Kitesurfing in Sunlight Beach, Sunlight Beach, United States (USA), Washington

World • North America •

United States (USA) • Washington

Water type

lagoon

Beach type

—

Crowd

—

Rider level

intermediate, expert

Tide dependent

—

Waves

—

Overview

Best wind direction: SW, S, SE

Skill level: Advanced/Expert Launch.

Parking:
This is a short sandy road public access between private property. Park to the west side of the access lane and be efficient. There is limited parking and the opposite side of the street can be used but only in the access lane dimensions. This has been used for years by a small number of windsurfers, some of whom do not appreciate kiters.

Beach:
The beach is very small at tides over 8 feet. The launch is an 800 yard walk down the beach to the sandy and log strewn point adjacent to deer lagoon. There is no allowed launching on private property which means in front of the houses at the parking access. The property owners have rights to the mean high tide level and there is signage notifying of private beach on both sides of the access.

Conditions:
This mirrors the Double Bluff Park conditions with a slightly better wind at SW conditions. The waves are better at DB park when wind is S, SE or the tide out below 8 feet. At low tide, there is much more exposed beach than DB park, but the waves are better at DB park side. At high tide, Deer Lagoon is ride-able for unhooked tricks. It can get pretty gusty in the lagoon towards the west end because of the houses blocking the wind.

Water:
Varies from chop to small waves over towards the west point to flat water in the lagoon. On the outside, there are some nice waves which are comparable to DB park. Once off the beach, there is limited safe exit at high tides because of lack of beach and logs. The incoming tide makes it very difficult to stay upwind at the launch and you can get swept into the lagoon.

This is a visibly high impact area that the neighbors are aware of. We must be respectful of their property rights. The neighbors have recently made the Sheriff aware of people parking illegally on the road.

Dangers

Warnings:
Various obstacles. There is lots of wood on the beach, so be very careful as this is an onshore condition in front of the parking. Even at the launch point down the beach, there is a lot of log and wood debris to avoid. If you go in the lagoon, make sure you look for submerged logs or wood and this varies depending on the year so use caution. There is less room on this side at the beach and for parking, so use the DB park if this site is full or becomes congested.

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!