The bay side with 100m wide sand bar of waist deep water is also suitable for offshore winds, with caution, sand bar drops off to boating channel, although across the channel are shallows to help recovery, relaunching etc.
Leeside National Park. Between Brooks Bridge, and Destin Bridge, on the barrier Island. Narrow sandy beach for several miles and away from most of the beach crowd.
25-35°C in the summer, more comfortable in spring, March and April, and fall, October and November. Starts to cool off by end of November, then average 32°C and down to just freezing with wind chill with North winds. Florida is known to have the highest fatality rate in the states from lightning strikes. Being in the water doesn't keep you save.
NW Florida is usually dominated by stagnant high pressure, resulting in light winds 4-9 kts most of the time. The best most stable winds are from SW and 15 kt good days. Spring and fall bring a few weeks of Northerly winds, with good weather and very ridable 25kts on occasion. The thunderheads sometimes bring some wind, but don't be tempted, better to wait for clear skys.
From Okaloosa Airport, South to HWY 98, then East towards Destin, just past Brooks Bridge. If you get to Destin bridge, that's too far, turn around and try again. If it's any good that day, you'll see kites and will be easy to find. Easiest parking is at "Gulf Islands National Seashore" just east of the last hotel and gas stations.
Pretty much the honor system. Be safe. The Leeside park on the bay side closes at sunset. They are pretty cool about you parking outside the park and you walking in and kiting for early morning and night sessions.
07-12-05 Unknown: Kited this spot on December 3, 2007. Wind 18-22mp. Water Temp. 66 Degrees. Air Temp. 55 Degrees. Shallow water with sandy bottom. Several local riders were there. Great spot.
Clew In
07-08-09 Unknown: Just park your car alongside the road OUTSIDE the gate and you will be fine.
04-02-16 pHlow: regarding, the leeside park bay side closing at sunset, it IS true. the sherrifs will lock your car in the lot if you stay out too late without a second thought, so keep your eyes open if you are out for an evening session.
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