Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- 26–35 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Katherine’s Landing (Lake Mohave) is a reservoir launch known for strong north to northwest winds that combine thermal and frontal influences. The riding surface is typically flat or small-wave, which makes it suitable for freeride-style sessions and more technical freestyle/wave attempts—while still requiring careful execution. This is primarily an advanced kitesurfing spot due to the shoreline environment: small gravel/pebble and rock, with obstacles including rocks/stone/shells, buoys, and reported boat and jet ski activity around the water. Limited launch space and rocky entry/exit areas add additional technical difficulty, especially in gusty conditions. The wind season is concentrated in late fall through spring (notably January through April and October through December). In that period, water temperatures are reported to stay cold (commonly in the 40s–50s °F, about 10–15 °C), so thermal insulation and protection are important even when air temperatures can be milder. Safety and logistics are critical here. National Park Service enforcement includes a strict “no vehicles on the beach” rule, with riders directed to use designated parking areas above the shore. Local guidance emphasizes planning for rescue by noting GPS coordinates, and being prepared for summer monsoon weather; rangers patrol the area, but dedicated wind-sport rescue response is not described.
- Strong north to northwest winds with thermal/frontal contribution
- Flat-water / small-wave conditions suitable for advanced kite freeride and freestyle
- Cold water during peak wind months
- Technical rocky shoreline with multiple hazards and limited launch space
- Strict no-vehicle enforcement with designated parking up above
- Flat-to-small-wave reservoir conditions for freestyle/freeride style riding.
- Reliable north to northwest winds in the reported best months, with strong thermal/frontal influence.
- Within a major recreation area with services nearby (restaurants/parking/toilets/camping noted).
- Advanced-level hazards: rocks/underwater rocks, buoys, boat/jet ski traffic, and limited/technical launch space.
- Strong gustiness (extreme/heavy gusts reported) can make kite control difficult and amplify risk near the launch.
- Cold water in the main wind season (often in the 40s–50s °F / roughly 10–15 °C).
- No lifeguards and wind-sport rescue is not described as dedicated.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 26–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Thermal and frontal winds are both reported for this launch area.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Extreme gusts — Sources describe extreme/heavy gustiness for this spot.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Pebble — Pebbles/stones are reported; rocky/pebble shoreline conditions.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small wave/chop is reported.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop is reported, but overall wave size is small.
- Launch
- Small — Boat ramp with a small beach; also described as a narrow, rocky shoreline with limited space for kite setup.
Through the year
Highest during summer weekends with boaters; kiters primarily visit during winter wind events.
Monsoon season (summer; late summer) can bring sudden lightning and microbursts.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat to small-wave reservoir riding with strong north to northwest winds. This is described as advanced due to gustiness and rocky/obstacle hazards at the launch and along entry/exit.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Possible when north winds blow, but rocky entry/launch can be tough on equipment.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Possible, but caution is advised due to a rocky bottom during entry/exit.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foiling is reported as possible/foil-friendly.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 3–5 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave) in the full forecast view.
Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–17 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- NNW328°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 16–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
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
- rocks
- stones
- shells
- reefs
- buoys
- jet skis
- ships/boats
- swimmers
- underwater rocks
- narrow/limited launch space
- cold water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence is reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability is reported as no for this spot.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services: dial 911. Nearest hospital reported in the Bullhead City area. Lake Mead NRA / NPS ranger patrols are described, but wind-sport rescue response is not dedicated.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism is reported.
Rules of the spot
Follow National Park Service regulations; no vehicles on the beach. Park only in designated areas/lots. Rangers enforce and ticket the no-vehicle rule (including driving/parking onto beach areas).
- No vehicles on the beach.
- Park only in designated lots/areas; an entrance/parking pass may be required.
- A vessel pass may be required.
- Expect extreme or heavy gusts—wind can surge so be prepared for unstable kite control.
- Use designated parking areas (the dust-bowl area up above is specifically mentioned); avoid driving onto the beach/rocks.
- Be prepared for monsoon storms in late summer, and seek shelter quickly if conditions deteriorate.
- Write down GPS/rescue coordinates for your landing/rescue plan.
- Wear protection for sharp shoreline rocks (thick boots are specifically recommended).
- Anticipate temperature drops when wind shifts to northerly conditions.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Bullhead City, Arizona
- Nearest Town
- Laughlin, Arizona
- Nearest Airport
- Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport (IFH)
- Parking
- Parking is described as designated lots above the beach area (the ‘dust bowl’ / above outhouses). Rangers enforce no-vehicle rules; avoid driving/parking onto beach/rocks.
- Public Transport
- Limited/virtually non-existent; primarily private vehicle access.
- Access
- From Las Vegas drive south on US-95 to Laughlin/Bullhead City, then north to Katherine's Landing in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping within the National Recreation Area plus lodging in Laughlin and Bullhead City.
- Food & Drink
- Nearby in Bullhead City/Laughlin; a marina cafe/restaurant at Katherine’s Landing is reported.
- Equipment Rental:
- Marina facilities provide motorized boat and jet ski rentals; no kite-specific rentals are described. Specialized kite/windsurf rental may require arrangement with mobile schools.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is described as limited/not available.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized wind-sport repair is described as available locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rugged desert-reservoir experience within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with a welcoming but remote atmosphere that favors self-reliance.
A large recreation area featuring over 200 miles of shoreline, marinas, and resorts.
An impressive hydroelectric dam that creates Lake Mohave.
Trails and overlooks showcasing the history of the river and the development of the region.
A famous kayaking and canoeing route through steep canyon walls.
Troll secluded coves for bass fishing.
Restaurant at Katherine Landing resort.
Casinos and riverside dining options just across the border in Nevada.
Designated swimming areas and picnic spots within the National Recreation Area.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave)?
The best overall months at Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave) are January, February, March, April, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave)?
Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave) works with N, NW, NNW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 26–35 kts.
What skill level is Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave) suitable for?
Katherine's Landing (Lake Mohave) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced.