Texas: South Padre Island
| THE LURE This small beach city's focus is on outdoor activities. You name it; SPI has it! Superb wind, a million acres of flat, shallow waters, warm air and water temperatures as well as a lack of crowds make visiting South Padre a kiter's dream. THE SET-UP Choose from sheltered butter-flats on the Laguna Madre Bay side, to head-high, pitching waves in the Gulf of Mexico. Laguna Madre Bay on the west side has over a million acres of flat, shallow waters. Wherever you put your kite down you'll be able to touch the bottom. The main launches on this side are just north of town, starting with the south flats where you'll easily find your own set-up area. A sandy bottom and shallow blue water make this a premier kite spot, working well in northeast to northwest winds. Up the road the north flats work in 360 degrees of wind, but costs $15 per month or $25 per year for access. Passes and local advice available at the Air Padre kite shop. The wind is generally stronger towards the middle of the eight mile bay, so it's a good idea to join Air Padre Kiteboarding's guided downwinders as they'll take you straight to the wind. For surf, the Gulf of Mexico side provides 15 miles of coastline with side-shore winds. Intermediate to advanced riders can shred chest to head-high, steep, fast and smack-able waves. Pitching more on the inside and remaining mellower beyond the first couple of sand bars, you can really choose your desired gradient. Do a downwinder, hop in a cab and do it all again! WIND WATER AND WEATHER The year round winds average 17 knots all year! The busiest kite seasons are spring (March - June) and fall/autumn (September - November) when the weather and water temperatures are warmer than most other places. As cold fronts approach between September and November from northern states, the south winds are sucked in from the Caribbean, blowing 20 knots for several days. As the north front reaches Texas, the direction switches 180 degrees and it nukes from the north at 35+ knots. North winds are strongest in first few days before easing. The regular, friendly south winds soon return with consistency after 'winter' which is occasionally cold for the odd day or two, but nothing piercing. April – November boardshorts / light wetsuit weather. Year round average water temps: 25°C / 77°F. Slap on that sunscreen - the island gets subtropical sunlight all year. And make sure you bring all your kites – you'll use 'em! GET AROUND Hiring a car is recommended to make the most of spots and sights. ACCOMMODATION All you'd expect from an area of America set-up for tourism. FOOD AND DRINK 'SPI is a tourist city stretching four miles long and has local stores and plenty of Mexican and seafood restaurants. Nightlife is at the south end of the island with bars side-by-side. More conveniences etc. are a 30-minute drive inland to Brownsville. NO WIND The best surf in the Gulf of Mexico is here and SPI is ideal for learning or for SUP. Scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, dune buggies, fishing, sailing and dolphin watching are also great fun. A $3 cab will take you to any place or activity on the island. The Mexican border is just 15 miles south... AIRPORT Brownsville airport (BRO) is 30 minutes inland, Harlington airport (HRL) is 45 minutes away and McAllen (MFE), 90. SCHOOLS AIR PADRE KITEBOARDING is the premier centre on South Padre Island, offering camps and lessons, beginner – advanced, year round. Support boats and radio helmets for every student supply an ultra modern experience. Surfing, SUP, kayaking and wakeboarding also offered. Accredited by: IKO and PASA www.airpadrekiteboarding.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +1 956 299 9463 SOUTH PADRE KITEBOARDING Phillip Money the former U.S. Production Board Speed Record Holder and owner of Windsurf Inc., runs South Padre Kiteboarding, welcoming you to South Padre Island's extreme watersports center, and the only full service windsurfing and kiteboarding operation on the island. Celebrating 25 years instruction! www.southpadre-kiteboarding.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +1 (956) 761 1434 |
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