March Point (Skagit Bay)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Usually quiet; a handful of local kiters appear when SE wind forecasts are strong.
Winter months (November through February) are typically rainiest and host strongest storm-driven systems.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 6–12 m²
Possible during southerly winds, but the bay’s shallow nature requires careful fin selection and/or higher tide sessions.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
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
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.
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
- Rocks
- Driftwood/logs
- Power lines
- Shallow water
- Refinery infrastructure
- Restricted refinery zones
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.
- Industrial/Refinery restricted zones apply to the water near the piers.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.