Pack your sense of adventure and all your windsports gear to visit the best windy place no one knows about
Tucked between rugged headlands and sweeping beaches, the Southern Oregon Coast is an underrated stretch of Pacific shoreline that delivers ideal conditions for kiteboarding, windsurfing, and wingfoiling. More famous windy spots across the state may get the spotlight, but here you will find deserted beaches, consistent winds, and a wild, raw beauty that makes every session feel like a discovery.
To explore some of these spots, you must bring an explorer mindset and a willingness to be the only one out. What’s even wilder than the landscape is the prospect that here you can play in the wind year-round. The northerly winds from May to October are steadier and more predictable, perfect for your first time in the ocean. The southerly winds in the winter are more fickle but can deliver some incredible storm riding conditions for the more experienced windsports enthusiasts.
Whether you’re chasing downwinders, carving waves, launching high above the surf, or even learning for the first time, this is where windsport dreams come true.
Beginner Heaven (and Haven!)
Picking up a windsport has a learning curve. Kiteboarding, windsurfing, and wingfoiling all require you to know how to use your gear, harness the wind, and stay safe. If you are new to playing in the wind, Floras Lake in Langlois should be your first stop. Arguably one of the best places to learn in the country, this freshwater lake nestled just over the sand dunes from the Pacific Ocean offers butter flat water and steady winds.
Floras Lake Windsports has been based here for more than three decades, teaching generations of wind enthusiasts. With a grassy launch, jet ski assistance, and expert instruction, students here can learn quickly and safely. As a beginner, they will have all the gear you need down to your wetsuit, booties, and helmet. All you need to bring is your swimsuit and stoke. The hot shower and sauna at the school await you for the best apres warm-up you could ever want.
You may come to Floras Lake for the wind, you will stay for the adult summer camp vibe. The community that assembles here in the summer is laid back and fun-loving, always down for another session or a campfire around a fire pit at Boice Cope Campground. If you want more upscale accommodations, tuck into the Floras Lake House Bed and Breakfast for plush rooms and a homemade breakfast.
Downwinders for Days at Whiskey Run
Just north of Bandon is a wide open stretch of beach known as Whiskey Run. The options here seem endless, and it’s the perfect spot for winging, kiting, and windsurfing. Walking from the parking lot to the water is just a short trek, but the real magic of this place comes alive if you have 4×4 rigs. With a little car shuttling, you can launch from the northern end of the beach and ride miles of waves to the south, hitting wave after wave. It’s not uncommon in the summer to see the locals doing laps, with ear to ear grins.
The swell here can be everything from mellow knee-high bumps to double-overhead powerful surf. On the smaller days, it’s the perfect spot to get your first ocean session. On bigger days, it’s a playground for advanced riders to launch themselves sky high or slash the monster waves on tap. It’s definitely smart to evaluate your skills and the conditions before going out on the water.
Camping is available close by at Bullard Beach State Park, or you can drive into Bandon for cozy accommodations at the Inn at Face Rock and the Table Rock Motel. Don’t miss out on a well earned post-session dinner of pizza and delicious beer at Bandon Brewing.
Paradise Found in Port Orford
Every wind destination needs a backup, and Paradise is just that. Many people will drive right on past here in favor of a more popular spot to the south, but this unassuming launch can deliver strong winds when many other places just aren’t. Located south of Cape Blanco, one of the windiest places on the Oregon Coast, the shape of the land allows the wind to smooth out as it runs the length of the beach.
Park on the bluff overlooking the beach and walk your gear down to the sand. Depending on the swell, there can be a bit of a shore pound, but once you are out, get ready for a great time. The wind here is often very steady, and many days the water can even be quite flat. There is room for everyone, and windsurfers, wingers, and kiters can all have a great time here.
The closest place to stay near Paradise is just down the road in Port Orford. Fuel up at the Salty Dawg or The Crazy Norwegians after playing in the wind, or tuck into a cabin at the lush Wildspring Guest Habitat. If you drive a little further down the road, you can camp at Humbug Mountain State Park.
The Power of Pistol River
While most of the spots on the Southern Oregon Coast are a local kept secret, Pistol River was once a very popular spot for windsurfers. Just south of Gold Beach, you will find this windswept beach with stunning sea stacks on the north end and world-class wind and waves for over three miles to the south. As recently as 2022, the Pistol River Wave Bash was a stop on the World Wave Tour windsurfing competition. Despite being well known as a top wind destination, the remoteness keeps this section of the coast relatively deserted.
The real draw of Pistol River is the potential for strong winds. Often, the wind can blow more than 25 knots, making this a great place to practice Big Air kiteboarding or windsurf tricks. The waves can vary from small and fun to overhead ramps that can send you soaring. Be sure to check your gear and ability level before heading out, as this is an advanced rider’s playground.
It may be the wind that will draw you as far south as Pistol River, but the charm of Gold Beach will keep you here. Inexpensive beachfront accommodations such as the Gold Beach Inn are plentiful. If you are looking for a splurge, head up the Rogue River to a memorable meal and stay at the Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge. For some serious post-session eats, look no further than the Porthole Cafe and Taphouse or Gold Beach BBQ. If you are headed south, the Oxenfrē Public House in Brookings has live music on the weekends and a menu crafted from local ingredients.
Resources:
Michaela Pilketon– pro-kiteboarder and experienced coach who can show you the ropes to any launch
IKitesurf.com– wind forecasting all along the coast
WindsurfOregon.com– launch information and wind forecasting
Victor The Inflictor- a Columbia Gorge wind forecaster who also reports on the wind at Pistol River along with a daily conditions photo
Floras Lake Windsports– beginner wing, kite, and windsurf lessons at Floras Lake
