Additionally, as Coronado is actually a sand spit formed by Point Loma, the beach itself faces more to the South. With this, the general WNW winds Silver Strand State Beach gets, are mostly side shore here, which most kiteboarders tend to prefer.
However, there are some challenges.
Coronado is a bustling tourist destination, with active military bases bordering the beach to the north and south. The beach itself is not very big and tends to be very crowded, making it a challenge to rig up at times. Care must be taken, and if its too crowded, riding may not even be an option due to no space to rig. Depending upon wind conditions, the condominium towers can affect the wind flow, sometimes creating strange "rotors" without warning, even over the water while riding, so use caution. If the wind direction goes too North, the towers will block the wind.
Technically, kiteboarding would not even be allowed at this beach due to the flight line of the Naval Air Station (to the north) being directly over the riding area. We all know that kiteboarding does not pose any threat to aircraft or airports, even if close. And at this location, the condominium towers themselves are also in the flight line and multiple times higher than our kites ever get. But its still a technicality we don't want anyone to enforce. The local lifeguards have been very lenient with kiteboarders riding here, and the locals and tourists tend to love watching them.
The Navy Seal Base to the south has a guard on duty 24/7 and no longer allows civilians on the beach (though the water is still fair use), as the Navy Seals practice their maneuvers here. Occasionally, they will even be in the water. It is possible to walk in the water in this area in case of a breakdown, but try to keep this to a minimum and stay off the dry portion of the beach. These rules did not exist prior to 9/11/2001.
Though not an official rule, kiteboarding is not "allowed" north of the jetty at the Hotel Del. There is a huge soft beach here, but don't be tempted. We don't want to create any issues with the Naval Air Station, nor with the beachgoers or lifeguards.
Water Surface Conditions: Being somewhat shadowed by Point Loma, the surf tends to be slightly smaller here, and with the wind being more side shore, there tends to be less chop. But there can also be less wind.
There is also a bay side to Coronado, but nearly all wind directions are blocked by buildings and/or trees. Additionally, there is no "open" location to rig up due to trees, piers, boat docks, boats, and crowds. No one has ridden here that I know of, nor would they want to. My recommendation is don't.
With all the constraints, Coronado is a technical spot; all conditions need to come together to make it a great riding spot. Otherwise, Silver Strand State Beach tends to be the better (and safer) choice.
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