New rules for crandon

New rules for kitesurfers in Crandon Park:

The park administration finally gave us their final decision on the new guidelines : they are strict, and their rules enforceable, but this is also the last chance they give us to keep riding Crandon. We should not be surprised: the number of riders was growing every weekend, which only exacerbated the problem when too many kiters were just ignoring the basic existing guidelines already in place for the last 3 years. The only difference is they will now reinforce the guidelines that so few riders were respecting.

So it's for the safety of all : riders and beach users.

The main idea was to reduce the number of kitesurfers to confident riders only.
Meanwhile they want to know who is riding and who to contact in case of emergency.
They also wanted to ensure safety of riders and other beach users by keeping kitesurfers away from the shore at all time.

All of these rules were already in existence before but have never been reinforced nor enforced. Now they gave us the last chance to keep the privilege of kitesurfing in Crandon park, a public property, and they take the new rules VERY SERIOUSLY as they will reinforce it themselves and won't hesitate to kick riders out of the park if in fault or repeated violations!

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHANGES?

- Minimum Level 3 kitesurfing certification proof required.
- The launching corridor is situated now between the 2 last life guard towers, closer to swimmers but away from the Bear cut preserve. Kites must be stored away from shoreline for beach patrol vehicle access and lines winded up. It provide actually lot more room than before.
- The entry/exit channel clearly marked by Buoys within which kitesurfers will have to tack until they go out 300 feet off shore. 150 yard wide.
- Helmets became mandatory and shall be worn at all times
- Streamers to be attached to kite pigtails when riding
- Limited numbers of riders on the water at a time (to a reasonable safe amount 25 to 30)
- Kitesurfing forbidden on week ends during summer (from June 31 to September 1st)

click on the link to read the official new rules from the park administration.

Everyone can comply with it, no big deal, but a lot of us kitesurfers will have to adapt our riding habits to make them compatible with the new regulations. The park's greatest concern is, justifiably, liability.

Now, as a growing sport in general and given its nature, regulations for kitesurfing will become more common.

Eventually the certification mandatory is an interesting feedback. Get used to it, it already spread in Europe a while ago.
Although the park didn't include the schools in the new deal, they definitely require that kitesurfers show proof of proper instruction through professional and certified schools.

Not all the schools deliver certifications, so below are the solution for all the riders that have been refused the access of the park these last days.

HOW WILL IT WORK EXACTLY?

1/Before you go riding the first time, you will have to register to the park office, where you will be asked the following:
- card level 3 certification proof (PASA or IKO). Miamikiteboarding is the only school in Southern USA to be certified and approved by both IKO and PASA labels. Therefore we can deliver both certification , just call us.
- Car Registration and address
- Emergency contacts
They have to know who is riding and who to contact if anything happens.
Click on the link to get the Registration form.

2/Each time you go riding:
- You will have to sign up to the office
- You will be given a streamer with a number to keep attached to your kite when on the water
- At the end of your session you will have to bring it back to the office or drop it into a mail box if it's closed after 4 pm

3/Riding = Don't mess up:
- If it's too big of a hassle and rules are not respected, the Park will ban kitesurfing.
- Respect the channel: go offshore 300 feet without cutting in outside the channel. if you are drifting or drag within the 300 feet towards the beach: activate the quick release system, retrieve your kite , and grab the leading edge tips to self rescue to beach safely.
- No jumps or power moves by the shore
- wear kite leash and Helmet at all time

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU?

Well basically kitesurfing in Crandon is now reserved to riders only!
No more schools, private lessons, buddy who's teaching you, intermediate beginners struggling to re-launch, body draggers, new kite buyers with no clue. From here on out, it's just kitesurfers that can confidently ride upwind.

RIDERS :

Since the limits will have to be clearly respected, you have little margin for error.
The park requires a Level 3 kitesurfing certification to ride in Crandon, which mean competent riders that can stay upwind and return to point he started from. But THAT'S NOT ALL: Independent kitesurfer also induces that you :
· Know the on-water Right of Way rules
· Know the safety procedures and how to self rescue
· Know how to assist and rescue another kiteboarder
· Can recognize critical weather conditions
· Can analyse the danger of a launching site
· Can self-Launch and self-Land

If you are not sure of your level or just want an upgrade. Contact us to schedule your certification, we will take you with us on our Sandbar Taxi then you can enjoy a riding session for the rest of the afternoon .The boat ride for 1/2 day will cost $50 including : the test by a certified instructor, the card level, handouts with all topics you need to know, fresh drinks onboard.

You can also get the IKO Book : Kiteboarding Vision, it's the most complete manual about kitesurfing .130 pages , tons of pictures and drwing to bring clearly in your mind how kitesurfing works .All you need to know on the sport from A to Z : learning, riding Jumping, advanced moves, complete Gear repertory,from kite, bars to boards, all style , meteorolgy, Right of way, Regulations, Intl Signs, wind effect , Terminology....it Only costs $20 and that will be your bible wherever you go. Ask it when you get your card, we will incude it in a package.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT ON A WATER-TAXI TRIP?
- wide area with no close obstacles,
- Shallow 1 to 3 feet sandbars,
- wide clear wind from every directions 500 feet to 5 miles off shore.
- Chase boat to bring you back if went down to far
- 1 to 10 miles of downwinders to work comfortably and stress-free on your board skills followed by rescue boat that picks you up at the end
- Kite-customized boats with air compressor inflation for fast and EZ setup
- Comfortable boats with sun covers and fresh drinks (music coming soon) for your friend to tag along and get you on the video

BEGINNERS TO INTERMEDIATES:

Well don't be worried. We won't let you down, and we actually have come up with a better ways of improving your skills, by riding safer in bigger sandbars and clean wide open area. We were the first to bring the sandbars concept to teach people on safe spots, so we know the best and biggest sandbars around and will make you benefit from our 5 years long experience of taking students out with our boats.

We set up a complete fleet of TAXI-BOAT to take you all to many various sandbars, as beautiful one and each others.
We opened up the kitesurfing area to an unlimited water field in Miami.
Follow us to learn on sandbars we bring you back with the skills you deserve, and a great adventure day boating.

Check out our Lesson session or Free Instruction + Gear package deal. Email us directly to set up an appointement. it's best to call a couple of days before when you know you are available.

We will give you a meeting point for that day . BUT THE DEPARTURE WILL BE IN KEY BISCAYNE ANYWAY. It won't change our location. All our best spots are around the island. Boat ride is from 5 to 20 min regarding how far we take you as it also depends of your level, wind direction, and tides.

How to get your certification card quickly?
Miamikiteboarding is the only school in the Southern USA that carries both PASA and IKO certified labels, because we care about delivering proper skill-levels to each student. These certification cards will be recognized not only locally but also worldwide.

Required level to ride in Crandon is Level 3 of PASA/IKO of learning skills standards: Independent rider, meaning that you stay upwind consistently and come back to the point you started.

You will need that card to register the first time you go to sign up in Crandon Park

However since certification tests can't be done in Crandon, you will have to join us when we take people riding on our best flats and sandbars (taxi-Boat running daily, wind provided) or call or email us to schedule an appointment and we will take you out with a minimum of 3 riders ($30/pp + card Fees )

We are getting more Taxi Boats for this season, since we are starting new services: more sandbars/taxi, Downwinders, and ultimate 2 to 3 days Kite Safaris! (minimum 3 riders)
check out : www.miamikiteboarding.com

For Crandon's frequent riders who we know and have seen riding: contact Christophe directly for instant card level delivery at the beach.

Which card?
Both of them are accepted by the park and delivered by Miamikiteboarding. We currently have IKO cards in stock for immediate handling now. PASA card are not available in this format yet, however you can register online and receive you certification once you have subscribed.
In each case you will have to be checked out by an instructor relevant to its organization.
We have both IKO and PASA instructors.

HOME

How much?
The good news is that there is no more $70 membership as previously required by the park before, but no more liability insurance either! Basically: less investment, more responsibility. Keep that in mind.

As far as the certification cards, our school mostly focuses on promoting a safe and homogeneous riding level, as mandated by the park, so we only apply the fees that we get charged for and our time in the certification process:

PASA card requires a $25 membership for a year. Once you registered, get your certification confirmation,and you will receive your card by mail. Our PASA instructors are available daily.
IKO card cost $5, last for a lifetime (unless you regress???) and is worldwide recognized. You also get discount in shops and other IKO schools. Our IKO instructors deliver instant Certification cards now , just call for an appointment.

The certification process cost $10 for the instructor time and survey.
Rider will have to show confident skill level and stay upwind permanently. He will also be asked knowledge on right-of-way rules, safety procedures, kite set up and tuning, weather considerations and all the other basics that make for a safe and independent kiter.

We also deliver IKO cards + IKO workbook (50 pages quick manual, English or Spanish) for $15 or for $25 IKO cards+ Kiteboarding Vision (130 pages complete manual) that contains: Meteorology, on-water right of way, Intl Kiteboarding signs and safety procedures, Kite tuning and lines setup tips, solo launching/landing, plus tons of technical and theoretical information.

Then you get your name on the exclusive rider listing of Crandon Park.

Last but important thing: You will be also required to wear helmets, no exceptions.
We are receiving more helmets in the next few days. You will be able to get one when you come pick up your card.
And then you get finally "Crandonized".

We are based on Key Biscayne, call us to meet one of our instructors who will be ready to check you out and spread the cards level.

School cell: 305 345 9974
info@miamikiteboarding.com
www.miamikiteboarding.com