Where you can ride!

Breaking the launch rules is one way to get get our sport banned!

2020 update: Where there was once 10 kites I see 40-50. The gear is safer. Professional instructors have local businesses. Charleston is a legit kiteboarding destination. The rules below still are a good reference. It's all about safety and courtesy to non-kiters.

• Restriction: Do not ride in the tide pool at Station 28.5

• You may ride up or downwind anywhere on the island but you must stay at LEAST 100 yards from the edge of the water and 3 kite lengths (at least) from any swimmers.

Isle Of Palms

• Between stations 1 and 4 (between Memorial Day to Labor Day)

• Restriction: Do not launch at the county park or anywhere near the pier

• You may ride up or downwind anywhere on the island but you must stay at LEAST 100 yards from the edge of the water and 2 kite lengths (at least) from any swimmers.

NOTE: Check the Air Companies interactive map page for more details on local launches: Ride Guide

Other Rules:

• Stay at least 100+ feet from swimmers or persons near edge of water !!!

• (about 2+ kite line lengths)

• Ride at least 300 feet offshore June - September. Only come in to launch/land

• Don't set up in front of beach access points (emergency vehicles and pedestrians need clear access)

• No Jumping on or near beach.

• Everyone has right of way over kites.

• Walkers, swimmers, sitters, standers, boats, stupid people 2000 yards off shore in a tube, etc.

Suggested Practices:

Remember PERCEPTION is everything. It doesn't matter who is 'right', it matters what people think and what they report to the town.

• ‘Halve’ your lines on beach, (place bar on kite) for a quick break, roll you lines up completely for a long break.

• Do not teach, practice or learn on a crowded beach.

• Do not self-launch or self-land on a crowded beach.

• Find someone to land your kite, help others.

• If beach is super crowded with families go elsewhere.

• Be Polite, Be Friendly, move over for walkers.

Beginners

• Do not attempt to kite without lessons.