Richmond is rideable on a S to SW wind and it can be quite gusty before large approaching storms. This site has its own iKitesurf sensor and is fairly accurate on the wind speeds but the direction has been disabled for some time now. The Washington State Ferry readings of Edmonds - Kingston are also a good indicator of the current conditions through that area of the Sound. As long as the sound is blowing S or SW the direction at Richmond should be rideable but beware of SW winds creating a very on-shore condition. Look for a S or SW forecast on the Puget Sound NOAA marine forecast. It will often blow on a 10-20 forecast, but 15-25 is ideal. The wind direction is side to side-onshore with a long beach making this a good location for those kiters still learning to stay upwind. North winds are not ideal here as the beach is shadowed from this direction.

water

Tides will affect the water conditions often creating choppy terrain with rising swell as the wind increases or turns more onshore. A strong ebb current (water moving N) can make staying up wind a challenge but a strong flood current can make for some fun waves to ride so be sure and monitor tides and currents at this location. A tide below 9ft is the safest allowing plenty of sand between obstacles and water. Higher tides are possible from the small sand hill just south of the foot path but please use caution when launching and landing here and beware of driftwood.

rig &launch

The best rigging area is the small sandy hill mentioned above allowing enough room for a hand-full of kites. The safest technique is to launch the kite at the waters edge with the kiter up on the sand with a hold down due to the possible unexpected gusts. Please avoid up and over launches at Richmond-this is a site to observe the rule stay low and go. It is also a good idea to body drag out one line-length from shore before riding away for added safety.

warnings

Richmond Beach is a public park and can be very busy at times so please be aware and considerate of beach goers and dogs. This is also a beach with a fair amount of drift wood and large logs so be aware while launching and landing. Constantly monitor changes in the winds here as they can increase quickly and turn more onshore creating difficult and gusty conditions. Note that this beach is steep making it too deep to stand once in the water. There is one section of old pilings and other debris west of the Restrooms. These pilings become submerged as the tide comes in so be extremely careful of this area.

facilities

Richmond hosts large bathrooms with flushing toilets in both the parking lot and on the beach. There is a surplus of parking stalls so parking is never an issue.