4 day boat trips in key west

[Ron]

Originally Posted by RickI

I can't tell you how thrilled I am that likely a few guys took our ability to kite in this unique location away. Hopefully there is a special place in hell for indifferent folks that act in a way to steal away our freedoms. For those that don't like all the rules and fees at Crandon Park, take a hard look at this option. All we have to do is avoid complaints and we'll likely have few objectionable rules or bans. In the case of Tortugas or Crandon for that matter, it looks like that was asking too much of the riding community.

Whoa, Slow Down Race Horse.

I do not think that kiting got banned in the Tortugas, rather it's never been permitted (according to the rangers I spoke with).

According to the park rangers, the no kiting rule is an extension of the no windsurfing rule out in the Tortugas which the rangers say has been in place for quite some time. The park rangers I spoke with said the no windsurf rules have been in place for some time and the no kiting rule was an extension of that rule. The rangers thought that the rule had to do with protecting the reefs in the park. They both also said that they thought the rule a bit silly in light of the fact that we were staring a sailboats tied up about 20 feet from us that were drafting at least five to seven.

I realized when I took my quiver on the trip that kiting may not be permitted, but I took it just in case it was. However, it was a bit of torture having the wind blow 15-20 knots and not being allowed to ride in that beautiful water.

Maybe you could ask some of your connections within the kiting community to lobby the National Park Service in the manner that the sailing community has done.

[ricki]

Kiting restrictions and the National Park and National Seashore system can be a complicated thing. My reaction was based on the understanding that guys I know have kited there in the past, in the last few years. (and spending hundreds of hours trying to avoid loss of access in a bunch of places, largely for a small list of repeated reasons). I was worried about a possible ban in the future here and in lots of other places for that matter. What you reported was a new condition to me. All I can guess from what the ranger told you is that the restriction may not have been enforced when the guys were there a few times.

[The Kite House]

dry tortugas and hospital key are "not permited" to kitesurf and you will be fined. I have filmed out there and you need to go through more paper work than anyone should have to ever do. Marqueses are nice, but no beach ,and shallow areas in the flats are soft grass. I just saw all this, and i have lived here for 17 years, if you need advise i would ask, as it is great here you are dealing with santuarys and alot more. I know whats what, i would watch what advise you take, as a good thing could be very disapointing. Email of your plans and i can tell you whats what.

Have fun, just dont waste a long trip for nothing

[The Kite House]

p.s. never was a ban always was not allowed, i have done it twice but you need a permit if you are filming for something eduacational.

Marvin and snipes are great, stay on the out side , get a map, you hit the rocks that are not exposed....problems

[ricki]

Sounds like my information was way off. It is good to know that we haven't lost access as we never had it in the first place. Sorry for my initial reaction and concern.

[Arizona Lou]

What a lot of good discussion and information. You can get the latest info at

http://www.arizonaloukiteboarder.com/keys.html#updates

While you're there, poke around the rest of my shiny new website (took a PVCC class in web design), created just for this fun, non-profit venture that I've called Keys Kite Kaper.

In a nut shell:
o The boat MAY be delayed crossing the gulf due to weather
o We have lots of space if anyone wants to join for good company/kiting
o It won't cost you much
o I recommend scheduling for the later Kapers

Hoping to kite with you in Key West sometime,
Lou