Massachusetts · United States
Nantucket Island / Jetties, Massachusetts (USA)
16.3kts
WSW · Wind season
Flat water in a working harbor with strong, consistent wind. Tides here are dramatic—plan your sessions around them, not the other way around.
- 16.3kts
- Average wind
- 265
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- WSW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Boston Logan International, MA
- Coordinates
- 41.2971, -70.1044
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
82%
rideable
20.9 kts
Feb
86%
rideable
20.2 kts
Mar
84%
rideable
20.8 kts
Apr
78%
rideable
18.9 kts
May
73%
rideable
16.9 kts
Jun
58%
rideable
16.6 kts
Jul
58%
rideable
15.3 kts
Aug
48%
rideable
16.7 kts
Sep
52%
rideable
17.3 kts
Oct
79%
rideable
19.2 kts
Nov
92%
rideable
20.1 kts
Dec
79%
rideable
20.9 kts
Best wind directions
- WSW
- SW
- WNW
- SSW
- NW
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Flat Water
Best months
Hazards
- Strong tidal currents and shallow areas around the jetties require careful navigation
- Cold Atlantic water and hypothermia risk, especially in winter months
- Boat traffic and ferries in the harbor approach channels
- Rocky jetty structures and breakwaters near launch areas
What that means for you
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Watch for moored boats and marked channels
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Restaurants and cafes in downtown Nantucket village
- Rental shops and local kitesurfing schools
- Public restrooms and changing facilities near beaches
- Hotels and accommodations throughout the island
Local tips
Check local tide charts before sessions as tidal range significantly affects water conditions and launch areas. Winter months (Nov-Mar) offer the most wind but require cold-water preparation.
Launch & beach
Launch from sheltered flat water areas near the jetties with southwest to northwest winds. The protected harbor provides ideal conditions for beginners with minimal swell but watch for tidal movements.
Local etiquette
Respect ferry schedules and commercial boat traffic in the harbor channels. Communicate with other kiters and stay within designated kitesurfing zones to avoid conflicts.
What to wear
A 4/3mm wetsuit is essential year-round due to cold Atlantic water temperatures; upgrade to 5/3mm or thicker in winter (Nov-Mar). Consider booties and gloves for extended sessions.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
- 8–10 mstrong days, 20–28 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
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
You're sharing this harbor with ferries and fishing boats. Stay aware. The jetties funnel wind and block Atlantic swell, giving you predictable conditions—but the tradeoff is working-port energy, not island escape.
Wind & Conditions
264 windy days per year keeps this spot reliable. November through March delivers the best wind; summer is surprisingly strong for New England. Southwest to northwest flow is consistent. Average 16.3 knots means you're riding, not waiting for wind.
The Water
Atlantic water gets cold. Winter demands 5mm+ wetsuits; hypothermia is a real risk. The jetties keep swell manageable, but tidal currents dominate the session. Tidal range here is substantial—your launch zone shrinks dramatically between low and high tide. Check the tide chart before you go. This isn't a suggestion.
Who It's For
Beginners benefit from flat water, but only if you read tides and currents. You're not in a lagoon. Wind consistency gives you progression opportunities. Winter kiters only. Summer crowds and prices spike.
Access & Support
Nantucket town has schools, shops, and restaurants. Developed, expensive, walkable downtown. Winter is quiet. Summer is packed.
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