Kiting Tampa/Ft. Myers

[kitekid21]

All I've found on this forum for kiting down there are advertisements for kite schools. I'm going to be visiting from Thursday to next Wednesday and was wondering if anyone has some tips. I have read that the kiting season starts about now, but beyond that, a lot of the other forums are totally dead. :/

Is it even worth lugging my gear around?

Any help/tips/advice are greatly appreciated!

[mrgrey]

Roberto, 4w7s here on the forum instructs there periodically and I have kited there once as a newbie. Seems to me most guys like to kite the bay w/o waves and the Skyway bridge location is where I was at with a ton of kiters. Contact Roberto Villate and he can prob help you out as that is his winter home turf.

[slingsnot]

There are a bunch of good spots in the Fort Myers/Naples area, as well, that work in all directions. Below are a few of my favorites:

N, NW, S, SW-Wiggins State Beach-http://www.floridastateparks.org/delnorwiggins/default.cfm . Easy parking, and plenty of space to launch. If the wind has North in it, park at lot 5. For South, park at lot 1.

Anything with E-Sanibel Island-There are causeway beaches, as well at a Lighthouse beach, where they give lessons, etc.-http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?s=b0c9ba1f054e4e3fbf89a440518d199a&t=2099

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions

Joel
312.953.8706 p

[4w7s]

All I've found on this forum for kiting down there are advertisements for kite schools. I'm going to be visiting from Thursday to next Wednesday and was wondering if anyone has some tips. I have read that the kiting season starts about now, but beyond that, a lot of the other forums are totally dead. :/

Is it even worth lugging my gear around?

Any help/tips/advice are greatly appreciated!

I've ridden and taught there for many years. Lots of good options for all styes and abilities. Try this link for my map of the spots.

http://goo.gl/maps/eMMD5

Please read the notes carefully for each spot, but also use your own good judgement when considering kiting at any of these spots. Do not hesitate to speak to the locals who will appreciate your respect for their local spots. Access issues are a growing concern and it's a sensitive subject. You can count on the fact tha tothers will be watching your conduct but most of thes guys are cool and willl be glad to help you and inform you.

Also be aware that the temperatures can vary widely over the winter in the Tampa Bay area. I've kited there in 50F water and 45F air, so don't necessarily leave your heavy wetsuits at home. Kite sizes? Basically just like on the great Lakes...anything can happen. Be careful in any T-storm conditions because they are more sever there and more dangerous than most laces I've been. Check the radar and the forecast often and very carefully as things can change in a heartbeat down there.

Have fun!