Florida is a great place for people with a passion for outdoor adventure. From hiking to water sports, Florida offers all kinds of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. One sport that has grown in popularity over the years is kiteboarding, which involves the use of a kite to propel yourself along the water as you stand atop a floating board. While the sport may appear to involve a steep learning curve, it is actually fairly easy to pick up and exhilarating once you actually do it. Since Florida has such an expansive coastline, it has become a prime destination for kiteboarders around the country. Several parts of the state provide wonderful spots for kiteboarding, with one of the most popular being the Gulf Coast. Following are some of the best kiteboarding destinations on the Florida Gulf Coast:
1. Treasure Island
A perfect spot for beginning kiteboarders, Treasure Island has mild waves that break against wide, sandy beaches. The area is ideal for novice kiteboarders who want to gain confidence and refine their skills before going out to beaches with rougher waves. However, it can be a very popular destination, so you should go during the off-hours. Moreover, you should avoid going into the water with surfers, skimboarders, and windsurfers, as the water can become too densely packed to kiteboard safely. Two great places to rent kiteboards are Kiteboarding Tampa Bay and Watersports West.
2. Pass-A-Grille Beach
Another great option for inexperienced kiteboarders, Pass-A-Grille Beach typically has small waves. Like Treasure Island, it can be quite crowded at certain periods. You may run into members of the Eckerd College Collegiate Kiteboarding Crew, which uses this beach to train. Triton Kiteboarding, the best resource for kiteboarders in the area, can advise people about the best kiteboarding spots and optimal times to go in the water.
3. Skyway North
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge spans 4 miles across Tampa Bay. Designed by Parsons Brinkerhoff, the bridge has an impressive protection system built to withstand a tremendous impact. The bridge, which took $245 million and five years to complete, supports four lanes of traffic between Pinellas and Manatee Counties. The north side of the bridge has become a popular destination for kiteboarders. However, beginning kiteboarders should not head out into the waves, since the area can be fairly hazardous due to the bridge and rocks nearby. People who choose to go out on the water are rewarded with unrivaled views of the bridge.
4. Skyway South
The south part of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is also popular among kiteboarders. Unlike the northern part of the area, the water on the south side of the bridge can get quite deep, so it is only accessible at low tide. High tide makes it hard - but not impossible - to rig and launch. The area tends to be less crowded than the north side, but it should still only be undertaken by experienced kiteboarders. In addition, you should wear shoes, since oysters and rocks can be very sharp in this area.
5. The Gulf Islands National Seashore Okaloosa Area
Another spot ideal for beginners, this area has shallow water with sand beaches and only mild winds during most parts of the season. In addition, this area can be less crowded than the other beaches on this list. Since it is a national park, you should pay close attention to the hours of operation so that the rangers do not have to come and force you out of the park. When you bring out the rigging, you may attract some attention from other people in the park, so be assertive about your need for space if you begin to feel crowded.
6. Shell Island
The shoreline is known for having strong gusts of wind, which makes it suited to more advanced kiteboarders who know how to control the board. While you will need to take a boat to the island, the views you can enjoy while kiteboarding are magnificent. You should avoid going on the weekends since the island can become very crowded with boaters, who can create waves and make the area rough. In addition, the “outside” of the island that faces the Gulf is a bird sanctuary, so you should refrain from going into these waters.
7. John’s Pass
Kiteboarders head to John’s Pass when there is an onshore wind and outgoing tide, which create a speedy current through the inlet. The opposite forces add some extra power to the ordinarily light winds and can add up to an exhilarating experience. If you choose to head to John’s Pass, make sure not to drop your kite or lose your board, since the outgoing tide can carry them out, and relaunching could prove very difficult. The pass is also popular for other water sports, so be sure to use extra caution.
8. North Shore Park
North Shore Park, which is suitable for only the most advanced kiteboarders, is a small area with a number of obstacles. The beach can test your skill, so make sure that you stay upwind so that you are not dragged into a seawall. You should also keep an eye out for sandbars.