HWP KITESURF is based out of Waddell Creek, 20 miles north of Santa Cruz. Waddell creek has one of the most reliable source of wind on the west coast and under the right conditions it can be one of the safest spots for learning how to kitesurf. Waddell is the ideal location for learning because of the long sandy crescent beach which allows students to complete long down wind runs and quickly walk back up the beach. Waddell's windy season starts in April and extends through the summer until October.

The wind at Waddell blows side-onshore from the north west. This is the most desirable direction because the sideways component allows students to make down wind runs without the risk of being blown onto the beach, yet the onshore component ensures that when students disable the kite, and self-rescue they will end up back on the beach.

The wide open sands of Waddell beach are free of trees, large rocks and other dangerous obstacles that predominate most spots in the bay area. During the summer time the waves are small, allowing students to body drag out past the waves to where the water is flat and the instructor brings the board out to the student in the flat water beyond where the waves break. The wind at Waddell is also some of the most consistent and reliable wind, with four or five windy days per week.

From Santa Cruz, head north on Highway 1, you will pass the small town of Davenport and 10 minutes later you will pass Big Creek lumber on the right, and then you will see the large dirt parking lot of Waddell Creek on the ocean side of the road. If you pass the entrance to Ano Nuevo State Park, you have gone too far.