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.
- 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
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
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
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
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 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.
Live network data powered by Antigravity Alliance Inc.