Florida - North Atlantic Coast

[JoshE]

Anybody been kiting around the North Atlantic Coast Florida? Heading to the Jacksonville Beach / Atlantic Beach area early March this year for a week. Any tips/info on where to kite or surf or both would be very much appreciated. THANKS!

[JRN]

JOSH, I'm by no stretch an expert on FL, but I found a couple of sites that were helpful when we were out there last spring: FKA & Kiteboardingflorida.com. Both have good information on the various launches throughout the state. Personally, I would stay off the Atlantic coast when the sharks are schooling. A guy got munched off Stuart Beach last year when the wind died, & he could not get back to shore. I'd also call the local shops for better info. Hope you find wind. Have fun.

[mdh01]

Josh,
I kite the Jacksonville area often. I stay at the Marriott Courtyard, which is on Jacksonville Beach. You can walk right out of the hotel onto the beach, rig up and go. Huge beach area, especially at low tide. The photo below was taken this morning as I happen to be here this week!

Another area to consider is Huguenot Memorial Park, north of Jacksonville, but don't go there if you will be here during spring break as it is very crowded and would be difficult to kite.

Mark

[JoshE]

Thanks for the great pic Mark. Any consistent surf to speak of? Also, are there any good places to rent kite gear or should I haul my stuff down (flying)?

[mdh01]

Josh,
There is always a surf, but how large depends on the weather...it is mostly driven by weather fronts through the area. This time of year, the prevailing wind is easterly (SE, NE), which helps.

Bring your gear with you. The closest place to rent is in St. Augustine (Ocean Extreme Sports http://www.oceanextremesports.com/), which is an amazing shop, but an hour south.

I've been here for work all week but sadly, the wind hasn't been enough to kite. The hotel rents stand up paddle boards, so I had an option at least.

Mark