Just wondering if there's anybody in the Orlando area that flies. Orlando is not well known for its wind.

Spent last week in Disney and winds were 10-15 just about evey day with temps around 90. Bought a kite along but couldn't find anywhere to fly while a prisoner of The Disney Empire. Those golf courses sure looked sweet, but woulda got throw out (or arrested) in a second. I'll never understand golf. It's a shame kiters and motocross riders don't have the deep pockets golfers do. Those lucious grounds would be perfect for either.

I'm pretty sure, Nathaniel, Americaskate on this forum, is from Orlando. He's living in Gainesville right now, but all those students go home a lot.

There a dude in Clermont who buggies. He's a tall Brit and he always gets mistaken for Peter Lynn. Just to add to the confusion I think his name is actually Peter. Does anyone remember who I'm talking about?

You are coming to JIBE, right? It's May 18-21 at Jekyll Island, Georgia. http://www.coastalwindsports.com/JIBE2011.html This is a big event for land kiters in the Southern Eastern US. I don't want to sound like a broken record but folks sometimes miss this stuff and that would be a shame.

Philip

Oh yeah, I'll be at JIBE. Made reservations for a coupla nights. This is the best part: it was my wife who suggested we go. Really looking forward to it. What can I expect to see there?

I was in Orlando a month ago.. went out to cocoa beach to hit kennedy space center. Flew at 520 slick, at the wind surfing beach (can't remember the name), and took a lesson from AJ ( Kitetricity) at his spot down the bananna river which is fantastic.

Met the 321kiteboarding guy who is super nice too. Check out the FKSA forum...

You're going to see a very wide hard pack beach as the tide reaches it's lowest. The launch zone is one of the widest most versatile parts of the beach. You'll see 3 miles of beach to the south of the launch site. The onshore winds will rise around 1 p.m. They will be a bit southerly requiring an upwind run to get to south end. a slightly larger or more efficient kite is a good thing for this. The crowds are sparse. Ironically they are thickest 1/4 mile south of the launch zone. Fortunately this passes quickly even at a safe and leisurely pace.

Once you clear of the sunbathers the spaces are wide and nearly devoid of beach goers. You know what to do here. At around 2.5 miles south of the LZ the island starts rounding off to the west, the shore turns normal to the prevailing wind. Your grin will widen substantially. As it continues to bend you move towards a broad reach. Now you are in the SZ, the Scream Zone. Continue on 'til just shy of the southern tip at which you should start an epic power slide to a full stop. Note the strange rusty thing emerging from the sand higher up the beach. It's the remnants of a buried shrimp boat.

The trip out of the wind well of the southern end can be a bit of an upwind slog, but it's worth it. You'll find the sweet spot on the curve where the winds are just right. Play there.

Now here's the best part: you will be in the company of like minded land kiters on buggies and boards. Some folks like the long fast runs while others like to spar and race at the south end. Some like to hang by the LZ and noodle around. You'll find you niche. It's a blast.

Good to hear you are coming. You'll get to meet a lot of kiters from the southeast and a few crazies from 1/2 way across the U.S. They'll be some reps and dealers with demo gear too. Lots of toys to try.

Philip