2008 News
South Padre Island Texas is recognized worldwide
as one of the hottest spots to kiteboard. With a variety of riding
conditions for beginners to advanced kiteboarders the island is
the perfect place to learn or advance your riding skill.
Just North of town are the North Flats. 500 acres
of wide-open tidal flats, sand dunes and smatterings of grass leading
to the waist deep, tranquil waters of the Laguna Madre. They don’t
build better flat-water kiteboarding spots. South Padre Island Kiteboarding
teaches lessons daily at the North Flats. Equipped with a full Step
Van stock full of the latest gear and demos, several waverunners
and lots of smiling faces. The wide open, uncrowded spaces of this
private beach are hard to believe.
Year round winds, with a daily average of 18 mph.
Spring, summer and late fall are best, with plenty of solid wind,
tropical weather, and waves to ride. August through early October
is prime-time tropical hurricane season and at least a little unpredictible.
Winter is never really that cold, and there are plenty of fronts
driving winds and waves our way.
The island runs almost straight north to south and
is less than a mile wide, so it handles most wind directions well.
During the fall, winter and spring months wind is frontally driven
and can range from 10 to 45 mph. The prevailing winds are typically
southeast 15-25 mph. When cold fronts pass the winds usually howl
for several days out of the North, so don’t forget to pack
your small kite. During the late spring and summer months the winds
are ridiculously steady thermals blowing 18-22 mph every afternoon.
No matter which way the wind blows, the waist-deep waters of the
Laguna Madre stay nice and flat and the downwinders on the gulf
side offer interesting terrain.
What to bring?
Most riders find themselves on a 12 or 14M kites. Groms and girls
are usually out on 7s and 9s most days. When the wind gets heavy
6 and 8M kites are usually the call. For light wind days most guys
are hoisting 16-20M kites, while the light-weights are ripping on
12s. A full quiver is nice, but not necessary.
As far as body armor goes, from April through November,
it’s mainly boardshorts weather with a little spring suit
action. November to April, its spring suit and 3/2 full-suit weather.
No matter what time of year, don’t slack on the sunscreen.
The island gets that subtropical sunlight year round.
How to get here?
Hwy 77 South to Hwy 100
From Harlingen Airport, take Ed Carey Drive to Hwy 77/83 South,
exit left Hwy 100 to South Padre Island
From Brownsville Airport, take Hwy 48 International East to Port
Isabel/S.P.I, turn right on Hwy 100
For more information www.SouthPadreIslandKiteboarding.com
or call 956 245 8343
Check the wind:
Southpadreislandkiteboarding.com
NOAA, recorded marine forecast (956) 546-5378 ext.2
ASOS, real-time Cameron County Airport sensor (956) 233-5740
Iwindsurf.com
Where to Stay?
The Island is a destination resort with every major motel chain
you could name available such as: La Quinta, Travel Lodge, Holiday
Inn,, and Best Western, to name a few. Resort hotels also abound
like the Sheraton, Bahia Mar and the Radisson.
Houses or condos, Furcron Realty (956)761-6961 or 800 TXCOAST
You can also park you rig or pitch a tent at the Cameron County
Parks at either end of the island
Highlights of the area:
- Mexico is only thirty miles away.
- Watch out for shallow spots near shore during low tide
- When the Laguna Madre is blowing a gusty 30+, go to the other
side of the island and ride in the waves. The wind is usually less
intense, and there are several great downwind runs, depending on
the wind direction.
- Some kiteboarding spots are on private property, check with South
Padre Island Kiteboarding to gain access.
- Boca Chica in the winter time, side-off 25mph, solid six feet,
three-
hundred yard long lefts, nobody out.
- Stay away from crowded beaches, swimmers and surfers. There’s
way to much room here for excuses.
- If the wind is light on the island, you can find more on the mainland.
Get a guide or check with the shop. You may not be ready.
