this whole discussion reminds me why I moved out of the USA 28 years ago. it's not good on all levels and from all perspectives.
I know I will get blasted for this, and that's another reason.

What is?

What you see in this thread is people sympathizing about the challenge and the lack of help, but encouraging personal responsibility and individualism. I see this as a positive.

had the red band to launch and land there - there is your problem right there

You should just feel lucky that Real didn't "stand their ground" and shoot you.

YEA -- i agree with Mr.Slayer !!

I would NEVER go to a spot like that, without a predetermined Back-Up plan
in place.

There are even emergency GPS locator beacons a guy can deploy to have
the Coast-Guard come get Ya.

Personally though, I would prefer my own boat rental & friend to come get me ;
but the plan would be in place "Before" i went kiting there.

------------------Personal Responsibility------------------ !

Bille

If you want the safety of knowing that, if in trouble, somebody will rescue book a 3hr lesson with Real and they will be there for you. They are not a coastal guard nor a rescue office, they are a business with tons of expenses and sometime a short season because of hurricanes.
They have absolutely no responsibility if ur friend got stuck in the mudd.
If you told them your friend was injured and unable to move I bet they would be the first one to call 911. But since u clearly stated that ur friend was not at risk of dying, they did what they were supposed to do it.
I know Matt and Trip personally and every time I had a question or favour to ask them they went beyond what I expected them to do. I am happy to give them business and refer friends whenever I can, because of their professionalism and competence.
You might argue they are a tad expensive but then you quickly realIze that spending $1k on a 3 day camp get you so much instruction that at end it ends up costing less than normal lessons with you on the water and your instructor mile away from the beach.

When I do the Planet of the Apes run I charter a helicopter to follow me. I mean, when shit hits the fan I want out! Neck deep mud, snakes, killer mosquitoes...fuck that, man!

When I can't afford a heli, I just bring an actual ape with me.
I figure things are evenly matched.
Only problem is apes can't swim, I have to carry that damn monkey on my back...

Real helped my wife out when she managed to lose her board out on the sound. One of their instructors landed her kite for her at Real and then got on a jetski and went and found the board she lost. I wanted to pay them for it and they wouldn't take a thing.

Not a bad bunch of guys at Real in my opinion.

K

"was not at risk of dying" how generous lol

Should have got yourselves one of those GPS panic button things. Push the button, and it's all good.

Alternatively, you should have told the guys at Real that the downed kiter was a girl.