Phone # (813) 389-3683 info@kiteboardingtampabay.com

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Interactive launch site map courtesy of Chris Moore and TBKA.org

Fort DeSoto Park     

The southernmost point in Pinellas County, Ft De Soto is a Kiteboarding paradise, and by far, the best land based site for beginners/lessons. It is mandatory that we are out of the park BEFORE sundown. Please pack up early and check the beach for trash. If you notice any gear left behind, please pick it up and post it on the TBKA.org  Lost and Found Section.

The park is headed up by Jim Wilson, who is a fan of kiteboarding and a very fair guy! Jim and park staff are kind enough to let us enjoy the beauty of the park as long as we are safe, respectable, and do not abuse our freedoms. Please help us preserve this incredible spot, and keep it open for years to come! If you see Jim, be sure to thank him for us!

The park is made up of five keys totaling 1,136 acres of almost unspoiled natural surroundings. There is over six miles of beach along with two fishing piers, a historic fort built in 1898, picnic facilities, and 233 camping sites for less than $30 USD per night.

Reservations for camp sites can be made by calling 727-582-2267 daily from 8:00 am - 9:00 pm EDT   

Kiteboarding is permitted throughout the island with the exception of North Beach within the boundary marked by the no boating buoys. This area includes the large lagoon (entire) and extends north towards Bunces Pass. Please launch kites towards the water, do not fly your kites over beach users or swimmers, and STAY OUT OF THE SWIM AREAS!

Here's a map of the campground area.

EAST BEACH at Ft. Desoto

NE-E-SE-S-SW

CAUTION: East wind is dead onshore

DO NOT WALK THROUGH THE MANGROVES WITH YOUR KITE IN THE AIR!

East Beach is the premier spot for water training and beginners to progress their skills.  The Tampa Bay grass flats offer flat, shallow and warm water, which is perfect for progressing rapidly in the sport. Inside the sandbar the water is shallow, deep and choppy on the outside. At low tide, the water may be too shallow to ride here. High tides usually have water depths of 2’-4’ inside the sandbar.

This launch site can sometimes be quite crowded. Parking can be an issue when the beach is crowded. Please park uniformly along the road, creating more space to launch and set up kites. If you are new to the launch, please don't hesitate to speak with the locals for tips and info regarding this site. Set up and launching of the kite can often be difficult due to limited space. Always launch kite towards the water and wind up your lines immediately after landing your kite. Beware of updrafts around mangrove areas, if you plan on riding on the "back side", please carry your kite through the mangroves, or go around the East tip. Flying your kite and walking through the mangroves creates unnecessary risk of injury. (see "Venturi Effect" in terms and lingo section of this site.

Due to the many potential hazards on the beach ranging from metal signs to cars to palm trees, it is a good idea to carefully select the most appropriate spot to set up, pre flight your gear and launch the kite. Again, feel free to ask one of our friendly locals for advice or assistance should you require it. You may be approached and questioned by a local safe kiter, as we have worked hard to keep this launch site safe and accessible for everyone. Our concern is safety and access, and unsafe kiters WILL be asked to leave.

Good idea to wear booties here, many foot injuries have happened here. There is a mucky bottom with a variety of things that will cut you. A good pair of booties is always cheaper than stitches!

North Beach

N-NW-W-SW

CAUTION: West wind is dead onshore

BEGINNERS DRAG PAST SWIM BUOYS BEFORE WATER STARTING

PLEASE STAY OUT OF SWIM AREAS!

GIVE WAY TO ALL WATER USERS, INCLUDING SWIMMERS, SURFERS, AND BOATERS. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT RIG OR LAUNCH YOUR KITE ON CROWDED BEACHES. PLEASE RESPECT OUR CONTINUED EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN ACCESS.

From the lagoon/pavilions north to Bunces Pass is North Beach. Park officials have restricted Kiteboarding inside the lagoon as well as inside the marker buoys. Rig, launch and ride on the north end towards Bunces Pass. Do not fly your kite over swimmers or beach users, and STAY OUT OF THE SWIM AREAS! New kiters are required to body drag out from shore past the swim area before water starting, to minimize risk to swimmers and beach users.

Park in the last parking lot and cross the pedestrian bridge for access.

There is a sandbar just off the pass with some great swells during the winter cold fronts.

                                    Aerial view of North Beach- Ft. Desoto, please notice restricted areas

Big Beach

SW-W-NW

CAUTION: West wind is dead onshore

BEGINNERS DRAG PAST SWIM BUOYS BEFORE WATER STARTING

PLEASE STAY OUT OF SWIM AREAS!

GIVE WAY TO ALL WATER USERS, INCLUDING SWIMMERS, SURFERS, AND BOATERS. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT RIG OR LAUNCH YOUR KITE ON CROWDED BEACHES. PLEASE RESPECT OUR CONTINUED EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN ACCESS.

DO NOT RIDE NEAR THE FISHERMAN OR FISHING PIERS.

Just north of the Gulf Fishing Pier and south of North beach is Big Beach.

Generally un-crowded, especially in the fall/winter, Big Beach offers a large, obstruction free beach with side-on and onshore winds. Water on this side of the island is deep outside of the sandbar and the only potential hazards are a fishing pier and tower towards the southern end of the beach. Park out by the road and expect a long walk with your gear. Your work is rewarded with plenty of wide open beach and fewer beachgoers than North Beach. Do not fly your kite over swimmers or beach users, and STAY OUT OF THE SWIM AREAS!

Caution should be used throughout the waters especially during the stone crab season. Entanglement with a crab trap buoy or swim area marker is a potential risk with a kite down in the water. The buoys can grab a line and cause kite to re-launch unexpectedly.

Shell Key

CHECK FOR CURRENT INFO AT LINK BELOW

NO PETS PERMITTED ON THE ISLAND

Shell Key Preserve provides access on any wind direction and offers a variety of water conditions ranging from butter flat shallow grass flats to mild waves and heavy chop. At this time, camping IS permitted on the island, however permits will be required in the near future. Check Shell Key updates at www.shellkey.org for most current camping and pet regulations.

Skyway North

NE-E-SE-S

CAUTION: East wind is dead onshore

EXPERIENCED, INDEPENDENT KITERS ONLY!

THIS IS NOT A SAFE PLACE FOR BEGINNERS OR LESSONS!

DO NOT KITE NEAR THE BRIDGE OR FISHING AREAS

DISTANCE IS YOUR FRIEND AT THIS SITE, STAY WELL OFFSHORE UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO LAND.

North rest area off I-275 on the East side is a sand bar to rig and launch. East wind is dead onshore and should be avoided by beginners and those who cannot ride upwind. Some glass in the sand and sandspurs in the grassy areas, metal, glass, shells and sea urchins in the water, you definitely want to wear booties here!

Running between the launch site and Pinellas Point is a fairly continuous sand bar with large areas of shallow grass flats with the exception of the Intercoastal waterway and a few boat channels. There are areas of deep water near the bridges and inside and outside the sand bar and grass flats.

Due to Homeland Security regulations there is a 300 yard distance restriction from the bridge which applies to watercraft, swimmers, divers, non motorized boats, kites, etc.

Caution should be used throughout the waters especially during the stone crab season. Entanglement with a crab trap buoy line is a potential risk with a kite down in the water.

NW-W-SW

CAUTION: West wind is dead onshore here

EXPERIENCED, INDEPENDENT KITERS ONLY!

THIS IS NOT A SAFE PLACE FOR BEGINNERS OR LESSONS!

DO NOT KITE NEAR THE BRIDGE OR FISHING AREAS

DISTANCE IS YOUR FRIEND AT THIS SITE, STAY WELL OFFSHORE UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO LAND.

This launch site is NOT recommended for beginner or intermediate Kiteboarders. The launch itself is quite small and in close proximity to trees, parked cars, and the interstate highway. Also there is an old boat hull, rocks, submerged poles, and many oyster beds in the water. Launching your kite in the water is a good idea here. There have been MANY KITEMARES here due to weather conditions, gear failure, improper safety systems. It is a dangerous place for a beginner to practice. If something bad happens here, you will be in the trees, rocks, or Interstate 275 with speeding cars.

NW-N-NE

CAUTION: North wind is dead onshore

DO NOT LAUNCH OR FLY YOUR KITE IN THE PARKING LOT!

SAFEST LAUNCH METHOD: CARRY GEAR TO SANDBAR OR DRIFT LAUNCH.

DO NOT KITE NEAR THE BRIDGE OR FISHING AREAS

DISTANCE IS YOUR FRIEND AT THIS SITE, STAY WELL OFFSHORE UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO LAND.

Adjacent to the south Skyway rest area off I-275 on the bay side is a protected harbor with shallow water at low tide. Large sandbar which is exposed during high tide is just south of the rest area. Less crowded than Skyway North, however beginners should use caution at this launch due to submerged rocks and close proximity to the highway. Watch out for updrafts and thermals close to the mangrove shoreline which separates the highway from Bishops Harbor. (IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO LOFT YOU INTO THE ROAD) The sandbar area is loaded with smaller sharp rocks and shells that will cut you. Wear booties here, your feet will thank you for it!

TREASURE ISLAND   Gulf Blvd and Central Ave 

SW-W-NW

CAUTION: West wind is dead onshore

DO NOT KITE, OR TEACH ON A CROWDED BEACH!

BEGINNERS DRAG PAST SWIM BUOYS BEFORE WATER STARTING

PLEASE STAY OUT OF SWIM AREAS!

GIVE WAY TO ALL WATER USERS, INCLUDING SWIMMERS, SURFERS, AND BOATERS. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT RIG OR LAUNCH YOUR KITE ON CROWDED BEACHES. PLEASE RESPECT OUR CONTINUED EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN ACCESS.

West Florida's original kite beach, frequented for quite some time by kite enthusiasts, you are certain to find single line kites, stunt kites, an area for kite buggies and of course Kiteboarding.

The largest beach in Pinellas County, this is an ideal place for beginners and intermediate Kiteboarders. Wide open beaches with few obstructions and plenty of space to launch and land kites.  The northern part of Treasure Island has large sand bars a few hundred yards off the beach with shallow water and nice waves during the cold fronts and tropical storms.

There are multiple beach access points, some with free parking.

There are swim zones along the beach marked with buoys that should be respected and riding within them should be limited to getting on and off the water.

Caution should be used throughout the waters especially during the stone crab season.  Entanglement with a crab trap buoy line or swim buoy is a potential risk with a kite down in the water.

Pic of Treasure Island - note the wide, uncrowded beach with no obstructions.

Gulf Beaches

N-NW-W-SW-S

CAUTION: West wind is dead onshore

BEGINNERS DRAG PAST SWIM BUOYS BEFORE WATER STARTING

PLEASE STAY OUT OF SWIM AREAS!

GIVE WAY TO ALL WATER USERS, INCLUDING SWIMMERS, SURFERS, AND BOATERS. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT RIG OR LAUNCH YOUR KITE ON CROWDED BEACHES. PLEASE RESPECT OUR CONTINUED EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN ACCESS.

Downwinders

If you are tired of walking back upwind or riding in the same spot with the same view then check this out.

Park anywhere along Gulf Blvd, pump up and ride out on a down winder.

Wear some aqua shoes; bring a shirt or rash guard and some quarters for the Trolley and you've got a ride back upwind.

Every few blocks along Gulf Blvd, from Pass-A-Grille north to Clearwater Beach is a trolley stop sign.

The last place to catch the Trolley on the North Gulf beaches is downtown Clearwater Beach at the round-about, and Pass-A-Grille at the Hurricane Restaurant on the South Gulf Beaches.

The Trolley will allow your gear aboard provided you wear a shirt and something on your feet (newspaper wrapped around your feet will get you onboard!).

Caution should be used throughout the waters especially during the stone crab season. Entanglement with the crab trap buoy lines or swim buoy is a potential risk with a kite down in the water.

There are swim zones along the beach marked with buoys that should be respected and riding within them should be limited to getting on and off the water.

Many of the Gulf Beaches are quite limited in space and are located in close proximity to structures that could pose a risk to the kite and pilot and affect the wind quality. Use caution at these launch sites or consider flying at one of the larger beaches in the area.

Pic of Gulf Beaches; note the wide, uncrowded beach - great for rigging up and riding!

BEGINNERS DRAG PAST SWIM BUOYS BEFORE WATER STARTING!

PLEASE STAY OUT OF SWIM AREAS!

GIVE WAY TO ALL WATER USERS, INCLUDING SWIMMERS, SURFERS, AND BOATERS. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT RIG OR LAUNCH YOUR KITE ON CROWDED BEACHES. PLEASE RESPECT OUR CONTINUED EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN ACCESS.

Located in northern Pinellas County, Honeymoon and Caladesi State Park offer over 7 miles of pristine Gulf beach with access on any wind direction. Boat support is recommended for access on any wind direction. The adjacent Dunedin Causeway offers limited access and close proximity to the road and power lines. Very dangerous spot to ride and we suggest you find a better place to launch and ride!

South end of Honeymoon adjacent to Hurricane Pass can become quite congested with beachgoers and boat traffic on weekends.

Directions: From St. Pete/Clearwater take US 19 North to Curlew Rd, head west and road ends at park.

CLEARWATER BEACH

NW-W-SW

VERY CROWDED BEACH, NOT IDEAL FOR KITEBOARDING!

CAUTION: West wind is dead onshore

BEGINNERS DRAG PAST SWIM BUOYS BEFORE WATER STARTING!

GIVE WAY TO ALL WATER USERS, INCLUDING SWIMMERS, SURFERS, AND BOATERS. NO EXCEPTIONS! DO NOT RIG OR LAUNCH YOUR KITE ON CROWDED BEACHES. PLEASE RESPECT OUR CONTINUED EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN ACCESS.

Kiteboarding is restricted at ALL of the lifeguard-patrolled beaches. Launch north of the lifeguard stands (drive North to at least 2nd roundabout) and ride outside the swim zone. Beginners should body drag out past the swim areas to water start, and never fly kite over swimmers or beach users. PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE SWIM AREAS! This is very important to reduce risk of injury and to preserve access at all bay area launch sites up and down the coast. “Hot-dogging” in the swim areas is a serious risk everywhere, and has already led to bans in many other areas of Florida.

Kiteboarding is prohibited within the swimming area at Sand Key park.

Pic of Clearwater Beach, note the crowded conditions and many obstructions, not a good place to kite!

Cypress- Tampa

NW-W-SW

CAUTION: Southwest wind is dead onshore

CAUTION: SHARP ROCKS AND OYSTER BEDS

USE THE NEW PARKING LOT AND BE OUT BEFORE DARK!

Located near Tampa International Airport off West Cypress Street is a public park area. Avoid parking in the office building lot as you will be towed or approached by 24 hour security. Men in grey suits (sharks) often frequent this area around dawn and dusk.

Use caution near the mangroves and grass shore line. There are numerous oyster beds which could be hazardous to you and your gear located in the shallow flats. Several local kiters have been injured riding here.

There is an abundance of broken glass, shells, rocks, and other objects that hurt when you step on them along the beach and close to shore. There’s also submerged rocks in the launch areas.

Would be wise to wear protection on your feet at this location.

Gandy Beach-Tampa

NOT RECOMMENDED!

Bad idea to kiteboard here. It is sometimes the launch site of advanced riders going on a downwinder, but only in a N or NE wind, which is offshore. Use extreme caution, and always launch kite towards the water, as the road is about 100’ from the waterline with speeding cars and power-lines waiting to hurt you.

There are some serious oyster beds around the launch area and just offshore. Anyone seeing this area at low tide would agree that it’s a deathtrap, and probably wouldn’t ride here. Power lines, road, water hazards, glass, oyster beds, rocks, drunks, jet skis, boats, etc.! Need any more reasons NOT to ride here?