Get into the Water

Catch the Wave

Surfers have long known that Lincoln City offers some of the best waves available anywhere. We have miles of uncrowded beaches, excellent breaks and clean waters that are fabulous for surfers of all skill levels. Nelscott Beach is well-known for massive swells that bring surfers from all over the world, promising giant half pipes that can curl thirty to forty feet into the air and “long lefts” that provide extended rides. Check out the annual Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic, and plan to get into the water or watch the competition from the shore. Full-body wetsuits are a necessity when surfing year-round, as the average temperature of the Pacific Ocean is only about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. For those new to surfing or seeking a refresher, lessons are readily available, they are inexpensive and teach the essentials of the sport. As a beginning surfer, start out with rental gear to determine what kind of board and wetsuit is best without the initial expense. Always check wave and weather conditions and be aware of safe surfing practices before heading out to ride the waves.

SUP?

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (or SUP) is a fairly new sport compared to surfing, kayaking or canoeing, but it has become increasingly popular in Lincoln City because there are so many great places to get into the water. SUP offers a different perspective than other water sports, as paddleboarders stand on a longboard and use a carbon-fiber paddle to propel them around. Balance is the key component to paddleboarding, so once paddlers can stand up comfortably, they can enjoy all of the beautiful spots that are accessible by water. Devil’s Lake provides a perfect place for folks who are new to paddleboarding and also for those who want relaxed conditions and beautiful scenery. Siletz Bay is another excellent spot to paddleboard; launch from Taft Beach and paddle into the Bay and even upstream into Schooner Creek, or travel up the Siletz River and get in the water at Strome Park and Coyote Rock RV Park & Marina. The Salmon River Estuary is another amazing place to paddleboard through a series of scenic maze-like waterways. To get there, travel just north of Lincoln City for about three miles on Highway 101, turn west at Three Rocks Road and follow to Knight Park. Enter the river into the Estuary to the north or launch to the south toward the Pacific Ocean and paddle to a secret beach that’s only accessible from the water. Always be conscious of tide and river depths, as water levels can change significantly at low tide. Stand-up paddleboard lessons and rentals are available from local businesses.

Kayak and Canoe Too

All of the above-mentioned stand-up paddleboarding spots are also perfect for kayaking and some can be enjoyed by canoe too; the lake, estuaries, rivers and streams are superb for all of the paddle sports. Kayaks tend to be easier to learn to operate and maneuver than canoes, although they have less storage space for cargo like towels and picnic goodies. Kayakers can also access more shallow waterways than canoes, and the most experienced paddlers with sea kayaks have access to the mighty waves of the Pacific. Ocean kayaking on the Oregon Coast is not recommended for those who have never kayaked in the ocean before as conditions can change rapidly and be very dangerous at times. Even those familiar with ocean kayaking should be extremely careful in the Pacific, check on prevailing wave and weather conditions and always remember to practice safety first. Kayaking lessons, rentals and tours are readily available through several local businesses, and canoe rentals are also an option.

Without a Board or Paddle

Lincoln City is home to many great swimming spots, both inside and outdoors. Many local hotels and other lodging options have indoor or outdoor pools that are available to guests, and the Lincoln City Community Center has a full-size, twenty-five meter pool with slide, diving board and rope swing open to the public. The water at Devil’s Lake is much warmer than the Pacific Ocean and area rivers and creeks, and has several fantastic swimming spots; both Regatta Grounds and Sand Point Park are ideal for swimming, and make it easy to get into the water. Ocean swimming is possible, but the Pacific is very cold and sneaker waves and rip tides are common and can be dangerous.

In addition to all of the great surfing, paddle sports and swimming opportunities, there are so many other fun things to do in Lincoln City! Visit explorelincolncity.com
for local events and more exciting activities and vacation ideas. Here are some local spots that have rentals, lessons and even tours for surfing and the paddle sports:

Lincoln City Surf Shop, 541-996-7433, 4792 SE Hwy 101 Surfing lessons and rentals, stand-up paddleboarding lessons and rentals, kayak rentals

Safari Town Surf Shop, 541-996-6335, 3026 NE Hwy 101 Surfing lessons and rentals, stand-up paddleboarding lessons and rentals, kayak rentals, lessons and tours, canoe rentals

ZuhG Life Surf Shop, 541-418-2196, 3219 SW Hwy 101 Surfing lessons and rentals, stand-up paddleboarding lessons and rentals, kayak rentals