Located in the SF bay. Choppy, sometime quite flat. Brackish bay water. The water get some wind chop when it blows steady from the West. During the winter months December through March storms from the South cause decent wind swell and generally gusty challenging conditions.
1 mile of soft sand beach. Large regulated kite launch and landing area. Please respect posted rules so that we do not lose access. When in doubt please ask for help. Everyone that kites here is friendly and will offer to help land or launch your kite safely. Quite crowded in summer. Some rocks just downwind of launch (marked). Launch area is compact and congested, but works OK. The beach is narrow and small for the number of kiteboarders that may show up. Adherence to the rules makes this launch safe for all.
Water usually warm in summer but thin wetsuit recommended. Season is May/June to August/Sept. Shorty wetsuit in the summer to 4/3 in the winter. The summer months are the best, the air temperature gets up to 75°F and the water up to 70°C. In the winter months it is usually 50-55°F as well as the water and it is the rainy season.
Light/moderate winds in summer. Spring is best. Winter can be wild. When there is good thermal heating, it picks up in the early afternoon to 10-20 knots. Typically not as windy as most Northern California spots but is a favorite for beginners and experts on a good day. The wind in the summer is very steady and usually not more the 19 knots. During the winter hang on to your hats. The storms that blow through have been know to gust over 50 mph. It blows steady from the West during the summer April through September. This is the best wind for this beach. The locals call it a thermal that is caused by the valley in land that usually is 30°F hotter.
From Oakland follow sign to Alameda then find Crowne Beach Park at the intersection of Otis Drive and Westline Drive (8th street). Fly in to Oakland airport. Upon leaving the airport turn left on Doolittle. Go straight for about 5 miles and look for a small sign on your right that prompts you to turn left to the beach. This is the down wind end of the beach. Drive along the beach to the other end is there is plenty of parking.
Follow kitesurfing guidelines posted on the shack at the beach. Restricted launch area with separate rigging area enforced. Leashes must be used on kites. Very good spot for beginners - long downwinders (2 miles) available with beach-walk or car ride back. Stack up kites out of launch area. Rig up and get out on the water. No flying your kite on the beach.
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