SPI in NOV

jeffreyc · Since 23 Aug 2006 43 Posts Â

A group of 11 oregon (&seattle) kiters are heading to South Padre 11/7-16.

Curious if anyone else is going to be there at the same time.

Jeff

carolb · Wed Sep 03, 08 7:46 pm **We'll be there!**

Tony and I are headed down sometime in Oct for the winter. Last Nov was awesome in SPI.

Here's a sunset sesh from last year.

jeffreyc · Since 23 Aug 2006 43 Posts Â

A couple of people in the group have mentioned buying or renting boards there. Is there much of a market, any suggestions.

Also, what's you transportation method for the downwinder. taxi, bus, car.

carolb · Thu Sep 04, 08 7:38 am **SPI low down**

For downwinders the taxis are great. The long down winder is 8 miles and the taxis actually follow you or meet you at the end (or a quick phone call). Since sunbathers don't like wind, the taxi drivers figured out their best biz is the kiteboards and we're easy to see. The cost is about $3 each when you share the ride. They have vans and don't mind us being wet and sandy. They appreciate tips too.

There are now 3 kite shops in SPI. I know Jeff at Air Padre rents boards and I assume the others do also. Jeff is excellent at hooking you up with gear when you need it. He does boat assist lessons in the bay for newbies. The other shops also do lessons from the shore or with jet ski assist.

Wal mart is close and since the island is empty that time of year, condos and hotels should be cheap too.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

good times last Nov. Razz

Hot, sunny, cold, windy.... Twisted Evil

http://nwkite.com/forums/t-6865-17.html

krazykatie · Since 25 Dec 2007 5 Posts MN New Member

forrest · Thu Sep 04, 08 9:15 am

Jeff is the person responsible for releasing me upon the kiteboarding community.

alien · Since 01 Aug 2006 114 Posts Portland Stoked

Does anyone have any suggestions for cheap places to stay down there in November? There would only be two of us, so probably looking at a hotel instead of a rental house.

JMatic · Since 12 Aug 2008 252 Posts Boise, In Dat Ho Obsessed

They've got a weekly special for $349.99, 2 queen beds, includes breakfast and its right on the Beach. We're going (the Idaho crew) from Nov. 26-Dec. 5th----hope the wind is strong and the sessions are long!

http://www.laquintaspi.com/specials.htm

jeffreyc · Since 23 Aug 2006 43 Posts Â

We've had great luck with http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/texas/gulf-coast/south-padre-island

kt · Since 16 Mar 2005 764 Posts Portland, Or Opinionated

jeffreyc · Since 23 Aug 2006 43 Posts Â

March and April are also great for wind. The risk is in Dec. Jan. when you might get hit with a "blue norther". It happened to us once and it was older there than back home. It was cold but it blew everyday. We were wearing heavy suits and dishwashing gloves.

surfboy1968 · Since 17 Jun 2008 224 Posts south padre island Stoked

March is crowded with spring breakers. April is usually a little better and warmer too Laughing

All you GUESTS coming down, please respect local rules. We have had problems with out of towners in the past. GIVE RESPECT AND YOU WILL GET RESPECT.

carolb · Sat Sep 06, 08 9:26 pm **March?**

The spring breakers are afternoon and nocturnal creatures and usually aren't around where we kite especially the flats. The do drive up and down the strip in their pick up trucks at 10 mph seeing how many girls in bikini’s the can get in the back of their truck before the girls jump into the next truck going the opposite direction. 2 am is noisy on weekends and getting across the bridge can sometimes have a long back-up. The hotel room prices are high too. But the wind and weather are great. Usually, it is one or two weekends that are really crowded in March. Mid week isn't as bad.

April is good with the same warm weather and good winds but no crowds or high prices.

When we aren't there, we rent our place through Padre Island Rentals.
http://www.pirentals.com/south-padre-island-beach-front.htm

Biggest local rule is stay away from the surfers in the park. They have their zone, and kiters launch/hang at the 2nd pavillion. Also, watch out for the tourist on the beach and in water with our kites and lines as many have never seen kiteboarding before.

jeffreyc · Since 23 Aug 2006 43 Posts Â

cosmodog · Since 06 Oct 2005 205 Posts Stoked

Another tip is not to park right next to the water at the flats - locals park ~200ft back from the shore. Lots of beginners out there and it would suck if someone got dragged into a car during a launch gone bad.

Havent bought fish, but great shrimp at the docks in Port Isabel.

I'm already looking forward to hitting SPI for the month of Nov!