St. Pete heads to the Keys 3/27-3/30

[Woodson]

Hey fellas!

A couple of your northern neighbors are heading to Key West end of March. Before booking the hotel I thought I'd reach to you guys for info on the best places to stay nearest to launch sites.

Any info you could provide would be appreciated!


Thanks!

Bryan W.

[ricki]

Hello Bryan,

Smathers Beach is pretty much it for Key West for ready shoreside launches. I would get a hold of Central Reservations down there to see what digs you can find for a reasonable rate. http://www.keywestinfo.com/ The island is small, so as long as you are driving, it really isn't critical to be near the launch area unless you really want to be. You can even get around by bike, did that myself earlier in the year.
I used to stay at Fairfield Inn for not much but times have changed (went up about $200. per night, ouch!). Prices can get downright painful in season anymore. I've found good rates at small single story hotels within a few blocks of the south of Truman around Duval. See what the Florida KB Guide has to say about rideable wind directions at:

http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=2278

The Kitehouse runs regular sea taxi out to the Key Flats rideable in winds from all directions. If you're going to drive all the way to KW, best to plan on time out in the Flats in all that butter, shallow warm water, no powerlines, smelly beach bottom, etc..

More at:

http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=427
http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=5358
http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=4846

[greg meintjes]

Sorry can,t help you with hotels, but it is a small island and pretty easy to get around, give us a call when you guys are here and I will introduce you to some of the locals and hopefully get you guys some good kiting in.

Greg Meintjes

[b-rad]

Hi Bryan,

If you are driving down, be sure to stop by Seven Kiteboarding and pick up your "Spring Break Keys Survival Kit" on the way. The survival kits will be given out for FREE throuought the month of March to traveling kiteboarders in the Keys! You can either go to the shop at mile marker 88 or vist us on the water at Whale Harbor Marina mile marker 83.8. (We just got done re-landscaping the place and it looks great! We moved 4, 30ft palm trees away from the launch

If you have the time, we'd love to catch a session with you. NE-SW you can launch right off the beach and get to the Islamorada Sandbar without a boat.

You picked a good time to come down. If we can help at all, give us a call 305-853-KITE (5483)

B-rad Lange
Seven
Ride On.

[Danimal8199]

Whats up guys? I am coming down with Bryan and have been to key west twice. I love that place and can't wait to kiteboard. Whats in these spring break survival kits? Jager Bombs and condoms?

Danny

[b-rad]

The kits are not finished yet...but they will have some nice little swag items, coupons etc... I'll let you know soon!

we can't get that hard core!...we can only condone a good time, not that good of a time!!!

[noel]

Also checkout The Otherside Boardsports. The premier boardsports shop here in the keys. The 1st real skate shop in the keys specializing in kiteboarding, wakeboarding, wakeskating, wakesurfing, and the original guys to bring Stand-up Paddling to the upper keys. We also just got in the new '08 Slingshot Recoil Wakeboard and demos are available. Stop in and say hi!

Slingshot, Best, North, Windwing, Cabrihna, Spleene, Hyperlite, New wakeskates, Dakine, Admundson paddleboards, Jet Pilot, Anarchy, Angel, Accurate, Vew-do, Sector 9, Habitat, Toy Machine, Split, Ergophobia and many more line of gear and clothing. Also check out the new line of Nomadic "State of Mind" sandals. The most comfortable sandals to date.

oTHErside Boardsports
mm 87.7 Islamorada
(305)853-9728

[conchxpress]

If there is a group, try checking out VRBO.com (vacation rental by owner). Can get some good deals on houses for rent, as long as it's not a big event, such as Fantasy Fest. As long as you tell them you're not spring breakers. - Paco

[Danimal8199]

The clearwater/St. Pete crew will be in Key West thursday mrning at 7am.

Has smathers been ridable?

Where else can you ride in key west/near key west when the wind has north in it???

any recommendations or hook-ups on scooters and scuba diving?

Thanks

Danny
407-902-8484

[admin]

There are no ready shoreside accessible launches for north winds that I would recommend in Key West. Take a sea taxi to the flats, you'll have stronger wind, shallower water useable from all directions. It is worth the money for prime riding.

Tons of places to rent scooters and bikes. Just look around down by the harbor. There are resellers for diving excursions all over as well. I can't recommend any from personal knowledge, maybe Greg or some of the Key West guys can offer a suggestion.