Here are some excerpts (re: Skyway launches) from the riding guide map I've been providing to all my customers and students for 6+ years for the Tampa area, which includes over 20 spots. If I find out that my customers are going there against my recommendations I try to have a word with them ASAP - unfortunately a few may not listen, but at some point people will make their own choices, good or bad:
(a general note about all spotsin addition to those shown below
PLEASE see notes for any special instructions for each spot. It remains your individual responsibility to evaluate wind conditions, currents, tides, and all other risk factors. It's best if you first ride these spots when another experienced local is around to point out hazards and difficulties. PLEASE DO NOT JEOPARDIZE OUR KITING PRIVILEGES AT ANY OF THESE SPOTS!!! Furthermore, if possible go to a less crowded riding spot...Spread out - SAFER, LESS STRESS, ETC
I have color coded the pins: blue-beginner; green -intermediate; red-advanced only.
Skyway North
I do not teach here because of limited space, downwind hazards and often very crowded conditions. There are a few instructors teaching at this spot in spite of these issues, but I hear about some disaster almost every day that big crowds show up there and I have rescued many people washed up on the rocks with kites blowing over the HIGHWAY!!!! Better to ride here once you know how to go upwind effortlessly. If you are a beginner you must walk your kite as far away from shore as possible before riding. Works in NE, E, SE
Backside Skyway
I have NEVER taught here and I NEVER WILL, and I NEVER have ridden here, although many people, butter junkies, think this is a premier flat water spot. CAUTION: There are many hidden hazards in the water and easy to get blown onshore, into fences, onto the highway, etc... because it's normally gusty here when people go. Works in N, NW, SW if you want to take the risks and join the Darwin Awards Club. I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. I have heard about a lot of serious KITEMARES at this spot.... read this if you don't believe me:
http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=5869 ... To make things worse there are a few local instructors teaching here setting a bad example and...monkey see, monkey do. Several seasoned riders have been seriously injured here. There are plenty of other safe spots to choose from in these wind directions.
(OK- a confession: I finally stopped there for the first time in 4 years one day in March 09 as I was returning from Jupiter FL. There were only a few other kiters so I decided to check it out - well, as somewhat expected I witnessed a kiter who had no business being there causing a lot of problems for other kiters and he finally put his kite into the trees...it's a "kooky" place...TRUST ME.
South Skyway Parking Area
Accessed from the South Skyway Rest Area. You need to walk well away from shore to launch. Supervision for beginners a must, and assisted launches only suggested, until you know what is going on here. BOOTIES ARE A MUST! Lots of small hidden rocks, shells, hazards if you are not smart you will get hurt or damage kites. Lots of kites get shredded on the shells and mangroves here. Can be a great place to ride with combination of small wave chop and butter flat water. Works best in NE, N, NW, WNW. Tide phase should be noted, it can be either waist deep across the flats, or very shallow/dry.