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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.