Crandon Park Update - New Rules

[AEsco48]

I would love to read the opinions of others, especially some of the guys who work in the industry...

At the end of the day its $130 a year + $80 year park pass or $5 per day park pass to ride at a public beach... I think its sad....

[ricki]

I agree, it is sad but you know who we have to blame? Not Miami Kiteboarding, it is us, many but not all of the kiters that have ridden there over the years. I know what I am speaking about having spent hundreds of hours trying to keep access open there for many years.

ALL we had to do was to follow some very simple rules, early on, then the list imposed by Park Management expanded. Still, it wasn't that hard BUT too few people could be bothered to look out for THEIR OWN BEST INTERESTS. We were banned there four times despite all the meetings, with management, riders and more.

We wanted a full time minder as we couldn't help ourselves OR effectively protect our own interests. Full time minders cost, Miami Kiteboarding is a for profit business. The park wants insurance, which I truly hope will actually pay out in legitimate claims (note to IKO).

If we had EFFECTIVELY self-policed as a group and didn't dump responsibility for this on a very few responsible riders to be our full time, volunteer minders for years, we wouldn't be in this situation. Given the Park Managements mindset and all the irritating acts over many years by kiters we are lucky there is a full time paid minder (read "babysitter") there now. As without it, we would likely no longer be there.

It sucks but we asked for it, big time and for years.

Originally Posted by AEsco48

I would love to read the opinions of others, especially some of the guys who work in the industry...

At the end of the day its $130 a year + $80 year park pass or $5 per day park pass to ride at a public beach... I think its sad....

[troubleshooter]

I agree Rick. MKB has done a good job policing the area and keeping the spot open and safe for riders. If thats what it takes, we need to do it.

Maybe you could invite the MKB reps to come on line and talk a bit about what the fee will be used for. Open up a little Q&A to help.

I think one important step in this process is to develop a long term plan. What are the goals for the beach. Is there a long term plan? Dont just track a major kite accident. Track all issues and evaluate if things are improving. Im sure this will show that there are less and less of them every day. Keep stats. If we can demonstarte that things are improving and less "violations" are occurring, then you never know.

[ricki]

For a number of years having a paid beach attendant came to mind as a way to satisfy the demands of Park Management and help insure compliance with kiteboarders. There was never enough cash to contemplate doing this. MKB is doing it, hopefully with good effect as kiteboarders can be a tough lot to follow rules. Uneven enforcement can also undo such efforts. I'll send Christophe an email and ask him to join in the discussion. Good idea.

[troubleshooter]

Originally Posted by RickI

I'll send Christophe an email and ask him to join in the discussion. Good idea.

Does the $100 fee (up from $50) include insurance coverage for us now? The required IKO insurance listed on MKB has not been offered by IKO for idividual kiteboarders in almost a year.

[Loquito]

I 2nd that question.