Bird Island Basin, Padre Island, Texas

[Charles Ryon]

I just got back from the Texas Gulf Coast for some family vacationing, which included a couple of killer windsurfing days for the self.

I don't understand all of the launch conditions that the kiters seem to demand, but for windsurfing, the Bird Island Basin seemed to be the perfect place for flat water sailing. And from judging the hearty windsurfing scene, my opinion seemed to be not mine alone.

The thermal effect that drafts in air from the Gulf is apparently quite dependable and blows super steady as compared the the Utah puff-and-play conditions that we all know so well. It was super sweet to ride the long and stable turbo-tacks that I have fantasized about since wielding a windsurfboard (I am a recently reformed Hobie sailer). Super cool.

Charles

[Kenny]

Charles,

Did you see any kiteboarders at Bird Island Basin? Last I heard that launch was banned for kiteboarders.

Kenny

[Charles Ryon]

I saw about a half dozen kiters on the inside (west side) of Padre Island on the drive to Corpus Christi from Bird Island Basin, but none at the basin proper. If you are familiar with the area, I was at the Worldwind concession area, inside the park. The kiters I saw were outside the park, near the bridge that carries back to Corpus. I hadn't heard about the kiting ban, but hadn't asked the according questions either.

Hope this helps.

Charles