Millerton
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Millerton Point (Tomales Bay, Inverness) is a bay-side wind spot known for steady Northwest winds and water that tends to run flat-to-choppy rather than feeling like open-ocean surf conditions. It’s commonly favored as a calmer alternative for riders looking for consistent spring wind and scenic conditions. Conditions are strongly influenced by the bay environment: water can be cold year-round, and fog can linger through summer. Riders should also plan around tide timing because currents can be significant within the bay, particularly during larger tidal swings. The launch and shallows include natural hazards such as oyster beds and sharp shells, and mud flats can appear at low tide. For wind sports, the spot is geared toward intermediate-level riders. Kitesurfing works well with freeride and foil styles in the typical 15–25 knot NW wind range, and winter-to-spring conditions are often more dependable before summer fog thickens. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are also suitable, especially once you’re clear of the immediate shoreline and shallower oyster-bed areas. From a safety standpoint, there is no dedicated on-site water rescue reported for kite/windsurfing, so riders should be self-sufficient and prepared for cold-water exposure. Follow park rules and consider seasonal bird-nesting area closures where applicable. Booties are strongly recommended to protect against oyster shells, and checking the tide schedule before launching helps reduce mud/launch difficulty.
- Reliable spring-to-early-summer NW winds through Tomales Bay
- Flat-to-choppy bay conditions compared to open coast
- Intermediate-friendly riding when tide and shallows are managed
- Low-crowd, nature-focused setting
- Reliable NW winds in spring with a calmer bay environment compared with open coast
- Space for rigging and launching is improved by a mixed grass/sand launch area
- Generally quiet/low-profile scene compared to major ocean launches
- Cold year-round water temperatures and foggy conditions possible in summer
- Tidal currents can be strong within the bay, especially during larger tidal swings
- Shallow areas include oyster beds and sharp shells; mud flats at low tide
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze/thermal-enhanced northwesterly flow through Tomales Bay; strongest in spring/early summer afternoons.
- Reliability
- High during spring; summer reliability can be impacted by heavy fog layers.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed shoreline; grass/sand launch area.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat-to-choppy bay conditions.
- Launch
- Medium — Grass and sand launch area that provides clearer space for rigging and launching.
Through the year
Generally quiet year-round; slightly busier on windy spring weekends.
November through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Scenic bay-side spot for intermediate riders; bay conditions offer flatter water compared to more open-coast options nearby.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for freeride and foil, typically in conditions that feel calmer than open ocean launches.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Well-suited for wingfoiling thanks to bay depth and consistent NW breeze; avoid the immediate shoreline/oyster-bed shallows.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly once away from immediate shoreline and oyster beds.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Millerton in the full forecast view.
Millerton wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–15 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- WNW296°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2915 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.0 m9s period
- Temperature
- 8–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Millerton is forecast for daytime winds of 1–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 1.0–2.0 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Cold water
- Oyster shells
- Mud flats
- Strong tidal currents
- Stingrays
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site water rescue reported for kite/windsurfing.
- Emergency Info
- Universal emergency number is 911.
Rules of the spot
Follow Tomales Bay State Park regulations.
- Seasonal closures for bird nesting may apply in certain areas of the bay.
- Wear booties to protect against sharp oyster shells and stingrays.
- Be aware of the tide schedule; low tide can make the launch difficult and muddy.
- Watch for strong tidal flow within the bay, especially during larger tidal swings.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- San Francisco
- Nearest Town
- Inverness
- Nearest Airport
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (~60 miles)
- Parking
- Limited parking available at the trailhead; state park fees may apply.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is available in other areas of Tomales Bay State Park; several small inns and rentals are in Inverness and Marshall.
- Food & Drink
- Local oyster bars and small markets are available a short drive away (Marshall and Point Reyes Station).
- Equipment Rental:
- Full equipment rental is generally not available on the bay shores.
- Gear Storage
- On-site gear storage facilities are not available in this region.
- Gear Repair
- No dedicated repair shops on the bay; professional kite/sail repairs typically require traveling off-site.
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 Millerton?
The best overall months at Millerton are April, May, June. The best wind months are March, April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at Millerton?
Millerton works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Millerton?
Recommended equipment sizes at Millerton: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Millerton suitable for?
Millerton suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.