SURFING THE NORTH COAST

CATCH A WAVE AT CAPE KIWANDA

September 2021

The Oregon coastline has always been known for its dramatic shoreline, diverse marine life, and endless opportunities for water bound adventures. Among the many possible activities along the Oregon Coast, the popularity of surfing continues to grow each year. We are fortunate that one of Oregon’s best surf spots is right in our own backyard, at the sandy shore break of Cape Kiwanda.

Throughout the year surfers from near and far fill the parking lot at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. During the summer, the tall sandstone structure of Cape Kiwanda helps to block the north wind and provides shelter, keeping the water less choppy for those paddling out; it’s typically a wonderful time for beginners to get out on the water. Fall and winter provide more challenging opportunities for experienced surfers to practice their craft.

 

 

You are sure to find avid surfer team members in every department—schedules are routinely juggled to make room for ideal surf conditions, and many morning conversations begin with “how was it out there?” If your visit to Headlands includes a massage, you might get the chance to meet Molly, one of our massage therapists at Tidepools Spa & Wellness. Molly traveled to Pacific City to surf for many years prior to joining the team. Adventure Coach Taylor particularly loves the summer months when extreme negative-tides allow her to go tide-pooling in the morning and surfing at the same spot that afternoon.

With a surge in popularity in the sport and in the surf spot, a group of Pacific City locals have come together to form a Surfrider Foundation chapter dedicated to helping to educate the public on beach safety and to keeping the beach clean. Surfrider Three-Capes has installed new Surf Etiquette signs at beach entrances and community touch points to help inform beach goers and surfers about Cape Kiwanda’s rip tides, dory boat safety, and more. Every third weekend in September, our local surf shop, Moment Surf Company and local Pacific City brewery, Pelican Brewing Company, host Oregon’s largest surf contest, the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic. The longboard classic draws surfers and spectators to the beach to watch an amazing display of cross-steps, hang-tens, and other surf maneuvers as surfers compete in heats to make the Sunday finals. The 2021 Long Board Classic has been put on hold, but many eagerly wait for the event to return.

 

 

Traveling with your surfboard? You’ll find that every guest room at the lodge is equipped with a custom rack to hang your board. Our hot outdoor shower, perfectly situated at the top of the path from the beach, provides a perfect spot to rinse off sand after your surf session. Don’t forget to head over to the Adventure Center where our coaches can help you find the best tides and surf conditions.

Eager to paddle out but did not bring a board? Or looking to get out on the water for the first time? Our Adventure Team can help set up rentals and surf lessons with the folks at Moment Surf. They are avid surfers who love sharing their knowledge, and their enthusiasm is contagious—even first-time surfers will find themselves right at home.

Or simply spend an afternoon enjoying a glass of wine or your favorite beverage while you watch the surf action from the privacy of your oceanfront balcony. We promise it’s addictive, mesmerizing, and inspiring.