Between months of April and October is when divers would find best time for going to Scapa Flow and enjoy best water temperature. During these months, temperature of water ranges between 12ºC and 18ºC. In winter time, such as month of February, water temperatures might be of around 9ºC.

Underwater visibility is better during winter time, from December to March. During summer season, divers might have a visibility of between 12 and 20 m or 39 to 66 feet, and at some points it might be of 10 m or 25 ft. Natural illumination is much better during summer than in winter since sunlight rays come directly into water and highly improve wreck visibility divers might have, which during winter is much lower.

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