The rays schooled up that you are kiting over are the common cow nose ray. You need not fear them. The do have a short barbed bone at the base of their tail but you would have to stick yourself on it to feel any pain, and it is compaired to a bee sting, not at all like the common sting ray that sits on the bottom then gets stepped upon then wacks you with the big painful wound described. If you encounter a group of these graceful creatures in the wild take the time to enjoy what you are getting to see, as few get to see these schools in tact because they usually break up or sink out at the sound of a boat. I have had the pleasure of seeing schools the size of a football field outside of east beach in the spring and early summer. They are very graceful and all move together in the school. Very cool experience to be blessed with.
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