Boca Chita to Crandon Park Downwinder In Photos!
 

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k4a.jpg
How about an inter-island downwinder?


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/Boca_Chita.jpg

Christophe Ribot of Miami Kiteboarding graciously invited me along on a downwinder from Boca Chita Key to Crandon Park on Key Biscayne in Miami, FL. As winds were clocking to east to southeast, we ran to the island to kite back with something like a broad reaching breeze. Winds were around 15 to 20 mph for much of the run. Seas were light given that we rode inside the Florida Reef Track for much of the way.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/3_G.jpg
Five of us were on the downwinder including left to right, Jay, Christophe, our Captain Alan, Para, Maryanne and myself. We're shown here in the harbor on the island.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/Course.jpg
The distance as the crow flies is about 12 miles from Google Earth but I understand Jay measured 27 miles on his GPS for the overall run.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/2_IMG_4767.jpg
The island was owned by Mark Honeywell of Honeywell Corporation in the 1940's. He constructed several of the quarried rock structures including the lighthouse. The lighthouse reportedly was never placed into operation as it was never properly registered as an official aid to navigation. Boca Chita literally translated means "quiet bay." Well, it is pretty calm in there, outside of hurricanes anyway. More about the more recent history of the island at: http://ournationalparks.us/index.php...park_visitors/


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/6_IMG_4842.jpg
After some maneuvering in the strong cut current, the boat is anchored. Christophe demonstrates the kiter recall horn.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/8_IMG_4833.jpg
Walking the gear ashore to rig up and launch. Alan carries a dive cylinder in which he used for inflating the kites for us.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/5_IMG_4867.jpg
Rigging up


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/7_IMG_4841.jpg
The key seems very far away and shares quite a bit in aspect with some of the Bahamian out islands. Still, look north and you can see the Miami skyline in the distance. The pelicans seem indifferent to that however.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/h1.jpg
Christophe gives me a launch. I am carrying to GoPro cameras, one on my helmet and another mounted on my kite.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k3a.jpg
A kite view of the lighthouse, camp ground and our boat along the north end of the island.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/h2.jpg


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k5.jpg


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/h4.jpg
Tacking out off to the south of the island


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k2a.jpg


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/h7.jpg
I rode a 2011 13 m Crossbow which was a great choice with a wide wind range and particularly good low end. The wind ebbed about the time we hit Crandon.

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k6.jpg


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/h6.jpg
Popping a small jump around the cut.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k8.jpg
Chrisophe walking his long skegged raceboard through the shallows. Those things do kick butt particularly in light winds but you need to watch your depth!


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k21.sized.jpg
Going to sea but land is always visible in the distance, frequent islands and sandbars along the way. Also, Capt. Alan in our trusty chaseboat is on our "6" ready to help as needed.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/h5.jpg


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/h8.jpg
Gang is all here and making northward. Christophe takes the lead while Alan trails the group with the boat ready to assist as needed. Both are in radio contact with one another and all the kiters received a safety briefing on procedures, rescue, recovery, etc..



http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k7.jpg


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k10.jpg
The goes Para


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k7.sized.jpg


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k16.jpg
A look south down the Ragged Keys towards Boca Chita.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k15.jpg
And to the north


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k9.jpg
We stopped at a sandbar along the way, taking our time tacking back and forth to stretch things out. There were frequent shallows along a good portion of the run. I thought the pace was pretty easy going as it was a pleasure run after all and for fun.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k11.jpg
That is Jay in the red hat following Para with Christophe's kite easing up into the frame.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k14.jpg


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k17.jpg
There is Christophe running up on Marianne I think.


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k18.jpg
Jay rips along beneath


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k19a.jpg
Para moves out


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k19.jpg


http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/k23.jpg
Marianne rides on as I pass over Alan and the chase boat.


So, that's a look at the first part. I need to go over the images from the rest of the run and add a few more photos. Also, I have a video to put together as well. So, stay tuned ...

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album590/4_IMG_4787.jpg
Thanks for a great run Christophe and Miami Kiteboarding!


.

THANKS Rick,
It was an awesome day , and indeed the trip is exceptional .
Your aerial images gives all the dimension to the paradise spots we are surrounded by and the pristine flat waters.

Our Kitesafaris run daily upon reservation, our 2 captains & boats as well IKO instrurctors and advanced riders , are stoked to run the trips anytime.
They can accomodate any wind directions : from West wind shuttles to long distances downwinders and even Private trip rentals.

Our next kitesafari venture will be Crandon / Key Largo: the BIG RUN : 40 miles !
full day trip with drive back to Miami in minibus .

Excellent taster for those advanced riders looking at extreme downwinders :)
but it's quite flat so u can BOOST all the way through !
Record of the distance so far : 1hr 43 min !!
ANYONE ? We are ready to do it this Friday :) WInd NE to East at 15kts + , ideal conditions.

Call us to put an option : 305 401 8885 refer to Key Largo Trip

Here's your big opportunity, they are doing it again this weekend!!! Wind has been somewhat light but the forecast looks good for the weekend.

Saturday, April 30 · 2:00pm - 5:00pm

"15K Down Winder Along the Flats of Biscayne bay from the Beautiful Island of Boca Chita. This Great 4 hour Trip includes Boat Trip, Safety Support Boat, Compressed Air & Cold water. For Interest Click ATTEND, Leave a Msg or Text or Call 305-401-8885"

For more info: http://miamikiteboarding.com/downwinders.html

http://www.nps.gov/bisc/parknews/ima...rey-Chen_3.jpg
http://www.nps.gov/bisc/parknews/gal...carey-chen.htm


Looks like a great time of year for a downwinder to or from Boca Chita. Be sure to put up some images from the session!