Ft Lauderdale
Mon, 02/15/2010 - 22:16
Although I have been having a truly lovely time freezing balls with his Rocketness all winter, I am psyched about heading to Ft. Lauderdale next weekend. I'm staying at the Hyatt Regency which is on S.E. 17th St Causeway about 1 mi from the beach. Anybody know anything about kiting in Ft Lauderdale? I am planning on bringing a 13m and maybe a 9m and renting a board. Whaddya think?
Mon, 02/15/2010 - 22:24
#1
Bring your own board unless
Bring your own board unless you have the hook up. It will probably be cheaper to pay the airlines than the $50 a day most shops down there charge.
Mon, 02/15/2010 - 23:20
#2
My home beach
I went to school down there and learned to kite not far from Lauderdale. Have never kited Ft. Lauderdale Beach, but I would recommend Dania Beach which is where I learned and still consider my "home" beach. Dania is about 10 min south of Lauderdale beach, and the launch is just north of the Dania Pier. My school was right across the street.... not a bad deal. Nice large launch at any tide, and you have a couple miles to the north that is park. I would generally launch by the pier and then walk down the beach where there was more room. Be aware this is deep water and pretty decent waves on a North East.
If you want to kite Lauderdale beach, the launch is across the street from the Oasis Cafe, by where the hobie cats are on the beach. You have to stay outside the swim buoys at Lauderdale and launch and land between the flags.
I have also kited in Boca Raton, both Boca South Beach and Spanish River are pretty good, but narrower beaches. I know there is a big scene in Delray, but haven't been that far north.
Let me know if you have more questions, I can put you in touch with some locals if you want.
[img_assist|nid=3645|title=Dania Pier|desc=Dania Pier from launch|link=none|align=left|width=480|height=360]
[img_assist|nid=3646|title=Dania Launch|desc=Dania Pier from the water. The launch is to the right of the pier in this picture. There is open beach for a couple miles more to the right.|link=none|align=left|width=480|height=360]
[img_assist|nid=3647|title=Spanish River Beach|desc=Spanish River beach- you must launch north of the lifeguard towers|link=none|align=left|width=480|height=320]
My roommate (in the middle) shaped and painted those boards
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 09:23
#3
Dania
I 2nd Dania Beach. It's where I took my first lesson years ago. I remember the instructor having me body drag face first into some serious chop....thought he was nuts, but it was a great lesson. There should be plenty of kiters there if the wind is up. If you're looking for some private guided kite tours, check out http://www.eastcoastkiteboarding.com Ask for Damian...super cool guy.
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 10:00
#4
Im also going to Ft.
Im also going to Ft. Lauderdale but for spring break. Anyone know where im least likely to be eatin by a shark?
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 14:02
#6
Timmy
Timmy, that East Coast Kiteboarding looks legit. I'm tempted to hit up a downwinder with them and let them handle all the logistics while I ride around no wet suit! Sounds soooo good right about now.
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 16:31
#7
Haha, yeah. I wanna show the
Haha, yeah. I wanna show the college girls my 720 Tantrum to kiteloop. Haha.
Steezenuts, you're hitting up FLA for Spring Break? Attabee buddy. We gotta get your skills sharpened for the upcoming season. Represent the A Team brotha!