Kitesurfing Tybee Island · Savannah

Wind & Conditions

Tybee Island east of Savannah on the Georgia coast. NE-E sea breeze in summer (60-100°, 10-18 kn). Atlantic open beach, sandy bottom. Closest beach to Savannah. Moderate current near the inlet — launch on north end. Warm water spring through fall.

About Tybee Island · Savannah

Tybee Island lies at the eastern edge of the Georgia coast, the closest Atlantic beach to Savannah and a natural draw for kiters who want open ocean riding without a long haul. Getting here from downtown Savannah is a straightforward drive east. Most riders head to the north end of the beach, which is where you want to set up. The beach is a broad Atlantic strand with a sandy bottom — easy to rig on and with enough room to work properly. Launching from the north end is the right call: the inlet further south pushes moderate tidal current through the area, so staying north gives you a cleaner launch zone and keeps you clear of that flow while you get sorted. Wind is primarily a warm-weather deal. A northeast-to-east sea breeze settles into the 60–100° range at 10–18 knots through the warmer months, and the usable kite window runs from north all the way around to south — a 0°–180° arc. When the breeze is in its typical east quadrant, you get an onshore to side-shore angle. That means you're working upwind against the beach rather than running away from it, so solid upwind ability matters here. Spring and fall can be lighter, but the water stays warm well into autumn, extending the comfortable riding season. The water character is typical open Atlantic coast: mixed chop, a sandy bottom that cushions wipeouts, and generally manageable conditions for intermediate riders. The one thing to stay sharp on is the inlet current to the south — drift in that direction and working your way back upwind becomes a real task, especially on lighter days. Track your position throughout the session and give yourself a comfortable buffer. The island has a solid food and drink scene within easy reach. Rachel's Beach Bites and The Breakfast Club are the go-to options for something quick around session time. For a proper sit-down after de-rigging, Bernie's Oyster House and Sting Ray's Seafood are both worth checking out. Benny's Tybee Tavern, Doc's Bar, and Rock House Original Bar & Grill cover the drinks side without fuss. Skill level: intermediates through advanced. The onshore breeze angle means self-rescue requires solid upwind ability, and the inlet current adds a positioning challenge that beginners don't need to tackle alone. If you're still learning, get instruction before heading out solo here. Gear: the 10–18 knot window typically calls for a 12–14m kite for an average-weight rider, with a smaller option on hand for windier sessions at the top of that range. Atlantic chop suits a twin-tip well; a directional is worth packing if there's swell in the forecast.

Best Season

Check the Breeza app for the current rideable window at Tybee Island · Savannah.

World Ranking

Not globally ranked, but a kitesurf destination — a local favourite worth a check when the wind lines up.

Location

Tybee Island · Savannah, Georgia, United States, United States

Lat: 31.9977, Lon: -80.8453