Cape Kiwanda Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, W-NW.
Wind
E
Surf Height
Waist-high to several feet overhead.
Tide
Breaks through most tides when there’s swell.
Cape Kiwanda Surf Guide
Surfing in Oregon is all about finding spots that offer some protection from the elements and break up the large NW groundswells of winter — and Cape Kiwanda and Pacific City are two spots that do exactly that. Working on big, clean W and W-NW swells during the autumn and winter months, the beachbreak on the inside offers some shelter from the N and NW winds that blow regularly along this part of the Oregon coast. There’s also an exposed reefbreak that has potential when the winds are either calm or blowing out of the E. Boats are allowed to launch from the beach here, so things can get a little chaotic when the weather’s nice and conditions are calm. This area also has its fair share of sharks, so keep your head on a swivel.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Cold water, big swells and strong currents are part of surfing in Oregon. Experience counts.
Local Vibe
Doable
It’s a small community and all the locals know each other.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
It’s gotten increasingly more crowded as the surfer population in Oregon grows, but it’s not crazy yet. Find a corner, enjoy.
Spot Rating
Fun
Playful when it’s small, challenging when it’s big. Dealing with the elements is as much of a challenge as getting Cape Kiwanda good.
Shoulder Burn
Exhausting
Paddling in a 5mm wetsuit is never easy, especially at a pumping beachbreak where you have to duck-dive over and over again.
Water Quality
Clean
Generally pretty clean in this part of the world, but exercise caution when paddling out after periods of heavy rain.
Hazards
Cold water, strong currents, big sharks.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, Bodyboard
Access
Park in the state park, where there are limited spaces so expect it to fill up, especially on weekends with nice weather.
Bottom
There’s a user-friendly beachbreak on the inside that enjoys some shelter from the NW winds with a reef setup further outside.
Best Season
There’s no shortage of swell in these waters during the winter months. The trick is being there when it’s clean enough to surf.
Do you have local knowledge about Cape Kiwanda?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]