Kitesurfing in the USA - A Complete Guide
The United States is a vast and diverse country, and there are countless kitesurfing destinations to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, there's something for everyone. In this guide we'll discuss the wind conditions and some of the best kitespots in the USA.
Wind Conditions in the USA
The best time for kitesurfing in the USA can vary depending on the location and wind patterns. Generally, the spring and fall months tend to offer more consistent winds across the country, while the summer months can provide lighter and less predictable winds in some areas.
Places like South Padre Island, Outer Banks, provide year round consistent wind conditions, that also applies for Corpus Christi and California with acception of the winter. In Florida the fall through spring provides good winds. In Hawaii, the summer months are often the best time for kitesurfing, with trade winds providing steady and predictable conditions.
Kitesurfing Spots in the USA
Outer Banks (OBX), North Carolina
The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands, basically sanddunes, off the coast of North Carolina, stretching over 200 miles from the Virginia border to the town of Beaufort. Known for its flatwater lagoon Pamlico Sound and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. You can kite here year round.
Planet Of The Apes Downwinder
Planet Of The Apes Downwinder is on of the most famous downwinders for intermediate kitesurfers, contact the local kiteshool to book a guided tour.
January - December Flatwater - ChoppyKite Point
Kite Point is a popular kitesurfing spot located on the southern end of Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks. It is known for its consistent winds, relatively shallow water, and easy launch and landing.
January - December Flatwater - ChoppyCanadian Hole
Canadian Hole is a popular kitesurfing spot located on the sound side of Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks at the Haulover Day Use Area. It is known for its shallow water, smooth surface, and consistent winds, making it an ideal location for riders of all skill levels.
January - December Flatwater - ChoppySalvo
Nestled on the sound side of Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks, Salvo is a less crowded kitesurfing spot that offers a unique blend of consistent winds, shallow water, and picturesque scenery.
January - December Flatwater - ChoppyRodanthe
Rodanthe is a kitesurfing spot located on the sound side of Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks. It is known for its reliable wind conditions and wide-open spaces, making it a popular location for kitesurfers of all skill levels.
January - December Flatwater - ChoppyFrisco
Frisco is another kitesurfing spot located on the sound side just west of Buxton. It is known for its consistent wind, and shallow flat water conditions, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and advanced riders.
January - December Flatwater - ChoppySouth Carolina
South Carolina has strongest winds in spring, winter and fall (15-25 knots), where summerwinds typically are lighter (10-15 knots) and get there power from afternoon termals. Spring winds are southerly and most consistent, in fall and winter they are northerly, gusty and less consistent. Best time to visit are the spring months.
Sullivan's Island
Sullivan's Island is a picturesque barrier island located in Charleston County, South Carolina. With miles of sandy beaches and consistent winds, Sullivan's Island is a great spot for all rider levels.
March - May Flatwater - ChoppyHood River, Oregon
Hood River is located in the Columbia River Gorge and is a favorite among kitesurfers for its reliable wind and stunning scenery. The town is situated at the crossroads of the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains, making for some spectacular views while you're out on the water.
Hood River
Hood River, located in Oregon, USA, is renowned worldwide as one of the top kitesurfing destinations, offering consistent winds, stunning scenery, and a vibrant community of kiteboarders.
May - September Flatwater - ChoppyCorpus Christi, Texas
The best time for kitesurfing in Corpus Christi is from March to October, when the winds are strongest and most reliable. During this time, the prevailing southeast winds create ideal conditions for kitesurfing, with wind speeds averaging around 18-25 knots. The wind patterns in Corpus Christi are influenced by the Gulf of Mexico's warm waters and the sea breeze.
Wildcat Park
Wildcat Park is a kitesurfing spot located on the southern coast of Texas, at Corpus Christi Bay. The spot has shallow flat to choppy waters for 150m followed by little waves further out. It's also a great spot for hydrofoiling at the deeper waters.
March - October Flatwater - Little WavesOso Bay
Oso Bay is a popular kitesurfing spot located in Corpus Christi, Texas. With its shallow, flat waters and consistent wind conditions, it is a great spot for beginners and advanced riders alike.
March - October FlatwaterGrassy Point
Grassy Point is a popular kitesurfing spot in Corpus Christi, located on the edge of the Upper Laguna Madre. It's a great spot for downwinders to Brozil. Grassy Point has shallow water, making it ideal for beginners to learn and practice.
March - October Flatwater - ChoppyBrozil
Brozil is located at the western side of Upper Laguna Madre, 1500m south of Grassy Point. Expect butterflat waters and be cautious for sharks and alligators. It's best to downwind to this spot from Grassy Point and always ride with a few buddies.
March - October FlatwaterSouth Padre Island (SPI), Texas
South Padre Island is a barrier island off the southern coast of Texas, near Mexico and is known for its warm waters and consistent wind. The island offers a variety of kitesurfing conditions, from flat water lagoons to ocean waves, making it a great spot for riders of all levels.
The prevailing winds at South Padre Island are coming from the southeast. During the summer months, the island experiences consistent southeast winds ranging from 10-20 knots, with occasional gusts up to 30 knots. In the fall and winter months, the island experiences more northerly winds, with the strongest winds occurring in December and January. These north winds can range from 15-30 knots, providing excellent kitesurfing conditions. The wind conditions at South Padre Island are generally reliable and consistent, making it a popular kitesurfing destination year-round.
The North Flats
Located on the northern end of South Padre Island, The North Flats is a popular kitesurfing spot known for its expansive shallow waters and steady winds. The flat water conditions make it an ideal spot for freestyle riders and beginners looking to practice their skills.
January - December FlatwaterThe South Flats
The South Flats is a popular kitesurfing spot located on the southern end of South Padre Island. It is known for its expansive shallow waters, consistent winds, fun and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for beginner and intermediate riders.
January - December FlatwaterThe Jetties
The Jetties is a popular sea side kitesurfing spot located on the southern end of South Padre Island. It is known for its consistent winds and waves, making it a great spot for intermediate riders looking for a challenge.
January - December Choppy - Little wavesMaui, Hawaii
Maui is a world-renowned kitesurfing destination, offering some of the best conditions in the world. The island is surrounded by warm, crystal-clear waters and has consistent wind trade wind year-round. Maui also hosts several kitesurfing events throughout the year, including the prestigious Kiteboarder Magazine "King of the Air" competition.
Kite Beach
Kite Beach is a renowned kitesurfing destination located on the north shore of Maui, just west of Ka'a Point. With consistent trade winds and shallow waters, it's an ideal spot for riders of all levels, from beginners to advanced. No kiting before 11:00 AM.
April - September FlatwaterKanaha Beach Park
Nestled on Maui's north shore, Kanaha Beach Park, east of Ka'a Point is a top-rated kitesurfing spot, famous for its consistent winds and flatwater to huge waves behind the reef. No kiting before 11:00 AM.
April - September Flatwater - Huge wavesOahu, Hawaii
Oahu is one of the eight main islands of Hawaii and is known for its stunning beaches, world-class surf, and rich culture. The island is home to Honolulu, the state's capital city, and offers a few kitespots with the best kitespot being Kailua Bay.
Kailua Bay
Kailua Bay is located on the eastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, and is known for its consistent winds and warm waters. The bay offers a variety of kitesurfing conditions, from flat water to waves, making it a popular spot for riders of all levels.
June - August Flatwater - Medium wavesMokuleia
Mokuleia Beach Park is a kitesurfing spot on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. It's known for its strong and gusty winds, challenging wave conditions, and stunning ocean views.
June - August Small waves - Huge wavesCalifornia
California is one of the most popular states for kitesurfing in the USA, with a wide variety of kitespots to suit different riding styles and abilities. Whether you're looking for waves, flat water, or a mix of both, California has it all. The wind here is mainly caused by a thermal effect.
Sherman Island
Sherman Island is a popular kitesurfing destination located in the Sacramento River Delta in California. It's known for its consistent and reliable winds, particularly during the summer months, which makes it a popular spot for both beginners and experienced riders.
April - September Flatwater - Little wavesBelmont Shore
Belmont Shore is a popular kitesurfing spot located in Long Beach, California. The area offers a wide beach and long stretches of water, providing plenty of space for kiting.
April - September Flatwater - ChoppyCrissy Field
Crissy Field is located in the Presidio of San Francisco and is a popular spot for kitesurfing due to its strong, consistent winds and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The area offers a variety of kitesurfing conditions, from choppy water to waves.
March - October Choppy - Little WavesWaddell Creek
Waddell Creek is a popular kitesurfing spot located in the Santa Cruz area of California. The area offers a mixture of choppy and wave conditions, making it suitable for both freestyle and wave riding.
May - September Choppy - Little WavesOcean Beach
Nestled along the western coast of San Francisco, Ocean Beach is a highly popular kitesurfing destination for experienced riders seeking a challenge. The location's proximity to the city and breathtaking ocean views make it a must-visit destination.
March - September Little Waves - Huge WavesFlorida
When it comes to kitesurfing, wind is everything. Fortunately, Florida is blessed with some of the most consistent winds in the world, making it a prime destination for kitesurfers of all levels. Best winds from October through April.
Miami Beach 76th Street
Miami Beach 76th Street is a popular kitespot located on the northern end of Miami Beach in Florida. With a wide sandy beach, waves and steady wind conditions, it attracts mostly intermediate kitesurfers.
October - May Choppy - Medium WavesJupiter Kite Beach
Jupiter Kite Beach is a coastal town in Florida that is home to a popular kitespot known for its consistent winds and pristine beaches. Located on the east coast of Florida, Jupiter Kite Beach offers a mix of flatwater and waves, making it a great spot for both freestyle riding and wave riding.
November - April Flatwater - Medium WavesBanana River Lagoon
Banana River Lagoon is a scenic kitesurfing spot located on the east coast of Florida in Cocoa Beach. It's known for its shallow and calm waters, which make it ideal for beginners and freestyle riders.
October - April Flatwater - ChoppyPompano Beach
Pompano Beach is a popular kitesurfing spot located in the northern part of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With its wide sandy beach, flatwaters and consistent wind conditions, it's a great spot for riders of all levels.
November - April Flatwater - ChoppyFort Desoto (East Beach)
Fort Desoto's East Beach is a popular kitesurfing spot located near St. Petersburg, Florida. With its shallow, calm waters and consistent wind conditions, it's a great spot for beginners and freestyle riders.
November - April Flatwater - ChoppyNorth Skyway Bridge (East Side)
North Skyway Bridge's East Side is a popular kitesurfing spot located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Florida. The area offers stunning views of the bridge and the surrounding bay, making it a popular spot for photographers and spectators.
October - June Flatwater - ChoppyNorth Skyway Bridge (East Side)
The North Skyway Bridge is located on the western coast of Florida and is a popular spot for kitesurfing due to its consistent winds and shallow waters. The west side of the bridge offers flat water conditions and is only suited for advanced riders.
October - June Flatwater - ChoppyFred Howard Park
Fred Howard Park is a popular kitesurfing spot located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. With its calm, shallow waters and consistent wind conditions, it's a great spot for intermediates and freestyle riders
October - April Flatwater - ChoppySunset Beach Park
Sunset Beach Park is a picturesque kitesurfing spot located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The park offers riders shallow, flat waters and consistent wind conditions.
October - April Flatwater - ChoppyThese are just a few kitesurfing destinations in the USA. With so many amazing spots to choose from, there's no shortage of opportunities to catch some wind and waves. Happy kiting!
Nearby countries
If you didn't find a good spot, check Canada and Mexico, since they also have great kitespots to kitesurf.