The layout is similar to the North Skyway Bridge, but we have Interstate 275 with 70 mph traffic downwind. I've seen a few kitemares and kites cross the road with my own eyes, and heard of about about 10 injury-type kitemares there. I truly thought I was witnessing one guy dragging to his death after tea-bagging for about 100 yards and hitting the rocks. He did release the kite, but it crossed over a 4 foot fence, guardrails, across all traffic lanes, and caught on a car on the southbound traffic lanes. I had lost a clear line of sight and thought he had gone into the road too. It's burned into my mind forever, and definitely the scariest kitemare I've even seen. Another guy had his waist harness twist around on him and deathlooped pulling him backwards for a good distance. He was saved by a small palm tree that caught his kite or he could have been in the road too.
Over the past few years, Skyway has become the prime spot for lessons and gear sales on the beach, and it looks like Surf Expo out there. As I said in another post, its a huge problem here and the best way to limit risk to injuries and access is for them to go somewhere else before they screw it up for everyone. Imagine you're driving on the interstate and a kite wraps around your car.
Either way, props for even asking about the safety of the spot you're riding. Most people just play monkey see, monkey do, and end up getting hurt, or another spot closed to kiting.
If you make it up to Tampa Bay, check out Fort Desoto Park (East Beach), or Lassing Park. They're awesome spots that are great for beginners, and I'd be happy to meet up and ride with ya anytime.
Happy Kiting!
