[ricki]

Danny,

Have you been to Grand Cayman kiting before? It is a far cry from Florida in terms of accessibility to some wind directions. For instance the majority of the shoreline of the island isn't suitable for shoreside launch for NE winds (forecast currently). The more populated western end including Seven Mile Beach, Georgetown plus all the south coast have offshore winds in NE conditions. Cayman is the last place I would head out in offshore winds, it's an island after all in the middle of nowhere. There is lots of iron shore or massive exposed rock outcrops along substantial sections of coast as well. Portions of the East End work but there is limited shoreside access. If you want to ride waves, you should have a boat off the east end given the distance the barrier reef is from shore. Mike knows where to go for certain winds and he has a boat to take you there. Shallow sand bars with no waves to a quick trip outside for some nice swells like he has in his photos. There is a ton of outstanding riding area inside and out of the barrier reef but you need to know where to go and be able to get there. You could take a day with him on sea taxi, learn the ropes of the island and opt to continue in the prime spots or move out on your own conditions willing as you're a well experienced kiter.

Here's something else to think about. The first two times I was on GC, there was no kite shop, school, nothing. The first time I was there, there was perfect conditions about a 1/4 mile from his current location, stronger than at the west end of GC. There was no gear to use, even a board to rent, just windsurfing. If you wanted to ride you had to bring all your own stuff or blow off kiting. Cayman has a lot to offer beyond kiting, so there might be dive gear, scooters, UW camera gear, etc. vying for luggage space. Mike made a commitment to open up Grand Cayman to kiting with the first commercial operation there that I know of. That means permits, paying to ship a boat down there as deck cargo, finding digs, forming business relationships and a ton more. We're lucky to have him there and hopefully he'll be able to stay there if we support his operation along with all the students, SUP and other enthusiasts throughout the year. Cayman is a great destination in so many ways, not the least of which is kiting. Until now, there's been zero support anywhere on the island. It would be great to know the next time you head down there there will be a place to get gear, spares, instruction, even rent a board, a boat to the sand bars or the waves. As they say, we should show him some "love." That's my advice anyway. Take care of those that take care of us.