Badgers roadtrip to Florida Keys...

Greetings from Wisconsin:

We have a group of kiters coming down to the keys in early December. The tentative plans right now is to stay somewhere near Islamorada Key. 3 of the riders with us are experienced and can ride wherever. 2 of us are beginners on the water and have had lessons, but can snowkite. 2 will be absolute beginners. Can anyone recommend a good beach with shallow water to accomodate all of us? Are there beach fees? Is the ocean bottom sandy, or do we need to bring booties? Anyone have recommendations for evening activities? Some of us are SCUBA certified and would like recommendations for dive shops. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Mike.

Here's Lake Mendota in Madison: