NEW Adventure Sports Ft. Lauderdale Store

[kent]

Hi Eric,

I drafted a response to your concerns yesterday, however I ran of of time to post. I think that Rick actually provided quite a bit of information, but as this was already written, I thought that I might as well post it.



If you have real concerns and / or suggestions that you would like to discuss, I'd encourage you to set up a meeting with Luke at the shop. He is an avid waterman and a certified instructor that has taught at a variety of locations, some of which have similar access issues. If you let me know a few days in advance, I'd be happy to join the conversation.

Rick has provided quite a bit of information regarding his recommendations with respect to local riding, however as you are living on the beach, I'm sure you have some additional insight that we could all benefit by. Although I live in Miami and don't ride in your area, I’m pretty familiar with the riding situation from Ft. Lauderdale to Boca. I’ve personally attended several of the municipal hearings pertaining to access issues around Pompano. I’ve also participated in a few group meetings regarding riding guidelines along Ft. Lauderdale beaches, the last of which was hosted by Jessie of Liquid. I’m sure that I must have seen you at a few of these meetings, as enforcement agencies are encouraged to know that we seriously care about being involved in recommendations regarding locally accepted riding guidelines and access issues.

It may be important for you to know that teaching will be done at our Matheson location. Without a doubt, we have invested more than others in the S. Florida area to insure that our instructors are well-trained, top rate, and provide consistent service. Unlike many other instructional groups, we are accredited, insured, legally allowed to teach at our venue, and work consistently to maintain great riding areas. We are not another “fly by night” kite school that holds little, to no regard for local riders or riding areas. We have skin in the game and our financial benefit lays in preserving long term access, while creating responsible and independent riders. We do not push herds of people though the programs to bill more hours.

In the meantime, if you are truly unaware of our organization and our long-term commitment to riding issues that may affect you, I’d encourage you to do a bit more research so that you can arrive at a more informed conclusion regarding our potential impact on the area.

Please let me know if you arrange something with Luke. I’ll do my best to attend. If not, feel free to pick up the phone and give me a buzz with any unanswered questions and / or suggestions that you might have. Thanks.

Kent

[troubleshooter]

ASM has been great here in Miami. It's nice to have a shop that stocks stuff you need. Especially when you don't have a couple days to get an on-line delivery. They also have never been short to lend a hand (or equipment) when in need.

Its been a while since Ive been a "Newbie" I think. But it sure is nice to have a shop with real people around to get advice. You dont get that advice when you hit the buy button for a 2005 Fuel for $100 on ebay.

I never got the impression that ASM would sell you a kite and send you on your way to break your balls or someone else's.

We have lost several good spots here in South Florida. Although I don't kite at your beach, the story is the same for all of us. Good luck on your access issues. It's good to have people so involved and show the community that we can be safe and still have fun with kites on the beach.

Hello Kent,

I am quite familiar with all the good things you have done in the all the areas of your watersports. Your pro active approach and working on rider sustainability has been a great benefit for all of us in South Florida.
A face to face meeting would not bring too many new things to the table. I am just a concerned rider at that location. From day one since we started there with Chris and Neil it has been continuously contested to kite there.
I may not have been at every public meeting, but I have met many lifeguard (and supervisors) and city commissioner(s) personally over the years when they came over to this beach (or their office) to have a look at the swimmers, sailors, outrigger canoers and kiters. It is a busy spot.

Since the concession of Neil closed we have a new kiter group who is proactive and very keen in keeping this location open. I hope that your company will vigorously explain to anyone the difficulties of this kitesurf beach.

Rick had a nice sketch of the beach access and entry/exit points of the water drawn up. Such a representation of that rendering in your store would be a great way to tell visitors and newbies what is expected from the city.

Thanks

Eric

ftlaudksurfzone.jpeg

this I found as an old explanation of the layout of launch and riding area.
I think Chris created it

Thanks

[Luke@AdventureSports]

I think this is an important topic and I can completely understand the concerns about access in the Fort Lauderdale area. Just to be clear we have no intention of sending beginners to any of the local spots. We will be sending them to Matthesson Hammock Park to take lessons with a certified instructor.

We understand that access in the Ft. Lauderdale area is a real concern and we want to do anything we can to help preserve it.

[ricki]