Tampa Bay is such a great place for kiteboarders because of the good clean wind and the plethora of flats for kiteboarding sessions. But we are seeing a lot of incidents of kiters getting into trouble because they aren't familiar with the lay-out of the riding spot.
In one case, an inexperienced rider got into deep water and then crashed his kite, and found that in the light wind could not relaunch his kite. So he began drifting towards the rocks downwind of the launch site. After about 15 minutes, when he got close to the shoreline, another kiter ran out into the surf to grab his kite before he was pulled onto the rocks.
Another kiter ran aground on a sandbar, causing his board to stop, which then sent him over the board into a faceplant in inch-high water while still being pulled by the kite.
In another case last year, a rider crashed on top of a submerged oyster bed. He took a trip to the emergency room and went home with about 35 stitches in his hand, arms, and legs.
These incidents are completely avoidable. How? KNOW your riding area.
If you are trying out a new riding spot, look at Google satellite photos - you can see color changes from shallow to deep water. Come find a Kiss The Sky Kiteboarding instructor - we keep print-outs of google maps on hand and would be happy to show you the area before you launch.
Also, ask the locals. Many times, kiters come in from out of town and ask me before going out "Is there anything I should know about this riding area?" I am SO happy they asked, and I get to tell them about thedeep water spots, the channel with the strong current, and the hidden dangers (oyster beds, submerged boat, sandbars, etc.)
Googlemap satellite photos of 4 riding spots in Tampa Bay near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge:
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