Sunset beaches' waves range from flat calm to overhead all summer long. The conditions are continually changing and creating a new playground daily. Predominant swells are from the North/Northwest and a clean 6 foot swell is not uncommon in the middle of summer. This is not chop, these are real waves with real potential. Surfing is best in the winter when the big swells hit the infamous breaks in this area. But you must love big waves to surf the winter here.
Soft white sand about 200 yards wide. The beach goes from Astoria Oregon to Seaside Oregon, 22 miles in total. Cars are allowed on the beach so you can have your friend follow you on a downwinder. Or, park one car down wind, drive up the beach, unpack your gear from your car. The beaches are beautiful and empty. Everyone up here hates the wind, so there is no one on the sunny, but windy, sand. There are a few entries, Sunset beach drive being the best. It is possible to do a downwinder from the Iredale boatwreck (found inside Fort Stevens park) all the way to downtown Seaside.
The water is cold but you really don't feel it. A 4 or 5 mm wetsuit is fine. No booties unless you have timid feet. Most of the time you are dying to get out of our suits by a sessions end.
There is wind 6 days a week. If you can't find it on Sunset then head to Manzanita before noon, it always blows in Manzanita. Just need N to NW winds, which are extremely dependable all summer. When cool water is combined with warm inland air you get a beautiful thermal. This effect is evident from March until October on one of the best beaches in the world to kiteboard. Starts at around 2 pm (thermal). Speed ranges from 15 to 30 mph daily. Blows until around 7 pm, but it is kiteable until dark. Smaller kites for Manzanita as it usually blows 10mph stronger than the rest of the coast.
There is only one road through this area: HWY 101. Get to Seaside Oregon, take 101 North to Sunset Beach Lane. Take a left. Drive until you hit the sand. From Astoria, go South to Sunset Beach Lane. Take a right. Drive until you hit the sand.
Say hello to the local kiters. The scene is growing here with transplants from the Gorge realizing this is better than the Gorge. Be courteous, launch downwind of the locals. But definitely introduce yourself to them. They are a wealth of knowledge for the area and all of them are friendly. Great for downwinders!
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