Where to Ride
Find your favorite SoCal Kite spot!
We instruct in Southern California at Belmont Shore in Long Beach, CA.
It appeals to all levels of kiters. Belmont Shore is one of the easiest, safest spots to learn in the world!
Kite surfing is restricted or banned in some locations. This is generally the result of safety and liability concerns. Experienced kiters want beginners to seek professional instruction to keep their sport from being banned. Accidents often occur when 'friends' try to teach friends. It's not just illegal, its a bad idea. Don't try to kite intermediate or advanced beaches until your instructor tells you that you are ready. Do it right, stay safe, keep our beaches open to kiting. Waves and currents exist at most beaches up the California Coast thus they are advanced.
Beginners/Lessons OK
(no wave and no upwind skills)
Belmont Shore is the best and is the only legal beach for lessons in Orange and LA Counties. It's the kite scene. Find over 100 kites flying on a busy day.
Mission Bay in San Diego is safe but has very light wind, most people from San Diego drive up to Belmont Shore to learn in adequate wind conditions.
Intermediate Riding/No lessons
(upwind riding skills - small wave skills)
Seal Beach is a legal kiting area between the where signs are posted. If you can't handle the waves and stay upwind, then go to Belmont Shore.
Newport Beach is legal as long as you avoid people. The river jetty has the best wind in Newport, however, the wind isn't always reliable. Best winds are from Long Beach to Huntington Beach.
Lake Elsinore is great kiting if there is wind. The freshwater is a nice alternative. However, winds can change quickly, be aware.
Lake Perris is no longer open to kiting.
Rat Beach near Torrance and Redondo Beach has small waves and lighter wind but not too busy.
Advanced Riding/No lessons
(big wave riding skills)
Sunset Beach has excellent wind and waves. No land practice. Launch and go, and avoid swimmers, surfers, and beach goers. See webcam.
Silver Strand State Beach south of San Diego can have good wind and big waves. Harbor side also possible to kite.
Huntington Beach is legal north of the pier and tower 10 all the way up to dog beach. Bigger waves can be difficult. Stay away from the pier.
Expert/Dangerous
Cabrillo - gusty turbulent not good for kiting
Leo Carillo - gusty and kelp is a danger
Topanga - rocky
Zuma - surf, rip, crowds