South Padre Island Overview
Photo: Copyright R.Stockton Photos, Aerial photo taken after HurricaneGeorge 9-27-98 www.SouthPadrePhotos.com
This image is a nice aerial of the island. You are looking north down the island. Queen Isabela causeway that crosses the Laguna Madre from the mainland (Port Isabel) can be seen in the left mid-side of the photo. The north flats sailing area is about 6 miles North from the causeway and is not clearly visible on this photo but is shown below in a separate photo. The north flats are wide open, and well past the high rise buildings.
The gulf waves are on the lower right and you can see the jetty as it runs out of the frame on the right. You can see the flatter water of the shipping channel right below it and across the channel is Barracuda cove.
The surf launch is located in Isla Blanca park between the jetty and the first pavilion (dark spot along the beach up from the jetty) The Park extends down to a second pavilion a little further down. During peak beach goer season either launch at the second pavilion or avoid the jetty area altogether.
The ‘jetty’ is good in south winds and the put-in for down winders along the beach. A $4 taxi ride will get you back. It is gusty if the surf water temp is low and air temp is high. Early morning and evening can actually be the best. This is ‘the’ beach so be very respectful of other beach goers. We don’t want to loose access to this killer wave spot. Any kiters seen acting stupid will have their lines cut.
The large parking lot to the left of the beach is the RV Park. It is Texas Big and right by the ‘jetty. Out of the frame to the south (bottom) is another jetty (on the other side of the channel) that works in North winds but is a long 60-minute drive around. The locals will know when to make the trip to Boca Chica.
Another spot is Holly Beach, which is on the mainland and just north of Laguna Vista. Go thru town and when you get to the end of the golf community look for a gravel (dirt) road. Don’t go if it looks muddy. Good in light east to southeast due to a thermal boost from the hotter temps inland. You can see the thermal cumulus forming from the island and get recorded wind readings from the Cameron County Airport 956 233 5740. Much better if the wind is too offshore at the ‘Flats.’ This place is suuuuuper steady and flat when it is working.
