Matheson Hammock Park

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing foilKitesurfing freestyleWingfoil freerideWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing foilBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
21–30 °C
Water Temperature
18–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 3/2mm full suit or shortyApr–Nov: Rash guard or 1mm top
Crowds by Season

Can be very crowded on windy weekends and holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

June to November (hurricane season; frequent summer thunderstorms).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

FreerideWaveFoilFreestyle
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Flat-water freeride/foil is possible, but the very shallow near-shore sections can require walking out to deeper water.

FreerideFoil
WingfoilingSkill Level

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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • 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.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Picnic area
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).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.