Kitesurfing conditions do not depend on Tide on this spot.

Ocean Beach, California (USA) is a Medium waves and Big waves spot.

The launching/landing area is reported to be of Big size.

North Ocean Beach is becoming an increasing popular kitesurfing venue for several reasons. The beach is expansive averaging 100 yards deep and over a mile long before it begins to narrow at Lawton. So there is plenty of room to lay out your lines or to set up clear of picnickers. North Ocean Beach can be very busy during summer weekends and evenings with many hundreds of people recreating on this mile long section of beach. The good news for kiters is beach density is inversely proportional to sky / wind condition. If the marine layer has blocked the sun (typical late spring and summer), air temperatures will be ~55 degrees with high humidity and wind-chill at ~45. That alone mitigates crowding. At about 18 mph the fine silty sand at OB begins to blow which clears out the remainder pretty fast. However, you will always have some cross traffic runners, edge/dog-walkers, toe-dippers. Casual beach goers can fall into two potentially problematic camps: The Can-I-Touch-It Curious and The Spooked. The later camp is growing smaller but will but remain as long as grandma and grandpa from Wichita are realizing their lifelong dream to wade into the Pacific. The former camp are the only real hazard on the beach as they tend to get too close at the wrong time. So bear this in mind when self-launching.

There is plenty of room on the water. Given its challenging conditions you won't find beginners here on big days. However small days are great for aspiring waveriders and intermediate Bay riders wishing to acquaint themselves with the ocean. In either case, if this is your first time sailing in the ocean, consider a lesson as OB has taken the expert inland but neophyte ocean sailor to the great kitesurfing beyond. Riding close to shore might have your board and fins stumbling on hidden sandbars. Nearshore-riding can also increase one's chances of being surprised with sudden large waves that break on those sandbars. Although currents and rip are a big factor, they can be negotiated with skill and conditioning. Many OB riders prefer to stay on the inside and ride the foam. Energy is much lower in this 20-30 yard wide zone and you mitigate those wave-induced existential moments. If you venture into the break zone however, be aware that if you go down, the waves can pin you to the bottom. Especially when they are overhead (most of the time), this is not a place for intermediates much less beginners. Even during it's mellower moments, the OB wave is thick and more destructive. Be a strong swimmer and be prepared to hold your breath for at least 30 seconds while you are being rag-dolled across the bottom.