When To Go Kiteboarding
A common question to ask is when is a good time to go kiteboarding? To answer this, there are a couple of variables to consider. These variables include skill level, wind speed, wind direction, general weather, and location. When these variables line up and you’re on the water kiteboarding, it is one of the most freeing feelings.
Skill Level
There is an ideal wind speed for different scenarios. For example, when learning to fly the kite, a lighter breeze is preferable. A lighter breeze can be anything from 13-17mph (11 to 15 kts). Another scenario can be learning “big air” or “freestyle”. Big air requires at least 30 mph winds, which would not be suitable winds for learning how to kiteboard. Freestyle is a little different and does not require as much wind as “big air” kiteboarding. Each skill or goal in kiteboarding has an ideal wind speed suitable for achieving that goal.
Wind Speed
There needs to be some sort of wind to fly a kite. With the most recent kite technology, kites will fly in lighter winds than before. However, when learning to fly a kite, we recommend at least 11 mph or 10 kts of wind. With more skill, kiteboarders can get out in even less winds. There is also such thing as “too much” wind. When learning, anything above 25 mph or 23 kts can be too much wind.
Wind Direction
When it comes to kiteboarding, you will not get blown up into the sky. However, you could get blown out to sea. This would only happen if the wind was blowing “off-shore” or away from the beach. Another way to look at this is to make sure the wind will blow you back to shore in a worst case scenario. The nice part about kiteboarding in St. Petersburg is that it is shaped like a peninsula. And we always have a place to kiteboard that will end up back to shore on any wind direction.
General Weather
If the wind is the right speed and direction, the next thing to consider is if it is attributed to storms. Storm winds are dangerous for a number of different reasons. Afternoon storms in Florida are common and bring lots of lightning with them. Do not go kiteboarding in thunderstorms. Other storms can bring gusty winds that change wind speeds and direction in a matter of seconds. Make sure the general weather is good and conducive to kiteboarding.
Location
The wind is perfect and there are no storms around. The last thing to consider is if there are rules and regulations regarding kiteboarding. This information can be found out by reaching out to local kiteboarders or doing a Google search for the area. If there are no rules or regulations and the wind is good, enjoy kiteboarding!
Have any questions, send us a message below.
