Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna, located on Florida's northeast coast, provide some of the best conditions for advanced kiteboarders.

Known for powerful north winds, clean waves, and consistent swell, this area offers an epic location for kiteboarding, but it’s best suited for riders with experience.

Warning: This is not a beginner location or for the faint of heart. New Smyrna is one of the most popular surf breaks in Florida. While Florida surfers are generally some of the nicest you can meet, riding in locations like this comes with a certain responsibility and level of respect for the locals. Not only is this a popular surf break, but you’re also never more than a few feet from a shark at any given moment. This is known as the shark bite capitol of the world.

For advanced wave riders and kitesurfers who know the rules of navigation, have ample respect for wildlife and know how to avoid surfers, this is home to some of the best waves in Florida!

With all that said, if you are interested in kitesurfing here, you won’t be disappointed with the conditions if you time it right.

There are two beaches to choose from here and they both can be fun but come with some challenges and due respect.

Situated just south of Daytona Beach, this region is famed for its epic conditions. Ponce Inlet boasts long stretches of beach and some of the cleanest winds in the region, ideal for kiteboarders who enjoy bigger wave conditions.

New Smyrna is a surf haven, offering a mix of surf breaks and flat water areas, ideal for advanced riders looking to hone their skills in a variety of conditions. 

Ponce Inlet: A mix of flatwater inside the inlet and wave riding on the ocean side. Strong tidal currents create unique conditions, but they can also make riding more challenging.

New Smyrna Beach: Consistent wind and small waves make New Smyrna a solid choice for wave and freestyle practice. However, the area can get crowded with surfers, so kiteboarders should move farther down the beach for safer launching.

Amenities at Ponce Inlet & New Smyrna

Parking: Ample parking is available near both spots, though it can fill up quickly during peak season.

Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at both locations.

Public Parks: There is some great history here if you are into that and the dunes are worth checking out.

Beach Conditions: The beaches here are sandy with some shifting sandbars. It’s essential to check local wind and surf reports before hitting the water to ensure the best session possible.

Restaurants: There are plenty of fun places to go and get a beer and a meal after your session in town.

The best conditions for kiteboarding at Ponce Inlet occur with northeast, east, and southeast winds, making the fall and winter months prime kiteboarding seasons.

Clean side-shore winds help generate perfect wave-riding conditions, but onshore winds can also work well for seasoned riders. It's important to keep an eye on the wind direction, as the currents at Ponce Inlet can be strong, pulling riders further out to sea when winds shift offshore.

NE, E, SE Winds: These directions offer the cleanest waves and most manageable conditions for kiteboarders. Side-on and side-shore winds make it easier to maintain control and navigate the currents, especially near the inlet.

S Winds: Though rideable, south winds can create trickier and more turbulent conditions, with choppier waves that may challenge even seasoned riders.

Offshore Winds (W): Avoid offshore winds here—they pose a serious danger, especially around the inlet’s powerful currents, and could pull you far from shore.

Like all kiteboarding beaches on the east coast of Florida, you can take the A1A. Drive until you reach beach street.

Navigate to the entrance of the park. There is a parking fee for lighthouse point park and one for the new Smyrna dunes park.

It’s a mile and a half walk to the beach from the dunes parking lot or if you park near the The Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station you’ll be closer but beach access here is more difficult. The launch area is much smaller so that is a consideration.

The ocean here offers a mix of rolling waves and steep sections, so be ready for a variety of wave shapes depending on the wind and tides. New Smyrna has a lot of beach front but the waves can get crowded with surfers, so it’s important to respect surf etiquette.

There are few amenities at the kiteboarding launch points, but both Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna have beach access points, bathrooms, and parking nearby, making it easy to get set up for a day of riding.

Sharks: This is the shark bite capitol of the world. 
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: This is a popular surf break. 

Shore Break and Rip Currents: Be mindful of the conditions. There can be 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.

• Sharks - Lots of them!
• 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