Launch Site Considerations

"Knowing the wind direction is the first thing you need to know when considering a launch site."

"Downwind" obstacles are the greatest concern.  You want as much space "downwind" of you as possible.  At least 3 times the length of you lines is pretty good.  More "downwind" space is better; less is riskier.  Consider where you will end of if you make a mistake or if your equipment fails.  When you look "downwind," is there land there or is there open ocean?  Generally, the safest direction for the wind to be blowing is what is called "side onshore," meaning that the wind is blowing on to the shore at an angle.  "sideshore" is when the wind is blowing parallel to the shore.  "Offshore" winds are when the wind is blowing any direction out in to the water, which you don't ever want to go riding in.
You also want to make sure you don't have many large obstacles "upwind" of where you will be riding.  "upwind" obstacles will chop the wind up, make it gusty, cause up and down drafts, and overall, just make your kiteboarding experience more difficult and dangerous.

Make sure you think about future obstacles.  Just because there aren't any obstacles that you see now, doesn't necessarily mean you will have the same conditions an hour from now.  Maybe as the day progresses, the beach you selected as your launch site will be filled with beach goers.  When you are done riding, your great launch site my become a very risky landing site for you and others.  Think ahead, common sense, kiteboard.