Nantucket

About This Spot

Nantucket is a wind-rich island with riding for almost any direction — you chase the wind across multiple beaches rather than ride one spot. Season runs roughly May–October. Spring (April–June) is the windiest, with frequent 9–12m days. High summer is dominated by the SW/S sea breeze: lighter, 12–16m kites, warmest water (~68F/20C in Aug) but most crowds. Many locals rate late September–November the best: cleaner, stronger wind, fewer tourists, still-mild water — but bring a wetsuit as it cools fast. Mid-teens-plus is wanted given South Shore surf and current. North shore (Jetties, Pocomo, Coatue, Wauwinet, Coskata) works on N/NE/NW and harbor SW. Pocomo Point and harbor spots offer flat, butter water — good intermediate territory; Jetties has flat-to-chop inside, waves outside. South shore (Cisco, Madaket, Tom Nevers, Madequecham) faces the open Atlantic on S/SE/SW/E — real swell, shorebreak and downwind potential, for confident riders who can launch/land in surf and punch through breaking waves. Launches are beach/dirt-lot access (Jetties off Bathing Beach Rd; Cisco, Madaket/Smith's Point, Tom Nevers each have lots; some need a beach sticker/OSV permit). Water state ranges flat (harbor) to chop to full ocean swell depending on spot/direction. Hazards: Jetties has strong, dangerous channel currents and low-tide issues, and is effectively unusable in summer (crowds). South shore has shifting sandbars, shells, boat traffic and big swell. Madaket can be dead offshore and very gusty — caution. Major regulations: a ~2-mile airport exclusion zone around Nobadeer (land/walk kite or stay 2mi offshore); strict shorebird nesting closures spring–summer (no kites within 200m of fenced habitat; Smith's Point and South Madaket Harbor often closed June–Aug). Ride with others and check direction-specific spot guides before going.