49.69 | -123.18
Squamish Spit, located at the confluence of the Squamish River and Howe Sound, is one of Canada's most iconic kitesurfing spots. The spot is on Pepahím̓ Island, accessible only by boat shuttle operated by the Squamish Windsports Society from mid-May to mid-September.
IMPORTANT: Since October 2024, kiteboarding has been permanently banned from the main beach at Sp'akw'us Feather Park (formerly "Watersports Beach") following a fatal accident. Wingfoiling and windsurfing remain permitted on that beach. Kiteboarders must use the shuttle to Pepahím̓ Island to ride.
Despite this restriction, Squamish remains a world-class spot thanks to its exceptionally consistent thermal winds and spectacular setting between snow-capped mountains, forests, and glacial fjord.
Season: May 15 to September 15 (SWS shuttle operation). The spot is not accessible off-season. Best months: July and August (near-daily wind). RESTRICTION: Kiteboarding has been permanently banned from the beach at Sp'akw'us Feather Park since October 2024. Only shuttle access to Pepahím̓ Island is permitted for kiteboarders.
Squamish Windsports Society (SWS) — manages Spit access, shuttle, rescue. Squamish Watersports — kite and wingfoil school, equipment rental. Aerial Kiteboarding — kite school, shop, rentals. Comox Kite Repair — kite repair (Vancouver Island).
The Squamish Windsports Society (SWS) manages access to Pepahím̓ Island from May 15 to September 15. A daily access fee or seasonal membership is required. SWS provides shuttle service, air compressors, gear protection mats, and emergency rescue service (jet ski). Conditions are best from noon to late afternoon when the thermal is established. Tides: Howe Sound is tidal, which affects launch conditions.
Season: May 15 to September 15 (SWS shuttle operation). The spot is not accessible off-season. Best months: July and August (near-daily wind). RESTRICTION: Kiteboarding has been permanently banned from the beach at Sp'akw'us Feather Park since October 2024. Only shuttle access to Pepahím̓ Island is permitted for kiteboarders.
Advanced
Flat water with no waves — ideal for freestyle and freeride. The water is a mix of freshwater (Squamish River, glacial melt) and saltwater (Howe Sound). Very cold year-round: 4/3 or 5/3 wetsuit mandatory even in summer. The bottom drops off quickly beyond the Spit.
Parking is at Sp'akw'us Feather Park. From this parking lot, kiteboarders take the Squamish Windsports Society boat shuttle to Pepahím̓ Island. Wingfoiling and windsurfing can be practiced directly from the park beach.
Very consistent thermal wind from the SW (southwest). The temperature differential between the cold Pacific Ocean and the warm interior creates a powerful draw that funnels into the fjord. Wind picks up around 10-11am and blows until evening, typically between 18 and 24 knots. In July and August, wind is nearly daily (100% windy days). Wind season runs from May to September.
Cross-offshore wind from the Spit: you must be able to ride upwind, retrieve your board, and self-rescue in deep water before riding alone. Wildlife Management Area (Skwelwil'em) to the north: access strictly prohibited. The launch is rocky and gravelly — booties recommended. Tidal currents in Howe Sound. Very cold water (glacial melt): hypothermia risk in case of trouble.
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