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For practical purposes kiting is no longer allowed within several hundred feet of Hobie Beach/Richenbacker Causeway due to construction. We were in discussions with the authorities about kiteboarding in an effort to find some way of maintaining access and avoiding plans for posting "No Kiteboarding" signs. We may or may not be successful in maintaining access to launch from Hobie Beach. Time will tell.


Several important points came out of the meeting:

1. Within a month, Hobie Beach will be closed for major construction work and landscaping. Similar work is occurring along the western part of Rickenbacker Causeway currently. Kiting, swimming, etc. will not be allowed or feasible during the construction which will last until perhaps August 2010.

2. Hobie Beach is governed by Miami-Dade Parks Rules. Enforcement before now has been light, this is going to change in a big way soon however. This is an IMPORTANT distinction because it brings many rules into play, including but not limited to:

--a. Hobie CLOSES at sunset. You need to be GONE by sunset, not after. There is a $500. fine and/or 60 day jail stay for trespass and possible vehicle/equipment impound if you are there after sunset. Deputies WILL enforce this very soon.

--b. No instruction of any kind is allowed off Hobie Beach nor is advertising for instruction (signs on vehicles, etc.) allowed. There is a $500. fine and this too will vigorously enforced.

More about these regulations in CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Chapter 26 PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS


Major changes are coming to Hobie Beach, regardless of the future of kiteboarding there. More to come on this.


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