wildcat Park / Texas / United States

Wildcat Park is how it is known to the kitesurfers who come here, but its official name is Violet Andrews Park. It is suitable for all levels of kiting experience and is known for its relaxed, friendly nature – help other launch their kites and they’ll do the same for you.

You will need to take a short drive here from downtown Corpus Christi, but there is plenty of parking available in the nearby area. You’ll have to walk for about 15-20 minutes from the parking area to the rigging area though. No actual beach here, but there is a grassy area where you can sort out your rigging. Keep to the lower part of the slope, as uphill is the rest area.

The best time for the onshore wind here is April – July, when you’ll get the best south east direction for about 5 days in 7. The wind speed will average about 15-20mph then, especially in the late afternoon when the thermals pick up. The water is very shallow here, sometimes just inches up to about 100m from shore unless you are going in at high tide. Waves aren’t much to write home about, less than 1m at most, and it is usually just a little choppy. Hot in summer, you’ll get by wearing shorts. It is cooler in winter, but even then you’ll only need a normal wetsuit.

There is a fresh water shower and a gazebo for shade in the launching area. Go into Corpus Christie for a choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainments that are focused on the tourist industry.

There are rocks and sharp mussels in front of the main shoreline, avoid them by going off to the left and launching from there.