Sounds great Kent, thanks!
Remember we want to try to START the run at 10 am, so come early enough to rig up and hit the waves with the group.
It is great that so many folks are coming out to ride down South Beach and over to Matheson Hammock, should be a blast. Thanks in advance to all the individuals that are planning to donate $25. to the Shake-A-Leg Foundation. This group allows children with disabilities such as blindness and paralysis to capture and enjoy some of the water sensations that we're addicted to, who otherwise might never have the chance. Your gift can make this possible, pretty powerful stuff. It's an excellent cause just like the Alex Caviglia Bluewater Foundation.
I heard a rumor that we might have a visitation from Father Christmas in shredders mufti, complete with kite-powered reindeer. Hope it comes true.
We'll be meeting at the beach at 87th Terrace at about 8:30 or 9:00 am. A map section appears at:
http://tinyurl.com/ymeuq7
We'll be riding south to the end of Key Biscayne and then west to Matheson Hammock in Coral Gables. A map section appears at:
http://tinyurl.com/yh3ve2
You should see the kites. The landing is beside the parking lot on the north side of the pennisula.
Driving directions from 87th Terrace to Matheson Hammock appear at:
http://tinyurl.com/wykzt
Please take note of Kent's suggestions regarding cell phones, VHF, water, etc.. Voice of experience there. We'll learn more at the talk before the run.
Low tide is supposed to be just before noon. So hopefully we won't have that much current to deal with out of Miami Harbor entrance or the other two cuts south of there. I would still give the all the cuts plenty of leeway.
Like with any point to point trip over water, particularly on a small craft (130 cm kiteboard?) things can go wrong and then there you are. So, even in something as light hearted this, things can seriously go wrong. Hence the need for buddies, communications and whatever else you want to bring to even the odds of a good, safe session. BE SURE to head on the right bearing westward to Matheson Hammock from Key Biscayne. If you head too far south, you end up on the "Mangrove Planet", next stop Ocean Reef on Key Largo!
Beyond all else as Neil is fond of saying, "kite within your abilities."
Next update, tomorrow!