26.16 | -97.18
North Flats is a legendary kitesurf spot on the Laguna Madre, the bay side of South Padre Island. This ultra-shallow flats area is one of the best flat water spots in the world. The Laguna Madre, a unique hypersaline lagoon, offers hard sand bottoms with often only 6-12 inches of water, allowing you to walk everywhere. The dominant southeast wind blows consistently, especially from March to September. This is a freestyle and learning paradise.
Open all year round
Beginner
Ultra-shallow Laguna Madre water, often less than 12 inches deep. Hard sand bottom, you can stand everywhere. Perfectly flat water, no waves or swell. Hypersaline water (saltier than the ocean), warm year-round (75-90°F in summer). Ideal conditions for freestyle, wakestyle, and learning. The SE thermal wind strengthens in the afternoon.
Stingrays buried in the sand — always shuffle your feet when walking (stingray shuffle). Very intense sun, sunscreen essential. Rapid dehydration due to heat and salt. Little shade available. Remote from rescue services. Wind can drop suddenly in late afternoon, making the return difficult in shallow water.
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