Fort Lauderdale Kiteboarding Lessons

Ft. Lauderdale Kite Beach

Access Issues: Set up, launch, and land in the designated beach area. If you cannot stay upwind, do not
kite here (kiteboarding is on probation at this spot). This spot is extremely crowded and not for beginners.
Check in with Chris Kjos of kite surf USA before setting up. Always keep a buffer zone (200-300 ft) between
you and others on the beach.

FORT LAUDERDALE KITESURFING RULES

Every Kitesurfer must follow and these rules and guidelines and help police them..

1. At South Fort Lauderdale Beach Launch Zone, Kite set up area is between 4 red cones .

2. Launch and land safely, in designated water sports areas. South Ft. Lauderdale Beach Launch Zone,
across from Café Oasis. Launch, ride, and land between designated buoys, cones, and or signs.

3. Kitesurfers must exit, and ride beyond Vessel Exclusion Buoys as quickly as possible, and stay upwind.

4. Continuous riding near shoreline is not allowed.

5. Emergency entry in any beach area, other than launch area, must be with kite in hand, as in self rescue
technique. Area coordinator will explain if necessary..

6. All kitesurfers will help each other to operate their craft safely, and keep beaches, and swim areas safe.

7. Kitesurfing Violators will be asked to correct their violations, or will answer to local authorities.(Beach
Patrol or Police.)

8. Kitesurfing may be restricted on crowded weekends, and severe weather conditions. Consult with area
kitesurf coordinator.

9. Kite Leash is Mandatory.

Closest International Airport: Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport

Water Conditions: Wind waves most days, can be clean when at low tide for. Waves can be knee high to
overhead on good days, the stronger the wind the bigger the waves get. Watch out for swimmers and surfers,
they have priority. The water temperature rarely drops below 72 degrees in Ft. Lauderdale. Local kiteboarders
are often seen wearing full suits in the winter however, if you are from the Gorge it may seem like summer.

Beach Conditions: Beach is about 40 yards wide. Be sure to kiteboard within the designated kiteboarding
area on the inside, and kite outside of the buoys (150 yards offshore) when north or south of the kiteboarding
area.

Weather Conditions: South Florida weather is warm year round.

Wind Conditions for Kiteboarding: Fort Lauderdale’s season for wind is October through April. Typical in
season winds are 15-20 knots up to 20-25 knots when cold fronts pass though. Summer winds are on
average 10-20 knots, with occasional 15-20 knot day from the south.

North- side shore

Northeast-side on

East- on shore

Southeast-side on

South-side shore

Do not kiteboard in west winds. This includes (NNW, NW, W, SW, SSW). The wind coming over land is
extremely gusty and will pull you out to sea.

Directions to Launch: I-95 to I595 exit. I595 east to US1 north. Take US1 north to 17th Street Causeway. Drive
east (right) on 17th street over the intracoastal waterway bridge. 17th Street turns into A1A north after the
bridge. The launch is on the right about a mile across from the Café Oasis. There is a loading zone and
parking available to the south of the launch.

Parking: Parking is a flat rate of $10.

Schools: Go to our kiteboarding lessons page.

Rules and regulations: Florida Kiteboarding Safety Rules. Everyone should read and obey these rules.

Local shops: Water-play in Ft Lauderdale

Tips: Watch out for rocks and debris on the beach.
Do not kiteboard within 150 feet of the shore outside of the area marked by the orange cones.
Do not leave valuables in your car.
Do not forget to pay the meter, which is $1.00 per hour. Tickets for non-payment cost $25.00.

Local Accommodations: Kite friendly hotels