Kitesurfing in Big Beach, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States (USA)

World • North America •

United States (USA) • Florida

Water type

lagoon

Beach type

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Crowd

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Rider level

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Tide dependent

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Waves

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Overview

Just north of the Gulf Fishing Pier and south of North beach is Big Beach. This spot is generally un-crowded, especially in the fall/winter, Big Beach offers a large, obstruction free beach with side-on and onshore winds. Water on this side of the island is deep outside of the sandbar and the only potential hazards are a fishing pier and tower towards the southern end of the beach. Park out by the road and expect a long walk with your gear. Your work is rewarded with plenty of wide open beach and fewer beachgoers than North Beach. Do not fly your kite over swimmers or beach users, and STAY OUT OF THE SWIM AREAS!
Caution should be used throughout the waters especially during the stone crab season. Entanglement with a crab trap buoy or swim area marker is a potential risk with a kite down in the water. The buoys can grab a line and cause kite to re-launch unexpectedly.
Best wind directions: SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW

It is your responsability to check whether kitesurfing is allowed at the spot; you might need a 'special permit' or membership from a local kite organization, etc. Local rules can change. Respect others - kiters or not; kite safely and enjoy the wind!