ELITE WATERSPORTS

Last updated 2-03-2025

Best Accessories for Florida Kiteboarding: Stay Warm and Comfortable Year-Round

Everything you need to know kiteboarding here. 

What-WInter-Kiteboarding-Gear-do-I-need.png__PID:7b1c7ad9-c32f-48d5-b1eb-ca74a16940e1

Best Accessories for Florida Kiteboarding: Stay Warm and Comfortable Year-Round

Florida is a kiteboarding paradise, with warm waters and consistent wind, but winter conditions can still get chilly—especially in the mornings, evenings, or after cold fronts. If you’ve ever cut a session short because your hands went numb or the wind chill hit you hard, you already know how important the right cold-weather gear is.

Many riders assume that Florida winters don’t require extra protection, but even a small drop in air or water temperature can affect your endurance, energy, and comfort on the water. The combination of stronger winter winds, colder mornings, and wet neoprene exposed to the elements can make even the most comfortable temperatures feel much colder than expected.

I’m originally from Michigan, and I’ve ridden 15 degrees before but the strangest thing for me was seeing how the humidity here impacts the cold. 50 or 60 degrees here feels much colder than dryer parts of the country. I find I’m often in need of cold water accessories during our windy season.

Fortunately, you don’t need a full drysuit or thick wetsuit like riders in colder climates. Instead, a few key accessories—like a neoprene beanie, jacket, poncho, gloves, and windproof layers—can help you stay warm without adding unnecessary bulk. These lightweight and easy-to-pack items will help you ride longer, stay comfortable, and get the most out of Florida’s year-round kiteboarding season.

Table Of Content

  • Essential Cold-Weather Kiteboarding Accessories
  • Q&A: Common Questions About Winter Kiteboarding Gear
  • Final Thoughts: Upgrade Your Kiteboarding Setup for Maximum Comfort

Essential Cold-Weather Kiteboarding Accessories

1. Neoprene Beanies & Hoods: Keep Your Head Warm on and off the Water

Your head is one of the first areas to lose heat, and wet hair plus wind equals instant cold exposure. Even in 60–69°F air temperatures, a wet head combined with wind chill can make it feel much colder than expected. A neoprene beanie or hood helps trap heat, prevent wind chill, and keep water splashes from lowering your body temperature too quickly.

Why You Need a Neoprene Beanie or Hood:

Prevents heat loss, keeping your core temperature stable.
Blocks wind chill, which can make even mild days feel much colder.
Stops cold water splashes from shocking your system.
Lightweight, flexible, and designed for kiteboarding comfort.
Comes with a lanyard clip, so you won’t lose it in the water.

A neoprene beanie is best for mild winter sessions when you want warmth without restriction. Beanies are easy to take on and off, making them ideal for riders who adjust their layers throughout a session. For colder or windier sessions, a neoprene hood provides full coverage, sealing in warmth and keeping your ears, neck, and head fully protected.

Neoprene Beanie vs. Hood – Which One Should You Get?

Neoprene Beanie:
Best for moderate temperatures (50-65°F).
Easier to take off between rides.
Provides warmth without restricting movement.


Neoprene Hood:
Best for strong winds and colder conditions (below 50°F).
Seals out cold water completely.
Ideal for long sessions or high-wind areas.


Many experienced riders carry both a beanie and a hood, switching between them depending on the conditions. If you kite in Miami or the Keys, a beanie is usually enough, but if you're riding in North Florida or on the Gulf Coast, a hood can make a huge difference in blocking wind chill and keeping you warm.

What's nice is you can pair this with a topper or a thin, more flexible wetsuit to maximize mobility and warmth. Or better yet, wear one with a neo jacket!

2. Neoprene Jackets: Ride Warmer & Stay Dry Between Sessions

Neoprene Jackets:
A neoprene jacket is one of the most overlooked but essential pieces of gear for winter kiteboarding. Even if your wetsuit keeps you warm in the water, the moment you get out, the cold wind hits your wet neoprene and drops your temperature fast. A neoprene jacket provides a crucial wind-blocking layer, keeping you warm before, during, and after your session.

Why Neoprene Jackets Are Essential for Kiteboarding:

Blocks wind chill, keeping you warm even when wet.
Fits over your wetsuit, with a spreader bar hole for riding.
Helps prevent post-session shivers by keeping your core warm.
Lightweight and flexible, so you still have full mobility.
Perfect for downwinders, where wind exposure is high.

A neoprene jacket is incredibly versatile. You can wear it before launching, while riding, or after a session. It’s a must-have for sunset sessions, keeping you comfortable while setting up and packing down. If you’re riding early mornings or after a cold front, it’s the best way to stay warm without adding bulk to your wetsuit.

When choosing a neoprene jacket, look for:
Windproof material to block cold air.
Quick-drying fabric to keep you comfortable.
A snug yet flexible fit that won’t restrict movement.
A spreader bar hole, so you can ride without removing it.

Kiteboarding-in-winter-essentials-beanie.jpg__PID:686e88fb-49b8-44c4-8363-c6ba1980868e

3. Ponchos: The Must-Have Beach Accessory

A kiteboarding poncho is one of the most useful accessories for cold-weather riding. Whether you need to change out of your wetsuit, stay warm between sessions, or just dry off quickly, a good poncho makes all the difference.

I love these for changing on those cold days outside of my car. I used to try and change with a small beach towel or in my front seat but it’s either too restrictive in the car or too cold in the parking lot. One huge tip is to keep a warm 2-liter of water in the car to flush your suit with warm water before you change. The extra heat will be on your skin, and the poncho will keep you toasty while you either change or get back in the car and drive home in your poncho.

Aaron McClearnon recommends using a larger poncho for more room, and that's a solid tip, especially if you’re going to be putting a lot of layers back on after your session.

Why Every Kiteboarder Needs a Poncho:
Provides a warm, windproof changing space.
Absorbs moisture quickly, keeping you dry.
Blocks wind chill better than a towel.
Doubles as a casual post-session layer.

When looking for the best kiteboarding poncho, choose one that’s:
Fleece-lined for extra warmth.
Windproof and water-resistant for maximum protection.
Oversized, so it’s easy to change inside.

4. Kiteboarding Gloves: Avoid Numb Hands & Ride Longer

Cold hands can ruin a session fast. When your fingers go numb, you lose bar control, grip strength, and overall performance. The right gloves help maintain warmth and dexterity so you can ride longer in winter conditions.

I’ve made the mistake of not using them many times at Skyway Beach when it's in the low 60s. It might not feel too cold on the beach, but the mix of water and wind chill can make your hands cold fast! I’ve cut many sessions short in spitee of having the right wetsuit on. Having cold hands just isn’t all that fu,n and it’s worth it to keep a pair of gloves in the car for those chilly winter mornings.

Choosing the Best Kiteboarding Gloves:
Pre-curved gloves
– Reduce grip fatigue for longer rides.
Open-palm mittens – Keep hands warm without losing bar feel.
Full-finger gloves – Best for extreme cold, but reduce dexterity slightly.

Personally, I love the full-finger gloves, but the mitten style makes a lot of sense on the coldest days. If you’re Florida-based, some thin neo gloves will go a long way in February.

Q&A: Common Questions About Winter Kiteboarding Gear

1. What wetsuit thickness is best for Florida winter kiteboarding?

A 3/2mm wetsuit is ideal for most Florida winter kiteboarding conditions. If you ride in the morning, at sunset, or after a cold front, pairing it with a neoprene jacket or windproof poncho can help you stay even warmer without needing a thicker wetsuit. Riders in North Florida or the Gulf Coast might occasionally use a 4/3mm wetsuit, but most will stay comfortable year-round with a 3/2mm and the right accessories.

2. Do I really need a neoprene beanie or hood?

Yes! Even in moderate temperatures, wind chill can make 60°F feel like 50°F when combined with wet neoprene. A neoprene beanie is great for mild conditions, while a neoprene hood offers full wind and water protection. If you’ve ever ended a session because of cold ears or head chills, adding a neoprene head covering will significantly improve your comfort.

3. Are kiteboarding gloves necessary in Florida?

It depends on when and where you ride. If you ride early in the morning, after a cold front, or during strong winter winds, gloves will keep your hands warm and maintain grip strength. Most Florida riders don’t need full cold-water gloves, but pre-curved gloves are great for reducing grip fatigue and blocking wind chill.

4. What’s the best poncho for kiteboarding?

A fleece-lined, windproof poncho is the best choice for changing in comfort and staying warm after a session. Look for ponchos that are oversized, so you can easily swap out of your wetsuit without struggling on a windy beach. Some ponchos also feature waterproof outer layers, which are great for blocking wind chill and keeping heat trapped in.

5. Can I kiteboard in Florida year-round?

Absolutely! Florida is one of the best year-round kiteboarding locations in the world. However, during winter, the right accessories make a big difference. By using a neoprene beanie, gloves, poncho, and jacket, you can stay warm, ride longer, and enjoy winter kiteboarding comfortably.



cold-weather-kiteboarding-gear-essentials_.jpg__PID:2e5eef81-b1f4-43da-aaf6-7caf4b9096ca
What-WInter-Kiteboarding-Gear-should-I-buy.jpg__PID:6e88fb49-b8c4-44c3-a3c6-ba1980868eca

6. What’s the most important cold-weather accessory for Florida kiteboarding?

If you only pick one, a neoprene jacket will likely have the biggest impact on warmth and comfort. A windproof poncho is also a game-changer for staying warm between sessions and during setup. However, gloves and a neoprene beanie are also essential for maximizing your endurance in cooler temperatures.

7. Do I need to change my kite size in winter?

Winter winds in Florida are often stronger and more consistent, meaning you might need a smaller kite than usual. If you normally ride a 12m in the summer, you might find yourself using a 9m or even a 7m in the winter months. Always check the forecast and be ready to adjust based on wind strength and temperature changes.

8. What’s the best way to stay warm before and after a kiteboarding session?


Before launching: Wear a neoprene jacket or windproof poncho while setting up.
Between sessions: Keep your wetsuit zipped up and stay out of the wind when possible.
After riding: Change into dry clothes immediately using a fleece-lined poncho.

9. How do I prevent post-session chills after winter kiteboarding?

One of the biggest mistakes riders make is staying in a wet wetsuit too long after finishing their session. Here’s how to avoid getting cold after riding:Change into a poncho immediately after landing your kite.Put on a neoprene jacket while packing down.Drink something warm to help regulate body temperature.Avoid standing in strong winds for too long in wet gear.

10. Where can I buy the best cold-weather kiteboarding accessories?

You can find high-quality Mystic and other premium kiteboarding gear at Elite Watersports, as well as kite shops specializing in year-round riding gear. Investing in the right accessories will help you ride comfortably and make the most of Florida’s incredible winter winds.

Final Thoughts: Upgrade Your Kiteboarding Setup for Maximum Comfort

Adding a few key accessories—like a neoprene beanie, jacket, poncho, gloves, and windproof layers—will keep you warmer, extend your sessions, and let you kite comfortably year-round.

For mild winter sessions: Neoprene beanie + poncho.
For full winter warmth: Neoprene jacket + pre-curved gloves.
For all-day cold-weather sessions: Hood + gloves + poncho for changing.

kiteboarding-gear-to-stay-warm.jpg__PID:43e70068-6e88-4b49-b8c4-c4c363c6ba19

Why you should take Kiteboarding Lessons with Elite Watersports.

Elite Watersports has served the Tampa and St Petersburg area for years. They offer kiteboarding and wingsurfing lessons. They also have a retail shop equipt with the latest kitesurfing gear. This is hands down the best location to learn kitesurfing. We have shallow flat water and easy beginner conditions. Call today and reserve your spot for jet-ski-supported lessons. If the wind is blowing, we're going!

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

EWS2.0-10.jpg__PID:0917e1c4-5cf4-4136-921d-10304052bea0
Kiteboarding Lessons Tampa.jpg__PID:214bc6e2-b27f-4e7b-8874-8d2b91878f7b

Author

Rygo Profile.jpg__PID:5d039a79-240c-47cc-a20b-f005324f9f96

Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic

Tags

Kiteboarding Juno Beach

Want To learn more about kiteboarding?

Follow us to receive the latest update on our journey experience