Jetty Island (Everett)

KitesurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Freestyle
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat, Shallow, Chop, Swell
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Jetty Island (Everett) is a man-made tidal flat just off the Everett waterfront, offering shallow, flat water that’s popular for progression—especially summer kitesurfing and learning wing foiling. Conditions are strongly shaped by tides and the channel between the mainland and the island, with moderate chop over the flats and significant current changes during tidal transitions. Wind is typically a reliable summer thermal pattern, with the best wind direction sector centered on NW (and WNW at times). The spot’s strongest thermal window is generally in the afternoon, and it’s commonly most consistent from June through September (with the highest focus on June–August). Typical kite wind is about 12–25 knots in summer, with reported lighter gustiness/steady character during peak thermal periods. Safety and access are major considerations. The island is only reachable by boat or the seasonal ferry, and the channel currents can be strong when rafting/kayaking across during tidal changes. There are strict local rules such as no dogs (bird refuge) and no alcohol. Riders also need to respect designated zones and offshore-distance restrictions tied to the active tidal line, and kayakers are required to wear life jackets and carry a whistle. Temperature comfort can be surprisingly good near the warm shallows in midsummer: incoming tides over sun-warmed sand can bring nearshore water into the 70s °F, while deeper water remains much colder if you go too far out. There are limited/no on-island services, so bring sun protection and water, plan around tide space for launching, and use a wetsuit appropriate to your exposure and the time of day.

  • Shallow sand-bottom tidal flats with flat-water learning potential
  • Reliable summer thermal NW winds (afternoon window)
  • Incoming tide over sun-warmed sand can warm the water nearshore
  • Strong currents in the channel during tidal changes—plan crossings carefully
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing waveKitesurfing foilKitesurfing straplessWingfoil freerideWingfoil downwind
What's great
  • Shallow, flat tidal flats with moderate chop that help with progression
  • Reliable summer thermal winds from the NW/NW-ish sector
  • Good learning conditions for kiteboarding and growing wingfoiling potential over the flats
  • Summer warming on incoming tides over sand can make nearshore water comfortable
Heads up
  • Strong tidal currents in the channel during tidal changes
  • Water and deeper areas can get cold—risk increases if you kite too far out
  • Access logistics are boat/Ferry-dependent and ferry days can bring busy crowds
  • No on-island services (limited/no shade, water, or repairs)
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW, WNW
Offshore directions
NW
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — Summer sea-breeze/thermal draw creates steady northerly-to-northwesterly winds; strongest on mostly sunny days.
Reliability
high in summer
Gust Factor
Steady
Best Months
June, July, August
Recommended Kite Sizes
12–14 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Shallow, Chop, Swell
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Tidal
Waves
Flat
Chop Level
Light chop — Moderate chop over shallow flats.
Launch
Medium — North sandy areas above the kiteboarding sign; rig on sand beach when tide allows or on a small sand hill. Kayak dock is ~50 m north of the main side boat dock in designated grass area.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm + BootsJul, Aug: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Peak in July–August during ferry days; longer ferry lines and busier beachgoer activity.

Storm/Rain Season

October through April is the rainy season with occasional frontal storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Flat, shallow tidal flats with moderate chop are well-suited for progression, especially for learning and freeride in summer thermal NW winds.

FreerideWaveFreestyleFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
12–14 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Shallow tidal flats can work for learning wing foiling, but riders must be mindful of tides/sandbars to avoid foil hits.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Foil depth/clearance depends strongly on tide and conditions over sandbars.
Min Depth
Requires sufficient mid-to-high tide clearance over extensive sandbars.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Jetty Island (Everett) in the full forecast view.

Jetty Island (Everett) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–8 ktsGusts 16 kts
Direction
SSE153°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 288 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.0–0.5 m2s period
Temperature
5–13 °C

Over the next 7 days, Jetty Island (Everett) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.0–0.5 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

  • Strong tidal currents in the channel (especially during tidal changes)
  • Very shallow sandbars (including risk to foils if conditions/tide aren’t sufficient)
  • Deep cold pockets if you kite too far out
  • Bird nesting areas (typically roped off)
  • Boat traffic in the channel
  • Submerged driftwood/logs on the beach
  • Hypothermia risk if you end up in colder deeper water
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsKnife

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated on-water rescue stated for the island; regional emergency response is provided by Everett Fire/Police and the U.S. Coast Guard within the immediate harbor area.
Emergency Info
Nearest major medical facility: Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. In an emergency, call 911.

Rules of the spot

No dogs (bird refuge). No alcohol (strict enforcement). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Kite/riding is restricted to designated launch zones, with limits on how far offshore from the active tidal line riders may travel. For kayakers: life jacket and whistle required.

Restrictions
  • Riding prohibited in the main zone during July–August except from the designated Zone 1 from 100+ yards offshore
  • Seasonal ferry access only (typically July through Labor Day)
  • No motorized vehicles
  • No pets or bikes
Local Tips
  • Use incoming tide over hot sand to warm the water; conditions can be comfortably warm near the shallows during summer
  • Check tide charts before launching and monitor the active tidal line
  • Best rigging area is in the far north sandy zone above the kiteboarding sign to avoid beachgoers
  • Bring sunscreen and water (little cover on the island)
  • If crossing the channel by raft/kayak, watch for strong currents during tidal changes
  • Rising tide over sun-warmed sand can make the water significantly warmer
  • Avoid leaving kayaks in the tidal zone

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Everett
Nearest Town
Everett
Parking
Parking at 10th Street Boat Launch: free Monday–Thursday, $3 on weekends.
Access
Access via free summer ferry (July 4–Labor Day, about every 30 minutes) from 10th Street Boat Launch; otherwise only by boat/kayak/SUP.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Hotels in downtown Everett and near the waterfront are available.
Food & Drink
No food or water on the island; restaurants are available near the Everett marina/ferry terminal.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available on the island.
Gear Storage
No on-island storage reported.
Gear Repair
No on-site repairs reported.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Jetty Island (Everett)?

The best overall months at Jetty Island (Everett) are June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Jetty Island (Everett)?

Jetty Island (Everett) works with NW, WNW winds. Offshore directions are NW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Jetty Island (Everett)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Jetty Island (Everett): Kitesurfing: 12–14 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Jetty Island (Everett) suitable for?

Jetty Island (Everett) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner.