South Padre Island has a long history as a windsurfing location. Year round warm temperatures, average daily winds speed of 18mph, combined with the smooth and shallow water of the Laguna Madre offer excellent conditions for beginner to advanced windsurfers and kiteboarders. Recently with the growth of Kiteboarding, the island has been pegged the new “kiteboarding Mecca” in North America.

The launch sites on the Laguna Madre are on the North end of the island. The South flats are a public access, within the city limits. Winds can be blocked due to high-rise buildings on the island.

The North Flats are a private beach for windsurfers and kiteboarders only. South Padre Island Windsurfing Association leases the site. For a small annual fee you can join the association and have access to the North Flats. The association has formed guidelines and rules to keep windsurfers and kiteboarders co-existing without conflict. This site offers wide open sand flats and water, (about 2 miles of beach), with absolutely no obstructions.

The mainland side to the west of South Padre Island offers rugged, ranch style launches and some of the best winds in South Texas. Only for advanced riders. And the Gulf side offers surf and great downwinders.