Ideal learning conditions include warm, flat and shallow water coupled with consistent wind. Being able to stand up after a gulp of water or a head first plunge is not only convenient but comforting. Having a boat right there where you need it saves time, as beginner will end kite surfing lesson far down wind from where he or she started.

Taking lessons with a qualified instructor is a must. The best thing to do first is to buy or rent a trainer kite, and watch an instructional video to get basics down. Next, is first three hour kiteboarding lesson, in which you will learn safety issues and systems, setup of kite, launching and landing, wind window and power stokes, water re-launching and body dragging. From there you can continue with lessons or go practice on your own. The cost of equipment has come down over years; a beginner setup will run $1000-$1500 for everything. Unlike many sports, such as snow Skiing, kiteboarding is not something you should expect to be able to learn in an afternoon. Once you get it, you'll be hooked.

Captain Jeff Hoxtell Air Padre Kiteboarding 5709 A Padre Blvd. South Padre Island 956-299-9463 www.airpadrekiteboarding.com

Another great image which divers can enjoy while diving into Dolphin Reef waters is one given by dolphins playing and socializing with visitors. Sometimes, most bold dolphins would approach visitors so much as to allow them touch them and play with them. Besides this, many families of dolphins can be seen in groups, interacting with each other as well as taking care of tasks such as hunting, courting and playing with each other.

Divers who visit Dolphin Reef have chance to approach dolphins in a different way. These dolphins would not approach to divers or socialize with them due to being trained for it but by wishing to do it. This way, visitors can experience way in which dolphins like to meet people and interact and this way see how naturally friendly they are without need of being trained or in a special habitat.