Due to the cold fronts that create the wind, most folks will be using a light wetsuit. Winter is usually the best chances of riding in all of Florida. October to March seems to be the best offerings. Southwest Florida water is always warm. Normally no wetsuit needed.
When the cold fronts come through the state be prepared for the West wind journey to this spot. Due to the topography, almost any westerly wind will offer some play-time.
I-75 to Naples/Marco Island exit. South (+/-7 miles) to Tigertail Ct. Turn right. Go to Hernando Dr and turn left. Go to the end, and see the guy in the entrance gate. Pay the fee, and get ready to walk. After you park your car/truck you will then walk your gear about 1 mile to the launch area (head West, following all the other kiteboarders - stay on the water's edge, and keep walking 'till you see other kites in the sky). This walk includes crossing the shallow water at any point to the `island`. Once you get there you will know where to go.
Please follow the local rules: don't launch your kite in the first lagoon (it gets way too shallow anyway and you can injure yourself easily), go to the second lagoon. Don't launch or ride in bird territory or take the signs out. Don't leave trash or anything else on the beach. No license required, but remember this is a state park. Keep it clean! A lot of excellent riders will show up when the wind blows. Due to the extreme moves they will be throwin' please keep an eye out for crashing kites, and crashing bodies. Most, if not all, have a leash system, so use yours too! Also, due to the shallow water on the inside, a helmet should also be worn!
06-01-13 pHlow: this spot is insane, and well worth the walk. the shape of the lagoons changes constantly with storms, and is now quite different than that shown in the satellite image. watch the tide, it gets shallow.
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