Half Moon Bay / California / United States

Here is four miles of an exposed crescent shaped beach that when the conditions are right, can produce a great time for surfers, wind surfers and kite surfers alike. Water sports are played here all year round.

This is a popular spot for wind and kite surfers because when winds appear from the southeast, it only blows over the top of the water. The year round calm conditions provide a great environment for beginners of all three sports.

Though not as extreme as Ocean Beach, Half Moon Bay receives wind and weather conditions from the north and south. While providing great wind power (average wind speed is around 14 mph ), the water also remains flat. Unfortunately, this provides less than stellar conditions for surfers, who do not appreciate this beach as their wind and kite surfing brethren.

Half Moon Bay is a drive from Highway 1. There isn’t a town per say, but there is a congregation of restaurants, board shops, and even schools for surfing, kite surfing, and wind surfing. Your best place to stay would be to camp at Half Moon State Park, where you can also revel in the wonderful hiking trails. If you need a break from the water, try your hand at some golf at the beach side golf course.

Currents can get pretty strong in Half Moon Bay, and if you’re caught unawares, you could find yourself crashing against exposed rocks.