The Best Kiteboarding Spots in the USA (With a Few Surprises)

Hawaii has a magic of its own and a reputation that precedes itself in the kiteboarding world. It’s kiteboarding’s spiritual birthplace and home to Robby Naish, Pete Cabrinha, and many pro kiteboarders, most whom you’ll see riding strapless on YouTube. Just like Le Morne in Mauritius, Oahu is a very beginner-friendly kite spot that suits all levels. The hikes in Oahu are also a well-known way to experience these scenic landscapes.

Kiteboarding on Kailua Beach — Oahu’s most popular spot for wind chasers

Kailua is an ideal location for all kiteboarding levels

Kailua, on the green, east side of Oahu, is situated on its namesake bay with white, sandy beaches and turquoise water — often showing up on “best beaches worldwide” lists. It is here where all kiteboarders can find ideal conditions.

Thanks to the offshore reef, Kailua is protected from the waves and offers flat or choppy water during the summer months, including some wind swell. The best wind conditions are in the morning and evening. 

How to avoid the crowds

Keep in mind that Kailua Bay gets crowded with kiteboarders, swimmers, and sunbathers, and the beach becomes smaller with high tide — make sure you launch and land quickly. It’s best to kite away from the crowds, in the spacious bay, and not get too close to shore or jump close to the beach. One tip for kiting here: you can set up and pack your kite gear on the big grassy area at the north end of the bay.

Cape Hatteras is a thin, long stretch of islands connected by human-made bridges along NC-12 that bend away and back from the mainland. This island group creates a unique playground for kiteboarders. There are all kinds of conditions, from quality waves to perfect butterflat spots. With warm summers, scenic sand dunes, and vibes as laid back as the kitesurfing in La Ventana, Mexico, it’s the perfect beach-holiday getaway for kiteboarders and non-kiteboarders alike.

Seventy miles of beaches with flat water shoreline

Matt Nuzzo, the Co-founder of REAL Watersports, says, “Cape Hatteras has epic winds year-round. World-class waves. Seventy miles of pristine beaches and flat water shoreline. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, both over the water. Not many destinations in the world can match this.”

Cape Hatteras has spots for all skill levels

There are a variety of places for waves on the Atlantic side. On the west side, in Pamlico Sound, are flat, waist-deep spots, ideal for beginners. Because Cape Hatteras is so far away from the mainland, plan on steady, stable wind in any direction. Small islands within the sound create slickwater conditions downwind.

A launching point for first-timers to the area

If you are visiting Cape Hatteras for the first time, the Kite Point (SW or NW wind), south of Avon, is a great starting point. It has flat to choppy waist-deep water, which makes it ideal for beginners. 

Frisco (SW or NE wind), southwest of Buxton, has several kite spots on the sound side and surfside, so if you can’t decide what conditions you want, this spot has enough variety to keep you happy. 

You can find a great overview of all the kite spots in the area here and a more detailed map with descriptions here.

Downwinder options for advanced kiters

If you are into downwinders (for independent riders only), you’ll find plenty of great alternatives. Make sure to get a downwinder guide from one of the kite shops and be sure to check out this helpful article.  Like the kiteboarding in Squamish, Cape Hatteras is famous for its flatwater freestyle opportunities, so if you’re chasing the butterflat, go for the Planet of the Apes downwinder, and you can find a few slicks in the outlets and channels.

South Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world and is located on the southern coast of Texas, near the Mexican border. Similar to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, you can find flatwater on one side and waves on the other. The small beach city offers a huge variety of outdoor and no-wind activities which are also family-friendly, making it a good vacation destination for non-kiteboarders too.

Kiteboarding conditions depend on the time of year

Depending on the time of the year, expect different conditions. March through July will provide the most windy days with an average of 16 knots. October through December brings stronger wind, averaging 20 knots. These are the ideal months for wave kiters. On hot summer days, you might be able to sneak in some light-wind sessions.

Generally speaking, be prepared for lighter wind and bring bigger kites to make the most out of your stay.

The South and North Flats

South Flats is the kite spot closest to town, and it has good flat, ankle to waist-deep water, serving up ideal conditions for kiteboard beginners and those wanting to practice new tricks. This area is suitable with almost any wind direction.

The North Flats have steadier wind and perfect flatwater, but you’ll need to pay a membership fee to gain access. You can do so at Pro Kite South Padre (cost $20 per month; $30 per year).

The Gulf side is for wave kiters and downwinders

Wave kiters have 15 miles of coastline to play in on the Gulf side with typically side-onshore wind. Like the kiteboarding in Cape Verde, this makes it ideal for intermediate riders looking to expand their skillset. Boca Chica has the cleanest waves, so it’s worth making the hour-long drive. Experienced wave kiteboarders will enjoy the waves in Isla Blanca Park, aka “The Jetty,” which is also a good spot for foiling on lightwind days because of small waves. It’s a busy tourist beach, so be mindful of beachgoers and swimmers.

This map of kite spots will give you directions on how to get to the various locations.

On a daily basis I see my friends’ Instagram stories and photos featuring an incredible variety of outdoor activities at Hood River —  specifically the Gorge. Adventure seekers love that you can mountain bike or hike on trails in the morning and kiteboard in the afternoon. If you happen to visit during the winter, you can even ski or snowboard on nearby Mt. Hood.

Hood River is a world renowned kiteboarding destination

The Hood River is an international kiteboarding hotspot and home to many American pro-riders in summer (Colleen Carrol, Brandon Scheid, Craig Cunningham). Even kite brands have their American headquarters here. The whole vibe is filled with stoke; locals and visitors love the outdoorsy lifestyle and get the most that nature has to offer day in and day out.

The main spot for kiteboarding tours is the Hood River Event Site. It’s here where you will launch your kite from the sandbank during summer. Independent kiteboarders and those who want to work on skill progression can kite upwind of the sandbar, where it’s choppier. Downwind of the sandbar is where you’ll find kite lessons — the water is more shallow and flat. Be aware of the rotation of the riders below the sandbar.

A distinctive Hood River feature

Something unique to the area is that the river current flows opposite to the wind direction; this means on lighter wind days it’ll be easier to stay upwind.

While the Hood River is suitable for all types of kiteboarding — from foiling to freeride, freestyle and big air — wakestyle kiters will love the permanent slider park.

Like Miami, San Francisco combines one of the world’s most popular travel destinations with kiteboarding. Many kiteboarders, myself included, have put kiting under the Golden Gate Bridge at the top their kiteboard bucket lists. I’ve only been to San Francisco in January, while on a road trip, and wasn’t lucky with the wind, but it’s not the last time I plan on visiting. 

Challenging conditions and gusty winds

Don’t think that because the kite spots are so scenic that they’re safe. Kiting here is challenging, so unless you’re kiteboarding with a kite school, the area is best for advanced riders.

As a rule, it’s always a good idea to talk to a local kiteboarder before heading into the water to learn about potential dangers at a particular spot. During springtime, the wind is best in the late morning through the early afternoon — it becomes too gusty later in the day. In the summer, look out for some great NW winds.

The best San Francisco kiting spots

Within San Francisco proper, head to Ocean Beach. It’s as long and sandy as the best kitesurfing beaches in Cabarete, with lots of space for launching and landing. It also has a big swell, nice ramps to jump off from, and strong currents, which is why it’s only recommended for advanced kiteboarders. 

Crissy Field, the picturesque and most famous spot at the Golden Gate Bridge, is for advanced riders only due to strong tidal currents, ship traffic, and shifty, often gusty, wind.

South of San Francisco near San Mateo is 3rd Avenue/Baywinds Park, one of the windiest and most popular kite spots in the Bay.

Intermediate to advanced wave riders will love Waddell Creek, which is further south along US 1, just north of Swanton. 

Sherman Island is a must-visit during the summer if you’re up for a road trip — just about 2 hours northeast from San Francisco. It’s a perfect location for “kite-eat-sleep-repeat.”

Corpus Christi is your go-to spot if you want to kite as many days as possible during your vacation. It has the highest average wind speed in the continental US, and it’s famous for its wind consistency. Wind junkies will also love how uncrowded it is. If you find six kiteboarders in one spot, that’s as crowded as it will get while you’re in Corpus Christi — that’s how many kiteboarding spots there are. Your biggest issue will be trying to decide where to kite first.

Expect wind every day

During the windiest season, from March through August, consistent thermal S and SE wind arrives in the early afternoon and keeps picking up until evening. In the low wind season, September through March, there are still a lot of kiteable days; the cold fronts bring some stronger N wind, which allows you to visit other spots than you would in the summer.

The best kiteboarding spots in Corpus Christie

Wildcat Park, Portland, is the most popular and windiest spot. It has flat to choppy waist-deep water, which makes it ideal for learning how to kiteboard (beginners should wear booties because of oyster shells).

Grassy Point, Corpus Christi is close to another location, Brozil, which is only accessible by kite for independent kiteboarders. Grassy Point has butterflat water because of its small channels. Enter this spot by driving through the marina and paying a small fee.

Oso Bay, Corpus Christi is a big flatwater spot protected by a long sandbar with a sandy, muddy bottom. Boots are recommended because of shells.

Join the locals for this Friday summer tradition

If you are visiting during the summer, join the locals on a Bay Crossing every Friday. Joey Stephenson from Kiteboarding.com says, “We meet at Wildcat Park in Portland and cross the bay to go to Fajitaville on North Beach in Corpus Christi. There we land on the beach, have a drink, and then return to Portland. People have come here from as far as Wisconsin just to do a Bay Crossing with us.”

For more detailed information on all the kite spots, take a look at these lists from 361kite: Mainland Spots Around Corpus Christi, Back Bay/North Padre Island and Gulf Side/North Padre island.

If you look at a map, you’ll see a small chain of connected islands that make Key West a watersports paradise. Surrounded by ocean on all sides, kiteboarders flock to the area for its sandy beaches and consistent wind.

The best place to practice new tricks

The main spot in Key West is Smathers Beach, which has a small sandy beach for setup. It can get pretty crowded during the peak season and is only for intermediate to advanced kiteboarders. A big shallow area with flat water makes it ideal for practicing new tricks, and the white beach and palm trees create a stunning backdrop. Be aware of sunbathers and swimmers and be sure to launch and land far away from power lines.

The best spot to learn and progress

The Flats in Key West are accessible by boat, and it receives wind from all directions. You can launch right from the water because there are no obstacles, just sand and turtle grass — which is ideal for soft landings if you crash. The Flats is a great spot not only for people who want to learn to kiteboard, but also for progressing your riding, learning new tricks, and getting into unhooked tricks.

It’s a great idea to go for a kiteboard-road trip when you visit. I plan to explore as many areas as possible once I make my way there. For more kiteboarding spots around the Florida Keys area, check out this South Florida Guide from KiteboardingFlorida.com.

While I’ve heard good friends talk a lot about the locations mentioned in this guide, New Jersey has never been on my radar, and I was surprised to hear about its excellent kite conditions. New Jersey’s beaches might not be the prettiest in the world, but escaping big city life and having such great flatwater spots so close to NYC is truly exceptional!

Sandy Hook is home to exceptional flatwater conditions

Sandy Hook is New Jersey’s most popular spot and the closest to New York City. As its name implies, it’s a peninsular sandy hook with the Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays to its west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. On the Raritan side, there is excellent flatwater sheltered by the sand bar, offering calmer conditions — which makes it perfect for beginners and for practicing new tricks. The best wind direction for this spot is N, but S also works. Launch from Parking Spot B.

A spot for beginners

Most places offer flat to choppy conditions. Kite Island, for instance, has a big bay with waist-deep flat water, making it ideal for learning to kiteboard and practicing unhooked moves. It’s only accessed by boat, and the closest harbor is Waretown.

Other great New Jersey kiting options

Other kite spots to check out around New Jersey are Long Beach Island, Ocean Side (chop, waves), 25th Street Long Beach Island (flatwater, chop), Seaside Park (choppy), or Lakes Bay (flat, choppy). You can find an excellent overview of all kite launches around New Jersey here. If you’re from New York, make sure to check 57hours other Favorite Kiteboarding Spots in NYC (including a secret spot!).

The Sunshine State is a popular winter destination for kiteboarders and surfers from across the globe. Miami’s mix of city vibes and nearby kiteboarding opportunities make it a solid choice for a kite holiday. Because Miami’s beaches quickly fill with sunbathers and there are lots of restrictions and entry requirements on kiteboarding, your best bet is to check out the spots surrounding the city. Crandon Park, Miami Flats, and Matheson Hammock Park — all short drive away — are three top choices of local riders. 

Crandon Park is where it’s at

Miami’s most popular kite spot is the watersport concession area Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. The area is carefully managed: to kiteboard, you must have IKO / PASA Level III certification, wear a helmet, register, and pay an entrance fee. You can learn about the rules here. You’ll be rewarded with some clear, flat to choppy waist-deep water and a huge area to play in. At low tide, you even get butterfat conditions, and if you venture a bit offshore, you’ll have some small waves to play in.

Matheson Hammock Park and Miami Flats

Matheson Hammock Park is the second major kiteboarding area in Miami, and, just like Crandon Park, it has the same tight rules and entry requirements. For butterfat water, head to Miami Flats, which works in all wind directions and is accessible by boat.

Miami has a tight morning and evening kiteboarding window

kiteboarding in Miami proper can be tricky, especially because kiting has repeatedly been banned, and rules regarding launching/landing are complicated. Because of this, the area is only recommended for advanced, independent kiteboarders. For now, kiting is tolerated and usually only possible when the beach isn’t filled with sunbathers or swimmers — so basically very early in the morning or after everyone leaves.

Popular spots with deep, choppy water are between 23rd and 29th streets, 45th to 60th street, and north of 87th street. All of them offer only a small space for launching and landing. Stay away from the lifeguard towers (200 yards minimum) and areas supervised by lifeguards. Also, it’s best to keep a safe distance from swimmers and beachgoers.

Just an hour drive from Houston is an ideal playground for learning to kiteboard and progressing with your tricks. “The Levee,” a.k.a Dollar Flats, is a perfect spot for beginners because of its size and flat — mostly waist-deep — water. 

The Galveston Island Beachfront

Thanks to a 5-mile-long dike, the water stays flat even with stronger winds and is protected from waves. There is a large grassy area to launch and land (and pack your kite sand-free).
For wave riders, the Galveston Island beachfront from West Beach to the San Louis Pass offers an ideal kiteboarding spot with a sandy bottom.

You can find directions to both locations here.