Henderson Point

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing foilKitesurfing straplessWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing slalomWindsurfing foilWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–31 °C
Water Temperature
7–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec, Jan, Feb: 4/3mm to 5/3mmMar, Apr, May: 3/2mmSep, Oct, Nov: 3/2mmJun, Jul, Aug: Swimwear
Crowds by Season

Can get busy on weekends during the spring; otherwise low crowds.

Storm/Rain Season

June–November (hurricane season; peak typically August–September in the region)

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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).

FreerideFreestyleFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Popular for local windsurfers, especially during winter fronts. Shallow water requires short fins.

FreerideSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsImpact vestWetsuit

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.

Restrictions
  • avoid kiting too close to the bridge pilings
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall provide the best balance of comfortable temperatures and consistent wind.
Ship Island Excursions12 miles (to ferry terminal)

Ferry trips to West Ship Island (part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore) with historic Fort Massachusetts.

Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art20 miles

A museum dedicated to the ceramics of George E. Ohr with architecture by Frank Gehry.

Gulfport Charter Fishing10 miles

Charters operating out of Gulfport Harbor for deep-sea or inshore fishing.

Shaggy's Pass Christian2 miles

Casual waterfront dining known for seafood and a relaxed atmosphere.

Mississippi Aquarium10 miles

An aquatic attraction in Gulfport featuring local and exotic marine life.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.