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Spot near miami?

Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:14 pm
by jats2k9
does anyone know a kitesurf spot in Miami? I've heard that Key Biscayne is full of requirements. I'm looking for one with the least posible restrictions.

Re: Spot near miami?

Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 9:50 pm
by Toby
check on www.splocs.com there are many listed.

Re: Spot near miami?

Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 12:03 am
by dawind
checkout http://localkitespots.com or ikitesurf.com

Re: Spot near miami?

Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 6:03 am
by Eduardo
hopefully a local can comment but if I remember Crandon has some rules (like insurance requirement or ...) and I think Islamorada had fees but no special restrictions. I'll be there soon on business so can update then - just one free afternoon though so I'll need some luck...

If you ask because you're a beginner then I know there is an awesome boat service in Miami (last I heard of it was a couple years ago but hopefully they are still there). If you ask because you just hate restrictions then you're probably visiting the wrong state!

Re: Spot near miami?

Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 1:04 pm
by K8boarder
Crandon on Key Biscayne has alot of restrictions including a membership fee and now you can only ride when the life guards are on duty so you cannot ride after 4 pm. Of all the spots in Miami South Beach has the least restrictions as long as you don't kite anywhere on the beach before 23-24th street you are good. There is a big parking lot next to the W Hotel on 24th street that is good to park in. You have to pay the parking meter but other than that it is easy parking with good beach access, showers, and no more rules. Hope you get to ride while you are here!

Re: Spot near miami?

Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 4:55 pm
by jats2k9
thank you for all the answers. No I don't hate rules, indeed I rather having them than getting banned. I'm just a begginer, I live in Miami but I always go to Fort Lauderdale-by-the-sea to Kite. So I wanted to know from some locals if there was any spots I could go and save me the driving time and some sessions as well since I miss a lot of opportunities cuz I can't see the conditions by myself till I get there.

Re: Spot near miami?

Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 7:46 pm
by Eduardo
any of these cams work to help avoid the unnecessary drives?

http://www.angelfire.com/fl/boardheads2/surfcams.html

Re: Spot near miami?

Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 12:22 am
by RickI
There are restrictions at most beaches throughout southeast Florida. It is so populated and kiting has been around so long, that is just the way it is. LBTS has some particular restrictions as you probably know. Crandon and Matheson Hammock have certification or proof of equivalent skill requirements. Regarding Miami Beach, at present, you just need to stay well away, a couple of hundred yards, from lifeguard stands and at least 100 yards from shore for routine riding off guarded areas. Avoid crowded areas and complaints with bystanders. Simple common sense and courtesy stuff, makes you wonder how we ever brought problems down on ourselves in the first place?

There are a lot of weather resources including many livecams for SE Florida at:
http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=6734

Re: Spot near miami?

Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 7:12 am
by airsurfer
There are miles of beaches in miami with no rules and and few if any kiters. Like many other activities in miami many prefer to kite in crowded spots with other kiters. So you won't hear about the less popular spots on this forum but if you talk to some locals you may find some excellent spots with very few riders. Hint the beaches without lifeguards have no rules and few people you need to be proficient at self launch and land.

Re: Spot near miami?

Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:34 pm
by RickI
We have had a lot of emails, calls and some meetings in recent weeks about access threats to kiting off Miami Beach via Surfrider. There are "rules", everywhere there are other people. Basically use common sense and courtesy. Don't intimidate other beach goers and bathers, keep your distance and you should be fine. Otherwise, big brother will be happy to accommodate with real rules, the choice is ours.

Regarding downwinders, WHEREVER you kite in SE Florida stay well beyond 100 yards of shore in lifeguarded areas. This continues to be a problem, cause of complaints and threats to access including Miami Beach.