Point Robinson
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Point Robinson is a low-profile kitesurfing spot on Vashon Island in Puget Sound with clean water and conditions described as flat-to-choppy with small wave riding. The beach is mostly sand and small pebbles, and the usable launch/landing area is highly dependent on tide. Wind is primarily associated with frontal systems and is reported as coming from North and South, funneling through the sound. Reported typical wind strength is around 15–25 knots, with medium reliability and moderate gusts. North winds are generally described as cleaner than South winds, but wind can become shadowed or more turbulent near lighthouse structures and coastal features depending on the exact angle. The main safety challenge is the strong current. Multiple sources emphasize that the current can pull riders along the shore or out toward the shipping lane, and that dropping a kite can quickly put you into hazardous areas. The area is also characterized by rocks/stones/shells and driftwood/log hazards, and at high tide there may be very little room left to launch or land. The spot is best suited to intermediate-to-advanced riders (and is described as advanced by some providers) due to the combination of strong currents, cold water, and shipping-lane proximity. There are no lifeguards and no dedicated on-site kiter rescue, so riders should plan accordingly, check tides before rigging, and keep clear of commercial vessels and any marked swim areas.
- North/South wind conditions that funnel through Puget Sound
- Clean water quality
- Strong currents and shipping-lane proximity (key technical/safety factor)
- Tide-dependent beach launch area
- Clean water quality is consistently reported
- Reliable power during N and S wind conditions that funnel through Puget Sound
- Suitable for flat-to-choppy riding and small wave/free-ride/foil styles
- Facilities like toilets and parking are available
- Technically demanding due to strong currents
- Proximity to commercial shipping lanes
- Cold year-round water
- Beach area can become limited at high tide
- No on-site lifeguards or dedicated kiter rescue
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, S
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal systems; N and S winds funnel through the Puget Sound.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March, April
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulence or shadowing near lighthouse structures or high bluffs depending on the exact angle.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Mixed — Sand and small pebbles; beach is sand/mixed depending on source wording.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Small waves; also described as flat-to-chop conditions.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is reported as a characteristic condition.
- Launch
- Small — Small beach area depending on tide; narrow sandy/pebbly beach near the lighthouse.
Through the year
Rarely crowded due to advanced skill requirements and ferry access.
October through May
By sport
What to expect for each.
A technically demanding kitesurfing spot with flat-to-choppy Puget Sound conditions and small waves. Strong currents and nearby shipping lanes make it best suited to experienced riders. Works on N and S winds that funnel through the sound; North is generally cleaner than South.
- Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Occasionally used during strong frontal systems; launch conditions can be tricky with driftwood and tide changes.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Becoming more popular due to deeper water close to shore, but strong currents require careful management.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Deep water close to shore supports foiling; still manage currents carefully.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Point Robinson in the full forecast view.
Point Robinson wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- S172°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 289 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.0–0.3 m3s period
- Temperature
- 5–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, Point Robinson is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.0–0.3 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
- strong currents
- shipping lanes / commercial vessel traffic
- rocks
- stones
- shells
- driftwood logs
- limited beach at high tide
- cold water
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-site water rescue for kiters.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest emergency services are in Vashon town, but response requires ferry transport for mainland hospitals. In the U.S., call 911 for emergencies.
Rules of the spot
Dogs must be on leash at all times. Do not ride in marked designated swimming areas; keep distance from commercial vessels/shipping lanes.
- Avoid riding when the tide is high if there is little beach left to launch or land.
- Stay clear of active shipping lanes and lighthouse grounds/visitors.
- Check the tide before heading out—at high tide there may be little room to launch/land.
- Watch for underwater rocks, stones, and shells, and expect strong currents to pull riders along shore or out toward the shipping lane.
- If you drop your kite, the current can carry you toward the shipping lane very quickly.
- North wind is generally cleaner than South wind here.
- Small parking lot fills quickly on weekends and holidays.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Federal Way
- Nearest Town
- Vashon
- Parking
- Small free parking lot near the beach/Point Robinson Park; fills quickly on weekends and holidays.
- Access
- Accessible via ferry from Fauntleroy (West Seattle) or Point Defiance (Tacoma) (or Southworth) to Vashon Island; then drive to the eastern tip of Maury Island / Point Robinson area. (Eastern edge of Vashon Island; drive to Pt. Robinson after ferry.)
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Vacation rentals on Vashon Island; accommodations also available in Federal Way and Des Moines on the mainland.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on-site; food and drink available in the town of Vashon.
- Equipment Rental:
- No on-site rentals available at the beach; rental gear is primarily available from specialty shops in Seattle or Tacoma rather than directly at the beaches.
- Gear Storage
- None reported at the launch site.
- Gear Repair
- Major repairs handled by sail and kite repair shops located in the greater Seattle area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A scenic coastal park centered on the lighthouse, with tidepool access and nearby walking trails.
Scenic coastal park with lighthouse, tide pools, and hiking trails.
Historic lighthouse and maritime landmark associated with Point Robinson access.
Hiking trails and beach access with popular skimboarding and kayaking areas.
Waterfront dining specializing in fresh Pacific Northwest seafood.
Theme park with roller coasters and water slides.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Point Robinson?
For wind, the best months at Point Robinson are October, November, December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Point Robinson?
Point Robinson works with N, S winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Point Robinson?
Recommended equipment sizes at Point Robinson: Kitesurfing: 8–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Point Robinson suitable for?
Point Robinson suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced.