BACKYARD SPOTS YOU NEED TO RIDE | By Marina Chang
Summer is here and for many of us, it is the peak season for our local riding spots when the water and wind conditions are ideal. Your summer plans may take you to various social events away from your local area or it may be the perfect time for you to finally check out a nearby riding spot for a long weekend. Wherever your travels take you, we thought we’d compile a group of backyard riding spots around North America to help you get in the most time on the water over the next few months and into fall.
KITE BEACH, MAUI
By Martin Kirk
Kite Beach, Maui, is on the North Shore of the island and is a part of Kanaha Beach Park, which is the largest Maui County park. Just a short distance from the airport, Kite Beach has conditions for beginner through advanced riders and there are typically no sunbathers, swimmers or beachwalkers to worry about, just kiters! The site has a long, curving sandy beach that is great for beginners. And there is a great practice area offering flat water inside a protective reef. A little farther from shore the waves start to break and create a great venue for intermediate and advanced riders. Visitors will find that the local kiters are friendly and willing to help others launch and land; just ask nicely and be willing to reciprocate as at your own kiting spot back home.
What is the official site name?
Kite Beach, Maui.
What is the best time of the year to ride?
The wind is strong and the most consistent from May through October. From November through April, winds are generally less strong and can even switch to a southerly direction, forcing kiteboarders to move to the south facing shores of the island.
What is the best internet site to check it?
www.MauiWeatherToday.com
www.kitebeachcam.com
What gear should I pack?
For a 160-180 lb intermediate/advanced level kiter, a 9 and 12m are the most used sizes. Beginner and smaller sized kiteboarders will most likely need a 7 or 9m. Short lines (15m) are a good item to pack for those really windy summer and occasional windy winter days. During the winter months, 12 and 16m kites are the most used sizes.
Who are the local shop and schools?
Maui has no shortage of shops and schools!
Action Sports www.actionsportsmaui.com
Aqua Sports https://
Hawaiian Sailboarding Techniques www.hstwindsurfing.com
Kiteboarding School of Maui www.ksmaui.com
Hawaiian Island Surf & Sport www.hawaiianisland.com
Hi-Tech Surf Sports www.htmaui.com
Naish Pro Shop (808)871-1500
Neil Pryde Maui www.neilprydemaui.com
Second Wind www.secondwindmaui.com
Where should I stay?
Hostels start around $29, private studios at $70 and most hotels start at close to $100 a night.
www.Mauiconnections.com Private homes, studios, cottages, hotels
https://www.hawaiiinfoguide.com/maui_camping.htm campgrounds
Are their any local rules or safety tips I should know about?
Kiters and windsurfers are not allowed on the North Shore waters before 11am as this time is reserved for swimmers and free-divers. Other less obvious but important rules are: no flying kites over non-participants heads and no kiteboarding in the vicinity of the Kahului Airport on the North Shore. These three rules are strictly enforced.
Other Local resources:
Action Sports Maui for rules, guidelines, info
www.maui.net island happenings, holiday planning info
BELMONT SHORES, CA
By Jay Brockman and Kyle Van
Every summer, Belmont Shores in Long Beach serves up reliable winds, somewhat of a rarity in Southern California. The summer breeze draws riders from hundreds of miles away, some of whom travel hours every weekend to kite here. On a summer weekend, it is not uncommon to see 90-100 kites in the air. Believe it or not, there is enough room for this many people. Belmont Shores is a very safe beach for kiteboarding. It is home to a HUGE sandy beach and large body of water that is sheltered from the waves. These types of conditions are ideal for beginners and novices as well as intermediate and advanced kiters. Although it may look like mayhem when you pull up to the beach, there are rules, so take the time to ask a local. Beginners are welcome here but attitudes and idiots are not. Leave the pro attitude at home. Have fun and watch out for beginners. You were one too.
What is the official site name?
Belmont Shores
What is the best time of year to ride?
The whole spring and summer season at Belmont is good, but July and August are the best months. June can be poor due to the June Gloom marine layer that keeps the wind from blowing.
What is the best internet site to check it?
www.Ikitesurf.com, www.weather.com are surprisingly accurate or just call one of the local shops.
What gear should I pack?
Depending on the weather and your weight, you could be on anything from a 7 to a 16, with 12 being the most common size. Leave the surfboard at home as there are no waves at Belmont. During the summer, you can get by with a wetsuit top or with none at all. The water does get colder the further away from shore you go, so you may want a suit if you like to explore far from shore.
Who are the local shop and schools?
So Cal Kites www.socalkites.com
Captain Kirk’s www.captainkirks.com
Where should I stay?
There are a huge number of places to stay in the area. Here are a few:
Belmont Shore Inn Motel, $65/night (562) 434-6236
Best Western Golden Sails Hotel, $155/night (562) 596-1631
Long Beach Hyatt, $259/night (562) 491-1234
Are their any local rules or safety tips I should know about?
Do not fly your kite over or near the bike bath and do not jump in the swimming area unless you want a ticket. Click here for a complete set of rules. Be respectful of the beachgoers. Kiting after a big rain is not advised because of pollution problems. Shuffle your feet as you enter and exit the water as there are tons of stingrays here.
Other local resources:
Belmont Shore is a great area and there is way more to do here than kite.
www.belmontshore.org or www.beachcalifornia.com/belmont.html tons of information about activities that will keep the whole family happy
SHERMAN ISLAND, CA
By Sandy Parker
Sherman Island is on like clockwork in the summer, offering kiters a ”˜mini-Gorge’ on the Sacramento River near the Northern California town of Rio Vista. A long-established windsurfing site, this fresh-water location has quickly become very popular with kiteboarders due to its warm weather, steady and consistent wind conditions and chill vibe. Sherman is an intermediate to advanced level site due to the onshore wind conditions. At a minimum, you need to be able to go upwind immediately after you launch, have good kite control and know how to self rescue. If you are a beginner, the schools offer assisted supervision and rides to the islands upwind. Typically, the wind starts blowing hard in the morning, mellows out mid-day, and gets going again in the afternoon. On many days, it blows all day long!
What is the official site name?
Sherman Island.
What are the best times of year to ride?
Sherman fires from May through September. The safest wind direction is WSW. North winds are very gusty and you have zero outs if you get in trouble. Typically, the wind blows WSW all summer.
What is the best internet site to check it?
www.Ikitesurf.com is pretty accurate or call the wind talker at (916)777-7007
What gear should I pack?
Typical kite sizes during the summer are 8-14m. A 3/2 is recommended early season while in late summer, a shorty is all you usually need.
Who are the local shop and schools?
Kitopia www.kitopia.com
Edge Kiteboarding www.deltawindsurf.com
Where should I stay?
Car or RV camping is available at the site but as there are no hookups or water, you need to pack in everything you might need. There are many hotels with 5-10 miles of the Sherman in either Antioch or Rio Vista. Recommended grinds are Skipolini’s Pizza in Antioch and Maria’s Mexican food restaurant in Rio Vista.
Are their any local rules or safety tips I should know about?
Sherman Island is an intermediate to advanced spot mostly because the launch site is very small and the wind blows directly onshore. If you can’t immediately go upwind, you will find yourself in the blackberry bushes! Also, downwind of launch is a rock levee so there are no safe outs if you cannot make it back upwind. Additionally, Sherman has very strong currents so if it’s your first time out, try to time your session with an ebb tide. The tide changes every six hours.
Other local resources:
https://www.bayareakiteboarding.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=791 Sherman Island Info
www.bayareakiteboarding.com local forum
STEVENSON, WA
By Tony Bolstad
Stevenson, Washington, is listed on various sites and wind guides as being the overall windiest spot in the Columbia Gorge. It doesn’t always blow the hardest here but it is the most consistent and will quite often be the only place within 40 miles that is going off on an easterly. The actual launch site is pretty small but the rigging area is grass covered, has one nice tree for shade and is one of the best spots in the Gorge for spectators and photographers alike. You can find flat water in the bay to the east of the launch site or play in the rollers and chop mid-channel, or use this as a launching pad for some incredibly beautiful downwinders, the most common being Stevenson to Home Valley which is about 5 miles, or for the more adventurous, Stevenson to Hood River which is about 17 miles.
What is the official site name?
Stevenson.
What is the best time of year to ride?
Best winds are June through September with the peak being July. Summer generally brings consistent, predictable west winds that run counter to the river flow and build nice rollers and chop when the wind is above 15 mph. Early summer is good for beginners with the high river flow helping them stay upwind. Late fall, winter and early spring see a lot of east winds that run the same direction as the current so only solid riders should ride these conditions. Stevenson is also headquarters for Slingshot; keep your eyes peel for a pro or new prototype.
What is the best internet site to check it?
www.ikitesurf.com/windAndWhere.iws?regionID=218&siteID=248&showLogin=true
www.cityofstevenson.com Kite cam and weather
What gear should I pack?
Be prepared for average 20 30 mph winds. Bring your 9m, 11m, and maybe one large kite if you have room; especially later in the summer when the winds can get a little lighter. Booties are not mandatory but are often helpful, especially if you have to swim in and climb over the rocks to get to the road.
Who are the local shop and schools?
Renee Hanks runs a program through the Skamania County Parks and Rec. Department
KiteStevenson is starting Wave Runner assisted lessons this summer. Hood River is probably a better spot for first timers to learn their basic skills due to the deep water and limited river access in Stevenson.
Where should I stay?
If you like night life, you should stay in Hood River!
Skamania Coves RV Park, Beacon Rock State Park, or any of the nearby State Parks for camping
Are their any local rules or safety tips I should know about?
Stevenson is not a place to self launch or land from so you need to have help and be helpful. The launch looks sketchy due to the hillside, but it’s not bad if you talk to one of the locals first. Everybody is really friendly and helpful as long as you do your part to keep things flowing smoothly. The local protocol is: pump your kite and get it in line on the grass; leave the area just to the east side of the tree clear as this is where EVERYBODY has to go through to launch; lay out and runs lines just before you’re ready to launch, then launch downwind of the big rock (W winds: E of the rock, E winds, W of the rock); hook up, go and clear the launch/landing area; kiters launching have right of way; don’t hog the launch area or throw your biggest trick right next to shore while others are trying to get out; signal for a catch when you enter the cove and make sure someone is up on the hill to grab your kite.
Other local resources:
www.nwkite.com local forum
Bridge of the Gods annual kite event
LAKE MCCONAUGHY, NE
By James Brown
The “Big Mac” is a constantly growing destination for kiteboarders from Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and anyone just passing through the area. It has nearly 20 miles of sandy beaches and fairly consistent southeast winds that blow uninterrupted across the plains. Most people camp right on the beach, kite all day and tell tall tales at the campfire at night. Fishing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and sail boating are a few of the other common activities.
What is the official site name?
Lake McConaughy.
What are the best times of year to ride?
May through October is the season for this site.
What is the best internet site to check weather?
What gear should I pack?
Rule #1 of kiteboarding: bring all your kites! Most likely, you will be on your biggest kite (14m or above), but if that’s all you bring, Murphy’s Law is you will need a 6m for the entire length of your stay. It’s a deep reservoir and the water can take a while to heat up to board short temps, so bring a full suit for early and late summer sessions. Most riders have a short twin tip for high wind and a big twin tip or surfboard for light wind.
Who are the local shops and schools?
The Kite Ranch just opened this season and it is located within sight of the lake www.thekiteranch.com
Where should I stay?
Many kiters camp in tents on the beach. Some have campers that can be pulled down and back with a 4WD truck (or tractor if needed). The Lone Eagle campground is near where most kiters launch and has RV services, bathrooms and showers.
Are their any local rules or safety tips I should know about?
Keep your eyes peeled for thunderstorms. There are no ATV’s/dirt bikes or alcohol allowed in the park. Dogs must be on leashes. The lake is two miles wide and about 12 miles long, so keep that in mind if you go far from the beach and end up swimming. There is typically enough boat and Jet Ski traffic that someone might pick you up. Please don’t bring or break glass bottles in campfires.
Other Local resources:
www.thekiteranch.com Kite shop, school, camper rentals and information
www.lakemcconaughy.com General park information, lodging
www.cnppid.com Water levels and reservoir specific information
MUSKEGEN, MI
By Joe Bidawid
Muskegon’s Pier Marquette Park, located in the center of the Eastern Coast of Lake Michigan, has long been a gem for experienced kiteboarders. In the last couple of years, the secret has gotten out and the riding area has become one of the most popular riding areas in the Midwest. The spot boasts an endless sandy beach, ample parking and magical thermals winds making it the perfect beach for riders of all abilities. It is ride-able in any wind direction from south clocking northeast. The magical thermals could turn a weak 10 knot N or S forecast into 15-20 knots of wind. During the fall, sizable swell will kick-up and on a big north, and the waves can ocean like. During beach going months, riders must stay outside of the swim buoys. One unique advantage Muskegon has is that the City of Muskegon has fully embraced kiteboarding and efforts are in motion to develop a kiteboarding specific area.
What is the official site name?
Muskegon Pier Marquette Park.
What is the best time of the year to ride?
March through November offers the best conditions with the best directions being South, southwest, west and northwest. Muskegon always seems to have a little more power on the northwest days than any of the other local riding spots.
What is the best Internet site to check weather?
www.glerl.noaa.gov/metdata/mkg/
What gear should I pack?
During summer and early fall, a full suit is needed and kites mostly used are 16 and 20m .During spring and late fall, you will need a steamer or drysuit with boots and gloves: kite mostly used are 9 and 12m.
Who are the local shops and schools?
Mac Kite www.mackite.com
Where should I stay?
Camping is available at Hoffmaster and North Muskegon State Parks and various affordable motels may be found at https://www.visitmuskegon.org/camping-in-Muskegon
Are their any local rules or safety tips I should know about?
Riders should always launch and land their kites toward the water to stay away from the power lines. Do not launch directly upwind of the breakwalls. The swim area is completely off limits to kiteboarders for obvious reasons. Directly West of the Filtration Plant and along the beach to the South there are several steel jetties that you’ll want to stay away from. Also, please do not walk your kite back up the beach in front of the filtration plant. The beach is very narrow in this area and is in close proximity to power lines, the parking lot, and road.
Other local resources:
www.visitmuskegon.org general info area happenings, lodging, restaurants
www.chicagokitesurfing.com/ridinglocations.html Michigan riding spots
https://www.mackite.com/forums local forum
MITCHELL’S BAY, CANADA
By Tim Blanchard
Lake St. Clair nestled between southeastern Michigan and southwestern Ontario is home to Mitchell’s Bay, one of Ontario’s best riding spots. The riding area offers consistent, stable and lifty winds throughout the riding season and is only 1.5 hours from Detroit and 3 hours from Toronto. The water is waist deep and offers some of the best flat water riding anywhere. The spot works in all wind directions from the SE clocking N, and as the water stays flat most of the time especially behind one of the countless slicks, it’s a perfect place for beginners and playground for wakestyle riders. The only challenge here is that there really is no beach to launch from; you have to walk your gear out past the swim area and water launch your kite. A store and bathrooms are a short 30 second walk away. Mitchell’s Bay has the longest season of any spot in the Great Lakes due to its southern location and very shallow water. It is also home of the annual Kite Stock, a 3-day event that kicks off the Great Lakes riding season and allows riders to demo new gear.
What is the official site name?
Mitchell’s Bay or M-Bay.
What is the best time of year to ride?
March through November offer the best conditions.
What is the best Internet site to check weather?
What gear should I pack?
During the summer months, the water temperature often exceeds 80°F so a shorty or boardshorts are all you need. For a typical 175 lb rider, the most used kite size is 16m. During early spring and late fall, the most used kite sizes are 10 and 12m. Booties are generally not needed but the occasional zebra mussel may have a run in with your feet so be forewarned.
Who are the local shop and schools?
Surf Culture Canada www.surfculturecanada.ca
Where should I stay?
www.mitchellsbay.com Affordable camping, B&Bs and motels
Are their any local rules or safety tips I should know about?
Be courteous to regular beach goers and families using the nearby playground. Unless you are an experienced rider, please seek help while launching and landing your kite. Ride well upwind of the beach and pass cautiously through the boat channels as boaters have the right of way. Roll up your lines when you’re not using it.
Other local resources:
https://michigan.kiteus.com/local_spots.htm Lake St. Clair Kiteboarding Information
www.kitestock.ca Annual kiteboarding event and demo
NAPEAGUE HARBOR, NY
By Chris Cousins
When one thinks of New York, skyscrapers, Donald Trump, and Times Square often come to mind. Who would ever guess that this metro area, home to over 22 million individuals, would have some of the best kiting in the northeast? One of the most popular riding spots in New York is Nepeague Harbor in the Hamptons. Located between Nepeague and Mantauk in the town of Amagensett, its near lake-like conditions make it one of the best places to learn and practice new tricks. Napeague has a huge, sandy shoreline, takes almost any direction of wind, and offers miles of shallow, waist-deep water. It is also close to Ditch Plains, one of the state’s most consistent waves breaks that is especially popular with longboarders. If you’re into golf, the Montauk Downs in Montauk is rated one of America’s top 50 public golf courses.
What is the official site name?
Napeague Harbor.
What is the best time of the year to hit the spot?
March through November offer the best riding conditions for Napeague Harbor. The wind typically blows in the 10-35 knots range and takes most any southerly wind direction, with the best being from the southwest. North winds tend to be very gusty but are still ride-able. On a busy weekend, set up, launch and get in the water fast.
What is the best Internet site to check weather?
What is the water temp like?
The shallow water in Napeague can reach up to 70°F in the summer. In winter, spring and fall, you’ll need a full wetsuit or dry suit.
Who are the local shops & schools?
Skywalk Kiteboarding www.skywalkkiteboarding.com
Windsurf Hamptons www.w-surf.com
Where can I stay?
Make your plans well in advance for a summer stay. Just about every hotel worth staying in is going to run a small fortune during the summer months.
The East Deck Inn, Ditch Plains (631)668-2334 Cheap Sept-Oct, best time to catch good wind and surf
Atlantic Terrace (631)668-2050 Directly on the beach
Gurney’s Inn (631)668-2345 Upscale hotel and spa
Hither Hills State Park (631)688-2554 or Cedar Point County Park (631)852-7620 for camping
Are there any safety issues or rules I need to know about?
Parking tickets! If you’re not a permit holder and you park in a permit area, you will get a hefty ticket up to $200! Make sure you launch and land downwind of the beach goers, don’t ride near the surfers, watch out for fishing lines and ride responsibly.
Other local resources:
https://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/NYCKitesurfers/ NYC kiters group
https://www.tristatekites.com/local.html info on NY riding spots
TYBEE ISLAND, GA
By Tim Malins
Tybee Island offers insane riding conditions for almost wind direction. Located at the mouth of the Savannah and Tybee Creek, a.k.a. Bullhead River, one of the most popular riding spots in the South Tip at 19th Street and Hwy 80. At low tide, the South Tip features a butter flat lagoon between the sandbars with kicker waves on the outside. The shallow, all-sand bottom makes it a great place to learn. At high tide the waves will connect through to the beach, depending on the swell. There’s plenty of wide-open beach for setting up. The winds are very steady and usually increase throughout the day in the summer months. The water gets to around 85° F, so leave the wetsuit at home during the summer months.
What is the official site name?
South Tip.
What is the best time of year to ride?
Spring through summer with the South sea breezes is the best time of the year to hit Tybee with winds typically blowing 13-18 knots.
What is the best internet site to check it?
What gear should I pack?
A good all around size is a 12, but you may want a 15 or so to increase your riding time. Don’t be surprised if you have to occasionally pull out a 9 if it really thermals up or we get a Northeaster. No rubber is needed May through September.
Who are the local shop and schools?
HighTide Surf Shop www.hightidesurfshop.com
Where should I stay?
Kitesurf Hut available through High Tide (912) 786-6556
Tybee Island Rentals (800) 476-0807
Outdoor Inn (404) 496-4691
Atlantis Inn (912) 786-6044
Rivers End Campground (800) 786-1016
Are their any local rules or safety tips I should know about?
The local authorities aren’t fond of kiting between the South Jetty and the pier, especially when there are crowds. Also, riding through the surf lineup is extremely frowned upon. An outgoing tide is the best time to ride as the current may negate some of the wind.
Other Local resources:
www.northbeachgrill.com Unreal Caribbean food, much of the staff kites, live music weekends
www.tybeeislandwedding.com Tybee is rapidly becoming a beach wedding destination
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC
By Hunter Brown
One of the premier ocean spots in North Carolina is the south point of Wrightsville Beach, commonly known as The South End. The best winds for The South End are southerly winds which are side onshore to the beach. The site has a Jetty that protects the inlet and when you kite it on southerly winds, the jetty is upwind of you cutting down on the chop and current. This makes it a really fun and easy going ocean spot to ride. It also makes it effortless to stay upwind and enjoy the protection of the jetty. There can be a nice waist to chest high wave rolling in for kiters to play with and the surf can be bigger with the right conditions. If you prefer flat water, you can ride right downwind of the jetty wall where the water is protected from the wind. These winds come off the ocean and are as steady as you will find. There is a large open beach for rigging kites and a friendly, fun local crew.
What is the official site name?
The South End.
What is the best times of year to ride?
Late April October.
What is the best internet site to check it?
For free live wind and video, www.surfchex.com is run by a local meteorologist, surfer, and kiter.
What winds are best for the site?
The South End is best for South and Southeast winds. This is side onshore and the steadiest winds. These winds will typically be best around mid day and blow until close to dark. Southwest winds can be ridden at the south end but are a bit side off and can get a little gusty. Be confident in your upwind abilities if going out in Southwest winds.
What gear should I pack?
Average size kite is 12m but 9 to 16m are nice to have on hand. Twin tip and surf style boards are great for the South End. There can be a nice wave to play with quite often.
Who are the local shop and schools?
Blowing in the Wind www.gokitesurf.com
Where should I stay?
Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort – Luxury on the beach
Surf Suites – The only hotel at the South End
Comfort Inn Budget hotel in Wilmington, just a short drive away
Are their any local rules or safety tips I should know about?
Use common sense when riding the South End. Stay clear of and be polite to swimmers and other beach users. Listen to local riders if they give you pointer on the spot. Check with the local shop for any new rules or regulations.
Other Local resources:
www.gokitesurf.com for info on all local riding spots, the best winds for each spot, and any special considerations
www.wblivesurf.com Local surf reports with photos four times a day
www.insiders.com/wilmington/ – Information on other activities in the area
www.wrightsville.com Information on the town of Wrightsville Beach
CHARLESTON, SC
By Adam Von Ins
In the South Carolina “Low Country,” you’ll find kiters riding year-round on barrier islands, rivers, inlets and near inland lakes. The salt flats and Atlantic waves make an absurd playground for kiteboarders of all skill levels. The huge pristine beaches offer plenty of room for rigging, launching, and learning. The city of Charleston offers a plethora of different riding spots, with 10 being easily accessible by car and many more available by boat. The most popular kite launches are the Waffle House and The Bath, on either side of Breach Inlet. With low tide sandbars, you’ll find waves, flat water, and mild chop all within a few tacks. And, the Atlantic swells can provide epic wave-riding conditions. Water depths vary from ankle high to overhead, depending on location and tide.
What is the official site name?
The Waffle House and The Bath.
What is the best time of the year to ride?
Spring (March June) boasts steady, warm southerly winds averaging 15-25 knots. Fall and winter offer similar speeds but from often gusty northeast frontals. Charleston summers (July September) typically rely on afternoon thermals ranging from 13-19 knots. The barrier islands provide riding spots suitable for any wind direction.
What is the best internet site to check weather?
What gear should I pack?
Based on the 175 pound rider, 12 and 14m are the most popular sizes. Late summer winds may require larger kites, but be sure to have your surfboard for the offshore storm swells. Summer water temps range from the high 80s to low winter 50s. Many use a 4/3 wetsuit from November March. Ocean bottoms are sandy and almost void of debris and shells so booties are not mandatory.
Who are the local shop and schools?
Air Company www.catchsomeair.us
Where should I stay?
From affordable to plush luxury, Charleston has a property to suit any budget with rates ranging from $40 1500/night.
- www.islandrealty.com Island home and condo rentals
- www.Expedia.com Best deals on hotels and motels
- www.charminginns.com Historic Inns and/or B&Bs
Are their any local rules or safety tips I should know about?
Each island is its own municipality with specific watercraft rules. But overall, they heavily fine any watercraft coming too close to beach goers. If you think you’ll be within 200 feet of anyone while rigging or riding, you should find a less crowded launch area (there’s plenty)”¦or have your checkbook ready.
Other local resources:
www.charlestoncitypaper.com Events, food, and stuff to do
www.follysurfcam.com Surf cams and more beach rentals
www.musicfarm.com Killer concerts
www.charleston.net Local news and happenings