Richardson Beach (Kingston)

Richardson Beach (Kingston) on Lake Ontario is a clean, chop- and small-wave setup that’s primarily used for South to Southwest wind days. The wind regime is tied to lake-breeze/thermal development, so riders typically look for afternoon strength, with wind direction clustered around S, SSW, and SW. For kitesurfing, the spot is described as an advanced-to-intermediate challenge rather than a beginner launch: the shoreline is rocky/pebble with trees, power lines, and nearby urban infrastructure, and there’s a concrete pier that becomes a key hazard if you drift. Multiple warnings stress that the water gets deep very fast—if you can’t reliably stay upwind, you may end up at the pier. Seasonally, water stays cool for much of the year, warming significantly in late July and August (warmest generally July through September). A wetsuit plan is therefore commonly shorty to full suit into midsummer and warmer-water setups in mid-summer, while spring/fall typically call for a thicker suit plus protection depending on conditions. Despite being in an urban setting with parking and downtown amenities, access is still described as limited at times, and summer swimmer activity can affect riding space. Kiting can be restricted in the buoyed swimming area during the summer season—riders are expected to launch and head out away from the swim zone and should verify any local access/permit requirements before going on the beach.