Kitesurfing in Alki, Seattle, United States (USA), Washington

World • North America •

United States (USA) • Washington

Water type

sea

Beach type

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Crowd

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Rider level

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Tide dependent

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Waves

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Overview

Alki beach in West Seattle can sometimes work as a north wind launch. It is only occasionally used as a kiteboarding launch. If there are 4 kiteboarders out it is one of the busiest days of the year. The usual launch is near the NE end of the beach, the first end you get to driving there from the West Seattle bridge. There is about 1/4 mile of beach down wind, and beyond that another 1/4 mile of sidewalk just a bit higher than high tide water, and some beach beyond that before Alki point. The wind is often lighter near shore than 100-200 yards upwind, which makes it hard to get off the beach and into the kiteable wind. If the Alki point wind sensor reads around 20, it is likely barely kiteable with 16-20M kite off the beach, but well powered farther out.

It is also possible to launch just south of Alki point and near the Lincoln park pool on south winds and a couple places between, but they are all rocky beaches and not used frequently for kiteboarding. The wind is usually stronger near the point, but there is allot of open water north of there so the break down scenario is not good.

To get there take Spokane street west from I-5. Go over the West Seattle bridge. Exit on the right and turn right and follow the road (harbor ave turns to alki ave) about 3 miles.

It is your responsability to check whether kitesurfing is allowed at the spot; you might need a 'special permit' or membership from a local kite organization, etc. Local rules can change. Respect others - kiters or not; kite safely and enjoy the wind!