The thing with our North winds is that they are usually moderately gusty and some spots amplify this.

Backside works, but can be really gusty (especially close to shore).
Cypress and some other spots can also be really gusty on Norths.
South Skyway (at low tide) can be good, but it is almost dead onshore wind, not so hot for newer riders.
Possibly the cleanest spots are North Beach and up north (at ClW or even further north). These are out in the Gulf with moderate waves.

With today's kites it doesn't matter as much as a few years ago, but gusty winds still aren't what I dream of :? , so I usually hit NB or CLW on due Norths.

I would just "get out" away from shore as soon as you launch backside on a due North, Jim. I have seen some squirrelly stuff in there close to shore and I got lofted pretty good in there once. Again, maybe the newer kites lessen this chance but I prefer to lessen the odds myself.

EDIT: Bryan posted while I was writing (basically the same stuff)
I think the "normal" side of SW would be safer on a due North.. but now we are really talking gusty :evil:

IRB is good, but sometimes the side shore current is ripping.
I know a couple other spots with no current due to blockage by jetties.
This helps to clean up the waves too.