The Panhandle's best kept secret....Shell Island

[WindRyder]

On Saturday,the guys at Emerald Coast Kiteboarding hosted an all day kite demo event in Panama City. The day before, we were all riding the SE swell as an approaching cold front made its way. Winds in the upper 20's all day with incredible surf. After the squall lines and tornadoes made their way through, we were back out again for session 2. Thank god for Harry's up to the minute radar on the cell phone!! Fortunately, Friday's strong frontal passage gave way to excellent north winds on Saturday for the demo. If you haven't kited in Panama City, you don't know what you are missing!! A quick boat trip over to Shell Island allowed for surf and flat water options. Miles of space, no tourists this time of year, and endless waves, chop, and butter to throw down mad moves. Rush and Wayne kept all of us well hydrated and fed with coolers full of food and drinks. Other local kiters showed up and we all had a blast trying out the new '07 Waroo Pro and Waroo, Flexifoil, Slingshot, and Cabrinha kites. Kiters were out on 9's, 12's, 13's, and as the day progressed and the wind laid down, 16's. Once we left the island, the guys at Emerald Coast weren't done hosting. We all headed to J. Michael's for beer and oysters, then over to the shop to watch the day's video and "other" visual mementos...hmm... Overall, it was an incredible experience!! Whenever you see a cold front coming and an excellent wind forecast, you will only be doing yourself a favor by giving the guys at Emerald Coast a call and making a trip to the island. It will be an opportunity you don't want to miss. CHEERS!!! Kitegirl