Image courtesy of Eric BLAECKE on Flickr.com
Kitesurfing has always been a water sport that combines a few very peculiar tastes. The love for the ocean, the excitement that only extreme sports can give you, the passion for adrenaline and the need for breathtaking water landscapes. If you are looking for beautiful, clear, and absolutely blue shallow water, combined with perfect weather and wind conditions, do not hesitate in visiting the South Florida. Year round, thousands of passionate kite surfers from all around the world select South Florida destinations to spend their holidays, riding their kites and enjoying the stress free environment of these magnificent beaches and sea areas.
In the Kitesurfing world, South Florida is known for having not only thousands of square miles of warm water to ride, but also the most consistent winds and great waves that combine the perfect air and water temperatures for this amazing and exciting watersport.
Take a look at the top 5 Kitesurfing destinations in South Florida:
In the Kitesurfing world, South Florida is known for having not only thousands of square miles of warm water to ride, but also the most consistent winds and great waves that combine the perfect air and water temperatures for this amazing and exciting watersport.
Take a look at the top 5 Kitesurfing destinations in South Florida:
Miami
One of Miami`s many wonders is the Kitesurfing spots. Miami is not only an outstanding place for business, culture, arts, entertainment, finance, media and shopping, among others. It is also a major water sports center, and therefore, Kitesurfing is one of its attractions. If you are looking for the clearest, bluest, shallow waters, then Miami is the place you are looking for. During high tide there can be a small setup area, but it will allow riders to walk a little for launch. The water temperature will rarely drop below 72 degrees and waves and wind conditions will be kind to beginners. The landscape is always beautiful, no matter what season you choose. Weekends are normally very busy.
Image courtesy of Fred POE on Flickr.com
Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach is located north of Fort Lauderdale. It has been listed as one of the top real estate and vacation home markets. It was named after a fish that is found off the Atlantic Coast: The Florida Pompano. Among its touristic repertoire, the city offers “extreme” Kitesurfing. Pompano Beach Kitesurfing is for advanced riders only. For years, riders and kitesurfing community members have been fighting very hard to keep Pompano Beach as an open Kitesurfing spot. The area has safety limitations and is restricted by buoys because of the safety conditions. Local authorities are very strict about the rules here, so the main recommendation for riders is to know your limits, ride safely and be respectful. If you are an expert, you will enjoy it for sure, but still, be careful.
Islamorada
Islamorada, also called The Purple Isle or Island Home, as its original meaning, has a total area of 7.2 square miles, of which 7.1 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. It has a calm, clear, blue, shallow riding area. Intermediate to advanced riders will be able to enjoy an excellent launch area. Great place to find one of the few natural beaches in the Florida Keys. Make sure to use foot protection if you are a beginner, and in case you can only visit on weekends, be prepared, because it can get pretty crowded. Islamorada is located approximately 1.5 hours driving time south of Miami and approximately 2 hours driving time northeast of Key West.
Key West
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and is a seaport destination for many passenger cruise ships. It is also called the Kitesurfing Capital. The winds and water of Key West are suitable for beginners and advanced riders. Regulated launch areas are designated and you will find many Kite surfing schools if you are looking for taking a course. There are also the Key West Flats, which are reachable by boat and where you will find wind from all directions. The Flats are also known for being a bird sanctuary. Key West is located 129 miles southwest of Miami, Florida and 106 miles north-northeast of Havana, Cuba.
Marathon
Marathon is a city in the middle of the Florida Keys. It has a total area of 9.6 square miles, of which 8.6 square miles is land and 1.0 square mile is water. The name Marathon dates back to the origin of the Florida East Coast Railroad. Railroad workers who were working night and day to complete the railway complained that the project was getting to be a real “Marathon". Therefore the word Marathon was later used to name the local station along the railroad. Marathon has the perfect combination for Kitesurfing and ocean lovers. Riders will find tons of flat, shallow water and huge sand bar with rays, bone fish, bait fish, and sharks. Bald eagles will be probably enjoying the wind as well. You will also be able to choose between resting at a park, sunbathing at the beach, or why not both? Beginners should be careful with some sharp rocks and coralline algae, so foot protection is recommended.