news from warm, windy florida keys!

cjbpdx · Since 15 Mar 2005 13 Posts

blancoh2o & i just wanted to say hi to everyone and express our hope that you all are not too cold & wet from all the rain portland has received lately...

we skipped town about a week ago and were thinking you might enjoy some pics of warm weather, windy days, and blue waters. these are pics of kiting on islamorada in the florida keys.

(ps...and yes, that is steve riding a best kite.)

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Looks pretty nice, and a lot better than here in Oregon! What's the water/air temp, and wind like?

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1153 Posts Oregon Phishy

Wind was NE 14-20 MPH Air Temp= 79-83F and Water=about 75F
Most of the time I was riding my 13M Fuel or Chris's 13M Yarga and or my 17.5M Machine. I was switching off between my 130 SX and Chris's Brand new 2006 137 SX.

Most of the sand was washed away from the beach with Hurricane Wilma, so self launching was nearly impossible. When we were the only ones at the beach we had to trade off whichever kite we were using. If we were lucky enough to get someone to launch us, we were both on the water as long as there was wind. On Saturday we had 5 hours of solid 13M riding!

If you decide to go to the Keys. Make sure to ask Chris or myself and we will fill you in on where to go, where to stay and who to hook up with to kite with.

importracer9 99 · Since 27 Oct 2005 296 Posts Obsessed

that sucks the sand got washed away

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

Thanks for the pics! looks like you guys had a great time. The Florida Keys is probably the best flat water in the country to ride.

When I was in Islamorada we had access to a boat. It was pretty sweet, huge downwinders riding at slicks around sandbars, it was great! Makes you forget all about the 10 foot beaches.

If you can get access to one, I'd highly recommend it.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1153 Posts Oregon Phishy

I agree Dax, a boat would help....but not required. If you decide to kite at Islamorada, Sevensports and a nice little set up. Brad is the owner/operator. He has a compressor right there and is working on getting some trees moved and bringing in new sand.There are plenty of places to rent boats. I would rent a flats boat from Robbie's Marina. They are lovcated at about mile marker 75 or so. While you are there you have to pay the $3 and feed the Tarpon! There is also Ann's beach down US 1 about 10 miles. If it is windy enough to ride there, It has a sandy beach at low tide.