Taking the family camping to Ocean City MD July 15-22. We're staying 7-8 miles south of OC, at Castaways, on the bay across from Assateague Island.

IF we get wind, and depending on direction.....

There is a bay beach at the campground I'll scope out as a possible safe launch. The campground said they see kiteboarders in the bay all the time, but can't recall anyone launching from their beach.

There is also a launch on Assateague Island. I read if the beach
there has sunbathers, water launch is required.
http://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/azztgKiteMap

Anyone have info on the area and/or care to join in?

Wish I could bud. Not only do I have plans on Saturday, but I'm still nursing an injury.
Sounds like you got the right guidance about the location. There are some, not-so-clearly-marked, swimming areas. If yer kiteboarding, just steer clear of the swimmers.

Have fun!
edit- if you want more information, shoot me an e-mail.

Hope to see you back on the water soon.

I'll scout out the area when we get there next week and post here. Hope for wind but relaxing on the sand is always second best..

Im heading out there this weekend. Was hoping I could fly on the beach in the morning, but not sure what the rules are (probably not). Let me know if you find out what the rules are. Thank you.

Aronma, if you get away from people, I do not think there would be an issue. Just head south down the beach until you are away from everyone else. I've heard of people buggying down there, I have never tried it. I'm normally on the water. If there is enough wind, there will probably be guys on the water, just ask one of them. There is a local crew there that is aware of the rules (as they sat down with the rangers and hashed it out). Or you could ask at the ranger station, they might know.

Best of luck, and I hope you get good winds.

Well I didnt get to fly although it looks like aseteque (sp?) is the place to get away from people. They said you could fly on the beach when the lifeguards aren't on duty, b4 9:30 and after 5pm. Not alot of room and alot of people. Best spot would be near the amusement pier.

Aronma, I think your referring to Ocean City which is 10 miles north? No amusment pier at Assateague National Park.

Spent last week at Assateague Island MD with the family. Got in 4 sessions during the week. I was the only kiter along with a few windsurfers. Met a few local kiteboarders as I was packing up and looks like they have a small responsible crew there. Friendly but I got the vibe they are trying to keep the spot low key. A few years ago there was an issue with kiters not following the local safety rules and they almost got shut down. Please respect the guidelines and help self police the area. Details of the rules are in the link at the bottom.

The bayside launch is tight, has a small sandy beach, with some trees and brush on the shoreline. Add people and water launch is the only option. Water is waist high to about 200 yards out, overhead past that in any direction at high tide.
I would not recommend this spot for beginners.

Bayside works on W/N/S wind directions. Anything with East (or N/S), head over to the ocean.
There is an island to the SW which was creating a wind shadow with South wind.
Swimming beaches and wildlife areas require a 150 yard buffer. DO NOT Ride zone.

Assateague is also a good place to bike or kayak on no wind days.

Kober and I are heading back down Sept. 28-Oct. 1. Staying at The National Park campground in the C loop by the bayside launch. There are a few campsites left in the A and B loops. Reservations online here
http://www.recreation.gov/unifSearch.do;jsessionid=9A4244A7C...

Looking back at the launch

Looking SW from the launch

There are 113 wild ponies on the island. They are everywhere and not so "wild"




More info here....

http://localkitespots.com/vmap.aspx?s=1&video=1&dt=1...

http://localkitespots.com/kitesurfing/Maryland,%20Virginia,%...

Just re-read my email and it was misleading. I was speaking about the OC Beach. Next tiime I'm down there I'll check out Assateague. I'm going to need some water/kite boarding lessons though.....any instructors out there?

We have instructor here in NJ an Sandy Hook .... let me know if you want to meet us and talk to him next time there is wind .....