Commercial kiteboarding appears to face some choppy waters in Edgartown this summer, after selectmen received a recommendation from the town’s marine advisory committee not to renew any commercial licenses.

The issue bubbled up at the selectmen’s meeting Monday, when Skyhigh Kiteboarding — a company that offers kiteboarding lessons in Cape Pogue and other parts of the town — came before the board for a renewal to its commercial permit.

Town administrator James Hagerty said the marine advisory had recommended on Friday that the town not renew any commercial licenses, citing concerns about shellfishermen and abutters, as well as overcrowding in the pond.

“From the interactions I’ve had with the marine advisory, they’ve voiced concerns about the shellfishermen, they’ve voiced concerns about the recreational aspect of that area and the speed of some of the kiteboarders,” Mr. Hagerty said.

At the marine advisory meeting Friday, members of the committee extrapolated on the concerns, saying they had received formal complaints from a variety of different stakeholders surrounding the pond. They also said that the pond was experiencing high volumes of use that threatened nesting shorebirds, noting an increase in boat anchorings as well.

“It is based on complaints,” said member Bruce McIntosh. “Complaints from [The Trustees], complaints from . . . the harbor master, safety issues, and complaints from a property owner.”

On Monday, Mark Begle, who owns Skyhigh Kiteboarding, disputed the claims, arguing that he had been in business for 17 years and never received a complaint. He told selectmen that refusing to renew his permit would cause a significant financial hit.

“This has come at quite a surprise,” Mr. Begle said. “The town’s decision would have a significant impact on my income and my ability to support my family here on the Vineyard.”

A number of former students also spoke on Mr. Begle’s behalf.

After hearing from Mr. Begle, selectmen ultimately decided to conditionally schedule a joint meeting with the marine advisory committee next Monday before severing the license. Mr. Begle will be allowed to continue his operation until the meeting, Mr. Hagerty said.

“We’re not going to take any action that will prevent you from doing your business until we have gotten to the bottom of this,” Mr. Smadbeck said. “The board is not inclined to turn him down at this point.”

In other business, selectmen grappled with an outdoor sales request from jeweler Stephanie Wolf. Although the town has taken steps to allow outdoor dining for restaurants, the governor’s emergency order does not make similar changes to allow for outdoor retail establishments.

Ms. Wolf owns a jewelry shop on Water street, and said her sales had declined nearly 70 per cent since the pandemic began.

“Like most retail businesses, I suffered tremendous losses due to Covid,” Ms. Wolf said. “I’m looking for creative ways to keep my business going.”

Town officials said allowing outdoor sales could pose a legal problem because they were not exempted from normal zoning bylaws during the emergency. But they also agreed that town bylaws were not explicit in language that prohibited outdoor sales, providing an opening for Ms. Wolf, who proposed selling on private property outside her store.

After discussion, selectmen voted to support Ms. Wolf’s request, directing her to work with Mr. Hagerty, building inspector Reade Milne, and zoning administrator Lisa Morrison to work out a system that will allow for temporary outdoor sales on the weekends, with the option to expand to Wednesdays.

They also hoped to create a system that would allow other retailers to offer outdoor sales, similar to Oak Bluffs.

“This is a circumstance in which we can defend it,” Mr. Smadbeck said.

Will Sennott contributed reporting.