Westport
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Westport is centered on Westhaven State Park and described as a large, open-ocean riding area with clean water and big beach space suitable for kiting and surfing. The beach launch area is expansive and sandy, but the setup area is also influenced by coastal structures, including jetty-related features. For wind sports, summer winds are primarily Northwest and are described as gradient winds often reinforced by inland thermal heating during warmer months. Wind is cited as moderate to high reliability in summer, with typical ranges around 15–25 knots. Conditions are characterized with moderate gusts, and turbulence/wind shadow effects can occur immediately downwind of jetty rocks and large dunes. Kitesurfing is described as wave-focused with freeride/foil capability, generally matching an intermediate level expectation. For kite sizing, standard summer sizes are described as roughly 9–12 m², with smaller sizes (around 7 m²) mentioned for stronger frontal days. For windsurfing and wingfoiling, the spot is also described as intermediate-friendly, with wave sailing emphasized and wingfoiling noted as increasingly popular; a minimum depth of about 1.5 meters is specified for wingfoiling. Surfing at Westport is described as consistent, semi-sheltered, and centered on peeling sandbar-driven waves. Working swell direction is given as W, NW, and SW with an indicated swell-height window of about 1.0–3.0 meters. Longer rides are possible when sandbars are well-formed, but on very large winter swells the surf can become heavy and more prone to closing out. Safety is a priority: rip currents are common (especially near the South Jetty), and the water is cold and can include hazards such as jetty rocks and driftwood logs. Local guidance emphasizes checking the tide for jetty-created current pattern changes, and bringing appropriate thermal protection even in mid-summer. Lifeguards are described as seasonal and rescue availability as limited; for emergencies, call 911 and seek care via the nearest full-service medical facility in Aberdeen.
- Open-ocean riding area with an expansive sandy beach at Westhaven State Park.
- Summer Northwest gradient winds reinforced by thermal heating (afternoon to sunset).
- Surf and kiting wave conditions are emphasized; jetty and driftwood hazards plus rip currents are key considerations.
- Big, open sandy launch area at Westhaven State Park with access to surf and wind sports.
- Summer Northwest winds are described as moderate to high reliability; wave-focused kiting and surfing are emphasized.
- Water quality is described as clean in available sources.
- Cold water and changing tidal currents around the jetty.
- Rip currents are common, especially near the South Jetty.
- Hazard mix includes jetty rocks and driftwood logs.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, WNW, W, WSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Northwest gradient winds in summer, reinforced by summer thermal heating (afternoon to sunset).
- Reliability
- Moderate to high during summer months.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Described as moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium in the spot data; another source describes small-to-medium wave conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Expansive sandy beach at Westhaven State Park with ample room for setup.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty described as moderate.
Through the year
Highest crowds on summer weekends; more secluded during weekdays and the winter off-season.
Late autumn and winter (November to March) see frequent heavy rain and high-energy ocean storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Premier wave-kiting destination with side-onshore conditions on the dominant summer NW winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Excellent wave sailing with plenty of space for long reaches.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Increasingly popular with foil-friendly conditions at the main beach area.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A consistent surfing area centered on Westhaven State Park, with peeling sandbar-influenced waves.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide described as mid.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Open ocean riding area with some protection/influence from local geography such as the jetty.
- Wind Effect
- East winds can provide cleaner offshore conditions for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and prone to closing out on very large winter swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Described as peeling with medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical ride length described as medium.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long, peeling rides are possible when sandbars are well-formed.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Westport in the full forecast view.
Westport wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–14 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- SSE168°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.9 m9s period
- Temperature
- 6–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, Westport is forecast for daytime winds of 2–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.7–1.9 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
- Rip currents
- Cold water
- Jetty rocks
- Driftwood logs
- Heavy surf
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited; US Coast Guard provides year-round emergency response in the region.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest full-service medical facility: Harbor Regional Health Community Hospital in Aberdeen. Call 911 for emergencies.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming and surfing zones; no kiting in marked swimming-only areas. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the State Park.
- State Park parking fees apply.
- No kiting in designated swimming-only areas if marked.
- Always check the tide as the jetty creates different current patterns at low vs high tide.
- Bring a warm wetsuit even in mid-summer.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Aberdeen
- Nearest Town
- Westport
- Parking
- Large paved parking lots at Westhaven State Park; Washington State Discover Pass required.
- Public Transport
- Limited; Grays Harbor Transit bus service between Westport and Aberdeen, but a private vehicle is essential to move between spots.
- Access
- Primary ocean access is through Westhaven State Park (Expansive sandy beach at Westhaven State Park).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping at Twin Harbors State Park, plus various motels and vacation rentals in Westport.
- Food & Drink
- Multiple restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops located within the marina area and town center.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard, wetsuit, and SUP rentals are widely available at local surf shops; specialized kitesurfing/wingfoiling gear rental is less common nearby.
- Gear Storage
- Not typically available.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and wetsuit repair is available locally; complex kite/sail repairs often require shipment to specialized shops in Seattle or Hood River.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Westport is a Pacific Northwest fishing village that has grown into Washington’s premier surfing destination, with a laid-back outdoor focus around the marina and Westhaven State Park beaches.
The tallest lighthouse in Washington state, offering historical tours and coastal views.
Housed in a former Coast Guard station, with exhibits on fishing and maritime history.
Deep-sea fishing trips for salmon, halibut, and tuna leaving from the Westport Marina.
Local seafood spot known for fresh seafood and award-winning clam chowder.
Small interactive aquarium featuring local marine life and touch tanks.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Westport?
The best overall months at Westport are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Westport?
Westport works with NW, WNW, W, WSW, SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Westport?
Recommended equipment sizes at Westport: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Westport suitable for?
Westport suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.