Siltez Bay (Lincoln City)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Siletz Bay (Lincoln City) is a shallow, semi-protected tidal bay known for flat-to-choppy riding and cold-water kiters/windsurfers. Wind is typically north to northwest (N, NW, NNW) and is reported as thermal/sea-breeze assisted, with conditions strongest from spring through autumn. For kitesurfing, the bay is often used as a more controlled alternative to the open ocean, with conditions suitable for beginners through intermediates when wind and tide line up. Shallow areas and downwind drift are common themes, so plan your lines and keep extra margin near the edges of the riding area. Safety is primarily about tides and underwater hazards. Strong tidal currents are especially noted near the bay mouth during ebb tides, and submerged objects such as stakes and older pilings are common. Riders are advised to avoid the mouth during strong outgoing tide, check tide charts, and navigate carefully around fixed structures. Expect year-round cold water and plan for a thick wetsuit. One source emphasizes a full 5/3mm setup as a baseline (often with boots for the colder months), while another describes winter water temperatures in the low teens °C and recommends full wetsuit coverage with additional cold-weather layers as needed.
- Thermal-assisted north/NW/NNW winds in spring through fall.
- Beginner-to-intermediate friendly flat-to-chop conditions (when tides are manageable).
- Cold water year-round—thick wetsuit required.
- Easy access near Lincoln City with a main launch around Taft Waterfront Park/51st Street.
- Reliable north to northwest thermal wind in spring through fall.
- Generally shallow, flat-to-choppy conditions that many riders find progression-friendly.
- Easy public launch access options near Lincoln City.
- Tidal currents can be strong, especially near the bay mouth during ebb tides.
- Submerged obstacles (stakes/pilings) are common.
- Water is very cold year-round.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Sea-breeze/thermal north to northwest winds spring through fall; builds in the afternoon and works best on mostly sunny days (clouds typically need to stay under about 40%).
- Reliability
- Many days per week during the season; good in summer.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts noted by one source; another describes gusts as light.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- South end of the bay can be sheltered by high ground.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Reported as small to medium wave/chop in different sources.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat-to-choppy conditions reported.
- Launch
- Small — Shallow, open bay-style launch with minimal obstacles reported; main launch described near Taft Waterfront Park/51st Street.
Through the year
Can be busy with tourists in summer, while the water is rarely crowded with kiters.
November through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat to chop conditions in a shallow, tidal bay make it a beginner-to-intermediate friendly option in the right season. Many riders treat it as a more protected alternative to the ocean when tides and wind are aligned.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Generally considered suitable for progression in flatter conditions, with tidal currents requiring attention. Sails are chosen around typical mid-range wind strengths in the season.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Flat water suitable for foil practice, but shallow depth can be an issue at low tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Reported as foil-friendly; depth improves at mid-to-high tide.
- Min Depth
- shallow
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Siltez Bay (Lincoln City) in the full forecast view.
Siltez Bay (Lincoln City) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- SSW193°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2512 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.7 m9s period
- Temperature
- 5–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Siltez Bay (Lincoln City) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.1–2.7 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
- currents
- stakes
- submerged pilings
- oyster stakes
- driftwood/logs
- cold water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated rescue availability indicated for the spot.
- Emergency Info
- North Lincoln Hospital is located within Lincoln City; call 911 for emergencies.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues indicated.
Rules of the spot
Be mindful of tidal timing and take care with navigation around submerged stakes/obstacles; avoid interfering with wildlife where applicable.
- Seasonal bird nesting closures may apply to certain sandbars.
- Shallow water in most areas—go carefully and expect downwind drift.
- Check tide charts: the riding area changes significantly with water level; avoid the bay mouth during strong outgoing tides.
- Launch options are described as being near Josephine Young Memorial Park (bay riding) and Taft Waterfront Park/51st Street (main launch).
- Watch for nesting birds in certain areas and avoid disturbing hauled-out harbor seals.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Lincoln City, Oregon
- Nearest Town
- Cutler City
- Parking
- Park near Josephine Young Memorial Park (Cutler City) for bay access; park near Mo's Restaurant for river mouth access; Taft Waterfront Park/51st Street described as a main launch access.
- Access
- South of Lincoln City.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels, vacation rentals, and motels are available in Lincoln City.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and bars are within walking distance in the Taft district; Mo's Restaurant mentioned for food/drink.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is generally available in the wider area, though specialized wind equipment rentals are less certain locally.
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 Siltez Bay (Lincoln City)?
The best overall months at Siltez Bay (Lincoln City) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Siltez Bay (Lincoln City)?
Siltez Bay (Lincoln City) works with N, NW, NNW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Siltez Bay (Lincoln City)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Siltez Bay (Lincoln City): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Siltez Bay (Lincoln City) suitable for?
Siltez Bay (Lincoln City) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.