Ocean Shores
- Wave, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Ocean Shores is a low-profile, consistent beach setting on Washington’s Pacific coast, with surf forming over sandy bottom and shaped/assisted by nearby jetty structure. Multiple records describe it as a sheltered to semi-sheltered breakwater-type environment, with wave conditions most favorable when swell and wind are aligned. Common working swell ranges are described around roughly 1 to 2.5 meters, with best surf often occurring at mid-tide and with offshore east winds helping clean the lines. For surfing, the break is described as a beach-break with medium wave power and a mix of wave shapes (including peeling). Ride lengths are commonly reported around 50 to 150 meters, with longer rides possible on good days when conditions stack (notably southwest swell with east winds). Jetty influence can improve wave shape, and sandbars near the jetty are described as particularly consistent. For wind sports, the launch environment is described as extremely large and sandy, supporting wide-ranging access for kite launches. Summer conditions are described as having more favorable afternoon winds (NW gradient/sea-breeze reinforcement), with typical wind ranges around 15–25 knots. Wind direction patterns are described as mixed overall (including NW/SW/S), and kite riding is characterized as possible in small-to-medium wave settings. Across all activities, water temperature is cold year-round, and strong currents—especially rip currents and undertow near jetty areas—are a primary safety concern. Sources emphasize respecting the jetty zone, avoiding close contact with jetty rocks, using tide awareness, and using a buddy system. Vehicle traffic is also noted on the beach, so launches and landings require extra caution.
- Long sandy beach with multiple access points
- Consistent beach-break surf over sand
- Jetty influence can improve grooming and wave structure
- Summer afternoon wind pattern supports wind sports
- Long, sandy, often drivable beach with multiple access points.
- Consistent beach-break surf described with jetty grooming influence.
- Large launch area for wind sports with simple access.
- Good wave-surf conditions when swell and wind are aligned.
- Cold water year-round; wetsuit needed.
- Strong rip currents/undertow near the jetty.
- Vehicle traffic on parts of the beach.
- Dangerous conditions around jetty rocks and possible sneaker waves.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, SW, S
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Wind described as mixed in spot conditions; regional pattern is NW gradient winds in summer with thermal reinforcement afternoons.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Gusts described as steady.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Flat — Surf size described as flat in one baseline, but other records describe small-to-medium to medium waves depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Very large sandy beach extending for miles; Damon Point and the southern jetty described as most consistent for surfing.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Highest crowds in July and August; quieter in winter months.
October through March described as rainy and stormy.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is described as possible from a vast sandy beach launch area; wave riding is referenced, with currents as the main hazard.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Challenging ocean conditions suitable for wave sailing and high-wind jumping.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.5 m²
Possible but challenging due to heavy shorebreak and constant swell.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil friendliness described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 2.0 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Consistent beach break over a sandy bottom. Works around mid-tide and can be improved by the grooming effect of jetty structure. Currents are a main in-water hazard.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Described as sheltered in the surf-forecast baseline; also described as semi-sheltered with jetty influence.
- Wind Effect
- Works best in offshore winds from the east; east winds are described as cleaning the swell. NW winds are described as side-onshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Tends to close out when the swell exceeds 3–4 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — One provider describes wave quality as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Wave shape described as mixed and peeling; peeling is used as the primary described shape.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed described as medium; also described as peeling in one provider record.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length typically 50–150 m; up to 150–300 m on good days per one provider.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Sandbars near the jetty often provide the most consistent and longest rides; typical ride length 50–150 m, with longer rides on good southwest swell/east winds.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ocean Shores in the full forecast view.
Ocean Shores wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–13 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- SSE155°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.4 m9s period
- Temperature
- 6–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ocean Shores is forecast for daytime winds of 3–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.9–2.4 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
- strong rip currents
- undertow
- rip currents near the jetty
- jetty rocks
- driftwood
- slippery/unstable rocks near the jetty
- sneaker waves
- vehicle traffic on the beach
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional rescue described as limited, supported by local Fire and Rescue teams; professional rescue availability is not described for this exact spot.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services via 911; nearest major medical facility referenced as Harbor Regional Health Community Hospital in Aberdeen.
Rules of the spot
Ocean Shores beach is described as a public highway in places; follow state regulations for beach driving. Respect the jetty zone and avoid areas near jetty rocks.
- Respect jetty zone.
- Vehicle traffic rules apply on the beach.
- Observe sets and rips before paddling out.
- Use a buddy system in cold water with strong currents.
- Check the tide chart before your session.
- Keep a close eye on incoming tides as they can cut off beach driving exits.
- Avoid getting too close to the jetty rocks.
- Watch for cars and trucks when launching or landing kites.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Aberdeen
- Nearest Town
- Ocean Shores
- Nearest Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) (~125 miles)
- Parking
- Public parking available near beach access; parking also described at beach access road ends and directly on the sand where permits apply.
- Public Transport
- Limited regional bus service via Grays Harbor Transit connects to Aberdeen; a private vehicle is essential for reaching different beach points.
- Access
- Public beach access points are located throughout the town; many allow vehicles to drive directly onto the sand. Beach access is described as instant (<5 minutes) from public access points; 4x4 may be required for some stretches.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels, vacation rentals, and camping facilities near beach access points.
- Food & Drink
- Various restaurants, cafes, and bars available in the town center.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards and wetsuits can be rented from local shops in town.
- Gear Storage
- On-site beach storage is generally not available; gear is typically stored in vehicles or accommodations.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and wetsuit repair is available locally; specialized kite or sail repair may require traveling to larger cities.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ocean Shores is a dedicated tourist destination known for long, sandy beaches and outdoor recreational activities.
A wide, drivable beach popular for clamming, horseback riding, and kite flying.
Exhibits on local history, geology, and the ecology of the Olympic Peninsula.
A 682-acre area popular for bird watching and hiking.
Dining options ranging from casual to fine dining with ocean views.
Mini-golf, bumper boats, and an arcade.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ocean Shores?
The best overall months at Ocean Shores are January. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Ocean Shores?
Ocean Shores works with NW, SW, S winds. Offshore directions are E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ocean Shores?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ocean Shores: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Ocean Shores suitable for?
Ocean Shores suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.