You are right E-bone it is a whole new world with a boat, I love being able to ride miles in each directions with no worries about crowds or obstacles. But it is also nice to go to a beach and get a quick session in. Though it seems like it is getting harder to find space with so many lessons going on in the prime riding spots.
All the nice shallow glassy areas in Crandon and Matheson have students flying their kite at 12, or doing wild downwinders towards shore. Crandon is slightly more regulated, but that makes it more centered around the school than the rider. Local riders are pushed out to deeper choppier water. And it is only a matter of time before a student starts looping his/her kite towards shore with the instructor trying to chase behind on foot.
You are right that it cost more to have a boat or jetski to do lessons, but the quality of the lesson improves with these tools. Land lessons should be cheaper because the students spends most the time walking back upwind (again, usually right through the riding area). With a boat people fly their kite almost the entire lesson, almost no walking.
As a licensed business one of the biggest expenses is taxes (as any legit business owner would know). It is disappointing to know that my tax dollars go to the parks where people are operating illegally or operating an uncontested concession.
Ultimately if, or when, the parks close to kiting we will be fine, still kiting offshore. It probably would increase our business. But that is not what we are after, instead it is keep as many riding spots open as possible and ask the local instructors to step up and do their part in helping keep kiting open in S. Florida. Don't contribute to the problem, be part of the solution. It will make your business even better.
Mike Minichiello
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