General Information
We teach kiteboarding at two main locations in Key Biscayne: at our concession next to the Crandon Park Sand Bars and at the West Point Sand Bars. Both locations have very large areas of waist deep water which make kiteboarding much easier to learn.
The Crandon Park Sand bars and beach launch are used during Easterly winds (North to East to South wind direction). The West Point Sand Bars are used during Westerly winds (North West to West to South West wind direction). The minimum wind for a lesson is 10 mph. You can find Key Biscayne wind conditions here.
The Crandon Sand Bars can be reached from our beach concession inside Crandon Park. The West Point Sand Bars can only be accessed by coming aboard our boat and going to the sand bar. You can not walk to the West Point Sand Bars as they are accessible only by boat. Students are picked up by boat along Hobie Beach, just before the Miami Seaquarium on the right hand side.
Directions to Crandon Launch/Concession
1. Drive on I-95 South until you see the Rickenbacker Causeway/Key Biscayne exit (last exit on I-95 South).
2. Follow the signs to Rickenbacker Causeway/Key Biscayne and pay the toll.
3. You will drive over a big bridge and then 1 mile later, a small bridge.
4. About 1/2 mile after the small bridge, look for Crandon Park North Beach signs on your left. Turn left into the park and pay fee.
5. Enter park and drive to the left most side of the park and find the left-most parking spot (next to Nature Center).
6. Look for the big white van and begin the signup process. Call 954-927-7002 if you need to contact a school manager.
7. On busy days we may ask you to walk to the beach signup area instead of meeting us at the big white van. The signup area is located on the beach, under the palm trees, as you enter the main kiteboard area. Note that South Florida Kiteboarding and Miami Kiteboarding are the same company.
Crandon Park Riding Rules
Because of its popularity, Crandon Park is more regulated than other launches in Florida. All riders who are not taking lessons are required to show competency in upwind riding. All riders not taking lessons are required to supply written proof of IKO Level 3, PASA, or equivalent certification when they register at the beach launch sign up area with NO exceptions. IKO or equivalent insurance (available through our school) is also required to ride. For a more complete list of rules, click here.
Kiteboarding Rules and Regulations
• Kiteboarder must check into the beach signup area prior to accessing the launch. A minimum P.A.S.A. or I.K.O. level 3 certification (available through our school) or equivalent must be presented and a copy will be kept on file. Kiteboarders will be issued a pennant that must be flown while kite is in use. A limited number of pennants will be given out daily on a first come first served basis.
• Kiteboarders are suggested to wear a helmet at all times.
• Kiteboarders will be responsible for maintaining a good working safety system.
• No Kiteboarders will be allowed to set up on or near the dunes or North of the lifeguard stand (on the Nature Preserve beach).
• Emergency personnel must have access to the entire beach. All kites, strings or boards left in the emergency alley are the responsibility of the rider. The County will not be liable for any damage caused during routine maintenance or emergency rescues.
• The Kiteboarder is responsible for any damage to the facility or beach.
• Kiteboarders are required to enter the open water thru the marked channel located between lifeguard stand North 5 and North 6. All riders must remain outside of the channel markers during their ride. No riders will be allowed to surf near the shoreline or on any sandbar or sea grass bed within the markers.
• Any rider may be asked by any representative of Miami Dade Parks, Miami Dade Water Rescue or Miami Dade Police to leave the premises if the rider has repeatedly disregarded any or all of the above rules.
• Any rider that has been removed form the beach will not be allowed access to the facility for an amount of time determined by the Park Manager not limited to an indefinite expulsion.