March Point (Skagit Bay)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Foil
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Shallow, Flat, Chop
Spot Type
15–30 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

March Point (Skagit Bay) is a small, shallow, clean-water kitesurfing launch in the northern Puget Sound/Salish Sea area, where riding is typically flat to choppy. The spot’s main wind directions are SE, SSE, and S, making it a strong option when southerly winds line up and the water stays rideable at the chosen tide level. The biggest practical constraint is depth and bottom hazard management. Multiple sources emphasize rocks near the shoreline and the prevalence of very shallow water/mud flats—meaning that success depends on choosing the right moment in the tidal cycle and staying clear of rocky entry areas. Driftwood/logs and nearby industrial infrastructure add to the need for careful situational awareness during launch and recovery. Wind can arrive via both weather-driven frontal conditions and, in late spring through summer, a sea-breeze/thermal pattern that tends to build around midday and fade later in the day. Providers note moderate gustiness and only moderate overall reliability; in practice, this means checking forecasts closely—especially because the area’s wind can be influenced by moving low-pressure systems and frontal passages. For safety, plan around restricted industrial/refinery zones and keep vehicle parking on designated road pullouts/shoulders. Lifeguards are not reported and rescue is described as limited; ensure you’re prepared to self-manage and that emergency access is considered before launching. If you’re visiting in colder months, be prepared for very cold water and plan full cold-water protection.

  • SE–S winds (SE, SSE, S) in a shallow, clean-water bay setting
  • Rocky shoreline and mudflat/tide timing are key considerations
  • Primarily kitesurfing-focused with wind-swell-flat-water riding
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilKitesurfing freestyle
What's great
  • Clean water and generally flat-to-choppy riding conditions
  • Strong SE–S wind window suited to freeride and foil
  • No surf required; primarily wind-driven flat-water sessions
Heads up
  • Rocky/shallow hazards require careful route choice
  • High tide timing matters due to mud flats and very shallow areas
  • Wind reliability can be affected by weather systems and frontal movement
  • Industrial/refinery area requires attention to restricted zones and local access rules
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SE, SSE, S
Wind Range
15–30 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Providers differ on classification: one reports thermal sea-breeze behavior in late spring/summer, while another lists frontal as the prevailing pattern. Both agree winds come from SE to S.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Both providers describe moderate gustiness.
Best Months
March, April, May, October, November
Recommended Kite Sizes
6–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Shallow, Flat, Chop
Beach
Sand — Sand reported by one provider; another reports mixed composition with mudflat exposure at low tide.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Providers describe small wave/chop conditions (flat-to-choppy).
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Flat water with chop reported by providers.
Launch
Small — Small rigging area along the shoreline; launching may occur from the road shoulder or small sandy/pebble patches depending on tide.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
50–65 °C
Water Temperature
48–90 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Usually quiet; a handful of local kiters appear when SE wind forecasts are strong.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (November through February) are typically rainiest and host strongest storm-driven systems.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Flat-to-choppy shallow water with SE–S winds; suitable for freeride and foil. Intermediate skill is recommended due to rocky hazards and very shallow/mudflat timing constraints.

FreerideFreestyleFoil
Kite Sizes
6–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Possible during southerly winds, but the bay’s shallow nature requires careful fin selection and/or higher tide sessions.

FreerideSlalom
Sail Sizes
4.5–6.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Foil-friendly in calm windows, but shallow mud flats and rocks require caution and typically a higher-tide session for safe mast clearance.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Providers indicate wingfoiling can work but is constrained by bottom depth/shallow hazards.
Min Depth
Only rideable on mid-to-high tides to avoid hitting the bottom.
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for March Point (Skagit Bay) in the full forecast view.

March Point (Skagit Bay) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–8 ktsGusts 15 kts
Direction
ESE119°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 258 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.0–0.2 m3s period
Temperature
6–13 °C

Over the next 7 days, March Point (Skagit Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.0–0.2 m with a period of about 3s. 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

  • Rocks
  • Driftwood/logs
  • Power lines
  • Shallow water
  • Refinery infrastructure
  • Restricted refinery zones
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestWetsuitBootsGlovesHood

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Spot-level providers report no local rescue. Regional context notes limited emergency response supported by Coast Guard and marine units; call 911.
Emergency Info
Island Hospital in Anacortes is the nearest medical facility; call 911 for all emergencies.
Localism / Vibe
None — Both providers indicate no localism concerns.

Rules of the spot

Park and rig on the road-side (March's Point Rd). Avoid rocky/shallow entry areas. Respect restricted refinery/industrial zones near piers.

Restrictions
  • Industrial/Refinery restricted zones apply to the water near the piers.
Local Tips
  • Check tide charts before going out; low tide can mean very long walks through deep mud.
  • Avoid entering restricted refinery zones; park only in designated road-side pullouts.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Mount Vernon
Nearest Town
Mount Vernon
Nearest Airport
Bellingham International Airport (BLI) approximately 45 km away
Parking
Park and rig your gear on March's Point Rd after driving north. Limited shoulder parking; keep vehicles off the pavement to avoid blocking refinery traffic.
Public Transport
Skagit Transit provides regional bus service, though most water-access points require a private vehicle.
Access
Fly to Tacoma Airport. Take I-5 to Mt. Vernon, head west on Hwy 20. After a 90° left curve, turn right onto March's Point Rd. Drive up north and park and rig your gear.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various hotels and guesthouses are available in Anacortes or nearby Mount Vernon.
Food & Drink
No facilities at the launch; restaurants and grocery stores are available in Anacortes within about a 10-minute drive.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is available via specialized shops in the wider area (regional guidance).
Gear Storage
Limited to private local clubs or seasonal school facilities (regional guidance).
Gear Repair
Major repair services are available in Bellingham or Seattle (regional guidance).
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 March Point (Skagit Bay)?

The best overall months at March Point (Skagit Bay) are March, April, May, June, July, August. The best wind months are March, April, May, October, November.

Which wind directions work at March Point (Skagit Bay)?

March Point (Skagit Bay) works with SE, SSE, S winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at March Point (Skagit Bay)?

Recommended equipment sizes at March Point (Skagit Bay): Kitesurfing: 6–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.

What skill level is March Point (Skagit Bay) suitable for?

March Point (Skagit Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.