[ricki]

Eric,

We are right to be concerned about access in Ft. Lauderdale and many other areas in SE Florida for that matter. When Neil and Chris were full time baby sitters on the beach there, things were better, part of the time. Not for them of course having to deal with the crap full time for YEARS but that is another story. Thanks again to them both and particularly Neil in the more stressful years in coping with it for so long.

To my knowledge things have never permanently stabilized at that small launch in terms of access, not now or even years back. We just met about access problems within the year as you may recall. It has been some of the local kiters stepping up to try to keep things sane that has made a difference. This will likely continue to be the thing that keeps access open here.

Hobie Beach is an interesting case to bring up. You may recall that Ft. Lauderdale kiters were key in finally getting that launch shut down. Of course there were years of abuses caused by both local and visiting kiters prior to that time. Kent, Todd, myself and others spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to keep that place open for years prior to that pivotal event.

I hear a lot of talk of greed and irresponsible practices. How much time have you spent at the ASM stores in Miami, at Matheson Hammock or on sea taxi runs to the Flats with them? Any time at all? They have spent a great deal of time and effort in promoting sustainable practices and access for a very long time. Greed ignores these issues.

ASM created the designated launch at Matheson to have a sustainable launch to send kiters to. They don't charge for kiter access either, where is the greed in that? They have to pay a lot of money each year to be there too plus a great deal of money they paid out to set up there. They have to try to recover it through rentals and instruction. They offer an annual membership with perks but it isn't required to kite there. I understand they will send new kiters down there from Ft. Lauderdale for proper instruction in better conditions for learning and access.

I have said for YEARS myself for newbies to go down to Biscayne Bay/Sea Taxi operations to learn. It will be faster, easier for them to learn and safer for our access up here. I have said for ten years NOT to kite at the Lauderdale launch if you can't stay upwind, it is an intermediate spot only.

We need more effective leadership in maintaining kiting throughout SE Florida, not less. Kiters on the beach are the front line but responsible kiting businesses promoting sustainable practices are a major part of the mix.