Kite Surfing at St Andrews State Park

By William E. Males

During our trip to Panama City Beach, for Spring Break 2010, we decided to take a trip to St. Andrews State Park just to take in some of the solitude there. Upon arriving we went to the fresh water lake in the middle of the park to see if we could spot any of the alligators, but with the wind making the water a bit choppy it was hard to spot any. However, the ducks were out in force as well as several sea birds that were resting in the trees.

The boys decided to take a run through the nature trails and see what else they could see, but I had to advise them on their return that the best way to see nature on the trail is to quietly walk it. But, they only laughed because they were just there burning off their excess youthful energy that I was able to skillfully exhaust a few years ago myself. Had they took off at a reasonable pace I might have went with them, but my wait wasn't long. We were hoping to take the ferry across to Shell Island to check out the nature trails there and see if there was any wildlife out on the lake, but we got a bit distracted with our trip to the jetty.

Without a doubt the best part of the trip to the park that day was our going to the jetty. Normally as you stand on the shore and scan the waters and you can usually spot some dolphins which are plentiful in the local waters here. However, that day we were caught up watching some kite surfers who had also escaped to St Andrews State Park for serious play time on the water. I concluded after watching these guys that this was probably the greatest mix between hang gliding and surfing as I watched them  racing at amazing speeds across the surf and then jump the waves up into the air and do their airborne tricks. We could have sat there and watched them all day . . .  if only they had the energy of my boys to stay at it all day. What a blast it was to watch. As a side note there were several places to rent the gear and get lessons . . . maybe next time so I can show my boys how it's done.

Hope you enjoy some of the video we took.