LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Orlando International (MCO) is 45 minutes from Cocoa Beach. Most conveniences you need are within walking distance in Cocoa Beach, or just a short cab ride away at most. Public transport is available day and night, but car rental is recommended for those wishing to explore the coast or zip away to Disney, NASA, or Orlando for the day. Choose your accommodation from the hyper-posh down to local motel and everything else in between. Florida is geared up for tourist choice. Whatever makes you happy! For laid back luxury in a great kite spot choose The Hilton bang on Cocoa Beach. Fresh seafood is served everywhere you go, but there's a massive variety for all tastes and budgets. The nightlife booms from spring to the end of summer, in particular during events like spring break and bike week with there being so many universities in the area. Things slow down during fall and winter, giving you the chance to rule the roost or kick back and relax. Be aware that hurricane season is September time but many locals get very excited about kiting at the tail end of a storm.
NON-KITING KICKS This is the home of shows and theme parks. If you want to swerve the kids though, there are a few wakeboarding options.
POCKET MONEY CURRENCY: US dollar ($) £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.4. BEER = $3. AVERAGE RESTAURANT MEAL (no alcohol) = $9. AVERAGE HOTEL = $99.
SNAPSHOT Florida should be called the Tourist State with the amount of travellers it attracts each year, but behind the rollercoasters, log flumes and Disney madness lies miles and miles of white sand and warm waters. Riding choices are rich, from butter-flat inlets to the waves that Kelly Slater grew up surfing. Once you're done cherry pick the pace of your evening. THE KITING Cocoa's Atlantic beach stretches almost endlessly, with a multitude of possible launch spots and at low tide in certain places reveals over 100 metres of soft pulverised shell or smooth and fine sand. Another great aspect is that you'll more than likely be able to step out of your hotel and kite straight out the front of it. On the slightly offshore days you can ride the waist deep intracoastal slicks (but not in the channels). Another option is to drive 20 minutes down US1 to Melbourne to ride beautifully flat waters off a grassy private launch or island hop the inner coastal waters. (Contact Kitetricity for insurance requirements for this though). WATER, WIND AND WEATHER The main windy season for Florida is October to May. The dominant direction is from the east, but good days can see the wind come in from all directions. Air temps rise up from 18°C / 65°F in the winter to 32°C / 90°F in July. For the Atlantic, the water is beautifully warm; 20°C / 70°F in the winter and 26°C / 80°F in the summer.
SCHOOLS Good Breeze Kiteboarding welcomes all levels all year. Cabrinha and Slingshot gear is available for rent and is used to teach. Certifications are also available. Standup Paddle-board lessons and rentals are on offer and safety boat cover is standard. A 1:1 or 2:1 instructor to student ratio means beginners will progress quickly.
