OCT13-14, Ft. Walton Beach FL

[Erik Holmgren]

13-Great day of riding on my dads '08 17m Contra. First day i've been able to ride both directions comfortably.

14- incredible session, one other kiter out, 16-17 mph steady wind from 8am-12pm ish, huge breakthrough day riding the 17m Contra slightly depowered and an older 144CM Cabrinha Double Agent, took out a local instructor's all around Slingshot board as well. 4th day ever riding, able to stay upwind on a couple legs and jibe comfortably for the most part. Still boardshort and rashguard weather/water, not too many jellyfish out- 2 I saw today were close to 2 feet in diameter-most closer to 4-6 inches. Winds look like they MIGHT hold up for a 2 or 3 hour morning ride tomorrow, rest of the week is nil until i'm out on friday evening.


They have a great beach here for first time/novice riders. The bay side of the gulf on US-98 right by Ft. Walton beach east of Destin has several GREAT sandbars, some of which go out well over 100 yards from the shore and continue for a couple miles, mostly sand bottom, pretty easy walk for people like me just getting started riding. XL kites has a shop right down the road, they have a couple decent instructors and are pretty helpful, they hooked us up with a board for a day, free, after my dad snapped his lightwind board(faulty materials).