Sarasota FL kiteboarding info need it

[Lost]

Hi guys
I will be spending a week in February in Sarasota area, FL. I am trying to find some information about how good is the area for kiting and places to ride.
Any tips, information about wind conditions and places to ride? Any sites?
Thank you
V

[svetliy]

The wind is ok. it would mostly come from the NE this time of the year.
A great place to ride would be in the Tampa Bay area: Sunshine skyway is one of my favorite.
Have fun!

[shawn13]

I just got back from visiting there last week for the first time. Head to the skyway and exit on the North Fishing Pier in Tampa. You will see kites on either side of the skyway there! I got two days in, one day was 5 hours on a NE.

[RickI]

There have been some serious access issues in Sarasota in recent times largely based on concerns over the plovers. Hopefully, an accord has been reached allowing kiting to continue there subject to the guidelines described at http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?p=45516 Beyond that, don't ride in designed swim areas, usually within 100 yards of lifeguarded beaches. The area near the water can be very crowded at times so it is good to avoid the masses of people when launching and landing. I would speak to Laurel about any new developments and precautions for the area at http://www.islandstylesports.com/kiteboarding

[Lost]

Thank you guys. Are mostly front driven winds or thermal?
What sizes are usually need it for February?

[BigR]

There are NO Thermal driven winds in FL here at all this time of year.
Wind can be N, NE, S or NW

I would suggest an 8m 10m 12m or bigger

If S then goto East beach @ ft desoto (warm), if N then goto Gulf beaches.
if NE or E goto Skyway North

bring a shorty or prollly more useful a 4/3 full steamer. might be able to get away
with a 3/2 full in Feb

[LynchMob]

I agree with what has been said here. Avoid the headache and head to tampa. The wind is squirrely and depending what key / area you are launching from the wind shadow from the buildings can be difficult to avoid.

[not annonymous]

Is it V from Chicago?

Turtle beach gets some good waves sometimes. I live within walking distance. Venice jetty about 1/2 hour south gets some fantastic waves sometimes. The frontal winds are generally N-NE which side-off and unrideable but sometimes you can catch the NW wind right at the bgeinning of the front. NW can be holey and gusty frequently. sometimes there is prefrontal S wind but locals call it "the elusive south" always predicted but rarely actually appearing.

Trent