The crew at Fury's Summer Punk Rock Party!

By Shayne Benowitz

I have to say, at Fury, we’re a pretty lucky crew. In many ways, we’re just one big, crazy family. That’s never been more clear than when we get together to party! The summer soiree has become an institution, and this year we changed it up a little with a theme.

Saturday night as our crew gathered upstairs at Fogarty’s, the party got raucous with everyone’s interpretations on Punk Rock! The girls and I consulted our resident punk chick and check-in gal, Kayla, who lent us a bevy of ripped up concert t’s for an authentic look.

The party definitely rocked and there were many standout costumes. It felt like Fantasy Fest had come early! When I arrived Marius was at the door to greet people sporting a pink mohawk, crazy makeup, and a homemade anarchy shirt. Upstairs, Scott Saunders looked like Edward Scissor Hands with a gothic-inspired straightjacket and silver hair. I didn’t even recognize Andy Saunders who rocked a giant silver mohawk wig, sunglasses, and an over-sized spiked collar.

Kayla, Marius, Shayne, Scott.

Stephen, Holden, Leah, and JB made quite the rock star entrance together dressed as band mates of Pity Party wearing matching shredded, turquoise blue, skinny Levi’s. Eli also had a fab Brit punk rock getup and his wife Kenna looked punk-rock-beautiful-and-chic in a satiny black dress. Lindy looked adorably tough in a sequined mini skirt while her date’s shaved head was emblazoned with an anarchy tattoo. Andy Harris launched punk into a whole other stratosphere with lime green spandex pants and a feathered vest.

Kenna and Lindy.

There were so many remarkable costumes and the party rocked all over Duval Street into the wee hours. Check out the photo album on our facebook page for the full effect! A big thank you to Scott and Marius for throwing a killer party and always making us feel appreciated. Rock on!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Sailing to the crystal clear reef.

By Shayne Benowitz

It’s hard to believe, but this time next week it will be the beginning of a long Labor Day Weekend and the official end of summer. I know, I know, don’t get too depressed! No one likes it when summer ends, right? Well, we’ve all got one more weekend to really live it up.

Of course, in Key West we exist in a state of perpetual summer. Maybe you can enjoy Labor Day with us at Fury or maybe we’ll just see you in the fall. Either way, it’s time to toast to the end of a long, hot summer. What have you got planned? Family picnics or BBQs? A quick escape to the beach?

At Fury, it will be business as usual—or perhaps, more than usual. We’re gearing up for a busy weekend of water sports, and of course, we’d love to see you aboard our fleet.

The Ultimate Adventure is by far the most popular trip and the greatest value. It’s the perfect Labor Day package: snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, inflatable water park, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and all you can drink. That pretty much says it all!

If you’re looking for a quick escape, join us on one of our snorkel trips departing three times daily: 9:30am, 1pm, and 5pm. This is an absolute “Must-Do” in Key West. It would be embarrassing to be this close to the third largest coral reef system in the world and not set out to explore it.

If you’d prefer an aerial view of our island paradise, then the calming thrill of parasailing is for you. Trips depart every hour on the hour from 9am to 5pm. Yep, for some of us that’s the daily grind!

And of course, don’t miss a single sunset while you’re here, and make sure you catch it on the water at least one night. We’ve got a classic champagne sunset sail or a little bit of rock n roll with the Commotion on the Ocean featuring a great live band, appetizers, and margaritas.

Either way, we hope you and your family have a wonderful Labor Day and we hope to see you on the water in Key West soon!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

A view of Adventure Island from the parasail boat.

by Shayne Benowitz

With Keys kids heading back to school tomorrow and Labor Day right around the corner, the end of summer is creeping near. I remember that anxious feeling as a kid and still get it to this day. Somehow, fall will always feel like the start of a new year. If you’re like me, you’ll want to squeeze in one last summer hurrah before it’s officially over.

Lately, the Ultimate Adventure has been packed with families enjoying their summer vacations—and for good reason. It’s tons of fun and an excellent value for a big brood. Children under age five are free and ages 6-12 are half off of the adult $139 admission price. Book with a sales agent in Key West and we’ll throw in a free sunset sail for the whole family.

So, what are you getting for this great price? A full day of fun in the sun! The trip departs daily at 10am and a continental breakfast awaits with fresh fruit, mini bagels, muffins, danishes, yogurt, and OJ. Before you know it, we’ll be whisking you reefbound where you’ll enjoy a full hour snorkeling at the third largest barrier reef in the world. And let me tell you, the visibility and clarity has been unreal lately. The water is so inviting!

After your snorkel session, we’ll set sail towards Adventure Island and serve a full lunch spread: fried chicken, cold cut sandwiches, potato salad, cookies and more! Once you arrive, you’ll be rotated through a smorgasbord of activities: parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking. There’s also a swim area designated with a water trampoline, iceberg climbing wall, and brand new triangular slide.

Once you’ve finished jet skiing it’s happy hour for the big kids and our friendly crew serves up free-flowing beer, wine, and wine spritzers while you soak up the sun. You’ll return to the dock at 4pm, just in time to cruise Duval Street before dinner!

What are you waiting for? You know you deserve a little fun before school starts. Enjoy your family vacay on the water with Fury! The days are counting down…

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

The crew at Captain Tony's.

by Shayne Benowitz

Dive bars. They hold a special place in the hearts of many. Come as you are, drink cheap, and have a great time. Although not always my cup of tea, I’ve definitely had some great times in the local dives. These classic Key West watering holes hit the spot when you want to kick back without care.

Stephen & Nicole trying to flip a quarter into the grouper's mouth.

Captain Tony’s

The site of the original Sloppy Joe’s where Hemingway used to hang is located right off Duval Street on Front. It’s a dark hole in the wall with pool tables, the occasional live musician, and walls lined with memorabilia. Named for a much-loved and somewhat infamous Key West character, Captain Tony’s is a great spot for some trouble. It’s one of Captain Westy’s favorites. We like to grab the benches around the unused fireplace and if we’re feeling frisky we’ll order up a round of the house specialty rum punch. They’re tasty with a distinct pineapple flavor and they come in cool souvenir cups!

Beers, peanuts, and dollar bills at the Chart Room.

Chart Room

This little hideaway is tucked into the Pier House Resort. It’s small, dimly lit, lacking ambiance, but flush with peanuts, free hotdogs, and a fun dice game. Things get silly at the Chart Room. Sit at a large round table with your friends and order up a round of Jack & Cokes or some bottled beers and play Ship, Captain, Crew. All you need is the dice and a bunch of dollar bills.

Ashley, Jill, & Shayne with root beer barrels.

Green Parrot

There’s nothing secret about the Green Parrot, one of the most loved and frequented bars amongst locals and tourists alike. Whether it’s live music on a Saturday night, midday beers, happy hour, or closing it down at 4am, the Parrot is always full of surprises. My favorite memories have been quieter nights with a good group of friends playing darts, drinking beer, eating popcorn, and of course a few rounds of root beer barrels!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Lobster!

by Shayne Benowitz

The traps have been set. It’s the start of lobster season. With ideal summer weather the last few days, the water has been placid and clear. Now the harbor is also dotted with buoys marking the traps. For our Key West parasailing captains, they’ve got to be vigilant and steer clear of them. For everyone else, it’s time to feast!

Before lobster season is open to the pros, Key West holds a “mini season” where amateur divers can scour the reefs and rocks for the first catch. Annabelle and Cassandra, a couple of Fury gals, and my favorite little concharitas have been lobstering during mini season since they were little girls, and this year was no different.

Annabelle and Cassandra (far right) with friends.

They hit the water both days of mini season, and snagged 30 lobsters by midday. Having never been lobstering or even spear fishing myself, I’m truly impressed with these lovely ladies and hope they’ll take me with them one of these days!

In the meantime, I guess it’s time to hit up A & B Lobster House for a little surf ‘n turf. Or maybe Annabelle and Cassandra will have me over for dinner!?

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Prowler Club: Annabelle, Marius, & Shayne.

by Shayne Benowitz

With summertime heating up, I’ve been dying to update my wardrobe. Fortunately, the Fury Surf Shack has got me covered. With three locations in Key West, there seems to always be something new.

Not only are shades absolutely essential in our line of work on the water, but they’re also serious style staples. When it comes to sunglasses, I say the bigger the better. That’s exactly why I opted for Von Zipper’s Prowler. It’s also what our manager Marius and check-in chica Annabelle recently selected. We were tickled by the coincidence, and the fact that our frames are all different. I’ve got the glossy black ones, Marius’ are a matte pin stripe, and Annabelle’s are tortoise shell. They’re also available at the Surf Shack in white if you’d like to join our cool kids Prowler club (come on, I know you want to!).

Surf wear has caught up with the body-conscious styles that have been all over the fashion mags. I’ve scooped up a denim pencil skirt from Von Zipper and a stretchy mini skirt in a bright pattern from Billabong. Horizontal stripes are also hot. Meredith, a Fury jack-of-all-trades, snagged an adorable Billabong nautical striped, long-sleeved, body-skimming mini that is absolutely to die for! In fact, Billabong is all around hot these days with lots of modern styles in all three of our shops.

Of course, it’s not summertime in Key West without bathing suits, and the Surf Shack is fully stocked. I’ve been drawn to bikinis with unique cuts like criss-cross straps from Roxy and sexy braided straps from Reef.

Whatever you’re looking for in summertime surf apparel, the Surf Shack’s definitely got you covered. Swing by our two locations at the Westin marina and our newest shop at the foot of Duval for your next shopping spree.

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Annabelle reef-bound!

by Shayne Benowitz

There really is nothing like summertime in Key West. It’s hot and balmy. The sun shines bright. And the water is oh-so inviting! That’s also why I love working on the water in Key West and really can’t imagine doing anything else down here. This is the time of year where all you need is a bathing suit, flip-flops, and of course some SPF.

The reef has been absolutely stunning lately with near unlimited visibility. There’s nothing I love more than leaving the marina and being able to see the ocean floor from the deck of the boat as we glide out to the reef or Adventure Island. From the parasail boat alone, we’ve been treated with sightings of sea turtles and dolphins, and sometimes even stingrays and nurse sharks.

Blue tang and sergeant majors at the reef

The tarpon have been rolling, too. In the harbor, on the way to the reef, and often times even snorkeling, these enormous, silvery game fish can be spotted. It’s always a little thrill to see them at the reef and try to swim alongside them before they take off out of sight.

At the reef, expect to find schools of tiny sergeant majors, blue tangs, and yellow tail snappers. I’ve also spotted some enormous rainbow and midnight parrotfish, my favorites! They are so pretty and tropical!

Adventure Island fun!

The Ultimate Adventure is packed with fun. We’ve got a new inflatable toy, the Summit Express slide, along with the classic iceberg and water trampoline. It’s definitely the best water park in town, and the best way to stay cool!

We hope to see you down in our pristine island oasis this summer. Don’t hesitate, fun in the sun is waiting at Fury!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Cory performing on the Commotion.

by Shayne Benowitz

Chad, our senior catamaran mate, said it best Monday night aboard the Commotion, Fury’s official Key West Sunset Sail with Live Music, “In Key West, we are spoiled when it comes to live music.” It’s true, so many bars and restaurants are filled with the sounds of musicians day and night. After a while, us locals start to take it for granted. When I first moved to Key West, live music was one of my favorite things about this island. Whether it was breakfast at Blue Heaven, lunch at Hog’s Breath, happy hour at the Conch Farm, or late night at Sloppy Joe’s, I loved to hear a band play.

My parents made a trip down for Fourth of July weekend, and everywhere we went, they were enchanted by the live music offerings. After a day trip to the Dry Tortugas, we headed to Bobalu’s for pizza. We almost sat inside until my dad heard the sounds of live music at the bar outside, so we grabbed a table there. A trio was performing a great set of eclectic covers ranging from the Rolling Stones to Tom Petty to Sublime. My parents were in heaven.

Fury Girl's dad outside the Green Parrot.

The Green Parrot is a bastion for great live music, and over Fourth of July the Spam All Stars performed. They’re just one of the bands that bring the locals out in droves to jam out to their fusion of latin, funk, groove, and hip-hop. We had a great time and my mom was a dancing queen!

This was the first year I’ve taken the Fourth of July off, and we enjoyed the fireworks from the Southernmost House where my parents were staying. Stephen showed up just in time with four pairs of 3D fireworks viewing glasses that we passed out on the boats that night. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical—after all, fireworks are already 3D, right?—but they were actually pretty cool!

Fireworks!

For my parents’ final night on the island, we rocked out the Commotion on the Ocean. Monday night, is a series of guest musicians and Cory and the band get a break. This was a trio with a female vocalist, and they performed some great covers by Johnny Cash, Sheryl Crow, and Etta James, to name a few. The evening was slightly overcast, but the sun peeked out at the last minute, a bright pink ball through the clouds, and it was absolutely beautiful.

Gorgeous sunset.

We grabbed a bite to eat at the Sunset Pier when the boat returned to the dock, and were greeted by more music. My parents got up and danced to the crooning of classic love songs performed by a solo artist with a soulful voice. It was a pleasure to have my parents in town and hear all of Key West’s great music with a pair of fresh ears.

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Fireworks out at sea.

by Shayne Benowitz

This summer has certainly chugged along at a quick speed. It’s hard to believe that this weekend is the Fourth of July! At Fury, we’re definitely gearing up for a busy and festive weekend.

As usual, our docks will be humming with parasailing every hour, snorkel trips, the Ultimate Adventure, and sunset sails. But Sunday night, we’ve got one additional trip in the lineup. What better place to view a spectacular firework display than on the water?

Directly after our sunset trips return to the docks at 8:30pm, we’ll be loading up to view the fireworks at sea. All four of our catamarans, the Caribbean, Key West, Pacific, and Atlantic, will be put to use, so there’s plenty of spots available, but they will sell out fast. Book now!

The trip will include all you can drink beer, wine, champagne, sodas, and water, as usual. We’ll also have a great snack and appetizer spread. Come party with Fury on the Fourth. I can’t think of a better way to spend Independence Day!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

The happy couple!

by Shayne Benowitz

It was a busy Wednesday morning when I walked into the Fury Surf Shack to check the numbers. The phones were ringing, boats needed to be set up, and customers were checking in. I noticed something sparkle out of the corner of my eye, and when I looked, Becky’s hand was outstretched flashing a shiny engagement ring while she answered a customer’s question on the phone. I only had time to smile and mouth, “CONGRATULATIONS!” before we both had to get back to work.

If you like it, then you shoulda put a ring on it!

I caught up with her later in the day and it turns out parasail/catamaran mate Mr. Rob Porter had popped the question the previous night! Becky was positively beaming, which she has been since the moment the two started dating back in August. I was so impressed with Rob’s proper courting of Becky that I dubbed him the “woo-master.”

Sure, there’s been plenty of inter-office romances at the Fury, but none that have resulted in an engagement. The gals were so thrilled for our Becky that we threw her an impromptu girl’s night engagement party to let her gush the story!

The girls' engagement party.

Eight of us gathered around a table at Blackfin with free flowing champagne, appetizers, dinner, and dessert. We ogled the ring, heard about the romantic proposal, and had a great time. It sounds like it will be a short engagement, too, since Becky’s looking at October to set a date! We’re all thrilled for Becky and Rob and wish them the best of luck in the future!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.