Heading to Clearwater

trailtow · #1 02-08-2011, 08:38 AM

So this weekend a bunch of us from FSU ,UCf, USF, and FGCU are planning to head to clearwater for a giant kiting get together. We are looking at riding either treasure island or sand key. What are your guys take on the two areas most of the riders can go upwind but we also have a handful still trying to learn some of the basics what would be the best to teach with the almost straight north wind we will be getting this weekend? Also any good places to get cheap food and also to go out at night? I can't wait to get down there will be my first time riding in the tampa/clearwater area can't wait for the warmer temps than here in Tally

trailtow

WatersportsWest · #2 02-08-2011, 06:39 PM

Clearwater Beach has alot of places to eat that aren't too expensive.

As far as nightlife, Shepard's is the call right in Clearwater Beach, south side. Lots of action!!!!

As far as riding is concerned, Gulf riding on a north wind works but will be very choppy and water will be deep. Not so good for beginners. Not to mention, it is not recommended to do any kind of teaching on a beach here in Pinellas County. Now with that said, the temps have been low and the beaches pretty quite. Just use your head.

Our advice is to go down to Sand Key and rig just south of the park. Do some down winders to Indian Rocks Beach. 6-7 mile run. Once you get to IRB, the trolley will be picking up every 30-40 minutes back to Sand Key. $2.00 is the cost. Bring quarters. Bring booties as they won't let you on barefoot. Make sure your clean and mostly dry. They won't let you on. Also, make sure you fill up your meters in Sand Key Park as they are nazis there. Even for 2 minutes. Don't ask. Don't ride past 8th Ave in IRB as the north wind will start to fizzle due to the curve of the coastline. Just look at a map.

I don't recommend riding in Clearwater Beach as it is much more touristy and crowded not to mention most of it is strict swim areas that will piss off the lifeguards and the local kiters. They are on duty year round. There is also a pier that you will have to dodge. Not good for beginners. If you are going to ride CLW beach, then ride north of Rockaway Bar, another great beach bar with live music and great sunsets. Great for the end of day session gathering. You can ride right infront of the bar. Not much better than that.

Depending on how many kiters you have, maybe we can set up a day trip out to one of the sand bars north of Clearwater. Great flat/shallow water for teaching and wave action on the outside for more advance riders. Best of both worlds. It's a boat only trip and exclusive. Some of the best riding in the bay area!!! Great for beginners and advanced riders. You can also ride offshore butter conditions. We can offer jet ski support as well if needed. It will be there regardless if you go. Here's a fun one. If the wind is good, towards the end of the day, leave the sandbar and head south down to Rockaway at Clearwater Beach. That is about a 20 mile run. If you plan it right, your cars are already there and you can hit the bar at sunset. Perfect!!!!

Glad you coming to join us. If you want a local hookup, you just found it. Let us know how we can help make this a great experience.

Team Watersports West
888-401-5080

ps. Nothing against Treasure Island, just doesn't work on a North wind.

trailtow · #3 02-09-2011, 04:50 PM

So what do u guys think of ancolte sandbar a friend has a boat and he said we can pitch a tent there for free we are
All poor college students you know the cheaper the better

WatersportsWest · #4 02-09-2011, 09:30 PM

Just checked it out two weekends ago. Yes it's free but you must register over the phone with a ranger. It is a State Park. There is a small lagoon for teaching that is shallow. Totally will work on a north wind but not sure how bad the currents are on the outside.

It is totally rustic with no running water or electricity. There is an outhouse however.

Just north is a small spoil you could kite from as well. Check google earth.

Understand the $$$ thing. We have all been there.

Good luck.

Team WatersportsWest

trailtow · #5 02-09-2011, 10:51 PM

well our boat fell thru so we have a campsite at the KOA so hopefully will be getting down to clearwater around 3pm friday. can't wait to ride down there this upper 40's with 50 degree water temp is starting to wear thin.

WatersportsWest · #6 02-10-2011, 07:57 AM

Cold sux!!!!

Tampa Bay folks like you travel south as well except the keys is within our reach. 6 hour drive.

Have fun, be safe, and the Sand Key downwinder is probably the ticket to ride on a north wind.

Peace!

Russky · #7 02-10-2011, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WatersportsWest

... As far as riding is concerned, Gulf riding on a north wind ...
...

Steve-O, nice job man... staight to the point!
Even after dozens of downwinders in the Gulf I got some new info from your post...

Danimal8199 · #8 02-10-2011, 04:01 PM

is there even going to be wind this weekend?? I have not seen it forecast.

Jake · #9 02-10-2011, 04:54 PM

Saturday's forecast is 15 knots NW. Same as last Saturday but we got about 1 hour in the afternoon of 12-13 knots.

trailtow · #10 02-14-2011, 11:56 AM

Had a great time out in st pete wasn't as windy as we would have liked but got some decent riding in friday and some in the early morning and late afternoon saturday, along with getting some beginners up and body dragging behind big kites. Also had a great time partying with all the other collegiate kite teams can't wait to see what comes out of the poker run this weekend and our trip to the keys for spring break. Here are some photos of the weekend.