With plenty of wind, waves and sunny weather, California makes a great kite surfing destination. This rapidly growing sport, also called kite boarding, is huge throughout the state, especially along the Central Coast and San Francisco.

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With plenty of wind, waves and sunny weather, California makes a great kite surfing destination. This rapidly growing sport, also called kite boarding, is huge throughout the state, especially along the Central Coast and San Francisco. When kite surfing San Diego beaches, there's probably no better place than Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado, just an 8-mile drive from the tropical winds of Baja, Mexico. In Southern California, the kite surfing season runs from June to September. And all you need is an open body of water and a steady sideshore or onshore wind of approximately 12-24 mph to take flight. Belmont Shores in Long Beach is the most popular destination in L.A., with winds perfect for beginning surfers. More advanced kite surfing is found at Sunset Beach, Seal Beach and Leo Carillo State Beach, near Malibu. When you're ready to learn how to kite surf, head to Enchanted Cove in Mission Bay, San Diego. Two of the most popular companies for kite board lessons are Manta Wind & Water Sports and West Coast Kiteboarding. It takes about 4-6 hours to learn the basics. And though there is a very steep learning curve, once you get it, you'll be hooked. I'm Veronica Hill and that's you're California Travel Tip. MANTA Wind & Water Sports 858-270-7222 www.mantawatersports.com West Coast Kiteboarding 619-813-2230 www.westcoastkiteboarding.com Southern California Kitesurfing Beaches Belmont Shores Dockweiller Beach Huntington Beach Leo Cabrillo State Beach, Malibu Manhattan Beach Mission Bay (San Diego) Newport Beach Rat Beach (Torrance) Seal Beach Silver Strand (Coronado) Surfside Sunset Beach Ventura Will Rogers