Overview

Founders Park is an excellent kitesurfing spot located in Islamorada in the Upper Keys, on the bay side (Florida Bay). This community park offers access to shallow, flat water ideal for learning and progression. The easterly trade winds blow side-shore across the bay, creating perfect flat water conditions. The spot is very popular with local kite schools thanks to its shallow sandy bottom. Islamorada, self-proclaimed "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," offers a laid-back atmosphere typical of the Keys with numerous restaurants and accommodations.

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Spot forecast for Founders Park

Sunrise 07:23 · Sunset 18:51

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

Swell and waves

Swell and tides over 8 days. Premium members see the swell and tides over 8 days. Without a subscription: 5 days.

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Wave height: < 0.5 m 0.5–1 m 1–2 m 2–3 m ≥ 3 m

Swell data by Open-Meteo Marine

Tides

Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 2.8 km from the spot.

Monday 19 October High tide 03:11 · 0.7 m Low tide 10:01 · 0.3 m High tide 16:15 · 0.7 m Low tide 22:05 · 0.4 m
Tuesday 20 October High tide 04:20 · 0.7 m Low tide 10:54 · 0.3 m High tide 17:12 · 0.7 m Low tide 23:02 · 0.4 m
Wednesday 21 October High tide 05:23 · 0.8 m Low tide 11:43 · 0.3 m High tide 17:56 · 0.7 m Low tide 23:55 · 0.3 m
Thursday 22 October High tide 06:16 · 0.8 m Low tide 12:28 · 0.3 m High tide 18:36 · 0.8 m
Friday 23 October Low tide 00:45 · 0.3 m High tide 07:04 · 0.8 m Low tide 13:10 · 0.3 m High tide 19:14 · 0.8 m

Founders Park: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

297h

in March · 29.5 rideable days

The spot works year-round: 28 rideable days a month on average, at 26 °C. It peaks in March, with 297 hours of usable wind.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 60%13-20 knots · 37%21-30 knots · 3%31+ knots · under 1%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 60% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at 20 °C. The wettest month is June, with 290 mm.

Monthly averages: Founders Park

Monthly averages — Founders Park — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	28.5	261 h	20 °C	30 mm
February	27.0	248 h	22 °C	115 mm
March	29.5	297 h	24 °C	131 mm
April	28.5	358 h	25 °C	9 mm
May	28.5	327 h	28 °C	34 mm
June	29.0	370 h	29 °C	290 mm
July	29.5	359 h	30 °C	113 mm
August	26.5	260 h	30 °C	268 mm
September	23.5	218 h	30 °C	278 mm
October	29.0	332 h	27 °C	150 mm
November	26.5	302 h	25 °C	28 mm
December	27.5	281 h	22 °C	85 mm

Photo gallery of Founders Park

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Technical details of Founders Park spot

The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, NW, NNW.

Rideable Not rideable

Spot opening date · Required level

Spot opening date: Open all year round
Required level: Beginner

On the water

The bay side water body offers exceptional flat water conditions with a sandy and seagrass bottom. Depth varies from 1 to 3 feet depending on the tide, allowing easy recovery after falls. In trade winds, the water is perfectly flat and crystal clear. The riding area extends widely into Florida Bay, offering an immense space to ride. The water is warm year-round (75-86°F). Ideal for foiling thanks to the ultra-flat conditions.

Hazards

Watch for stingrays hidden in seagrass — shuffle your feet when walking in the water (stingray shuffle). Tidal currents can be present in the bay. At low tide, some areas become too shallow to ride — check tide schedules before your session. Parking at the park is paid. Respect swimming zones and park rules.

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Additional stations

Gimpy0.2 km

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source weathercloud
EW9599 Lower Matecumbe FL US20.2 km

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source madis - NOAA

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Webcams near Founders Park

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Nearby spots

All spots: Florida

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Founders Park kitesurf and wingfoil spot