St. Pete has some insane flat water spots for sure, but just so-so winds in terms of consistency, imo. It's my opinion that many people overestimate how much wind (how often we get it) is in St. Pete.
2 years ago we had a phenomenal winter with really good timing for 9 to 5'rs.
It blew 17 weeks in a row (cold fronts)... and every single one came through on a Sat/Sun.
That had never happened before. I think that left a skewed impression of wind for people that haven't been watching it here that long, or are new to the sport. Last winter wasn't nearly as good as the prior.
If this place had more wind (more consistent and predictable), trust me, myself or someone else would have opened a nationally recognized kite school here (think Real) by now, and advertised it and banked. St. Pete is the ultimate destination for a guy with a family that wants lessons, because there is so much more to do here than kite. Disney/Seaworld is fairly close too. Easy sell to family guys (over Hatteras) because their family has so many options and we are 20 minutes from TPAirport.
Unfortunately, most of the time here for the kiter would be spent waiting on wind, not receiving a lesson. That is why no one reading this can name the "Real" of Tampa Bay or sees ads guaranteeing awesome wind and a great time for the kids, too. Unfortunately the wind wouldn't hold up to your claim and can't support such an operation that draws out of towners in hopes of hitting wind on a 2/3 day stay.
The fact is, year after year, I see instructors struggle to fit in an average of two days a week of water lessons (if they have the integrity to not teach a water lesson in sub 13 knots) for their local lessons.
More (evidence)... if the wind were more reliable, consistent, predictable - we would have been able to have more events last year be successful (across Florida) and not delayed weekend after weekend, and would probably also have a race series in this area, as well.
A race every Thursday night (?)... in St. Pete, yeah, right.
I ain't driving to wherever just to sit there in the parking lot and pray for wind.
Anyway, I love St. Pete and riding here.
But unfortunately, this is not the home of consistent wind. Economics would have supplied a major kite school here by now if it was and some of the best national events would be held here in the winter, due to our warmth and other stuff to do.
I am not trying to be a downer, just trying demonstrate that this place is hit or miss, especially for one chosen week. If wind were more a guarantee, the local scene would reflect that.
