Millerton

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing foilWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
11–15 °C
Water Temperature
8–24 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 4/3mm to 5/4mm + BootsJan–Dec: 4/3mm + Boots
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet year-round; slightly busier on windy spring weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

November through March

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Scenic bay-side spot for intermediate riders; bay conditions offer flatter water compared to more open-coast options nearby.

FreerideFoil
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for freeride and foil, typically in conditions that feel calmer than open ocean launches.

FreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
5–6.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
Forecast

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.

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

  • Cold water
  • Oyster shells
  • Mud flats
  • Strong tidal currents
  • Stingrays
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHoodImpact vest

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.

Restrictions
  • Seasonal closures for bird nesting may apply in certain areas of the bay.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
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.
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 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.