10 Things to Do This Summer on South Padre

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Air Padre

Learn About 10 New Activities Your Family Can Try This Summer When Vacationing on South Padre Island, Texas

Sand Castle Days South Padre Island LogoLooking for things to do this summer with family and friends while visiting South Padre Island, Texas? Air Padre has put together a list of ten new adventures to try out that will make your stay on SPI more exciting while not breaking the bank! Popular activities such as jet ski (wave runner) rentals and parasailing are a great time, but can be costly. If you are looking something more economical and that can be enjoyed by the whole party at the same time, then read on to learn more about these 10 things to do that are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

1. Stand Up Paddleboard Rentals

Out for a Paddle with SonRent stand up paddleboards (SUPs) with family and friends to see the Laguna Madre Bay in style. These over-sized surfboards are easy to stand up on and paddle around for all ages! PDF vests, paddles, and boards are all included in the rentals. Air Padre is equipped with over a dozen SUP’s of different shapes and sizes so we can accompany your whole group.

2. Kayak Rentals

Kayak Rentals on South Padre IslandRent a Kayak on SPI to have a more relaxed and easy going cruise in the Laguna Madre. Single, double, triple, surfing, glass-bottom, and fishing kayaks are all available to rent daily from 9am – 5pm at Air Padre. We can accommodate large and small groups of interested kayakers. Also, with a private boat dock and kayaks right next to the water, no transportation is necessary. Show up, grab a paddle and a life jacket, and your ready to go!

3. Surfboard Rentals

Surfboard Rentals on South PadreRent a surfboard to go surfing! South Padre Island has the best waves in the entire Gulf of Mexico. Take advantage of our great surfing conditions by renting a surfboard and heading out to the break with your friends. We can give you tips on the best places to find good swell, which boards to use, and other local knowledge. Fun shapes, long boards, short boards, fish and other shapes in all sizes are available to rent 7 days/ week.

4. Skimboard Rentals

Skimboard rentals on South Padre IslandRent skimboards for the kids to use in the Gulf of Mexico. Skimboards are a fun and easy way to enjoy the shore-break waves in South Padre Island. No need for paddling, or worrying about your kids going out into the deep water. Skimboarding is done in the shallow water where the water meets the shoreline. Let your kids burn off some energy running back and forth on the sand and sliding with ease! You will be amazed at how quickly they pick it up.

5. Boogie Board Rentals

Body Board Rentals on South PadreRent boogie boards (bodyboards) to ride the surf! Boogie boards make riding waves in the Gulf easy for the whole family. You don’t have to go out very far to find some perfect bodyboard waves. Guaranteed to put a smile on anyone who’s riding the wave, boogie-boarding is one of the easiest yet fun beach past times. Board rentals with leashes are available.

6. Kiteboard Rentals

Kiteboarding Board RentalsRent a kiteboard if you already know how to ride. Kiteboarding on South Padre Island is world-class. To rent a kiteboard you must be able to ride and have taken previous kiteboarding lessons however. Air Padre has a huge fleet of rental boards for all sizes and ability levels. If you already know how to kiteboard, and just looking to try some interesting new boards then swing on by!

7. Learn How to Kiteboard

Learn How to Kiteboardin on South PadreWant to learn how to kiteboard? South Padre Island is one of 3 top locations in the United States to learn. Warm water, consistent winds, shallow depths, and many other factors make it great. Air Padre Kiteboarding has been teaching students to successfully and safely ride since 2003 on SPI. Certified instructors, boat support, and radio helmets set us apart from other schools.

8. Learn How to Wakeboard

Wakeboarding on South Padre IslandLearn how to wakeboard while visiting SPI. Air Padre is equipped with several ski boats and experienced instructors capable of teaching you how to wakeboard in the Laguna Madre. Rent time by the hour to either practice your already existing skills or get quality tips through the water-proof radio helmet from the coach. Ride-along by family members are also welcome, and split the time for wakeboarders for a better price per person.

9. Learn How to Surf

Learn How to Surf on SPILearn how to surf in just one afternoon! Surfing in South Padre Island offers up a lot of potential. Group or private lessons allow for everyone to get their own board and time in the water. We will show you the basics of balancing, standing, paddling, surfing, and safety on the lessons. All equipment is provided in the lesson. If you have small children interested, we also offer life jackets and shallow water lessons to get them the feel of riding waves.

10. Learn How to SUP

Rent Stand Up PaddleboardingTake stand up paddleboarding lessons. SUP lessons will effectively teach you the basics of paddleboarding in the flat water. the skills you develop on this lesson will allow you to practice SUP on lakes, ponds, Lagoons, and other flat water spots. From tips on balancing, paddling strokes, and positioning we will get you up and riding in the first lesson.

Where to find all of these activities on South Padre Island?

Air Padre offers these 10 things to do on South Padre Island, Texas. We are happy to teach and rent you an assortment of water sports equipment during your stay. We are located on SPI about 3.2 miles north of the Queen Isabella Causeway on the west side of Padre Blvd. You can contact us at 956-299-9463 to ask any relevant questions.


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Triple Stitch Sewing Machine for Kite Repairs

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Air Padre

New PFAFF Triple Stitch Sewing Machine For Air Padre Kiteboarding Kite Repair Services on South Padre

Pfaff Triple Stitch Kiteboarding Sails Sewing Machine

Broken Kites? Send them to Air Padre Kiteboarding to get repaired! We just got a brand new Pfaff triple stitch sewing machine perfect for canopies, leading edges, struts and all other pieces of your falling apart kitesurfing kites.

With dedicated kite repair staff, Air Padre has the equipment and know-how to tackle the hardest of jobs. Competitive pricing and quick turn around make Air Padre Kite Repair a serious contender in the kite repair industry. So if you blew a bladder, tore your kite, busted a bridle, or anything else with your not-so-new kite, then send it our way and let our professionals put it up on the surgery table and get it back to new in no time.

Visit our kite repair center for more details on where to send you kite.

 

 

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2012 SPI Kite Round-Up Day Four

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Air Padre

Day 4 – Equipment Swap Meet, Remaining Demos, and Beach Cleanup at the Event Site

SuAir Padre Swap Meetnday, May 6th, 2012 – The last and final day of the 2012 SPI Kite Round-Up was geared towards an equipment swap meet put on by Air Padre and some remaining demos for participants. The wind started off light which gave everyone a break to check out used kiteboarding equipment for sale. Used kites, kiteboards, and surfboards were set up by us and other participants to swap and sell.

By noon, the wind had returned again to fill in for late comers to the event. Core kites and Cabrinha were the last two companies around still letting people try their equipment. The remaining participants were excited that they could still get in on some of the action at the very end of the weekend.

The hot sun, consistent winds, and active riding made for a tiring event for all. We were really pleased with the turn out and hope to see everyone next year for the 5th annual 2013 SPI Kite Round-Up. Check www.spikiteroundup.com soon for new information and updated photo galleries!

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2012 SPI Kite Round-Up Day Three

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Air Padre

Day 3 – Strong and Steady Wind, Lots of Equipment Demos, Free Pizza, and Sponsored Clinics for Participants

SPI Kite Round-Up FlagsSaturday, May 5th, 2012 – Easily the best wind of the entire event during the 2012 SPI Kite Round-Up. SE winds cranked 20-25mph all day long and gave most of the anxious participants the chance to really try out all of the gear the they had been talking about and looking at for the previous two days. Big kites were nice to be able to try at first, but everyone was definitely excited to get behind 7m, 9m, and 12m kites on Saturday!

All of the signed up companies were out on the South Flats demoing their 2012 gear all day long. New Cruzer kiteboards from Wainman Hawaii, Naish Ride kites, Cabrinha Switchblades, 2012 Slingshot RPMs and many other choices were available to try for free. All other present companies, including: Best Kiteboarding, Jimmy Lewis, Airush, Core Kites, Mystic, and RRD were also set up and getting lots of feedback from happy kiters.

After free pizza hosted by Slingshot and Best Kiteboarding, everyone enjoyed the RRD advanced kiteboarding clinic. More kites continue to blast back and forth just off the South Flats convention center until the wind slowed down in the evening. Later that night, the Padre Island Brewing Co. hosted our annual Texas Hold ‘em Poker tournament. Tough competition made for interesting poker hands all evening long with beer specials and an exciting finish!

For everyone who made it out to the event on Saturday, we appreciate your support! We are glad that you could come out and spend time in the windy conditions of South Padre for a fantastic day of kiteboarding equipment demos.

 

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2012 SPI Kite Round-Up Day Two

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Air Padre

Day 2 – More Demos, Clinics, Wind, and BBQs on the South Flats during the 2012 SPI Kite Round-Up

Naish Demo Area CompleteFriday, May 4th, 2012 – The second day of the SPI Kite Round-Up was another successful day of kiteboarding demos, clinics, BBQs, and great fun for all. The wind started light in the morning while everyone was busy setting up their demo areas, but by noon kites were in the air and everyone was riding!

To kick off the day, Slingshot and Best came together to host a 5th line kite clinic for free to those interested. Followed by a free BBQ put on by the Naish Nation Tour Bus crew, and a wave clinic to follow. After feeding the participants, Naish was able to get quite a few interested in the dry wave clinic – describing proper boards, kites, and techniques to help advance your skills in the surf.

Once everyone had something to eat, kites began popping up all over the South Flats. Best, Airush, RRD, Slingshot, Naish, Cabrinha, Blade, and others were all flying in the warm and shallow South Padre Island water conditions. Larger kites were still definitely in use, along with surfboards, skimboards, and twin-tips, but the sun was out and people were stoked to ride new equipment they had never tried before.

More clinics continued into the afternoon. Wainman Hawaii hosted a first jump clinic, and instructed a large group on the basics of kite jump control, body positioning and more. Later, Cabrinha kites gave tips and tricks for advanced riders in their advanced riding clinic as well.

Watch out for Cinco de Mayo tomorrow on Saturday, May 5th with a Slingshot BBQ, RRD Clinic, Best Downwinder, and Texas Hold ‘em Poker Night! Come out to the South Flats on South Padre Island to try out new kites for free!

 

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2012 SPI Kite Round-Up Day One

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Air Padre

Day 1 – Clear Skies, Warm Beaches, and Breezy Conditions for Equipment Demos on the South Flats of SPI

Cabrinha Kites for Demo on South PadreThursday, May 3rd, 2012 – Opening day of the 2012 SPI Kite Round-Up saw clear skies, warm beaches, and breezy conditions for demo area set up and registration. Starting at 9am, the SPI Kite Round-Up officially opened to the public. Most kiteboarding companies rolled into town the night before and began setting up their demo areas Thursday morning.

Light winds started off the event. Naish two-strut “Fly” and “Ride” kites and Alaia surfboards were the first to hit the water in the lightwind conditions -  followed closely by 15m and 17m Best Taboo TS kites. 9m and 7m Slingshot Fuels and Wainman Hawaii 9m Smoke kites were also used on the kite buggies screaming across the large sand flats as well.

Core kites were used for an impromptu reverse relaunch kite clinic as well as a bar juggling clinic put on by Jeff (owner of Air Padre). While Damien LeRoy from Cabrinha kites taught a beginner transitions, carving, and riding clinic. During that time Airush, RRD, and Mystic, and other companies set up for demos.

We are excited to see everyone out at the South Flats trying new gear out. The free event is going well, and we hope to see everyone out this weekend. remember T-Shirts are available for sale at the event site.

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Where to Rent Kayaks on South Padre Island

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Air Padre

Rent Kayaks from Air Padre 7 Days a Week – 9am – 5pm – 956-299-9463 – 5709a Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Tx

Rent Kayaks on South Padre Island at Air PadreSummer is quickly approaching, the kids are getting out of school, and the beach is warming up – vacation time on South Padre Island, Texas is about to start in full force. This year, if you are interested in renting kayaks or other water sports equipment, check out Air Padre!

Air Padre offers kayak rentals 7 days/week. Open 9am – 5pm, Air Padre has a great selection of bay-side and gulf-side specific kayaks. We are stocked with singles, tandems, triples, glass-bottom, fishing, and surf-specific kayaks for rent! No matter how many people are in your party, or what your preference in equipment is, we have you covered!

The Laguna Madre Bay is one of the best places to learn and participate in kayaking in the world. Shallow, clear, and warm water make for great times for the whole family. We provide all paddles and life-jackets so you can be safe and efficient in your adventures. Air Padre owns its own private boat docks and ramps to make getting the kayaks into the water easy and effortless. Stop by the shop or contact us next time you on South Padre Island to rent one of our numerous kayaks!

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South Padre Island Kayak Rentals

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Air Padre

Rent Single, Tandem, Triple, Surf, Fishing, and Glass Bottom Kayaks on South Padre Island – 956-299-9463

Kayak Rentals and Private Boat RampInterested in kayak rentals on South Padre Island? Air Padre is stocked with rental kayaks available year round. We know summer time on South Padre is one of the busier seasons, and also one of the best for kayaking. Lighter winds, sunny weather, and warm water make kayaking here some of the best in the nation!

We are located directly on Padre Boulevard with the best and easiest place to launch kayaks into the water. Our private boat ramp has direct access to the Laguna Madre, and our huge range of kayaks are positioned only feet away. No need to carry these kayaks far, we can help you put them right into the water.

Single, tandem, triple, fishing, surf, and glass-bottom kayaks are now ready to rent from Air Padre. Depending on the amount of people in your party, we can set up your your whole outfit. Paddles and life jackets are included in all kayak rentals.

Air Padre kite shop is located at 5709A Padre Blvd. 3 miles north of the Queen Isabella Causeway. 1/2 block past Morningside street light on the left side of Padre Blvd. You can reach us by phone at 956-299-9463. See map below for our exact location.

Air Padre Kiteboarding Shop – 5709A Padre Blvd. – 956-299-9463

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Other water sports rentals we offer include wakeboarding, surfboards, SUPs, kiteboards, skimboards and many other types of active water sports. Call us any day 9am – 5pm, and we will be glad to inform you of our availability and answer any questions you might have.

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Beware of Swimmers on Gulf-Side Downwinders

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Air Padre

Please Follow the Rules on Kitesurfing in the Gulf of Mexico to Preserve our Great Beach Access!

kitesurfing-in-the-gulf-of-mexicoThe team riders here at Air Padre Kiteboarding love riding downwind in the Gulf of Mexico as much as anyone (maybe even more), but we need to emphasize staying away from swimmers, body-boarders, surfers, fisherman and all other recreational visitors on South Padre. Just because we think kiteboarding is cool, they don’t necessarily share the same attitude. If we want our beaches to stay safe, accessible, and tolerant of kitesurfing, then we must get together to police our fellow kiters and teach them the common considerations of Gulf-side riding.

Rule #1 – Never kite within two line lengths of swimmers.

We have had multiple complaints of kiteboarders “slaloming” swimmers in the Gulf. This is a ridiculous situation that should never happen. Give the residents and tourists of the beaches their respective space, and stay out the first two sand bar breaks where you will find most swimmers, bathers, boogie-boarders, fisherman, and families. They don’t know the danger that you are putting them in. Imagine your outside steering line breaks…we don’t care how good you think you are, you will not be able to control your kite jeopardizing the lives of innocent and unaware civilians. Getting close to swimmers in the water is inexcusable, and we will confront you if we see you doing it.

Rule #2 – Don’t expect people on the beach to know what to do.

We get a lot of complaints from kiters stating that the families were walking across their lines, and getting in their way on kite launches, etc. We would like to stress that this is in no way the beach-goers fault. You – as the kiter – are responsible for all safety precautions. Of course they don’t know what they are doing, otherwise they’d be telling you that you are launching in too crowded of an area and aren’t being a respectful person to their beach space. Please head downwind of beach crowds. Make sure you have at least two kite lengths free of people on both sides of you when launching your kite on the beach.

Rule #3 – Speak and act respectfully to all beach goers

Please act respectfully to other people enjoying the beach, the fire rescue, beach patrol, turtle patrol, policemen, and other residents of South Padre Island. Do your part to be a stand-up citizen and help protect our ocean-side access by thinking before you act. Make sure the conditions are appropriate and your equipment is safe before you head out. Respect other people in all circumstances.

Rule #4 – You must be proficient kiteboarder with excellent kite control
Rule #5 – You must be able to ride upwind, toe-side, toe-side turns, jump, jibe, and tack
Rule #6 – You must be able to self rescue in heavy surf conditions
Rule #7 – Wear a safety leash attached to a one-line or full depower point on your kite bar
Rule #8 – You must be able to self land/ self launch
Rule #9 – Launch and go. Don’t fly kites on land, or jump on the beaches
Rule #10 – No jumps within 200 feet of the beach
Rule #11 – Wear a kite knife
Rule #12 – Bring a Friend
Rule #13 – Tell people that you are going and when to expect your return
Rule #14 – Avoid the guided horse trips on the beach at all costs (they get spooked by kites flying, and the sound of kites being deflated). Give them several hundred yards of space.
Rule #15 – Suggestions welcome for others!

TIPS:

  1. Test all safeties and quick release before launching
  2. Launch and land at the water’s edge
  3. Don’t kite farther from shore than you are willing to swim
  4. Be weary of tides and rip currents
  5. Ride within your limits
  6. Purchase life vest, helmet, kite knife, go-joe to be prepared

Common Launches:

  1. North Pavilion at Isla Blanca County Park – $4 entrance fee
  2. City beach access #1 – Padre South
  3. County beach access #3

Common Places to Land: (Launches in north winds)

  1. North of Inverness condos
  2. South or North of La Quinta
  3. South of Access #5
  4. Access #6
  5. End of Road

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our beloved kite spot on the Gulf of Mexico on South Padre Island. We look forward to seeing you riding effortlessly in the wind and waves in the unbelievable conditions we intend on protecting here.

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New Best Lightwind Kiteboard for 2012

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Air Padre

2012 Best Breeze Light Wind Kiteboard is made for Ultra Light Winds and Heavy Riders’ Twin Tips

2012 Best Lightwind KiteboardBest Kiteboarding is coming out with a new lightwind kiteboard for 2012. The Breeze Kiteboard is the latest board from Best, and they say it will be specifically designed for lightwinds and heavy riders.

The board will come in two sizes: the 145cm and 148cm. It has double concave with step rails, wood core, and endless durability.

Stay tuned for more riding shots from this board and the ability to buy it online!

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