Kite surfers brave gusty Gulf winds as cold front hits Sanibel

SANIBEL, Fla. — The Gulf is alive with wind and waves this afternoon as a cold front moves through Southwest Florida, and the action isn’t happening on shore. Along the Sanibel Causeway, kite surfers are taking full advantage of the gusty conditions, soaring high above the water and catching big jumps.

For most people, the strong winds are a reason to stay off the beach — but for experienced kite surfers, it’s exactly what they’re waiting for.

“The stronger the wind, the better,” said Steven Futo, a longtime kite surfer. “Using one of the forces of nature, the wind — no engines, no interference with nature — just harnessing the wind and riding the waves on the water. This is ultimate free time.”

Futo, who first tried kite surfing more than 20 years ago, said he looks forward to days like this all week. “Now that I’m done, I feel pretty good. Ready to go home, take a hot shower and enjoy the weekend,” he said.

72-year-old Kim Eastman, who took up kite surfing after years of windsurfing, said the jumps are his favorite part. “Doing the jumps, getting up, up high in the air. It’s fun,” he said. Eastman added that he dresses in a warm wetsuit with a hood, gloves, and boots to handle the chill, which he doesn’t mind at all.

Roy Massey, another local surfer, said the wind and cold are a trade-off for the thrill of kite surfing. “It’s one of those things where you’re having fun, but you’re freezing,” he said. “You either tolerate it, or you don’t. Some people stay out of it, but you’re missing out on all the wind. That’s why I do it.”

Temperatures Saturday topped out in the low 60s under mostly cloudy skies, and with the cold front moving through, gusts were stronger than usual for the area. Experienced surfers say this combination of wind and waves makes the water ideal for kite surfing, even if it’s chilly on shore.

Some kite surfers come fully prepared with wetsuits, hoods, gloves, and boots, while others are less concerned about the cold, embracing the thrill and the challenge. “Once you get out there and start working, your body heat really kicks in,” Massey said.

After hours of battling the wind and waves, surfers eventually packed up, ready to enjoy the rest of the weekend.

These conditions are only safe for experienced kite surfers. For everyone else, it’s best to watch the action from the shore.