Hobie Beach/Rickenbacher Closed for Kiting

[cabdriver]

I understand (from 1st hand source) that Hobie has been officially closed for kiting now. Actually the ban will include the entire causeway which is much worse. Signs will go up all over as soon as they are made. Apparently "a" was disrespectful to a law enforcement officer that showed up over the weekend after he and "b" and their too-close-to-shore riding. That was the nail in the coffin. This is a major loss for kiting in Miami and again it happened because of idiots from another county. Congrats to "a" for exercising such great leadership in the community!! I guess I'll have to find another place to ride AGAIN!!

Rick - I know you received some information on this, so hopefully you can corroborate this as fact or rumor. Please tell me it's rumor!!!

[ricki]

Todd,

I am sad to say it is confirmed. This is a portion of an email from the governing authority for the Right of Way along Rickenbacker Causeway including Hobie Beach.

Enforcement of the motorboat exclusion zone along the Rickenbacker
Causeway rights-of-way, is a multi-jurisdictional task and we rely
mostly on marine units to assist. We have discussed the kite boarding
issue with local kite boarders, staff, other governmental agencies, and
our local police. It seems the overwhelming consensus is that the kite
boarding along the causeway does not mix well with our general public
shoreline access visitors.

We have deemed it to be in all of our visitors best interest to fabricate
signage prohibiting kite boarding along the causeway rights-of -way,
(Hobie Island /Windsurfer Beach & Hobie Cat Beach/Dog Beach).
The PWD is currently working in an expeditious manner in the
process of fabricating and installing signage, once completed we will
begin the enforcement process.

.

[miamikiteboarder]

Hey "b",
Its great to hear how much thought you put into your actions and how well you represent the kiting community. I know that everyone in Miami would like to personally thank you for the way you've represented us with the city of Miami.

also, learn how to ride and get some lines that aren't 12m long. There's nothing impressive about being able to do kiteloops with 12m lines when its only blowing 20. But I guess that’s why you decided to ride 2 feet off the shore, cuz that’s the only way people are gonna notice. Wow that takes a lot of skill and I'm sooo happy that you decided to show us all what you could do last weekend and let the law enforcement know how amazing you are. Hopefully one day you'll learn how to do something productive for the kiteboarding community instead of continuing your habitual useless habits.

[The Kite House]

i know this all sucks, but this could be a blessing in disguise. I would get some local riders to go meet with them, show them some easy ground rules for signs, make it a law to make someone responsible[the police who patrol there daily] that way when someone is doing that, its one call and they are stopped. I have been in alot of different places this has happened, and if professional...a group of residents who ride shine way better than a few local idiots. I have been told this from many officials time and time again. Get riders who actually live in the districts...who is the politicians there? they will not want to Deni you the right to ride as good citizens and voters. Why didnt the 2 schools i hear of that teach there all the time try to help control this? No giving a shit catches up with you in a hurry. Tell me i am crazy, but with the right group of riders, i bet you turn this thing around fast. Dont hesitate. Anything i can do i would gladly help.

anyway thats my 2 cents....i hate hearing the loss of a spot on a nw wind up there

[BizGuru]

Did Bobby's post get removed? I wish it would have stayed so people understand what we are dealing with.

[ricki]

He deleted it himself, fortunately. The authorities read posts on this site.

If we have a hope of restoring access, we're going to have to be responsible about things.