Hey All,

I just moved to Colorado from San Diego and I really want to get into Kite Surfing. Does anyone know if there's places that would work in the Denver area? How much wind is needed? Anyone know of any shops or trainers out here?
thanks - Alan

There is a lake off of Federal Blvd. (if I remember correctly) right next to Tommy's Slalom Shop. It was used for the '93 wakeboarding champs and I've flown kites from a boat on it at least once.

I can't say if it would be good for kitesurfing though. The thing about Denver (you will learn soon enough) is that there is not a lot of consistent wind. There are wind storms near the foot hills that blow over trucks, but Denver stays relatively calm.

Mountain lakes on the other hand offer a lot of wind though mostly gusty and variable. We used to kiteski on Grand Lake, Georgetown Lake and Dillan Lake in the winter. You may find more opportunities for kite traction on the ice rather that water in Colo.

Thanks Doomwheels,

That info helps out a lot. I was afraid this might be the case. I tried looking up windsport clubs and other threads also talked about how mountain lakes don't have consistent wind. I can just imagine being out in the middle of the lake and the wind dies...

Looks like I'll have to keep to other sports and then pick up kite surfing when I move back to Cali.

thanks again,
Alan

There are another couple lakes SW of Denver used primarily for waterskiing (may even be a private lake), but closer to the foothills - meaning more wind. Just a thought.

Kiting is complicated in Denver meaning that you can't simply plan on kiting any given weekend. You have to wait 'til the wind is blowing and then go for it.

But don't put those kites away for good... Colo is great for winter kiting and there is plenty of snow and frozen lakes in all directions. Hook up with people who kiteski/snowboard in the area. The folks at Into The Wind in Boulder can probably help you out there.

I would go up into WY if I were you as it always seems to blow up there. I used to live in Boulder and had to frequently travel to Chugwater and it was always windy.

Lake McConaughy in Nebraska.
Cheney or Wilson lake in Kansas.
I'm sure there are some closer.
Go to South Padre Island to learn.
It's 2 days drive from Denver.

Check with Larson's ski and sport:
www.larsonsport.com

-Hein

hay i have surfed chatfield resavoir in littelton colo a # of times,wind is good in fall.there also a small lake off the 470 & 285 the place is soda lakes, this place is good in a n,e,s,direction it blows tord the mountain just be carful of the fence to the west by frwy.I have more if you need them.have fun and fly high....:cool2:

I see that you are in the New Orleans area some. Some of us in Louisiana have discovered Grand Isle as a good place to kite buggy and kite surf. All you need is a se wind. See ya on the beach.

Susan