2s period
- Temperature
- 14–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Henderson Point is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.2–0.5 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
- oyster shells
- bridge pilings
- power lines
- road proximity
- some oyster beds
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Emergency response via local fire/police; maritime search and rescue supported by the US Coast Guard Station Gulfport; no dedicated on-water windsurf/kite rescue services confirmed.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 911 for emergencies. Nearest major medical facility noted as Memorial Hospital at Gulfport.
Rules of the spot
Keep a safe distance from the US-90 bridge and the highway. Avoid kiting too close to bridge pilings.
- avoid kiting too close to the bridge pilings
- Booties are highly recommended due to sharp oyster shells and debris on the bottom.
- Best on a SE or SW wind for cleaner side-onshore conditions.
- Great for beginners because it's shallow for a long way out—just watch for the oyster beds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Gulfport
- Nearest Town
- Pass Christian
- Parking
- Parking available along the beach road and designated pull-off areas.
- Public Transport
- Very limited public transit; car-dependent access with some regional bus service along Highway 90.
- Access
- Accessible via US-90 at the west end of Pass Christian, just before the bridge to Bay St. Louis.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels, vacation rentals, and casino resorts along the coastline in Pass Christian and Gulfport.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants available in downtown Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental for wind sports is described as limited locally; many riders bring their own gear or use shops in larger nearby metropolitan areas.
- Gear Storage
- No dedicated public gear storage facilities exist in the immediate area.
- Gear Repair
- Minor sail and kite repairs are typically handled by shops in the New Orleans or Mobile regions; specialized local lofts were not described as available.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Mississippi Gulf Coast (often referred to as the 'Secret Coast') is known for long stretches of man-made white sand beaches, laid-back atmosphere, casinos, and seafood with close access to barrier islands.
Ferry trips to West Ship Island (part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore) with historic Fort Massachusetts.
A museum dedicated to the ceramics of George E. Ohr with architecture by Frank Gehry.
Charters operating out of Gulfport Harbor for deep-sea or inshore fishing.
Casual waterfront dining known for seafood and a relaxed atmosphere.
An aquatic attraction in Gulfport featuring local and exotic marine life.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Henderson Point?
The best overall months at Henderson Point are October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Henderson Point?
Henderson Point works with E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Henderson Point?
Recommended equipment sizes at Henderson Point: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Henderson Point suitable for?
Henderson Point suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.