About This Spot
3rd Ave, California (USA) is one of the world's premier wind-sports destinations, located in California (USA).
Situated in North America, the spot offers Shallow and Chop and Small waves and Medium waves water conditions, making it ideal for experienced riders pushing their limits.
With NW winds, peaking from May to September, 3rd Ave, California (USA) delivers the kind of sessions that keep riders coming back year after year.
Why Riders Love It
Very consistent site in season. Strong steady winds fairly close to shore. Winds are typically strong in the afternoon during the season. The season starts with strong NW winds in late March or April. During the summer, thermal winds continue into September but gradually get weaker. Blows from March thru October. Mostly 18-22 mph. NW winds are the steadiest. W is ok. SW can be gusty and shifty.
When to Go
In the spring, a full wetsuit is recommended. In summer thinner wetsuits will do and short sleeve wetsuits are sometimes used on warmer days - although full wetsuits are recommended to survive a hypothermia if you have to swim in from far out in the bay.
What to Expect
In the San Francisco Bay. Big swell, open waters, great ramps, and long rides. The long fetch, shallow sandbars, and favorable currents make for spectacular swell in the 2-5 foot range. On epic NW wind days, 6-8 foot swells roll through the channel.
Wind & Conditions
NW
Best wind direction
Very consistent site in season. Strong steady winds fairly close to shore. Winds are typically strong in the afternoon during the season. The season starts with strong NW winds in late March or April. During the summer, thermal winds continue into September but gradually get weaker. Blows from March thru October. Mostly 18-22 mph. NW winds are the steadiest. W is ok. SW can be gusty and shifty.
Best Months
Water Conditions
In the San Francisco Bay. Big swell, open waters, great ramps, and long rides. The long fetch, shallow sandbars, and favorable currents make for spectacular swell in the 2-5 foot range. On epic NW wind days, 6-8 foot swells roll through the channel.
Check Conditions
Live Wind Forecast at 3rd Ave, California (USA)
Check real-time wind conditions before you head out.
Facilities & Access
📍 Getting There
🥾Long walk to the beach
From Airport (San Francisco) take 101 heading south and pass SFO airport. Take the 3rd Avenue off ramp and head towards the Bay. Follow the shoreline going Southeast. After the golf driving range entrance turn left, at the lights in the middle of the golf range, then right into the windsurfing parking lot. If you park at the golf course (Mariner's Point) at 3rd Ave there's a combo lock on the gate. That combo lock belongs to the bay area kitesurfers - not the golf course. They have limited flight golf balls to keep balls from going over the net into the parking area. The only thing they ask is that we keep the gate locked to keep the dirt bikes from getting onto the course and tearing it up. Please don't jump over the fence, there's some likelihood of damaging it. Use the lock (combo is 0420), and lock it behind you.
Location
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