General Info - Charleston South Carolina Kiteboarding
You’ll fly off beaches, waves, & flat water any season! The barrier islands provide a variety of flying spots for any wind direction. From flat water to Atlantic swell breaks, you'll love our luxury kiting conditions.

learn more  KiteWorld Travel Guide Features Charleston Kiteboarding | Kiteboarding Magazine Features "ChuckTown" 

Closest to air is the prestigious Sullivan's Island. Known for it's preserved natural beauty, this island has a shifting sand bar that allows for riding in both flat water & waves in the same session.

Next to Sullivan's Island is the coveted Isle of Palms. Known for an abundance of Palmetto trees, this island offers some great localized wave conditions.

If you're up for a small treck from Charleston's NorthEast side, head down to Folly Beach. Here, you'll find one of the widest open most natarual areas you can get to by car.

Few have experienced the insane kiteboarding conditions found on the three northern barrier islands.

Located just North of Isle of Palms, the three barriers: Dewee's, Caper's, & Bull Islands, offer everything from sand mogul KGB (kite ground boarding) to waist deep flat water to head high waves. Their secret has remained hidden due to the fact they can only be accessed by boat. The launch areas listed provide excellent access and we often ride from one spot to the next when feeling the stoke for some wave riding.

Wind Trends, Speeds, & Seasonal Conditions 
Spring boasts steady warm southerly winds averaging 15-25 kts

Summer typically relys on afternoon thermals ranging 10-15 kts

Fall / Winter offer 15-25kts but from often gusty north-east frontals

In Charleston, kiting is a year round sport. Since our coastline is angled, optimal wind directions are cros-shore Southwest (typically steady) followed by Northeast (usually gusty).

Predominant summertime winds are side-to-onshore South-Southwesterly. Usually a Southwest wind means wind-chopped surf and flats...GREAT for kiteboarders, but not so great for surfers. Most other wind directions are uncommon, but do happen and are usually associated with passing fronts, thunderstorms, or light morning winds.

Strong cold fronts are common in late fall, winter and early spring. They may produce strong, gusty offshore North and Westerly winds, but also bring Northeast winds that kick up the stronger surf and allow for decent side-to-onshore wave-riding.

Offshore hurricanes in late summer / fall can also bring great swells to local beaches. Typically providing epic wave-riding conditions. However, they can also back off thermals and create some of the worst wind conditions.

kiter tip 
Predicting Charleston wind can be tricky… some of our kiteable wind comes in unpredicted spurts and thermals that may only last a couple of hours and then immediately shut off.

Charleston Kiteboarder travel tips
Kiteboarding help can be found a short drive from most launch areas at air. For assistance, call 843-388-9300

• August is well known to have few ‘nice’ windy days.


• The best hamburger is at Poe's Tavern found on Sullivan's Island. Rumor has it Edgar Alan Poe hung out in this old house.


• Safe & Friendly Riders We're lucky to have one of the most friendly kiter populations in the world. Southern Hospitality truly shines with our courteous core group. You and your gear will be safe and treated as our friends. If you want attitude, kite somewhere else.


• Each Island is Independent As seperate townships, the islands each have their own rules. From parking to dogs to watercraft ordinances, get to know local regulations.


• Watch for currents and rip tides arround the inlets, where many of us kite, the rushing water during tide changes can be friend or foe.


• Charleston beaches can get crowded especially during summertime and holidays. Beach goers have the right of way. If you find a launch area to be crowded, please DO NOT RIG. Instead, locate a spot with plenty of safe riding room.


• Cross island downwinders For the longest and most invigorating downwinders, plan to launch on one island and land on another.

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