United States
The beach of Silver Strand Beach, located in Imperial Beach near San Diego, California, offers a long stretch of open sand facing the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular spot for riders due to its wide beach and relative isolation that limits crowds.
Close to Coronado and only 8 miles from the winds of Baja Mexico, it attracts locals and visitors for its strategic position. The beaches stretch for miles, ideal for all levels.
There are restrictions in the summer, with a dedicated area of 133 yards for launching and landing kites.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
chopchopThe prevailing wind comes from WNW in thermal, side-on to side-off relative to the south-facing beach. The best sessions occur with winds of 13-16 knots in the afternoon when thermals set in, or stronger in February-April with depression systems bringing S at 18-25+ knots followed by WNW 16-22 knots.
Launching is easy on the wide sand, with a designated take-off area near the main entrance, mandatory to follow the rules. The navigation area is offshore with open space, but watch for swimmers in summer. The water is chop to wavy depending on the Pacific swell, more stable in thermal.
From May to September, it’s the eddy season with light WSW to SSW 9-13 knots, often irregular and too weak; strong days are rare, around 4 good days per month. Use the kite-only area to avoid fines.
Ideal in WNW 13-22 knots side-on, or strong S in depression. Winds 12-24 mph steady for side-shore or onshore.
Water conditions are chop to wave with swell from the WNW, waves of 1-1.6m with periods of 12-18s. Unstable and shifty offshore, cleaner in E offshore winds.
The currents are moderate with possible rips due to swell. Tides have little influence on the ocean spot, but check the schedules for the launch area.
Prefer larger sizes like 14-20m² given the usual light winds. 9-12m² for the rare strong days.
Standard thermal winds blow from WNW 13-16 knots on the best days, lighter otherwise. In spring, systems bring S strong 18-25+ knots then WNW clearing 16-22 knots.
No specific local name, but the eddy of the North Pacific High generates SSW 13-20 knots in summer, which weakens quickly. Winds are generally light and irregular in San Diego, Silver Strand is the most consistent.
The climate is mild Mediterranean with temperatures 17-25°C during the day all year round. Mild winters around 11-17°C, hot summers up to 25°C+ but with coastal fog.
The spring season from February to April is the windiest, while summer is calmer but touristy. Rare rains, especially with winter depressions.
Profondeur progressive rapide typique océan, fond sableux avec beach break. Pied au bord sur la plage large.
Water around 16°C currently, cold in winter 13-16°C, warmer 18-21°C in summer. Shorty or long wetsuit recommended.
