Florida's east coast is famous for its surf culture, subtropical atmosphere, and incredible watersports opportunities. While Cocoa Beach is known for surfing, it’s also a premier kitesurfing destination with a vibrant community of riders.

The area is perfect for downwinders, thanks to its multiple beach pull-offs and consistent winter winds. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Cocoa Beach offers a great mix of kitesurfing and post-session relaxation in the heart of a tourist town.

5th Street is one of many pull ofs that are popular with kitesurfers. You’re south of the pier and the beach crowds.

The interesting thing about Cocoa Beach and the winds here is that the further south you get from Jetty park, the smoother the north winds get in the winter. We recommend leaving a car at 16th street and doing a downwinder from 5th Street.

Cocoa Beach offers a true wave kitesurfing experience, especially for those who enjoy downwinders. This tourist town has all the beach vibes you would expect from a popular surf location.

There is so much more to do there than kite too. You can surf of course but there are great restaurants, an amazing flat-water spot known as the 520 slick and the pier is a vibe.

You can grab a burger and a beer while watching the local surfers ride next to the pier. While kiteboarding is a vibe here, remember that this is a surf town and a tourist town. Always use your best discretion and give surfers and beach-goers the right of way. If one pull off is crowded, find one with less people or be prepared to walk down the beach to find space.

You can leave your car at a spot like 16th Street and drive upwind to 5th Street, then ride the waves all the way back down to your car.

The long stretches of beach, coupled with consistent north winds during the winter, make this an ideal setup for riders.

As the north wind prevails in Florida during the winter, you have many route options for a smooth downwind ride. The best part is that there are a few pull offs so you can make your downwinder as short or as long as you like.

Cocoa Beach has a great park for camping on the north end of town. Jetty park has full service RV and tent sites for vacationers on a budget. The location is right on the beach and a popular kitesurfing destination too.

For most of the ocean spots in Cocoa Beach, the wind direction is key. North winds are prevalent during the winter, but they require some east in them to be manageable.

Side-onshore winds are the best for downwinders, as they give you a consistent push along the coast. You’ll ride smoother and experience less turbulence. Be cautious with true north winds, as the coastal angle can cause turbulent winds, making it more difficult to ride and potentially requiring you to swim back in.

Onshore Winds (E): Onshore east winds can be fun but are more challenging for less experienced kiters. You need to be comfortable riding upwind and handling small shore breaks. For intermediate riders, east winds can be a great chance to ride waves without worrying too much about getting pulled downwind.

Offshore Winds (W): Offshore winds are dangerous here. If the wind is west, do not ride, as it will push you out to sea.

Experts might consider a slight side-offshore wind for clean waves, but it’s risky. Always be prepared to self-rescue and swim back in if you take this chance.

Wingsurfing 5th St Cocoa Beach: This is a fun wing spot with a NE wind. Be sure to match your skill level with the waves here. They can vary from small to massive and the shore break can get heavy.

Kitefoil 5th St Cocoa Beach: The water gets deep quickly here so it can be an epic kitefoil spot.

Take the A1A though town until you see 5th street. Turn left and drive right up to where the road meets the ocean. There is a small lot here and you can walk to the beach. When planning your downwinder in Cocoa Beach, expect to enjoy consistent wind, beautiful beaches, and plenty of options for parking and amenities. 5th Street is a popular starting point for downwinders, but keep in mind that it has a small parking lot and no restrooms or showers. It’s a more basic launch site, so be prepared for that.

As you finish your downwinder at 16th Street, you’ll appreciate the larger parking area, restrooms, and beach showers. This makes 16th Street an excellent ending point for your session. After rinsing off, you can enjoy the shade and relax before heading into town. 

Cocoa Beach is a popular spot for downwinders, and with multiple pull-offs along the coast, you have plenty of flexibility to choose your route. The combination of solid wind conditions and convenient beach access makes Cocoa Beach a favorite among riders looking for wave action and a laid-back vibe.

Big waves: The waves can get big here so ride with situational and self-awareness. Offshore Winds: Never kite in offshore winds unless you’re an expert.

 Even then, it’s risky, so only do it if you're confident in your self-rescue skills.

Busy Beaches: While Cocoa Beach has lots of space, certain times of year (like spring break) can make parking and beach access challenging. If the beach is too crowded, there’s no shame in walking down the coast to find a quieter spot to launch.

Shore Break and Rip Currents: Be mindful of the conditions. Cocoa Beach can have strong shore breaks and rip currents. Always assess the surf and wind conditions before heading out, and don’t kite in waves that are beyond your skill level.

• Waves
• Shore break
• Rip Tides 
• Strong Ocean Currents.  
• Deep Water 

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