Island Style Watersports

Stellar student! Check out the progression of this awesome first windsurfing lesson with Laurel!!

We've taken to the water --now you can get kayaks delivered by Jetski!!

Schedule your kayaking tour to paddle along side the double - crested cormorants that call South Lido home! Or comment below and share your past experience with these amazing birds!!

This is an editorial submission that was sent to Herald Tribune but
may or may not be published. Laurel Kaiser 941-587-1009

The County Parks Department has applied to the City of Sarasota for a zoning modification) that would legalize commercial activity in Ted Sperling Park on South Lido Beach. Notice of the public meeting to discuss the proposal on Monday July 11, was given only to "affected" property owners within 500 feet of the subject property which is a county owned park subject to city zoning regulations, and a primary recreation area for paddling enthusiasts area wide. City zoning officials contacted county park staff in December and required staff to immediately enforce the city code which prohibits commerce in parks. Most of the 13 permit holders do not occupy the park or engage in commerce in the park, using it only for the drop off of rentals and the conduct of guided tours that are booked and paid for from off site premises. The rules of the three year old Commercial Recreation Tour Operator (CRTO) program, selectively, maybe purposefully, included the County ordinance prohibiting solicitation in County parks but left out any reference to the specific agreement with city zoning officials to enforce the city zoning code which strictly prohibits commerce in all parks located within the City of Sarasota and has, when enforced, governed the allowable use of this park for tours and delivery of rentals provided by off- site companies for more than twenty years. I suggest that parks with water access are in short supply and this and other county owned water access areas, like Turtle Beach on Siesta Key, are being systematically re-purposed by covert efforts of county staff, for the benefit of tourism and profit of a few park based business owners who are galvanized with County Park Administration, to secure the position of on site businesses in this and other parks. Please attend the meeting if you can, and support responsible recreation and eco-tourism in parks. Please also contact your City
Commissioners and County Commissioners letting them know that this has gone too far in the wrong direction. Numerous businesses with garish advertising and free rent do not and should not belong in this or any county park. This is my own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the position of either City or County Park Advisory Board of which I am a member.

Laurel Kaiser,

Tour Operator at Ted Sperling Park since 1994

Great week on the water with summer camp, kayak tours, SUP lessons, and windsurfing lessons!! Call 941-954-1009 to join in on the fun!

Check out Laurel and Jesse having a blast in the UF | IFAS Master Naturalist program! They cannot wait to share what they have been learning. Call (941) 954 - 1009 to book your tour today!

A beautiful day at the Lido mangrove forest!

Can you identify these birds? (Hint: they're both herons)

Comment below to win a $5 gift certificate! First correct answer for both birds wins.

Thank you to Alexander Garcia for creating a sneak peak video of our windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding and kite camp!

http://www.alexandermiguelgarcia.com/files/a_week_on_the_water.mp4

Everyone wants to windsurf and children will learn easily with child-size equipment and lots of hands-on, individualized, expert coaching with Island Style's professional coaches. Campers will also experience stand-up paddling and snorkeling excursions to sandbars during light-wind hours and an intro to kite flying, wind permitting. Teens only week includes a new segment on watercraft navigation and safety. U.S. Sailing Windsurfing Coach Laurel Kaiser has been teaching children to windsurf in Sarasota and Maui for more than 20 years. Bring a nutritious lunch, snack and refillable water bottle. Wear water-sports appropriate footwear. All equipment and PFD (personal flotation device - life jacket) is provided. Parents, see your child windsurfing in just a few days! Photo op and achievement awards on Friday at noon.

Register today!! https://www.scgov.net/prnr/Pages/default.aspx

What will your children identify at our Marine Explorers and Waterman's camp this year?

Registration available through https://www.scgov.net/prnr/Pages/default.aspx

Standup paddle (SUP), snorkel, kayak, swim and explore the wonders of the barrier island marine environment on kid-size equipment and with experienced guides. Campers will be introduced to the world of water safety as they embark on daily paddling and snorkeling adventures, making mini expeditions to sandbars and mangrove islands teeming with marine life and adventure. Paddling the Jim Neville Preserve, South Lido Mangrove Forest and Sarasota Bay, campers will become aware of weather, tides and water safety as they build strong bodies and become young watermen and waterwomen. Low camper to teacher ratio of 1:8. Water sports specific footwear required. Bring a refillable water bottle, snack, personal sunscreen and a towel. All equipment and PFD (personal flotation device - life jacket) is provided.