Plan Your Next Adventure - Islamorada Kiteboarding

Most extreme water sport aficionados are already familiar with Islamorada kiteboarding. For those of you who are not, here's an insiders guide.

When you think of Florida you think of beaches. That's not the case with Islamorada making access points hard to come by. Since Islamorada has South and Easterly winds, kiteboardser only have two real options for access points.

The 1st is Whale Harbor at MM84 Oceanside with a great northeast to south breeze. Riders must pay $10 every day with season passes are available. This is a very tough launch so please no beginners or newbies. The beach and rigging area is minute. Launching is one at a time, and there's no down-wind area to come in if the wind shuts off or for amateur kiteboarders.
Launch is a bit complicated sinde the rider stands in the water while a spotter holds the kite on shore. There's no room for error here.

Your second option for Islamorada kiteboarding is at Annes Beach which is situated at the southern tip of Islamorad. Annes Beach is open to the public and is the only natural beach in Islamorada.
The entrance located to the north of the beach is equipped with bathrooms and showers. Kiteboarders should use the 2nd entrance for easier launching. The best wind direction here is northeast to southwest. There's a little more area here for rigging and launching, particularly with a low tides The riding area is nice and shallow.

Beginner kiteboarders will enjoy a little bit of a downwind reach. Our kiteboarding instructors suggest that newbies walk out to the farthest upwind corner to enjoy a longer downwind reach. Avoid the bridge at the farthest south corner, as the deep water and powerful current does not agree with most kiteboarders.

Booties aren't required, but advised. There's lots of water for everyone to enjoy, but be aware that when the kiteboarders are out having a good time, fishing guides are out making their living giving tours.

Although the sport of kiteboarding is sweeping the Florida Keys and Islamorada, there will always be more fisherman, so be respectful.

Enjoy Islamorada kiteboarding, the best spot to kiteboard hands down!