Dauphin Island, AL kiting restrictions?

[KYLakeKiter]

I am looking into heading down to Dauphin Island in March. I know this is a big bird nesting area, so does anyone know if there are any kiting restrictions on the island during this time?

With both Johnson Beach and Ft. Pickens nearby being restricted from March 1 to September 30th, I figured I should ask before making any major plans.

Thanks for any input.

[neworleansrich]

Many Federal beaches on the Gulf Coast are off limits in Spring due the Least Tern nesting "crisis", but there are usually places open for access. While Johnson Beach and Ft Pickens may be closed, it is possible to kite all along the Alabama Gulf among the houses and condos. You may just have to work around the tourists.

On Dauphin Is, the lagoon near the pier is usually not affected. Any breeze from E SE S SW or W is ridable in the lagoon. However, the western end of the island may be closed for the birds, making it hard to ride in North winds at Dauphin. Some more info at www.cat5kiteboarding.com

One last bit of info: We are setting up an 11 mile down-winder event from Gulfport to Bay St Louis MS for March 23rd. This will be our annual fundraiser for the Leukemia Society. More info at www.kiteboardercrossing.org We usually have solid breeze in March. If anyone is looking for a reason to get away from the cold, put in a registration and come kite with us.

[KYLakeKiter]

Thanks for the info. Maybe I should just go to Gulfport instead. That downwinder sounds like a blast, and any excuse to get to kite for a great cause is always a winner.

[neworleansrich]

Check the forecast on Sailflow.com just before you come down. You will probably find more wind at Dauphin Is. We usually stay at the Gulf Breeze Motel on Dauphin (basic but ok).

No mater where you decide to go on the coast, please join the Leukemia Cup Event and take the 1-1/2 hour drive over to Gulfport on March 23rd. Wind or no-wind we will have a great day.

[jyetley]

Where is the best kiteboarding between Fort Walton, FL and Galveston, TX? How does MS compare to these two extremes? I've never been to Galveston. How consistent are the wind conditions in late March? Where would you choose to drive to, if you were coming from the Upper Midwest? Thanks for your help!

[KYLakeKiter]

Where is the best kiteboarding between Fort Walton, FL and Galveston, TX? How does MS compare to these two extremes? I've never been to Galveston. How consistent are the wind conditions in late March? Where would you choose to drive to, if you were coming from the Upper Midwest? Thanks for your help!

Ft. Walton has the one really good spot west of the bridge which gets pretty crowded when the wind is good to any northish direction. I like that spot, but have been skunked there alot.

Pensacola has some good spots even when Ft. Pickens is restricted. On the bay side, they kite an area called Big Sabine. Just east of the Portofino high rises. This spot works with north winds and of course, the surf side is good there with south winds. There is a Pensacola Kiteboarding group on facebook where you can get the real deal from the locals there.

Like you, I am also interested in the AL and MS coast areas but haven't gotten to try any yet. I am headed there in March and will update the post. Best of luck with your search.

[neworleansrich]

I would agree, if you had to pick only one spot and don't want to drive around much, Pensacola is a good choice since you can ride in any direction wind. Everyone is very friendly... Contact www.kiteboardcafe.com

Dauphin Island can have a bit more wind than other locations on some days, and offers some flat water in SE or SW breeze.

Mississippi offers 35 miles of beach with no kite pressure, but is limited in North winds.

In New Orleans, we ride Lake Pontchartrain on North winds in the winter and usually drive (1 hour) to Mississippi for South winds. We tend to ride at several different places depending on conditions.

Each place has its advantages and issues. Check www.cat5kiteboarding.com