ELITE WATERSPORTS

Last updated 8-06-2024

A Guide to Kitesurfing Hightower Satellite Beach.

Everything you need to know kiteboarding here. 

Ryan Goloversic Rygo.png__PID:5fc51d4f-9a92-41bf-ad85-6f00729d5847

Kiteboarding Hightower Beach, Satellite Beach Florida.

South of Cocoa Beach, you'll find lots of hidden gem surf and kitesurf beaches. We get more north winds during the prime Florida windy season than anything else. The further south you go from Cocoa, the cleaner the wind on the ocean will get. One epic spot worth visiting is Hightower in Satellite Beach.

This is not the most beginner-friendly beach, and we don't recommend beginners ride here for many reasons. The launch here is smaller, and there are some rocks in the water. If the waves are good, there can be a lot of surfers. However, when the wind kicks up in the cooler months, you'll likely have the Beach to yourself with respectable waves for kitesurfing.





The waves are not always big here, and those days are great for intermediate riders looking for a convenient location with amenities and easy parking in the area with the smooth wind.

This is one of many small breaks in the area worth checking out, and we'll cover everything you need to know before kitesurfing here.




16th Street Cocoa Beach.png__PID:647b1c51-2dd3-4cd7-8e4f-44350696971c
Jetty park kitebboarding 6.png__PID:cef58f98-edc5-4fa8-9d41-c8251dbfe9fd
kiteboarding 16th Street cocoa beach copy.png__PID:0e4f4435-0696-471c-97a2-1b35f797d98f
Kitesurfing 16th Street Cococa Beach.png__PID:44350696-971c-47a2-9b35-f797d98fda35

Table Of Content

  • Why Hightower, Satelite Beach, Florida, is great for kitesurfing.
  • The best wind directions to kitesurf High Tower, Satellite Beach, Florida.  
  • What you need to know when kiteboarding here.
  • What to avoid kiting here.
  • kiteboarding lessons with Elite Watersports.

Why Hightower, Satelite Beach, Florida, is great for kitesurfing.

High Tower is an excellent option for wave riders and intermediate kitesurfers. The wave kickers here can be advanced and, some days, downright amazing for riding a kitesurf board. The beach is narrower here than in other areas, but you can usually walk up or downwind to find space. Be mindful of the tide, as the beach will get very small at high tide.

The wave conditions here are great and sought after by many. This is an ideal beach if you live in the area or are just visiting. There is a large overflow parking lot across the street that can accommodate vehicles of all sizes. The beach is very small, but there is space to rig up kites. You might have to drift launch during high tide. The water here is a bit rocky, but it gets deep fast, so it's ideal for kite foil and wingfoiling access.



Kitesurf Carlin Park.jpg__PID:1f9f949c-ed64-496f-acd3-d475c487f24b
Kitesurfing 16th Street Cococa Beach.png__PID:44350696-971c-47a2-9b35-f797d98fda35


On smaller days, wing and kite foilers will love the rolling swell or small waves. With stronger north winds, you can anticipate heavy swell.

Genrally the conditions here never suit beginner riders but it can happen on lighter days at low tide in the winter when there are less beach goers. For beginners, we recommend driving north to Jetty Park in Cocoa Beach. We have a complete guide on why you will love kitesurfing there.


Best Wind Directions for Kiteboarding Hightower Beach, Satelite Beach, Florida

NE, E, S, SE 


Side & Side On:
This is the ocean, so side-shore or side-on winds coming from the North, northeast, south, and southeast will be the best. North winds are smoother here than they are further north of Hightower. With the angle of the coast, this beach is a better fit.

Onshore:
East winds are recommended for only advanced riders. The beach is tiny, so there is little to no room for mistakes. If there is a large shorebreak, it will be challenging to get out fast.



16th Street Kitesurf guide cocoa beach.png__PID:2dd3ecd7-0e4f-4435-8696-971c17a21b35

Offshore: Never ride a west wing here. Northwest, southwest, and true west will take you out to sea. Sometimes advanced wave riders will ride side-off winds for clean waves, but it's a big risk, and the wind will be gustier.

Sideoff: If you're an expert wave rider, you might consider riding a slight side-off wind here for clean waves. Just be ready to self-rescue and swim back in if necessary. Remember, you are always taking a chance to do this.

What to expect when kitesurfing at Hightower Beach, Florida   

Take the A1A into Satelite Beach until you see Shearwater Parkway. There will be a large overflow dirt parking lot on the corner of Shearwater and the A1A.

This is paid parking, but there is always plenty of space for large vehicles. You'll have to use the crosswalk to cross the highway and get to the main beach.

There are public restrooms, a beach shower, and a boardwalk leading to the beach. The beach here can get crowded fast, so we recommend walking north to find a suitable launch area clear of people and surfers.




16th Street Cocoa Beach.png__PID:647b1c51-2dd3-4cd7-8e4f-44350696971c
kiteboard cocoa beach 16th st.png__PID:17a21b35-f797-498f-9a35-ff1755cbf52c

The ocean here can be calm on some days, but on a strong north or swell, it can be intense. Use self- and situational awareness before you go. Watch for rip currents between the sandbars, and check the surf report before you go.

A good metric for intermediate kiters is to avoid going out in waves over 4 feet. If you're comfortable with ocean riding, the smaller waves and chop here are a vibe for twintip riding.

Kitesurfing Acess: This is an incredible surf break for kiteboarders. The waves line up well on a north or northwest wind. If you're an experienced wave rider, you will love it here.

Kitefoil Acess: Depending on the shore break, this is a good beach for kite foiling, but watch out for the rocks. Avoid riding too close to the shore, or you risk damaging your wings.
The chop is challenging, but the water depth is perfect for getting out and starting. As you progress, you'll return for the waves here.

Wing Surfing: There are better learning locations about 30 minutes north, but this can be a great spot when the waves are small. Advanced wing foilers will love the bigger days here.

What to be aware of kitesurfing Hightower Beach, Satellite Beach, Florida   

Always show the ocean proper respect. Rip tides can occur here, and conditions can change quickly. Keep up with the wind and surf report to know the best times to go.

This is a popular surf beach, so always give the surfers the right of way. We are the faster-moving vessel, and it's the rules of navigation.

Only ride if there are a few people on the beach. If, for some reason, the beach is full, there is no shame in walking to find an open patch of beach and water to avoid the crowds.

Be mindful of the waves; never ride when they are too big. Never kite out further than you are willing or able to swim back in. It's easy to get sidetracked and sail far from the shore. If the wind shuts off or something happens, it will be a long swim back in.

  • Waves
  • Shore break
  • Rip Tides 
  • Strong Ocean Currents.  
  • Deep Water 
  • Beach Goers 
  • Avoid the Swim Areas. Keep our Kite Spots Open.

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 St Petersburg

Kiteboarding 16th Street Cocoa Beach 

Want To learn more about kiteboarding?

Follow us to receive the latest update on our journey experience