The 520 Slick - Cocoa Beach
Best Wind Months
October – May is the windiest time but due to thermals and storm wind you can actually kite here all year long, hit or miss in the summer months.
Wind Direction
You can ride in any wind direction at this location. A direct north wind provides a glassy slick riding along the mangroves. Due to the shallow water you can literally kite in any direction although when its north east it gets a little less idea near shore till you get out.
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Kiteboarding The 520 Slick
The 520 Slick in Cocoa Beach is one of the best locations for flat water in Central Florida. From beginners to advanced riders this location offers something for everyone. They call it the 520 slick because wind conditions from the north are off shore and protected by the mangroves which offers a smooth, glassy ride. On a direct north wind you will find many people riding the tree line all the way down to the bridge, enjoying the flat butter.
We share this location with manatee’s, dolphins and stingrays – so make sure your shuffling your feet when not on your board.
There is usually two popular schools that are always out there teaching as well as keeping an eye on others so make sure you stay clear of beginners learning and obey standard riding right of ways.
Water conditions are usually warmer until some of the winter months you could benefit from bringing a 3/2 or 4/3 for the special days, but after all it is Cocoa Beach, Florida and is mainly tropical conditions.
The 520 Slick: Setup & Riding
After arriving you will rig up in the grassy area next to the parking lot and your ready to walk your kite out to perform a drift launch in 1-3 feet deep waters. We do not recommend launching from land in the small set up location because of the highway, power lines and mangroves. Most locals will recommend drift launching as soon as you get on the water.
Most of the riding location is only 2-5 feet deep for miles. With the exception of the boat channel, marked by channel markers and what locals call “The Black Hole” which is to the west of the launch and you can easily spot on any satellite view. There isn’t any real current at the 520 slick, whichever way the wind is blowing the water is flowing as well. Perfect conditions for beginners as well as advanced riders looking to up their game!