Siesta Key Kiteboarding

[fozzy19]

I will be vacationing in Siesta Key in April and was wondering about kiteboarding on the island. I have read the post regarding the rules for lauching by the public beach, and that's great information, I am just wondering if there is anything else to be aware of. I am from Michigan and have taken lessons, but still consider myself a beginner.

Are there certain areas to avoid or certain areas I should check out?

What's the best wind direction for which location? S SW W NW N?

Any and all information would be helpful!!

Thanks!

[ricki]

It has been some years since I've kited off Siesta Key. Even back then, it would get pretty crowded in a narrow area of the beach near the water and less so further back. It would be good to avoid this area with a kite up, passing offshore or inland to land without much delay. The areas with lifeguards need to be avoided with riders staying at least 300 ft. off the beach. There used to be swim area buoys, likely still are about that far off the beach. North of the guarded beach above Clark Road in the south, it looks like winds that would work range from NW to W to SSE. Further north on the Key, you could add NNW. I would touch base with Island Style or other locals to get more specifics, http://www.islandstylewindsurfing.com/

[fozzy19]

Thanks for the info RickI. Are there any other local riders/shops I should talk to besides island style?

[ricki]

Thanks for the info RickI. Are there any other local riders/shops I should talk to besides island style?

You're welcome! I would also try to get a hold of Latino. He is the moderator of the SW Florida forum and knows a lot about that whole stretch of coast.

http://www.swfloridakiteboarding.com/