Kite boarding on Lake Michigan dependent on ideal weather

KENOSHA -- Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable, but some unique athletes in Wisconsin rely on ideal weather conditions to enjoy their sport. A group of "kite boarders" in Kenosha can spend more time waiting for the perfect day, than they actually spend on the water!

Before they suit up and ride the waves, kite boarders Brian Erwin and James Longo must first surf the web, making sure conditions are ideal to take to the water. They have to keep a close eye on southeastern Wisconsin weather patterns -- especially the wind. Without help from the wind, they'll never get off the ground.

Kite boarding, or kite surfing is pretty popular in other parts of the country like Florida, Hawaii and California, but every once in awhile, the Wisconsin winds will whip up enough to create ideal conditions, and send Erwin and Longo sprinting to the shore.

"There's nothing like it in the world. You get the speed on the water -- jumping off into the water. It's kinda relaxing. The adrenaline rush, the freedom -- just to be out here. You're on something that's completely wind driven. It's a lot of fun,"

There are about a dozen kite boarding regulars in Kenosha and while there are decent spots up and down the shoreline, Alford Beach is a popular destination because there are no restrictions, meaning guys can come and go as they please, so long as the conditions are right.

"Anywhere over 15 miles per hour is good. I like over 20," Longo said.

Kite boarding can be an expensive hobby. There are different sized kites and different sized boards, all depending upon the athlete's body and the weather. Longo estimates a $4,000 to $5,000 shopping spree just to get started.

"A couple kites and a couple boards, a wetsuit, booties, all the miscellaneous stuff you need. Once you have all your equipment though, it's free to go," Longo said.

It makes for a spectacular sight, but like anything, riders must respect the elements, otherwise things can get dangerous.

"It can be if you don't know what you're doing and you don't learn properly. It really does help to take a lesson to know what you're doing. The kites can really throw you - pick you up off the water as high as your ability allows you to," Longo said.

Longo says he and all his friends have been dragged down the beach by a runaway kite, but the more they get out, the better they get. Though sporadic, they can kite board in Kenosha from spring through November.

"I wish we were somewhere where it was a little more predictable. It kinda stinks when you're looking at the future wind reports and a day looks good and you're all set and the whole day fizzles out. You're like, now what?"

It's the unpredictability that makes them appreciate the good days even more, and as long as there's water and the right amount of wind, they'll be ditching their day jobs and trading their computers for their kites.

"Whenever you see the wind, you don't want to do anything else,"

In addition to Lake Michigan, you can find kite boarders riding the waves at Lake Muskego, Silver Lake and Lake Winnebago.