IMPORTANT - Key West KB Instruction
It is required to obtain an occupational permit to instruct kiteboarding in Key West. One of the conditions of permit issuance is proper insurance coverage. Instruction from Smathers Beach is not allowed absent special city permits and even then is avoided due to serious launch area size limitations. Local kiters are passionate about working to preserve access to ride here. Visiting kiteboarders and instructors are asked to respect these restrictions.
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Part of another thread dealing with these issues is reproduced below:
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In speaking directly with Greg, Paul and Roberto, none have indicated that Roberto ever has or plans to teach off Smathers Beach making this a bit ironic. The thread has been reproduced to underscore how seriously kiteboarding access and potential threats are taken by kiters in Key West. Frankly, I wish this level of concern was more common elsewhere, it would save a LOT of avoidable problems out there. So, be sure to respect the rules while there.
The Rules for kiting from Smathers Beach are reproduced below. These are a few years old and may need updating. Paul and Greg, please pass along any changes and I will incorporate them into this listing. |
Smathers Beach Launch
Key West, FL Monroe County Florida Keys 2004 SMATHERS BEACH KITEBOARDING RULES ALL PEOPLE WANTING TO KITE HERE MUST BE OF INTERMEDIATE LEVEL OR HAVE UNDERGONE COMPETENT INSTRUCTION 1 All kites MUST have a SAFETY SYSTEM (a reliable kite leash). 2 Kites are to be launched towards the water, not the road 3 Kites are to be kept over the water when standing or walking on the beach 4 NEVER PUT YOUR KITE OVER THE POWERLINES 5 Stay out of the swimming areas 6 Do not land kite on the beach near people, land kite in the water or to someone experienced in catching kites away from other people on the beach 7 Keep a safe distance from other kiteboarders 8 Keep the launch area open and clear for other riders 9 Make sure your lines re wound up and your kite has sand or weights on it while it is on the beach 10 NO BEACH JUMPING 11 Don't hog the inside section, ride out past the poles and back in, in large "loops", or head out away from the beach to ride 12 BEGINNERS NOT CAPABLE OF STAYING UPWIND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LAUNCH OR RIDE WHEN THE WIND IS ONSHORE 13 Have RESPECT and CONSIDERATION for other riders 14 No jumping upwind of other kiters, swimmers or objects 15 Beginners are required to prove that they have taken a lesson and are capable of launching and riding in a safe manner 16 TALK TO , AND LISTEN TO THE LOCALS, it is "their" BEACH,and they will help you where possible FAILURE TO OBEY AND COMPLY WITH THESE RULES CAN RESULT IN A FINE AND / OR YOU BEING BANNED FROM KITING AT SMATHERS BEACH Smathers beach can be ridden in East ,South East ,South, South West and West winds.For more info call (305) 407 6748 |
Here's another precaution to keep in mind there. IF THE WIND IS SIDE OFFSHORE, common enough with winds out of the east, north of ESE, Keep your kite angled off over the water when you are on land. This idea is to try to keep the kite in more stable air. The lulls are more pronounced over the land.
I saw several kites stall and fall almost hitting powerlines there when guys ignored this simple, obvious precaution. There is a very small area suitable for launching in such winds there as well. PLEASE seek local knowledge about how and where to launch and land. The launch is very small, powerlines and bystanders are very close by. We don't want to risk losing this unique launch in the KEYS. |
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