Otherside Boardsports

Allie (y)? My new friend in the Florida Keyes. SUP was beyond tranquil. Love trying the different boards.
Make sure you ask for Alley! The gurl knows her geography.

Went on a guided paddle board tour with Steve — so much fun!!! He took us through the mangroves where we saw small sharks, sting rays, parrot fish, tarpon, snappers, and iguanas. Great tour — highly recommend it!!!

Was looking for new bindings for a board and bought some cool slingshots, super excited set up the new board. got out on the water and ripped the bindings completely out of the board mid air, could be dangerous. Amazing boots cool people. be careful get the right screws.

We had an awesome first SUP experience with Steve from oTHErside Boardsports! He went out of his way to find a perfect location for us even though it was very windy and most places advised against going on the water. Steve was so friendly and knowledgable and we had a wonderful time! If you are looking to try SUP, I highly recommend oTHErside Boardsports! Seems like it would be an awesome place for families too! We hope to check out the cable park next time! Thanks Steve!!!

I headed to the Florida Keys for a little r&r and the express purpose of learning to Kiteboard. Before leaving NY I discovered Otherside Boardsports on the Web and spoke with Shana about the scope of their services. While driving to Marathon we stopped in their Islamorada shop where I purchased a neopryne top and confirmed my interest in lessons. Monday I visited their Cable park and for the first time road a kiteboard. I felt pretty good that I got right up, having never participated in any boarding sports before. We went out into the Atlantic on Tuesday from Hawks Cay for a 3 hour lesson. My instructor «g» was very good. We reviewed the basics and launched a 12m kite, but the wind died and we canned the lesson after 2 hours. Thursday the winds were kicking at 20 knots. Out we went again. A short boat ride to an offshore reef, launched an 8m kite and began 4 hours of lessons. I was under no illusion that learning kiteboarding would be easy. By the end of my lesson I was able to stand briefly on the board but I ran out of steam, being in my mid 50’s I found learning this sport to be a real work out. I picked up a lot of skills and plan to continue where I left off when the winter ends on Long Island.
I would recommend Otherside board sports to anyone from out of town looking to learn this sport. Like most things worthwhile in life, kiteboarding doesn’t come easy, but they will keep you safe and on your way.

Mike, Ed, Knoll and Shana rock it — there is a lot of inconsistency and a lot of laissez faire instructors in this extreme sport but these folks stand out as the exact opposite! They are passionate, patient, supportive and generous with their time, instruction and commitment to getting you riding. They also made every effort to work with my schedule and to help me feel comfortable. I can’t say enough good things about them. Hat’s off folks… and see you very soon for more kiting fun!

I was down in the keys with no equipment, a lot of family, and was trying to squeeze in a kiteboarding session. Mike worked hard to find a time and an instructor to do a «supervised» session. It worked out great. They were willing to go out on my schedule — (out on the water by 8am). Ed was great to kite with, their gear and local knowledge was great as well. I’ll be looking them up next time I’m down here.

I went down to Islamorada to get married. During our week there, my fiancé and I really wanted to get some kiteboarding lessons. We had set up some a time with Mike, and it was ridiculously awesome.
Now, I’m not saying I learned to kiteboard in one day. However, Mike was truly a good instructor, and we learned a ton during our time with him. You can tell he is super passionate about his job, and that carries over in his instruction. I think he wanted me to skimming across the water just as much or more than I did!!!
So, if you are looking for kiteboarding lessons, or just want to visit a cool beach store with super friendly people, I highly recommend that you go and visit Mike and Shana at Otherside.
I know the next time I’m in Islamorada I’m going to try and go get some more lessons. :)