Kiteboarding is the newest way to enjoy the weather and water in Key West. Way cooler and more exciting than stand up paddle boarding, kiteboarding is an awesome new challenge for those who love being on the water. If you’re an angler or spearfishing person, kiteboarding in Key West is perfect on days when it’s too windy to go out to the reef.

Kiteboarding looks difficult, no doubt about it.  The kites can pull you across the water at 20 mph, and the jumps some of those guys do are pretty impressive.  But it’s actually much easier than it looks.  You don’t have to be made of muscle to control the kite.  Actually, your body weight does most of the work if you have proper form and technique.  By strapping a harness to your waist, which latches onto the control bar, you can lean into the weight of the kite and take a load off your arms.  This way, you can kiteboard around all day without your arms giving out.

Kiteboarding lessons will sometimes start out on the beach, just flying the kite so you learn not to just use your arms to control the kite.  Your core does most of the work.   And kiteboarding in Key West is done in waist-high waters on the Gulf side, where seas are less choppy, even if it’s really windy outside.   The scariest thing will be oversteering and becoming a human skipping stone.  And the most challenging thing physically is getting the kite back up after you’ve fallen down.  What’s not to love?

Check out the bubbles this buy made using only two sticks and a rope or net. The bubbles are gorgeous, especially highlighted by the beautiful setting sun.

Fantasy Fest always brings out the best mixture of creativity and daring when it comes to costumes, and Fantasy Fest 2009 was no exception. See some of the most outlandish costumes, body paint, headdresses, and more in our Fantasy Fest 2009 Photos.