There is surf at this beach, although not large. It gets choppy if wind is over 15mph. Tide is significant but does not affect riding. You can usually see seals, dolphins and whales when they are migrating.
The beach is sandy and clean, although there could be some debris such as pieces of small wood buried in the sand. There could also be some shells, specially when tide is low. The beach is about 200 feet wide but you must keep your kite at least 100 feet away from homes. Entry and exit between Broadway and 16th St. On a good day there could be up to 40 kiters on this beach.
In summer time expect temperatures in excess of 75°F and the water in the upper 60s or low 70s°F. It starts getting colder in mid September so bring a shorty wetsuit.
The wind is usually sideonshore from the N to NW and it is the best direction. It usually blows from 8mph to 20mph. The average is around 15mph. It starts dying towards mid September and is pretty much dead by mid October. Season is usually from April to Mid October. You can kite off-season before or after a storm when it gets windy, otherwise winds remain sub 10mph.
From Los Angeles airport (LAX), take 405 South Bound and exit Seal Beach Blvd. Drive south to PCH and north on PCH for 1/4 mile. Make left turn on Broadway and find a parking. From SNA, take 405 North bound and exit on Seal Beach Blvd.
Sunset Beach, California is an advanced kiteboarding beach. Every kiteboarder must be able to stay upwind, self rescue, water relaunch and be able to handle waves. KITE LEASH MANDATORY. A separation of kite from kiteboarders is unacceptable (unless due to equipment failure). If a kiter looses the kite due to reckless kiting or improper leash that kiter will be banned from kiting at Sunset Beach. Kiters must enter and exit the water at 15th street only. If not able to stay upwind then do not kite here. That should be a threshold of 13-15 mph wind. No shoreline down winders. Once the kiter is in the water they are to proceed past the breaking waves and stay out past them. The ocean is your playground just not the shoreline on crowded days. Stay away from all swimmers and surfers. No flying or jumping on the beach. Rig up, check lines, launch and head immediately to the water. Stay 100 feet and more from the houses (that is one kite length) at all times. Roll lines up when kite is on the sand. Lifeguards are not responsible for any damage to your equipment if left out on the beach. Assist any kiter in need. We are to self police and rescue. The lifeguards are busy with the swimmers and should not have to worry about us. Please, enjoy your day kiting, but failure to adhere to these rules will result in swift action from the lifeguards or the Kite Patrol! If you need assistance with your kite, persons kiting unsafely, find a Kite Patrol member (will be wearing a shirt that says KITE PATROL on the front and back) and they can help you. Do not bother the lifeguards and work it out among fellow kiters. Kiteboarding hours during summer months (June to September) are 2pm to sundown.
