Windsurfing in Florida

1. Miami-Dade County: Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach

In the heart of Miami, between Brickell, Downtown Miami, and Key Biscayne, lies Hobie Beach, also known as Windsurfer Beach. Renowned for its spectacular views of the Miami skyline, this spot is a windsurfing paradise. Miami Watersports enhances the experience by offering rentals, lessons, and gear for all skill levels. With a wide range of NeilPryde sails and JP Australia boards, the calm seas and consistent winds of Key Biscayne Bay make it an exceptional location for windsurfing all year round.

2. Hollywood Beach: The Rickenbacker Causeway Beach

Just north of Miami, The Rickenbacker Causeway Beach at Hollywood Beach presents an ideal windsurfing experience. Benefiting from south winds that propel windsurfers along its waves, this spot is a must-visit for enthusiasts. Miami Watersports, also serving this area, provides comprehensive services with a variety of boards and sails to cater to all levels.

3. Fort Lauderdale Beach: South Fort Lauderdale Beach

South Fort Lauderdale Beach, affectionately known as “Tiki Beach,” is a windsurfer’s haven. It offers consistent winds and a spacious beach, making it suitable for both novices and experienced windsurfers. While Miami Watersports, located in Miami, is about 30 miles away, their extensive range of equipment and expertise in NeilPryde sails and JP Australia boards are worth the trip for those seeking quality windsurfing experiences.

4. Fort DeSoto Park

Fort DeSoto Park offers two distinct windsurfing spots: East Beach and North Beach. East Beach is ideal for N/NW winds, while North Beach favors W/NW/SW winds. Catering specifically to this location, North Beach Windsurfing provides rentals, lessons, and gear for all skill levels. Their expertise ensures a memorable windsurfing experience at Fort DeSoto Park.

5. Picnic Island Park

Picnic Island Park, a mere fifteen minutes’ drive from the city center, is a unique spot for kitesurfing. The area is known for its shallow, flat, and choppy waters, perfect for kitesurfing with SW and NW winds. While popular and occasionally crowded, it’s essential for visitors to navigate carefully, respecting other water sports enthusiasts like surfers, skimboarders, and fellow windsurfers.

6. Merritt Island, Florida

Calema Windsurfing & Watersports in Merritt Island is a renowned spot for windsurfing. They offer rentals, lessons, and gear for all levels, including private and small group instruction. Aside from windsurfing, they also provide kayaking and stand-up paddling. Located at 2550 N. Banana River Dr., Merritt Island, Calema is open seven days a week, making it a highly accessible and versatile spot for water sports enthusiasts.

7. Virginia Key

Virginia Key, one of Miami’s and America’s oldest oceanside locations, is an excellent place for windsurfing. The beach is open daily and offers calm waves ideal for the sport. With numerous stores providing windsurf training and facilities, it’s a convenient spot for those needing extra training or better equipment. However, windsurfers should note that kitesurfing is banned at Virginia Key, and they should venture east, beyond the swim buoys, to avoid crowded areas.

8. Crandon Park

Crandon Park, situated on Key Biscayne, is a renowned windsurfing destination in North Miami Beach. Known for its shallow, flat inshore waters and surf breaking over the offshore reef, it’s perfect for both windsurfing and kiteboarding. Compliance with the park’s regulations, including surfing only in specified areas, ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

9. Rickenbacker Causeway Beach

Also known as Hobie Beach or Windsurfer Beach, Rickenbacker Causeway Beach is a hub for windsurfing, featuring a locally operated rental concession offering lessons. Its shallow waters make it ideal for a variety of water activities. Additionally, this beach is Miami-Dade County’s only dog-friendly beach. The nearby Rickenbacker Trail offers beautiful views and is perfect for biking or jogging.

10. Key Biscayne

Located near Matheson Hammock Park, Key Biscayne offers a more secluded windsurfing experience. With an average of 12-15 knots of wind year-round, the Bay of Key Biscayne is a unique spot right in the heart of Miami, combining wind, waves, and flat water. It’s excellent for beginners, with available lessons and shallow waters facilitating easy learning.

11. 87th Street

Situated in North Beach, Miami, 87th Street is ideal for windsurfers of all levels. It’s less crowded than other Miami beaches, providing a more secluded environment. The wind conditions are generally favorable, averaging 12-15 knots year-round. Note that kitesurfing is banned here, so windsurfers should stay east of the swim buoys.

12. Haulover Beach Park

Located between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach, Haulover Beach Park is a popular windsurfing spot known for its calm waves and accessibility. The park, also home to a clothing-optional beach, features a marina offering boat rentals and fishing charters. It’s an excellent location for various water sports, including windsurfing.

13. South Pointe Park

At the southernmost point of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park offers beautiful ocean and skyline views, making it an excellent spot for windsurfing. Its shallow waters are ideal for beginners. Nearby, windsurfing at Virginia Key is also a popular activity.