Hello, I'm new and don't know what I am doing. I'll start with some facts about myself.

I live in central Florida
I have a Prism Tensor 3.1
I love flying Kites
Eventually I want to start kite-surfing and/or ATB
Everybody in my area hates me for flying kites

I am looking for a good place to fly. Already I haven't had the best experiences. I've been asked by security to leave an empty field because my lines "might cut somebody's head off." I've also flown at some East Coast beaches and had one guy purposely walk right towards my lines, forcing me to land the kite, and then tramped across on all my lines while sneering at me. Beaches here are so crowded that its only a matter of time before somebody walks behind or sets up their towel directly beneath my kite.

Anyways, to the point: Does anybody here now of some good places to fly in Florida? Inland parks, public land, beaches... anywhere? Know any farmers who don't mind power-kiters?

I would love to fly where I am sure I am not bothering anybody. I'd also love to meet some other kite-flyers and learn more first-hand about the sport.

Thanks in advance!

Hey Bud.
Welcome to the forum. AKA lists favorite fields to practice our addiction.
The fields aren't always just power kites and may not be suitable for traction, but are kite friendly. I think you just missed a big festival on Trasure Island.
Use google maps once you find a likely spot.

http://kite.org/community/favorite-flying-fields/

AKA Pilot 131317

Hey Bud.
Welcome to the forum. AKA lists favorite fields to practice our addiction.
The fields aren't always just power kites and may not be suitable for traction, but are kite friendly. I think you just missed a big festival on Trasure Island.
Use google maps once you find a likely spot.

http://kite.org/community/favorite-flying-fields/

AKA Pilot 131317

You should be fine on the beach, just walk a bit further away from the car park and go at off-peak times.

Dealing with cranky people, curious kids and peeing dogs just comes with the territory. The only way to deal is to land the kite and stand their with a smile on your face until they go away. You are never going to win an argument with anyone about it so don't even try. I've learned this the hard way after fighting with lots of people and never winning. Now I refuse to fight with random strangers and amazingly, they respond in kind. They give up and eventually go away, or ask me stupid questions.

That said, you shouldn't confuse public ignorance with malice. People don't understand what is obvious to you, like where the safe places to stand and watch are, what areas you would like to keep clear and even that there are lines between you and the kite. That guy was probably not sneering at you, just staring in slack jawed amazement at something he's never seen. I doubt he even knew your lines were there.

Relax a bit, smile and have fun. People will feel your vibe and respond accordingly.

^what jimbocz said.

You have to go off hours, off season and stay out of the way. Most people are simply ignorant to the danger they place themselves in or you in (once you are in motion). Be polite and accommodating and know you are in the minority so you must go along to get along. Conflicts of interest come with the sport as all crowd the same desired locations for different reasons. Learn to fly when its colder and the wind is stronger so the beach is less desirable to anyone but a wind junky.

Thanks for the advice/encouragement. I'll be polite and remember I am in the minority.

Also thanks for the website! Let me know if there are other good places to meet kite-flyers. So far I have been doing most of my flying inland on a small private plot (with permission) so as to avoid people. Maybe I just need to adjust my attitude and/or become less shy.

Dude - you're in Florida.

Beachy.

Like - lots of.

Go late go early - go when the tide is low and the wind is onshore.

Are you left or right coast? Panhandle?

Sand=fun

I realize it's beachy here Nearest beach is a 45 minute drive though. East Coast is closest to me.

Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine is kite buggy/kite board friendly. Avoid the birds at the northern tip to maintain good relations with the rangers. Launch north of the northern boardwalk to maintain good relations with the beach goers. I would love to join you for a weekend fly there.

Talk to me at JIBE and we'll discuss. I arrive at Jeykll next Sunday. See you in a week!

Philip