Florida kiting for beginners

[Soli]

the keys are great.

normally a bit more wind, but huge space with shallow water. Perfect for learning!

Any specific location you would recommend?

[Soli]

Othersideboardsports.com in the Florida Keys is the spot. East coast of florida and especially SE Florida is bad for beginners (relatively deep right offshore, lots of beachgoers who will sue you, lots of restrictions that will fine you). Go to the keys and get out in the shallow flat water plus you get to experience the keys which are fascinating

Truly appreciate the info. That's what I was worried about, the beach goers but especially the restrictions. Sounds so complicated to enjoy Kiting over there ...

[Toby]

the keys are great.

normally a bit more wind, but huge space with shallow water. Perfect for learning!

Any specific location you would recommend?

Have a look here:

https://se.kiteforum.com/kitesurf/count ... +%28USA%29

[Tugnin]

Which could be a good month to foil around the Keys?
November? December?
Is water deep enough to foil ?

[RadDrDuke]

If you are good at foiling (ie. can ride high over knee deep areas etc) then you can foil all around in the keys, problem is the launches. 99% of the waterfront is private and there are very few beaches in general.

November can be okay, December can be good. It's variable but with a foil you will definitely get some sessions and if there is no wind you can dive or fish or just drink at a run down fishing bar on the mangroves which is just as good!

Call Otherside boardsports and they can help you out.

[RickI]

I would avoid the mainland if you have a choice and hit the area from Biscayne Bay down through the Keys. You will need to hook up with a school or coach to have gear provided in most cases. Several suggestions have been made for operations in those areas. You will learn faster and easier in the calmer waters to be found in those areas vs. the unsheltered coastal areas off the mainland parts of SE Florida. Waves are fun once you are on your game but they will slow you down if you are still learning. Then there are all the access issues and upwind riding requirements at many of the mainland spots.

[bkkite]

Most places won’t rent gear without lessons, just FYI. Maybe bring kites and harness and rent boards?

I think it was mike from other side boardsports down in the keys, he’s really nice and super chill. Went out for a lesson with him once and he’s a great teacher, and then a few years later he rented me a light wind surfboard

[Soli]

I would avoid the mainland if you have a choice and hit the area from Biscayne Bay down through the Keys. You will need to hook up with a school or coach to have gear provided in most cases. Several suggestions have been made for operations in those areas. You will learn faster and easier in the calmer waters to be found in those areas vs. the unsheltered coastal areas off the mainland parts of SE Florida. Waves are fun once you are on your game but they will slow you down if you are still learning. Then there are all the access issues and upwind riding requirements at many of the mainland spots.

This is very helpful. Thanks for the info!

[Soli]

Most places won’t rent gear without lessons, just FYI. Maybe bring kites and harness and rent boards?

I think it was mike from other side boardsports down in the keys, he’s really nice and super chill. Went out for a lesson with him once and he’s a great teacher, and then a few years later he rented me a light wind surfboard

That's what I'll do. Thank you!

[Tony in FL]

Note that June - September is considered the off season for kiteboarding in Florida. With that being said, the Tampa area has some nice kiteboarding spots with respect to shallow water - for example the Skyway and Fort Desoto. It has a large kiteboarding community and multiple shops with kiteboarding gear. And there are plenty of local instructors.