windhound,
The beach at the Marriot is tiny and to add to it, our predominate winds that time of year are east (hopefully). Sketchy at best. You may be able to go but use every precaution. Honestly, your best bet is to come to Islamorada. The drive from Key Largo is only @ 15 minutes. The 2 shops are Otherside Boardsports and 7.
The launches consist of:
Whale Harbor Restaurant: @MM 83 (oceanside) on the south side of Whale Harbor Channel behind the Restaurant. Small launch but ample if you are self sufficient. It is a locals spot and usually someone there if it is windy. There is a $10.00 a day launch fee to launch though. Great riding spot. WINDS: NW - very gusty and not much fun. best bet is to check with the shops about going to the backside. N - Getting better and doable though the launch is gusty. NE - Good riding with a generally easy launch. A Little gusty but no more than somewhere else. E thru SE is zen. Side to side-on. WARNING!! On a S wind it is straight on shore. No room for error as just 50 or so feet down wind is rocks, trees and a parking lot.
Anne's Beach S.P.: @mm 74 (oceanside) is a small, quiet beach. The South lot (2nd) is where we try to get the kiters to go. At high tide there is not alot of beach but we make do. But at low tide the beach is large with very shallow water and a sand bar that you can walk to. The park is free and great for the family. Bring a lunch or drive 5 miles back to Islamorada. Watch out for the depth of the water near shore at low tide as it can at times be very shallow. Local love this spot for it's calmness and Keys like atmosphere. WARNING: If the tide is coming in (current toward the bridge), do not ride near the bridge so as if you drop your kite and can't relaunch it, you don't get sucked under the bridge. (Happens a few times a year) WINS: It is rideable E thru SW.
Also if the winds are E thru SE, the Islamorada down-winder to Anne's Beach is Epic!!
See ya in March!!
Noel
www.othersideboardsports.com