Kitesurfing in Mississippi Sound

Yesterday a storm blew in--nothing like other parts of the country are getting, but the wind came up.  Around here when the wind comes up the kitesurfers come out.  There were three fellows just off the beach in front of our house, so we went out to watch.

Waters in Mississippi sound are shallow and winds kick up a chop--no deep rolling waves.

It turns out that the idea of kitesurfing or kiteboarding has been around since 1800, but wasn't refined to the current sport with high-tech gear and equipment until the late 1990's. Outfitting yourself can cost $3000--a notch up from boogie boarding!

Getting the equipment reeled in requires buddies, it seems.

This fellow's kite took off across the street, heading towards the huge live oaks that line Beach Rd. Stopping was a challenge, especially considering his bare feet. It was dicey for a moment--he could been pulled right out into traffic.

It all worked out in the end!