Kitesurfing or kiteboarding is a surface water sport that uses wind power to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard (similar to a wakeboard).
History: The Chinese are credited with using kites for propulsion in the 13th century. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s Dieter Strasilla from Germany developed parachute-skiing and later perfected a kiteskiing system using self made paragliders and a ball-socket swivel allowing the pilot to kitesail upwind and uphill but also to take off into the air at will. Two brothers, Bruno Legaignoux and Dominique Legaignoux, from the Atlantic coast of France, developed kites for kitesurfing in the late 1970s and early 1980s and patented an inflatable kite design in November 1984, a design that has been used by companies to develop their own products. In 1990, practical kite buggying was pioneered by Peter Lynn at Argyle Park in Ashburton, New Zealand. In 1996 Laird Hamilton and Manu Bertin were instrumental in demonstrating and popularizing kitesurfing off the Hawaiian coast of Maui, and held the first competition in 1998.
Kitesurfing is an extreme sport, but once mastered can be enjoyed for years to come. The dynamic environment of water, current, wind, and big air and tricks demands awesome physical fitness of the kiteboarder. The countless body positions the surfer gets into require strength, power and suppleness. The legs are used to to pop off the water, power and endurance is required to perform jumps after jumps. Upper body strength, upperback and core are all active for handling the kite.
Miami offers many world class locations such as at Crandon Park. The best time for kiteboarders is during the windy season of October to May.

Directory of recommended vendors:

The KiteShop
1-866-716-KITE (5483) or 305-361-0168
260 Crandon Blvd, Unit 33 Key Biscayne, FL 33149
thekiteshopmiami@gmail.com

Sky Banditz
305-573-1399 (Miami)
787-587-6608 (Puerto Rico)
kite@skybanditz.com
We provide kiteboarding lessons and gear in Miami and Puerto Rico.

Kitehouse
305-294-8679
Grove Key Marina 3385 Pan American Drive, Coconut Grove, FL  33133
Kiteboarding lessons and kiteboarding vacation destinations

Miami Kiteboarding
305-345-9974
KeyBiscayne, Miami FL 33149
As an IKO School, licensed and insured, we are committed to the best quality instruction following strict safety standards.  Christophe, Samantha & Lydia
info@miamikiteboarding.com

Sailboards Miami
305-361-SAIL(7245)
Key Biscayne- 3/10 mile after toll Booth.
November-March: 10am-6pm and April-October: 11am – 7pm (Wednesdays & Thursdays by app’t only)
windsurf@sailboardsmiami.com

South Florida Kiteboarding
954-927-7002
85 Gulfstream Road, Suite 308, Dania Beach, FL  33004
Kiteboarding and Kitesurfing in Southeast Florida
Stefan Pantu

Jeff Andrade Certified IKO Instructor
1-869-762-3543 or 786-768-1752
St. Kitts
info@stkittskiteboarding.com
Jeff@stkittskiteboarding.com
St.Kitts Kiteboarding is a IKO certified Kiteboarding school offering lessons for entry level riders as well as experienced riders looking to improve their skills.