Looking for Florida equipment rental

[slightlyimperfect]

Hey
Im coming to Florida in March for 3 weeks and hoping to find some spots to kite with available equipment rental. I dont really want to bring down any gear. I would rather rent...

Im thinking in the keys but also maybe in miami or up north somewhere.

Anyone have any ideas.
thanks in advance!

[RickI]

I haven't heard of anyone renting kites outside of gear provided in lessons. You might be able to rent a board however. I would contact some local shops or schools in Miami and the Keys to see about securing a board.

[oTHErside]

Hey slightlyimperfect, (aren't we all)

Bring your kites and harness but leave everything else home. We can rent you a board for a day or a week or try different stuff while your here. March is usually the best month for wind here in the Keys. We rent assorted boards from Cabrinha, Slingshot, Best, North and Spleene and offer riding for any wind direction. Give a call if any questions.

oTHErside Boardsports
Islamorada, Fl. Keys
www.othersideboardsports.com
305.853.9728

[Clarencephil]

Hey slightlyimperfect, (aren't we all)

Bring your kites and harness but leave everything else home. We can rent you a board for a day or a week or try different stuff while your here. March is usually the best month for wind here in the Keys. We rent assorted boards from Cabrinha, Slingshot, Best, North and Spleene and offer riding for any wind direction. Give a call if any questions.

oTHErside Boardsports
Islamorada, Fl. Keys
www.othersideboardsports.com
305.853.9728

Just by curiosity, why do you rent boards and not kites ?
Are kites considered the dangerous part of the equation ?

[oTHErside]

Clarencephil,

The main reason is insurance. There are only a handful of shops in the US that rent kites that I know of.

[Eduardo]

this place rents everything with the downwinder at least

http://www.miamikiteboarding.com/downwinders.html

about 4 years ago, I rented everything in Miami on a business trip and it was by boat - not sure if it's the same people - was a long time ago...

[slightlyimperfect]

Thanks for the heads up otherside!

I will definetly hit you guys up for a board rental.
I am 6 foot 2 and 170 pounds. What size of kites would be prudent? 8-12ish?

thanks!

[RickI]

I just spoke to Christophe with miamikiteboarding.com. They do provide rental gear including kites for Level III or stronger kiteboarders that use the gear on their downwinders and sea taxi sessions on the Miami Flats and at their operation at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. I would call to verify space availability as with all these unusual west winds, the boats have been filled with students. You can't take the gear to other areas but for Miami those are some great options.

I believe the Kitehouse in Key West does something similar for guests on the Key West Flats with prior arrangement. These guys inflate your kites, rig the lines and have everything set up for you to go.

[oTHErside]

We do a similar deal as Miami Kiteboarding by getting people to the flats on northerly winds. For us, you must be able to stay upwind consistently. We'll set you up, inflate and launch you in minutes. The north winds here in the keys have been very inconsistent this year. Sunday looks like 25-30 nw but only @ 45 degrees.

slightlyimperfect,

March is usually our best month. 9m - 14m kites. I am on my 10m RPM 80% of the time at 185 lbs. and a 135 cm board. 8m - 12m sounds reasonable. It doesn't normally blow over 30 here so go by that.

[slightlyimperfect]

cool, thanks for your help guys.
I hope to kite at all three of the recommended locations, Islamadora, Key West and Miami.


Any good kiting and hook ups in the Fort Myers area?