Florida is one of the best-kept secrets for kiteboarding. There are more beaches here than we can write about and vibrant kiteboarding communities in almost every city. The prime seasons are fall, winter, and spring, with prevalent north winds.

The average winds in the summer are 4 to 15 knots, with less frequency than our amazing winters. In the shoulder seasons and winter, you can expect frequent 15-plus-knot north wind days—sometimes up to three times a week! Summers are prime tourist season, with lighter, less frequent winds and crowded beaches.

That said, kiteboarding is still possible here, but you must go to the right places and use the right equipment.

With the proper knowledge, you can make the most of the conditions and get some solid sessions whether you live here or are just visiting on vacation.

This guide will cover the proper summer kiteboarding equipment and sizing and the suitable locations to ensure you make the most of your summer here. Some beaches will have fewer tourists, more wind, and work in more wind directions than others. We'll discuss some of our favorite Florida summer kiteboarding beaches and why.

Florida summer kiteboarding: Florida gets light wind in the summer. Summer is the perfect time to invest in light wind kiteboarding gear. You will need the right size kiteboarding kite and kiteboard, depending on your weight. The wind is typically less than 12 knots, so a light-wind kite, a light-wind kiteboard, and a good hydrofoil are essential.

Lightweight Kite fabric: This is the best time to invest in a specialty kite with a lightweight fabric. Materials like Alula, Airush Hoopika, or N-weave can make the difference between sitting on the beach, riding on the water, and having fun.

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Why use these kites: These materials dramatically reduce the kites weight and allow designers to build kites with a higher psi tolerance.This means the leading edge on a big kite can be much smaller than standard materials allow.

This makes these kites faster, which translates to the more apparent wind. Essentially, the quicker you can move a kite, the more light wind power and performance you will get out of it

Lightwind kites: Lightwind kites are king. You will need a large light wind-specific kite or a kitefoil-specific kite. Size and design depend on your weight and whether you want a light-wind twintip or a large hydrofoil. These kites will have one to three struts and work in winds between 8 and 15 knots.

17m Kites: This size kite is a must if you weigh between 155 to 210 pounds. Materials make the difference at the bottom end of the wind range. Consider getting something with Hookipa or Allula for an extra knot or two of power out of your kite. An added benefit is that these materials make big kites feel smaller and faster, making them more fun to fly.

15m kites: This size is good for under 155 pounds. At this weight, you won't need the extra pull of the 17m, and because 15-meter kites are faster, you can generate more apparent wind.

14m kites: If you're under 119 pounds, you can consider a 14m as your lightwind kite. Depending on how small you are, consider between a 14 or a 15 to make the most of lighter days.

13m kites: Some very small riders, such as children, will use a 13m in light conditions. Big kites can generate a lot of power even in light wind, so consider this if you're under 100 pounds.

Single-strut kites are aimed at hydro foiling. They have fewer struts, making them lighter and more agile. You can fly these in next to nothing and shred a foil in as little as 8 knots of wind. Some twin-tip riders use these as well but will opt for larger sizes.

14 - 17m Single strut kites: These are suitable for scraping the bottom of the barrel of the wind when paired with a hydrofoil, and they also work well with light wind wingtips above 10 knots.

9 - 12m Single strut kites: This is the tool for hydrofoiling in moderately light wind. You won't be riding in 8 knots, but an excellent average-weight hydrofoiler can make a 10-meter work in around 12 knots just fine, especially if they have a light wind foil set up.

If you want to ride in the summer, you'll need to add a lightwind kiteboard to your quiver. This means you will need a big, wide, flat kiteboard. Something in the 145 to 165 range is suitable for most riders.

160+ cm Kiteboards: These are necessary for riders who are 200 pounds plus but are incredible for riding in subpar winds for average-weight riders. Paired with the right size and material light wind kite, you will be shredding in 11 to 13 knots, no problem. It will take some getting used to using a board like this as they are much bigger than what you're used to. It is possible to jump and do tricks with these too. It will just feel awkward the first couple of sessions as you learn how to use the board.

150 to 160cm kiteboard: This is an excellent choice for average-weight kiteboarders. If you are 160 to 200 pounds, you'll enjoy the board's light wind performance and managable feel.

145 to 150cm kiteboard: Lighter riders around 120 pounds will benefit from a 145cm board, while riders around 150 to 170 pounds should opt for something closer to 150 or even 155. The benefit of smaller light boards is they feel like a normal kiteboard.

Most non-light wind boards come in 144 to 145 sizing, but be mindful of the design. A big wake-style board will offer few benefits in light winds. Opt for a flat rocker and a wider profile for light wind benefits.

Hydrofoils are the best tool for light wind. You can ride in less wind than anyone from any wind sport, go fast, jump high, and have the best sessions in almost no wind. Skill is a factor, but a good foiler can ride in 6 to 8 knots with no problem with the right equipment, which includes an excellent light wind foil set, a hydrofoil board, and a suitable specialty kite.

Lightwind hydrofoils: Large foils are essential for riding in lighter wind, think the 1300 to 2100 range. Smaller foils are more maneuverable and fun, but you can get more power from a larger foil.

New riders should opt for a large low- to medium-aspect foil paired with a medium- to large kite.

Low-aspect foils: These can get up at slower speeds but need a consistent pull from the kite. They are best suited for beginners and riders who want to rely on the kite more for power. Expect tighter turns and forgiving speeds but more drag and limited glide.

High-aspect foils: These will have better top-end speed, better-unpowered pump, and better glide. Experienced riders love them because they are so efficient that you can ride indefinitely without external power and a good pumping technique! Just be ready for a leg workout if you're going to try them. A good 1300 to 1700 wing will be magic in the lightest days. Expect wide arching turns and incredible glide from these.

Medium aspect foils: This is the sweet spot for performance and forgiveness. You'll get a great pump and exceptional glide yet reap the benefits of slower speed performance and more maneuverability than a high aspect foil. Modern medium aspects feel like older high aspects with the forgiveness of older low aspects.

Hydrofoil technology has come a long way in the past ten years, and we highly recommend you consider a medium aspect foil for light winds.

Lightwind foil boards: Beginners should choose a larger foil board, around 120 to 160 cm, while more experienced riders can opt for something smaller, like 80 to 90 cm.

The smaller boards make pumping more reactive and efficient but can be far too reactive for someone learning. You will get more light wind efficacy from a smaller foil board, but starting there is difficult. If you're new to foiling or intermediate, we recommend something around the 120 cm range for a good blend of performance and ease of use.

What kite to foil with? You can start with kites as large as 17m in the lightest of winds! Many beginners do this as they are more manageable to control in sub-10 knot winds. Remember that getting overpowered on a 17 with a hydrofoil in light wind is easy. Twelve knots and up can be too much, depending on the size of the foil and the rider's weight.

A 12-meter single-strut kite with a hydrofoil is perfect for riding in incredibly light winds. It's manageable, stable, lightweight, and won't get overpowered quickly.

Choosing a suitable beach is critical to success. Avoid crowded tourist beaches at all costs. It's tempting to try right when there is a light breeze, but it's not worth the risk of flying a kite above many people in suspect wind. Look for kiteboarding-specific locations and consider the versatility of the spot.

For example, we love Skyway Beach in St Petersburg, Florida, for summer kiteboarding. There are fewer tourists, and the wind works in every direction here.

That is a crucial factor to consider if you plan a Florida summer vacation. Some beaches only work in specific wind directions, and you will be limited.

 

If you visit a kite location like St. Pete or Tampa Bay, you can ride in any wind direction and instantly double or triple your chances of riding while you're here.

More beaches here work in every direction than any other place in Florida. It's by far the best light wind kiteboarding city in the state. You could also consider Huguenot Park in Jacksonville. The lagoon there will work in most wind directions.

The Florida Keys are yet another spot to consider, but you must have access to a boat to reap the benefits. There are many hidden sand bars, keys, and incredible kiteboarding locations that work in every wind direction. Unfortunately, most of these require a boat to access.

Elite Watersports has a full selection of light wind kite gear and kitefoil gear and our dedicated team has been foiling since the beginning. We're happy to help you choose the right gear to get started or take your kite foiling to the next level.

In 2024, we live in a time of abundance; all kites from major brands are great but have their own flavor. We can share insider insights and what to expect from different models.

The expert team at Elite Watersports is here to serve. If you have any kiteboarding related questions call us. We can build custom kiteboarding packages, book kiteboarding lessons or simply offer helpful advice. We're your one stop shop for kiteboarding knowledge.
Swing by the shop and you can try on different kiteboarding harnesses and more. 

If you need help deciding on your first kiteboarding kite give Elite Watersports a call. We're happy to set you up with your first kiteboarding kite.
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