This article will focus on the best places to kiteboard in St Petersburg based upon wind direction. Wind direction is a critical variable that dictates whether or not a place is kiteable. Certain hazards also come in to play based upon wind direction.
The following spots will be the common launch areas for kiteboarders. Some of the truly best places require a jetski or small watercraft vessel to get there. For access to these spots, send us a message below.
Best Places to Kiteboard in St Petersburg Based on Wind Direction
North Winds
If you’re new to kiteboarding, north winds are going to be difficult. There’s no good place to kiteboard on a straight north wind. The easiest place to kiteboard will be Fort Desoto North Beach. Be careful about ending up too far downwind or in the deep waters.
Straight north winds are rare and typically occur right after a cold front passes through. A more common wind direction will be NE or NW winds.
Northeast Winds
Skyway Bridge East Launch will be the easiest place to kiteboard. There’s a narrow area to the northeast of the kite launch zone that is the best place to ride your twintip board. Be careful of going too far downwind on either side. The current rips, the water is deep and there are mangroves. Ride or walk upwind and stay in that zone.
East Northeast Winds |East Winds | Southeast Winds | South Winds
For all these wind directions, the best place in St Petersburg to kiteboard is Fort Desoto East Beach. This is personally our favorite place to kiteboard. There’s a sandbar about a half mile offshore that protects the water on the inside. There’s miles of shallow (waist deep water) for miles. There are minimal hazards and a large launch area making this the easiest place to kiteboard in St Petersburg.
Southwest Winds
The Skyway West Launch area will be the most accessible place to launch on this wind direction. *** This is a tough wind direction for St Petersburg *** What makes this wind direction difficult is that there’s deep water directly downwind of the launch. Downwind of the deep water is a bridge for I-275. If you’re not good at body dragging or water relaunching in deep water, then avoid this spot on a southwest wind. Or launch your kite and walk upwind in the flat water.
The best area on this wind direction are the flats across the channel from the Skyway. You can get there by tacking upwind but it will take a long while. We offer jetski rides here, send us an email for more information.
Northwest Winds
The Skyway West Launch will be the easiest place to kiteboard on this wind direction. There’s plenty of shallow water and room to ride. The difficult part of this launch is the smaller launch area but you can always walk the kite out to the water for more space.
Situational Awareness
It is so important to be aware of your surroundings. Wind direction can change while being on the water so make sure you’re in tune with whats going on around you. Be aware of potential hazards and avoid the difficult to ride places.
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