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Jacksonville,
Florida
This Page: Rules, Launch sites, Where to stay, & Local weather
 
Kiteboarding Jax, THE
RULES.
-Fly with Respect, its
YOUR responsibility to keep clear of others: surfers, fishermen,
Joggers, sunbathers, swimmers, etc. Kiteboarding was
just banned at Virginia Bch in miami
(the best location in south Florida) because of "screw-ups".
Currently, Jax is my home,
and I plan to do everything I can to keep our location Free from Bans.
- Wear a kite leash,
"No excuses!"
-THINK before you fly.
Check your gear, lines, safety system, wind conditions, tides,
weather, etc. Expect the best, but plan for the worst. If your kite
falls, where will it go?
If you get blown down wind, will you be able to "safely" land and
control your kite.
- If you're a rebel with an
attitude, you may find your kite deflated or kite lines cut.
Yeah, I know this sounds extreme, but think about it... would you be happy if
the sport was
banned on your local Bch because of one idiot? Its
also possible that you will take every
precaution and something can STILL go
wrong. Just look around, avoid any incidences
and enjoy the greatest watersport that has ever been invented.
-Ask a local for assistance,
if you are unsure of anything. The Local Jax Kite crew is VERY
friendly
and helpful. Were glad your here! :)
-High tide & east winds
at the Beach (straight onshore) can be a lethal combo, advanced
kiters
only!
-Mid to High Tide at
Hugonaut is excellent once you're on the water. The launch can be technical
at high tide due to the tiny Beach surrounding the pond. The far
west end, beyond the windsurfers
is the least crowed area. but watch for
sharp shells on the bch.
-When passing a windsurfer,
pass on the downwind side whenever possible.
*****See also: "Save
our sport" & "Kitemares"
Where
to stay: Sea Turtle Inn (Atlantic Bch)
904-249-7402 Sea Horse Inn (Neptune Bch)
904-246-2175
Both Hotels are on the Beach with shops, restaurants, and Night spots all within
a short walk. Conditions/
Launch sites: During the summer months we depend mostly on afternoon sea
breezes kicking in around 2pm and usually lasting till sunset. winds
typically SE (side
onshore) 8-14 knots. Low tide is best on the Beach when
its really w i d e! At mid to high tide
the place to be is Hugonaut
park on the North side of the inlet. Hugonaut Park is a giant tidal
pool that is ideal for beginners with
flat water. And at the same time, can be a sketchy launch, beacuse
of
the small area surrounding the "pond". Just be sure to check the tide charts before you
go!
Tide chart: http://www.jacksonville.com/weather/tidesnew.html
(Mid to High tide is best at Hugonaut, and Low tide is best at the Beach.)
Jax surf cam http://www.jaxsurfcam.com/
Local weather: http://www.weatherunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=mayport%2C+Florida
Marine Forecast: http://www.weatherunderground.com/MAR/AM/435.html
For lessons... week days are best because of the crowds (fishermen, surfers,
joggers, cars,
dogs, moms, dads, babies, etc.)
Local
Kiteboarding Instructors:
Both St.Augustine and Jekyll
Island (south of St.Simons) are approx 1 hour drive from Jacksonvillle.
| St. Augustine Beach |
Eddie Toy |
Extreme Kites |
904-461-9415 |
| Jekyll Island, GA |
Robb Vanwie |
Team Kitemare |
912-635-2634 |
Launch sites:
-7th,
12th, & 18th Street Atlantic Beach. (7 blocks north of Atlantic Blvd on
the Ocean).
The Locals begin showing up around 3-5 pm and kite until
sunset.
-Hanna Park (south end at Parking lot 11) On weekends walk
south 50-100 yards to get
away from the crowds.
-Hugonaut Park/aka-The Pond/ aka-Sissy Bch. Sissy bch got its name from the
large #'s
of windsurfers who are afraid to hit the waves. Jacksonvilles
only flat water launch site.
Good for ALL wind directions. Easy access to
River, ocean, and Tidal pool (the Pond).
**Check out the "video" page to watch some
Hugonaut Kiteboarding action. -
As long as you're following the rules, in Jax you can just about fly on any
stretch of beach
you like. 7th st, is the most popular.
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