WWS

Massachusetts · United States

Chappaquiddick Island / Cape Pogue Bay, Massachusetts (USA)

12.9kts

WSW · Wind season

Cape Pogue Bay delivers flat-water conditions and 162 windy days yearly—ideal for progression, but tidal currents demand respect.

BeginnerIntermediateFreerideFoil
12.9kts
Average wind
162
Windy days / year
08:00–11:00
Peak wind hours
WSW
Primary direction

Location

Nearest airports
Airport - Boston Logan International, MA
Coordinates
41.4009, -70.4628
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Monthly wind profile (peak window)

17
Jan
18
Feb
17
Mar
17
Apr
15
May
15
Jun
14
Jul
15
Aug
15
Sep
16
Oct
17
Nov
18
Dec

Jan

61%

rideable

17.2 kts

Feb

54%

rideable

17.6 kts

Mar

68%

rideable

16.6 kts

Apr

50%

rideable

16.5 kts

May

39%

rideable

15.1 kts

Jun

30%

rideable

14.8 kts

Jul

26%

rideable

14.2 kts

Aug

21%

rideable

14.6 kts

Sep

28%

rideable

14.8 kts

Oct

44%

rideable

16.4 kts

Nov

58%

rideable

17.2 kts

Dec

53%

rideable

17.9 kts

Best wind directions

  • WSW
  • WNW
  • SW
  • W
  • NW

Water conditions

  • Ocean
  • Flat Water

Best months

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Hazards

  • Shallow water and sandbars at Cape Pogue Bay require careful navigation to avoid grounding
  • Strong tidal currents during incoming/outgoing tides can create choppy conditions and drift
  • Limited launch zones due to protected beach areas and wildlife sanctuaries on Chappaquiddick

What that means for you

  • Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
  • Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water

Amenities

  • Nearby Martha's Vineyard town of Edgartown offers restaurants, shops, and accommodations
  • Limited on-beach facilities; plan to bring supplies and water for the day

Local tips

This is a beginner-friendly spot with consistent windy days—visit in winter/spring for best conditions. Ferry access from Martha's Vineyard and parking limitations mean arriving early is essential.

Launch & beach

Flat water makes this ideal for beginners, though shallow bay conditions require launching from sandy areas during mid-to-high tide. WSW to NW winds provide consistent offshore/cross-offshore flow.

Local etiquette

Respect protected wildlife areas and stay clear of swimming zones. Check local regulations regarding kite zone restrictions before launching.

What to wear

3/2mm wetsuits for winter months (Nov-Mar) and spring (Apr-May); 2mm or spring suit for summer. Water temps range from 35°F in winter to 70°F in summer.

What to pack

Kite sizes

  • 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
  • 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn

Boards

  • Twintip — universal, bring one
  • Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn

What to wear (by climate)

In the water
3/2 mm full wetsuit.
On land
Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.

Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate zone) and current season.

Right of way & manners

  1. 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
  2. 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
  3. 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
  4. 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
  5. 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.

Spot guide

The Experience

Getting to Cape Pogue Bay requires logistics: ferry from Martha's Vineyard, parking coordination, early arrival. Worth it if you commit. The payoff is nearly half the year with rideable wind and dead-flat water protected from Atlantic swell.

Wind & Conditions

Average 12.9 knots. Winter through spring is on; summer flatlines. WSW to NW winds come offshore or cross-offshore. You'll need a quiver. The consistency matters more than the strength—this spot doesn't have pump days, just reliable ones.

Flat water is excellent for trick progression. Tidal currents are the real feature: incoming and outgoing tides push predictably through the narrower sections. You're managing systematic drift, not random chop. Stay aware of tide timing.

Water & Access

Sandbars dominate the bay floor. Launch from sandy areas at mid to high tide; low tide means dragging your board. Winter water is cold; spring is tolerable. Winter requires a hood.

Who It's For

Beginners. The protected bay eliminates offshore current risk and reef concerns. If you're chasing waves or strong wind, go elsewhere. This is a learning environment.

Logistics

Edgartown has services. The beach itself has minimal facilities. Factor ferry schedules and parking into your session planning.