Kitesurf Travel Guide: Gulfport, Mississippi

Ask most kiteboarders to name a Gulf Coast destination and you will hear South Padre or Destin. Few mention the stretch of Mississippi Sound running past Gulfport and Long Beach, where a line of barrier islands tames the open Gulf into shallow, approachable water and a strong sea breeze does the rest. It is not a postcard kite destination, but it is a genuinely good one, and it is nearly empty.

Why Gulfport?

Gulfport sits on the Mississippi Sound, the stretch of water trapped between the mainland and barrier islands like Ship Island and Horn Island a few miles offshore. Those islands knock down the open Gulf swell before it arrives, leaving flat to small chop close to shore.

→ The coast here catches a dependable southeast wind, strongest through spring and again during the fall and winter frontal season, when cold fronts push through every few days.

↳ Because the water stays shallow for a long way out, the sound is unusually forgiving for riders still working on their upwind riding or their first water starts.

Mississippi rarely shows up in a conversation about American kite spots, which keeps the lineup here close to just a handful of local riders rather than a crowd competing for space.

Getting There and Getting Around

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is an easy fly in, drive the rest of the way kind of trip.

Fly into Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), about 18 minutes from Long Beach and a similar drive from the main Gulfport kite spots.
→ The main launch sits near Kelly Avenue, about 1.5 miles south of Highway 90, reached easily from I-10 exit 34A.
↳ Parking is informal, in pull off bays along the highway, with a short walk to the water. A car is the only practical way to get around and to chase wind up and down the coast between Gulfport, Long Beach and Pass Christian.

The coast road (Highway 90) runs right along the water for miles, so scouting conditions at a few different spots before rigging up is simple and quick.

When to Kitesurf

The most reliable wind window runs January through April and October through December, when cold fronts move through the Gulf South every few days and push wind from the southeast and other directions behind them. Spring is generally considered the most consistent stretch. Summer still produces rideable afternoons on a strong sea breeze, with bigger kites in the 16 to 20 meter range suited to the lighter, more thermal driven wind, while fall and winter frontal wind tends to favor smaller kites around 12 meters.

Safety notes: The water near the main Kelly Avenue launch runs only 3 to 4 feet deep for roughly 150 to 200 yards before dropping off past 6 feet, so check your gear and your depth before committing to a jump. A wave breaker and jetty sit to the west of the main launch and should be avoided. Storm debris remains on the bottom in places along this coast, so booties are worth wearing even in warm water. As with any Gulf Coast spot, check marine forecasts for squalls during the warmer months, when thunderstorms can build quickly.

Kitesurf Spots

Kelly Avenue, Gulfport: The main local launch, a short walk from highway side parking.
Water: Shallow and choppy close to shore with small wind swell, 3 to 4 feet deep for 150 to 200 yards before it drops off.
Level: Beginner to advanced, depending on wind strength and direction.
Long Beach waterfront: A quieter stretch of the sound a short drive west of Gulfport, used as an alternative when Kelly Avenue is crowded or the angle is wrong.
Water: Shallow sound water, generally flatter close to the barrier islands.
Level: Beginner to intermediate.
Pass Christian and Henderson Point: Further west along the coast, popular with local riders chasing a slightly different wind angle.
Water: Shallow sound water, similar character to Gulfport.
Level: Intermediate.

Gulfport Boardsports, with locations in Gulfport and Ocean Springs, teaches lessons for everyone from teenagers to riders well into their seventies, and is the easiest way to get a first session in without guessing at the local wind pattern.

Where to Stay

→ Long Beach and Gulfport have the coast's main concentration of hotels, most of them a short drive from the water.

Budget ($)

Chain hotels near Gulfport-Biloxi Airport
A handful of budget and midscale chains cluster near the airport, convenient for an early flight out after a last session.

Mid-Range ($$)

Hilton Garden Inn and similar properties, Gulfport
Comfortable, reliable options close to Highway 90 and the main kite launches.

Luxury ($$$)

The Inn at Long Beach, 300 West Beach Blvd, Long Beach
A beachfront hotel on the sound, putting you within a short drive of every spot along this stretch of coast.

Food and Drink

Half Shell Oyster House:
→ Fresh local oysters, Oyster Bienville and Oyster Rockefeller, plus Royal Red shrimp straight from Gulf waters.
Steve Marina's Restaurant:
↳ Creole and Cajun cooking, with a seafood gumbo built from fresh local ingredients.
LiL' Ray's PoBoys and Seafood:
A family run spot of more than 44 years, serving New Orleans style po'boys, red beans and made from scratch tuna dip.

Photographing Gulfport (Surf Snaps)

Flat sound water, warm light and a line of barrier islands on the horizon make Gulfport an easy place to get a clean shot without fighting big surf or crowds. If you shoot a session on this stretch of coast, upload the gallery to Surf Snaps, where you keep copyright and set your own price, with no listing fee or subscription to worry about. Riders can then browse Surf Snaps by sport, place and date to find their session, starting from $8 with no account needed just to look. Check our kitesurfing photography tips for shooting flat water sessions like these.

FAQ

Is Gulfport, Mississippi good for beginner kiteboarders?
Yes. The water near the main launch stays shallow for a long way out, which makes it forgiving for riders still working on the basics, and local lessons are available through Gulfport Boardsports.

When is the best time to kite at Gulfport?
January through April and October through December bring the most consistent wind, driven by cold fronts moving through every few days, with spring generally considered the most reliable stretch.

What hazards should I know about at Gulfport?
Shallow water close to the main launch, a jetty to the west that should be avoided, storm debris on the bottom in places, and fast building Gulf thunderstorms in the warmer months.

How do I get to Gulfport?
Fly into Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), then drive Highway 90 or I-10 to the Kelly Avenue launch, about 1.5 miles south of Highway 90 near exit 34A.

How can I get photos of my session at Gulfport?
Search Surf Snaps by spot and date for a gallery from your session, or upload your own if you were shooting.