Windsurfing and Kiteboarding at Belmont Shore
Windsurfers and kiteboarders migrate to Belmont Shore where conditions are among the best in the greater Los Angeles area. Sheltered from large waves by breakwaters and blessed with steady winds, the Belmont Shore is a popular place to learn kiteboarding.
Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.
Belmont Kite Zone
Separate swim and kitesurfing zones have been designated on Belmont Shore. The Kiteboarding zone is in effect in the summer between May 15 and September 15. The zone is located between lifeguard towers 8 and 10 near the Claremont Boat Launch Pad. Beginners are encouraged to stay downwind. Kiteboarding rules are posted on the beach.
Windsurfing
Windsurfers launch at the Granada Boat Launch Ramp or inside Alamitos Bay where calmer waters make it a good spot for beginners. Another launch site is near the Belmont Pool. Windsurfers must move offshore out of the buoy marked swimming areas before beginning their jibes and jumps.
Kiteboarding and Windsurfing Lessons, Rentals, and Sales
Captain Kirk's Water Sports
525 North Harbor Boulevard, San Pedro, CA
3-hour kiteboarding lessons at Belmont Shore, beginners to advanced. Rentals and sales.
Long Beach Windsurf Center
3850 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA
Windsurfing lessons, private or groups.
Stingray Caution
Stingrays are found cruising the sandy bottom at Belmont Shore, especially when the water is warm. Many people entering the water use a shuffling step rather than picking up and planting their feet. Rays will most often swim away if bumped, but a strike from a stingray can be serious.
The pain from a sting is severe and will likely persist for 30 to 90 minutes. Allergic reactions such as vomiting, cramping or chills should be treated at an emergency room. If stung, get out of the water and contact a lifeguard. Long Beach lifeguards now have a new stingray cart to aid victims.
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier
The Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is open daily one hour before sunrise and closes at midnight. The pier is most popular for fishing and sightseeing. It also serves as a terminal for the AquaLink water taxi which connects with locations from Alamitos Bay to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Facilities on the pier include restrooms, a bait and tackle and snack shop, fish cleaning stations, and lights. Buoy's on the Pier restaurant has patio and upper deck seating. Parking is available at a metered parking lot at the foot of the pier.
Farewell to Alfredo's Beach Club
After more than 24 years of providing entertainment and operating food concessions along the beach, Alfredo's has closed. The city is in the process of finding new concession operators (2021).
Long Beach Junior Lifeguards
Long Beach Junior Lifeguards welcomes 9 to 17-year-olds to its 6-week long summer program. Participants are divided into age groups. Activities include calisthenics, physical conditioning, rescue techniques, first aid, ocean ecology, beach sports and games, and ocean sports and lifeguard competitions.
In 2024 the program runs from June 24 to August 2 with separate morning and afternoon sessions available. A Cadet program for ages 15-17 is designed to develop leadership skills in those interested in becoming Long Beach lifeguards or pursuing other careers in public safety.
Tryouts are required for new participants. Preparation classes are offered. Check the Junior Lifeguard website for dates and information regarding upcoming seasons.
Long Beach Junior Lifeguards
Annual Long Beach Sea Festival
The Annual Long Beach Sea Festival features dozens of waterside festivals and events, including a Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, kids sailing competitions, and the Great Sand Sculpture event. Dates to be announced.
Long Beach Crawfish Festival
The Long Beach Crawfish Festival is held at the Rainbow Lagoon. Enjoy New Orleans inspired food, live music, dance, and other attractions. For children there is magic and illusion shown and inflatable bouncers.
May 17-19, 2024
Long Beach Crawfish Festival
