WWS

Massachusetts · United States

Nantucket Island / Pocomo Point, Massachusetts (USA)

16.8kts

WSW · Wind season

Pocomo Point: 271 windy days yearly, flat water, tidal currents. Beginner terrain with a learning curve—respect the moving sandbars and coastal weather shifts.

BeginnerIntermediateFreerideFoil
16.8kts
Average wind
271
Windy days / year
15:00–18:00
Peak wind hours
WSW
Primary direction

Location

Nearest airports
Airport - Boston Logan International, MA
Coordinates
41.3162, -70.0325
Open full map ↗

Monthly wind profile (peak window)

21
Jan
21
Feb
22
Mar
20
Apr
17
May
17
Jun
15
Jul
17
Aug
18
Sep
19
Oct
21
Nov
22
Dec

Jan

87%

rideable

21.3 kts

Feb

89%

rideable

20.8 kts

Mar

84%

rideable

21.6 kts

Apr

78%

rideable

19.5 kts

May

73%

rideable

17.4 kts

Jun

60%

rideable

17 kts

Jul

65%

rideable

15.4 kts

Aug

48%

rideable

16.8 kts

Sep

50%

rideable

17.6 kts

Oct

84%

rideable

19.3 kts

Nov

93%

rideable

20.6 kts

Dec

79%

rideable

21.7 kts

Best wind directions

  • WSW
  • SW
  • SSW
  • WNW
  • N

Water conditions

  • Ocean
  • Flat Water

Best months

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

Hazards

  • Strong tidal currents and shallow sandbars that shift seasonally around Pocomo Point
  • Cold Atlantic water temperatures, especially in winter months
  • Occasional boat traffic and fishing activity in the area
  • Sudden wind shifts common to coastal New England locations

What that means for you

  • Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
  • Watch for moored boats and marked channels
  • Stay well clear of fishing nets and lines (50 m+)
  • Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water

Amenities

  • Nearby Nantucket town with restaurants, shops, and accommodations
  • Beach parking and public access areas
  • Local kitesurfing schools and rental shops
  • Seasonal wind sports community and events

Local tips

Nantucket's 271 windy days per year make this a reliable spot, though checking local forecasts is crucial as New England weather can be unpredictable. Visit in fall (Oct-Dec) or spring (Mar-May) for optimal conditions with moderate temperatures and consistent winds.

Launch & beach

Pocomo Point offers relatively protected flat water conditions ideal for beginners, with sandy beach launch areas. Winds from WSW and SW directions provide the most consistent conditions with good launch angles.

Local etiquette

Respect the local kitesurfing community and coordinate with other riders during peak wind days. Be aware of swimmers and beach-goers, maintaining safe distances and launching during designated wind sports areas.

What to wear

A 4/3mm wetsuit is essential year-round; upgrade to 5/4mm or thicker during winter months (Nov-Mar) when water temperatures drop significantly. Consider booties and gloves for extended sessions in colder seasons.

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

  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

Pocomo Point is Nantucket's most consistent launch. 271 windy days a year means you actually get on the water—that statistic matters on the US East Coast. The water stays flat and protected, ideal for technique work. The catch: you're subject to New England's unpredictable coastal weather and hard tidal push.

Wind & Conditions

Fall and spring are strongest—WSW/SW winds holding 16–18 knots with predictable windows. Summer thins out; winter brings wind but water temps drop to the high 30s (heavy suit required). The real issue is Nantucket's wind direction shifts. A passing weather system can pivot your angle fast. Check forecasts constantly.

The Water

Flat and shallow—exactly what beginners need. Seasonal sandbar migration and strong tidal currents are the hazards here, not swell or reef. Low tide exposes more bar; high tide covers it. Scout the point before launching and understand current direction. Cold water isn't negotiable in winter.

Who It's For

Beginners with flat-water focus and willingness to learn local currents. Intermediate riders might use it off-season for wind-rich sessions, then move on. Rental shops and schools around town have current intel—use it.

The Scene

Nantucket town offers restaurants and accommodations. The kite community shows up seasonally (fall/spring). Boat and fishing traffic is normal. This is a working island, not a resort.