NJ KITE LAUNCH SITES

We have compiled a list of the popular and even some unpopular kite locations throughout New Jersey. For all of these locations you will need to be an independent rider that is proficient at staying upwind, launching/landing and body dragging upwind. If you need to work on these skills or have not practiced them in a while , we recommend going out for a supervised riding at Kite Island with Kainetic Adventures. 

Please use caution kiting at these locations and make sure your an independant rider. If someone gets injured or injures some one else, the kite spot will likely be shut down for everyone and there are not that many good kite spots in New Jersey. Do NOT try to teach yourself at any of these locations. Kiteboarding is unlike many other sports and you NEED lessons before going out on your own.

 

KITE ISLAND

  • Video: Welcome to Kite Island
  • Wind Direction- Kite Islands best wind direction is SW, S, and SE. N, NE, and E are also good but are less common and also may be a little more gusty. Due West winds tend to be very gusty.
  • Type of Riding- Bay/ Flat Water
  • Location Info- Kite island has waist deep flat water for miles. It is excellent for beginners or riders looking to work on flat water riding, tricks, etc.  
  • Obstructions- There is a major boat channel on the North side of the island

SANDY HOOK

  • Wind Direction- The best wind direction is NW. SE is also good but is more sideshore winds. 
  • Type of Riding- Bay/ Flat Water
  • Location Info- New Jerseys most popular bay side kiteboarding spot. It offers flat water riding, with approximately 4-5 foot tides with currents that can be strong at times.  
  • Obstructions- In The summer there are beach goers on the beach that you will need to be cautious of. Also take note the currents can be strong and pull your board out the inlet if you're not proficient in upwind body dragging. 
  • Exact Launch Spot- Parking Lot B, then walk across the street to the bay side. 
  • Facebook Group: Sandy Hook Kitesurfers Facebook Group

LONG BEACH ISLAND OCEAN SIDE

  • Wind Direction- S, SE, E, NE
  • Type of Riding- Ocean/ Waves
  • Location Info- LBI has beautiful beaches and is a great spot for riding in the ocean. You can ride pretty much anywhere there are no life guards.   
  • Obstructions- In The summer there will be a lot of beach goers as this is a very popular tourist area. The beach is huge, so find a spot where no one is on the beach and if you are near beach goers please do not stand on the beach flying your kite.  

25TH STREET LBI

  • Wind Direction- N, NW, W, SW and S
  • Type of Riding- Bay/ Flat Water good for beginners. 
  • Location Info- You'll want to bring a SUP, a surfboard, or a kayak and pack all your gear on it and head out to the marsh. It is a short paddle or walk out. Most of the water is waist deep except a small channel you will have to swim across. Once you get to the marsh you can pump up your kite and you have plenty of waist deep water to ride. Launching from the park area is very dangerous due to many obstructions. 
  • Obstructions- There is a small beach area with a park, and out in the water there are lots of wooden poles fencing off that beach. If you walk down the beach towards the marsh there are a lot of metal poles in the ground that people tie their boats to. You may see some people launching from this area, but we do not recommend it.

JAMES STREET

  • This was a great bayside kite spot for Southerlies, Westerlies or North winds. It is not ideal with any easterly component. 

TRIXIES - BARNEGAT BAY

  • Wind Direction- SE, ESE
  • Type of Riding- Bay/ choppy water. Good for advanced riders due to difficult launch.
  • Location Info- There is a parking lot across the street from Trixies in Bayville, that has space to rig as long as there are not too many cars parked there. It is a very sketchy/ gusty launch to due to it's location in a large wind shadow. This is really only good on SE winds. This is not a recommended spot, due to the difficulty of the launch.
  • Obstructions- There are power lines near the parking lot, and some bushes along the water. On busy days the parking lot may be full, leaving very little if any room to rig in. 

SEASIDE PARK

  • Wind Direction- S, SW, W
  • Type of Riding- Bay/ choppy water. Good for intermediate to advanced riders due to difficult launch. 
  • Location Info- You will need to rig your gear in the parking lot, then coil your lines up and walk out to the water and drift launch. Rigging on Island Beach State park (the marsh area) is prohibited and they will fine you, if you try rigging there. This is a nice location to ride, but not great for rigging and launching your kite. 

LAKES BAY

  • Wind Direction- SW 
  • Type of Riding- Bay/ Flat Water, good for beginners
  • Location Info- Just behind Atlantic City, Lakes Bay is great for SW, S or W winds, however, this spot is best in SW. This spot is our own little kite beach. Kiteboarders have access to this bay with parking, port-a-potty and private launch. It is mainly bay chop but if you work your way upwind you can find some amazing butter flats. Lakes Bay has some great locals that are always willing to lend a hand. This spot is VERY beginner friendly.

HIGBEE BEACH, CAPE MAY

  • Video- Kiteboarding at Higbee Beach
  • Wind Direction- NW, W 
  • Type of Riding- Small waves and chop from wind swell. 
  • Location Info- Nice sandy beach with plenty of space to launch. We primarily get NW & West winds in the Fall and Winter, so there won't likely be many people on the beach. 
  • Obstructions- Foundation with rebar in the water down the beach. There is also a Ferry that passes by. 
  • Exact Launch Spot- Small dirt parking lot just south of the inlet. 

VENTNOR

  • Video- Kiteboarding in Ventnor NJ
  • Wind Direction- SW, S, SE, E, NE
  • Type of Riding- Ocean Riding for advanced riders
  • Location Info- Great kiteboarding spot during the off season, but packed with beach goers in the summer months. Kiteboarding is not allowed where lifeguards are set up. Stay far away from the pier as well. 
  • Obstructions- Stay downwind of the pier

NORTH BRIGANTINE

  • Video- Kiteboarding in Brigantine North End, NJ
  • Wind Direction- S, SE, E, NE
  • Type of Riding- Ocean Riding for advanced riders
  • Location Info- Brigantine has locations from any direction. But most are only accessible with a 44 permit from town hall. $185 for the year will get you up and riding at the Brigantine Inlet on the north tip of the island. Here you can ride any wind direction. Watch for very strong current and in the mid summer months they close the beach for bird conservation. You can drive on the beach if you have a pass. It is a large beach with lots of space to rig and launch.  
  • Obstructions- Channel with strong current. 

WHERE KITEBOARDING IS NOT ALLOWED

  • Island Beach State Park: You may not rig, launch, or land your kite anywhere on Island Beach State Park. The rangers will chase you and fine you! 
  • Sandy Hook Ocean Side: During Spring, Summer, and Fall you cannot kite in Sandy Hook National Park on the ocean side. It is permitted after September 15th and during the winter months. The bay side riding is allowed year-round. 
  • Lifeguard areas: Any locations in New Jersey where there are lifeguards, kiteboarding is not permitted. Usually after 5:00pm most lifeguards leave and you can get a sunset session without any problems. 
  • James Street, LBI: This was a great bayside kite spot, but has recently been purchased by a new owner and now kiteboarding is NOT allowed at this location.