Matheson Hammock Park
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Matheson Hammock Park is a small, flat-water kiteboarding location with clean conditions and a shallow, pond-like feel, making it a strong choice for progression in the winter-to-spring wind window. Winds most often come from ENE through SSE, aligning with the park’s typical launch orientation and the reported flat-water character. Conditions are generally described as shallow and flat, but the near-shore area includes hazards such as rocks and other obstacles. Mangroves and nearby vegetation can create very localized turbulence or wind shadow effects close to shore, and the shallow flats mean riders may need additional care when starting and exiting—particularly for foiling where sufficient depth must be found farther out. Access is heavily tied to county/operator permitting and can be strictly enforced. Requirements can include designated launch areas and proof/certification and/or a day pass/season pass fee depending on the current enforcement. Reports also indicate temporary shutdowns during permit/operator transitions, so it’s important to verify the latest status before planning a session. For safety, prioritize booties/foot protection for near-shore rocks and be cautious around animals that can enter shallow water. Lifeguard coverage is reported as seasonal, and dedicated on-water rescue service is not indicated; plan to ride within your limits and be prepared for standard emergency response via local services.
- Flat, shallow, clean water with pond-like riding conditions
- Strong winter window with ENE–SSE winds and steadier cold-front periods
- On-site amenities (showers/toilets/food) and regulated launch access
- Near-shore hazards and turbulence close to mangroves require careful launch planning
- Flat, shallow, clean water with sheltered/pond-like conditions that support progression and freestyle/freeride riding.
- Favorable wind directions in winter (ENE through SSE) with generally steady conditions.
- On-site amenities such as showers/toilets and food options.
- In winter cold fronts, wind reliability improves.
- Very shallow water and near-shore rocks/mangrove/grass make setup and walking-launch logistics important.
- Access can be strictly regulated and may be temporarily suspended during operator/permit changes.
- Near-shore obstacles can create turbulence/shadow effects close to the launch.
- Crowding can occur on windy weekends/holidays.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Winter cold fronts provide the best wind; winds are generally ENE through SSE.
- Reliability
- moderate - winter cold fronts provide best conditions
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady/consistent.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow
- Beach
- Sand — Some sources describe sand; others describe a mixed sand/mud/seagrass bottom. Treat as mixed near-shore.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — Flat water/wave conditions reported.
- Launch
- Big — Large shallow pond-like launch area with a gentle slope; some sources describe a small sandy launch surrounded by mangroves/rocks.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Reported as easy overall for the kitesurf/water-entry setup, though shallow near-shore sections can require walking carefully.
Through the year
Can be very crowded on windy weekends and holidays.
June to November (hurricane season; frequent summer thunderstorms).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat, shallow, pond-like water with a small beach/launch area suited to progression; tight/technical launching is noted and the bottom is shallow with near-shore hazards.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Flat-water freeride/foil is possible, but the very shallow near-shore sections can require walking out to deeper water.
Possible for foil practice, but shallow flats make it challenging; riders may need to walk out to find sufficient depth.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Reported as limited due to extensive shallow flats.
- Min Depth
- Requires walking from the immediate launch/shallow flats to reach sufficient depth for longer masts.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Matheson Hammock Park in the full forecast view.
Matheson Hammock Park wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–15 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- NNE30°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2615 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.5 m6s period
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Matheson Hammock Park is forecast for daytime winds of 6–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.1–0.5 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- animals
- rocks
- st ingrays
- mangroves
- seagrass
- boat traffic in nearby channels
- shallow water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are reported as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Dedicated on-water kite rescue service is not indicated; regional emergency services respond.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Coral Gables; emergency response is via 911.
Rules of the spot
Strictly regulated access/operation at the park; certification and/or a pass/fee may be required depending on the current operator and enforcement. Designated launch areas and permit rules apply.
- Access requires compliance with current county/operator permit rules.
- Kiteboarding may be prohibited or restricted in certain zones; ride within designated launch areas.
- Temporary shutdowns or access suspension have been reported during permit/operator transitions.
- Watch for rocks right at the entrance to the water.
- Mangroves and other near-shore obstacles can create turbulence—plan your approach and exit.
- Wear booties to protect against rocks and occasional sea urchins.
- When walking out over shallow areas, shuffle your feet to reduce stingray risk.
- Check the current access/operator status before visiting; some periods may involve temporary shutdowns or permit changes.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Coral Gables
- Nearest Town
- Miami
- Nearest Airport
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Parking
- Parking available within the park near the kite launch.
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus service; regional transit options available in nearby Miami/Coral Gables.
- Access
- Drive US1 to Le Jeune (42nd Ave), turn south to Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables. After Gables Estates entrance, follow signs for Matheson Hammock Park; go to the end of the road. Parking is available at the park.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and accommodations in Coral Gables and the broader Miami area.
- Food & Drink
- On-site restaurant and snack/food options.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available via authorized schools operating at the park.
- Gear Storage
- No public storage lockers are reported.
- Gear Repair
- Repair services are available through shops in the greater Miami area (not necessarily on-site).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Matheson Hammock Park?
The best overall months at Matheson Hammock Park are January, February, March, April, May, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Matheson Hammock Park?
Matheson Hammock Park works with ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Matheson Hammock Park?
Recommended equipment sizes at Matheson Hammock Park: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Matheson Hammock Park suitable for?
Matheson Hammock Park suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner.