KiteBoarding

Squamish Spit

Squamish without a doubt is one of the most interesting places that you can find for kitesurfing. Located at the end of Howe Sound, the Squamish spit borders between the Squamish river mouth where it spills into Howe sound, and the Squamish estuary. On the far side of the estuary is Squamish terminals where during the summer large ships often dock.

The local kiting community is "rock solid" with a strong dedication to the growth of the sport and the improvement of overall site access. The local Squamish Windsports Society provides a rescue boat and has staff on hand to provide information regarding site fees, safety regulations and proper kite etiquette.

This is the best spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing near Vancouver. The launch is from the rock jetty at the Squamish River. The southerly inflow wind is reliable and steady from April to October since it is generated by thermal gradients. Kite size is usually 12 meter. Windsurfer sail size is usually 6 or 7 meter. The water is flat with some chop but no waves. This location is staffed in the summer and there is usually a rescue boat service. A $10 day fee is charged, or an annual membership can be purchased. Wetsuits (4/3) are needed since the river water is cold.

Squamish is not a good place for learning either windsurfing or kiteboarding unless the tide is very low. Beginners who are blown downwind end up at the far side of the inlet (which can then mean a very long walk to get back). Squamish is a 45 minute drive north from Vancouver. Current wind readings are at (604) 892 2235.

Like most thermal based winds, the wind turns mid morning building to around 20 knots just after noon. The thermals build like this almost every single sunny day from early spring through early autumn with amazing consistency. Some days the wind can build to 25 knots even 30 when the conditions are perfect. In the estuary or leeward side of the spit are great kiting conditions since kites are able to fly above the eddies created by the spit. The wind can last and even build to 8 though more often lasts until about 6.

Enjoy this exciting sport on this video.

Click on the grey button at the bottom right of the video window to enjoy it full screen