Guide to kitesurfing in the United States

Overview

The United States has no single season or type of spot: the country is too big. You will find barrier islands with a sound on one side and the ocean on the other, a river swept by a thermal wind, tropical water in Florida and the Great Lakes in the north.

Four destinations come up in every guide: Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, Hood River in Oregon, South Padre Island in Texas and the Keys in Florida.

When to go

The right time depends on the region.

• Cape Hatteras: April to October, with the best wind in spring and autumn. You can ride there all year.
• Hood River: May to September, when the thermal wind of the Columbia Gorge blows almost every day.
• South Padre Island: March to July for the most consistent wind. August to October is hurricane season.
• Florida Keys: October to early May, the opposite of the rest of the country.

Where to kite in the United States

Cape Hatteras, on the Outer Banks, is the best-known spot in the country. On the sound side the water is flat and shallow. On the ocean side, a few minutes away, there are waves. The island has launches for every wind direction.

Hood River is ridden on the Columbia River. The gorge acts as a wind tunnel: the wind is strong and gusty.

South Padre Island, in south Texas, is a long barrier island. The bay has warm, flat, shallow water.

In Florida, the Keys have clear, warm, flat water. Further north, Jupiter and Cocoa Beach are well-known spots. Maui in Hawaii, San Francisco Bay, Cape Cod and the Great Lakes complete the map.

Practical info

Distances. These destinations are several hours apart by plane. Pick one per trip.

Hurricanes. On the Gulf and east coasts, late summer and early autumn are hurricane season. The wind is stronger but less reliable.

Local rules. South Florida has more kiting restrictions. Ask a school before you go out.