Kiteboarding Locations On Marthas Vineyard
Katama Bay | Edgartown
Katama Bay is a large shallow bay protected by the barrier beach known as South Beach or Norton Point. Katama Bay is also a popular clamming location. Shell fishermen have right of way at all times, and strict protocols regarding shell fishermen must be followed:
Kiteboarders must maintain a buffer zone of no less than 150 feet from all shell fishermen at all times.
Kiteboarders must also maintain 150 foot buffer zone from fisherman operating boats, and for all aquaculture gear, including rafts, cages, upwellers, buoy-fields, floating lines, and oyster farms.
Be aware that Kite launching is prohibited at the Katama Bay Boat Ramp and restricted in the surrounding areas. See chart of restricted areas strictly enforced.
Access to Katama Bay is difficult, particularly in July/August. A four wheel drive permit can be purchased at the Trustees of Reservations entrance shack located past the 4x4 entrance to Norton Point, near Katama Left Fork. Tires must be deflated to 15psi to enter. Before venturing out, first check to make sure the beach is not closed due to bird nestings. The Trustees of Reservations maintains a map of current restricted areas on their facebook page.
A second access option to the Katama launch is to walk across from the Katama Bay Boat Ramp side to the kite launch area at Norton Point. Then walk to the east (left) to the kite launching spot. Wear appropriate footwear to protect against clam shells. Do not kite in the restricted zone.
Expert kitesurfers only may access the Atlantic side from Norton Point, but Atlantic kitesurfing access at or between Left Fork and Right Fork (aka South Beach) is strictly prohibited. South Beach is a popular swimming beach and is closely monitored by Edgartown Life Guards. Kitesurfing is prohibited in season.
Cape Poge | Edgartown
Cape Poge is a natural large bay on the island of Chappaquiddick. This is a highly protected body of water and shoreline and should be treated accordingly. In 2019 the “windmill house” and it’s surrounding 17 acres were purchased. For insurance reasons and for sand dune restoration, launching off those 17 acres is now prohibited and land access to the Cape Pogue gut is only available at low tide. This has confined the launching area to a small area.
The best way to access Cape Poge Bay is by boat. You can drive out at certain times, but Trustees beach permit is required and access may be closed by bird nesting restrictions. There is no access to the kitesurfing areas except at low tide. Only kitesurf in the designated area. Do not get stuck out at the point with no access back at high tide.
Do not leave kites or gear strewn across the beach or impede access by other vehicles. As space is limited, do not leave spare kites inflated on the beach.
Before you make the trek to Cape Pogue, check for closures due to bird nesting. The Trustees of Reservations maintains a map of current restricted areas on their Facebook page.
Although generally in areas not popular for kitesurfing, Cape Pogue Bay is also a popular clamming location. Shell fishermen have right of way at all times, and strict protocols regarding shell fishermen must be followed:
Kiteboarders must maintain a buffer zone of no less than 150 feet from all shell fishermen at all times.
Kiteboarders must also maintain 150 foot buffer zone from fisherman operating boats, and for all aquaculture gear, including rafts, cages, upwellers, buoy-fields, floating lines, and oyster farms.
State Beach & Sengekontacket Pond | Edgartown
State Beach separates Vineyard Sound from Sengekontacket Pond between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. These areas can be good kitesurfing in easterly wind directions. Kitesurfing within the restricted swim zones off State Beach is strictly prohibited in the summer season.
In addition to excellent kitesurfing conditions, Senge Pond offers excellent clamming conditions at certain times. Shell fishermen have right of way at all times, and strict protocols regarding shell fishermen must be followed:
Kiteboarders must maintain a buffer zone of no less than 150 feet from all shell fishermen at all times.
Kiteboarders must also maintain 150 foot buffer zone from fisherman operating boats, and for all aquaculture gear, including rafts, cages, upwellers, buoy-fields, floating lines, and oyster farms.
Keep out of wildlife protection areas delineated by rope (symbolic) fencing during bird nesting season (April 1 – August 31, or until the nesting season ends). Kites (including those used for kite surfing), along with their operators, are prohibited from launching, flying, and disembarking within 200 meters of shorebird nesting, chick rearing, and foraging areas during the nesting season.
No vehicles are allowed to have access to the Sengekontacket Pond shore unless actively shell fishing with a proper permit. There is no walking over the dunes - kite surfers need to use the designated entry points to access the pond shore. In general we ask that you respect the wildlife and be the stewards of the beach and educate your fellow kite surfers in order to preserve and protect the fragile ecosystem.