Hatteras North Carolina and Hood River Oregon are well-known kitesurfing destinations in the USA. Chances are, you have visited them or plan on it soon. In the winter months, kiteboarders flock to South America or the Caribbean to catch the warm trade winds and some sunshine. The thing is, a flight to Brazil can cost up to $2000!

I used to spend my winters kitesurfing in Brazil and Mexico but for the last three years, I’ve been wintering in Florida and traveling to all the kite spots in an RV. I have to say, that Florida is the most underrated place for kiteboarding in the United States. Best of all it’s a short cheap flight from almost anywhere in the continental USA.

Florida has the best kitesurfing during the winter in the United States.  The state varies wildly in conditions, climate, and vibes. Central Florida, is peaceful and community-based. The Kiteing here is unmatched. It offers waves, lagoons, shallow water, and consistent steady winds.

South Florida is like visiting South America. The water is warm turquoise and clear. The beaches are sandy, beautiful, and lush with palm trees. The city life here is vibrant and alive. Albeit, you can catch some old Florida vibes and nature just north of Jupiter. 

The Florida Keys are Caribbean-like! If you make it down, here get ready for heaven on earth. This place has blue water, island time, and a completely different culture. 

Regardless of your wind sport and discipline, be that kitesurfing, wingfoiling, freestyle, or big air, Florida has something to offer you and your family on a kiteboarding trip.

This is the windiest time of year. You can catch wind in the summer if you are a foiler. That said, it gets hot and there is much less wind in May through October. Each quarter of the fall and winter months brings different conditions regularly in that respective window.

I’ll recommend my favorite beaches, the best times of year to visit them, and what you can expect kitesurfing around the state of Florida. If you are in a hurry, I can say, St Petersburg is the easiest location to catch wind. I spend the majority of my time here these days. Beach access is easy, there is a location for every wind direction and I seem to get more kiteboarding days here than anywhere else.

If you are chasing waves, Cocoa Beach would be my second recommendation. You can make most wind directions work here but there are fewer locations to choose from and the conditions can vary depending on the wind. For those seeking tropical conditions, south Florida is the place. There are more restrictions on kiteboarding here but the water is incredible. The Florida Keys would be my top recommendation. I'll go into detail on my favorite beaches and times to visit in this blog post.

This is when the season first starts. Sometimes sooner sometimes a little later. Dec is always a safe bet if you are planning a trip here. It's still warm, there are usually good north winds with the changing of the seasons. I recommend visiting St Petersburg Florida this time of year. It’s the best because you can ride in any wind direction.

Skyway Beach is phenomenal. The water is shallow, and you can make every wind direction work from this single location. Skyway Beach is located just before the Skyway bridge leaving St Petersburg.

There are two beach access points. Skyway Easy has white sandy beaches, and a large sandbar protecting the riding area. Skyway West has a smaller launching area but the riding area is massive. If you sail out past the small island, there is lots of shallow water and smooth wind for kitesurfing.

Fred Howard Park is like something out of a dream. If you crave, flat water and a kiteboarding island to yourself, add this to your list of kiteboarding destinations. There are many good beaches and special kiteboarding locations in St Petersburg Florida. More than I can write about in one blog. Check out our guide on all the Central Florida kiteboarding locations here.

It gets colder this time of year. I still spend a lot of time in St Petersburg as it’s the best bet to catch wind regardless of the direction it's blowing. The nights can get colder into the 50s or lower but the days are generally in the 60s sometimes they can be in the 50s. If you want warmer conditions, South Florida and The Florida Keys are a good move. You are less likely to need a wetsuit there this time of year.

The Florida Keys are always going to be perfect for kiteboarding in board shorts and bikinis. You would need boat access to ride all the wind directions, however. If you are willing to drive, you can make your way to various beaches like Ann’s Beach, Curry Hammock, Veterans Beach, or even Smathers Beach in Key West!

This is also when we get the strongest winds. Florida is known for smooth winds in the upper teens to lower 20s. This is perfect for progress and is an absolute vibe. We do get stronger days. They can happen any time of the year but on average we do start to see stronger north winds pick up in the winter. Elite has the only big air tour in the United States right now.

This is my favorite time. We start seeing more south winds but it's a mixed bag. We are still in big air season so you can score strong wind but you can also get smooth perfect freestyle south winds.

South winds are warmer and less dense. This means it's easier to do everything. They can vary too. Sometimes you’ll get perfect freestyle conditions on a 12m or a 14m kite, other times, you get amazing kite loop sessions on an 8m or 9m.

For the east coast of Florida, between Beach Shower 58 or the Civic Center in Jupiter is very nice. The park here is beautify for cooking out and hanging on the beach. The wing foiling here is amazing and the waves make great kickers for kiteboarders. West winds will be offshore here, however.

Jetty Park in Fort Peirce has amazing flat water that works on a north or a south wind. This is going to be the best flat water location on this coast besides the 520 slick in Cocoa Beach. 

Coca Beach is nice this time of year as well. The water is starting to warm up and the spring break crowd isn’t on the beaches yet.

If you can make it to the Florida Keys this time of year, the wind is going to be very smooth. It's mostly northerly winds but they are consistent and gentle.

I will usually make my way back to St Petersburg this time of year too. For a few reasons. First to avoid the wild spring break crows who flock to south Florida. Second to catch the amazing south winds that happen here this time of year. If you are only planing a short trip, St Petersburg is the easiest place to catch wind on all directions without having to travel far.

There are many amazing kiteboarding schools in Florida. In Tampa Bay we boast some of the easiest conditions for learning, consistent wind and our ace in the hole is the fact that we can ride any wind direction here. If you are thinking of learning to kiteboard, give us a call and we can help you plan your kiteboarding trip.

If you need help give us a call. .
(727)-800-2202

There are many amazing kiteboarding schools in Florida. In Tampa Bay we boast some of the easiest conditions for learning, consistent wind and our ace in the hole is the fact that we can ride any wind direction here. If you are thinking of learning to kiteboard, give us a call and we can help you plan your kiteboarding trip.

If you need help give us a call. .
(727)-800-2202