Modegi & Co. In Washingtonashingtonashington Sleepover at Toki CampCampoki TTTurururningningning Japanese!Japanese!Japanese! National Kite Month NABX: VVNABX: egas Buggying Ocean Shores Convention John Freeman’s Rockaway Bikini Festivals: Guam, France, China, ItalyItalyItaly, TT, exas, DC, Maryland, OrOryland, egonegonegon
CONTENTS National Kite Kite Plan Cervia 33 Month 22 John Freeman 32 Everything’s Whole lotta fly- wants you to molto bene in ing going on have his bikini the Italian skies
North KAPtions Berck-sur-mer American 5 Carl Bigras looks 24 What happens in 34 Buggy Expo down on Canada France, doesn’t stay in France! Hi-jinx in the low desert
Lincoln City Zilker Park Weifang Today a kite fes- 8 Indoors 25 Still flying in 36 tival, next year On stage and Austin after all the Olympics indoors in these years Oregon
Sporting Life Guam’s Convention Throw your own 10 Kites & Wishes 26 Preview 38 regional party Ray Bethell has It’s a XXX get- his shirt off on a together in beach again Ocean Shores
K-Files MIKE/MASKC Smithsonian 12 Glen and Tanna 27 Things are ducky 40 52 Amidst the Haynes are on the beach in cherry blossoms, wrapped up in Ocean City, MD the Japanese kitemaking triumph
Voices From Ft. Worden The Vault 14 Fancy sewing in 28 Wayne Hosking the Northwest is swarmed by 2 AKA Directory children 4 President’s Page 6 In Balance 7 Empty Spaces In The Sky MAKR 11 AKA News Fightin’ Words 20 29 Fancy sewing in 16 Event Calendar 20 Building an the Midwest 17 AI: Aerial Inquiry American 17 FlySpots tradition 18 Member Merchants 41 Regional Reports 52 People + Places + Things Toki Camp History Lesson 21 Greg Kono 30 On the cover: The Roby Pa- The journals of moves in with goda, built by Bermuda’s Philip Philippe one of Japan’s Jones, shadows the Washington Cottenceau greats Monument. Photo by David Barr.
Summer ’07 | Kiting 1 AKA DIRECTORY
american kitefliers aka committees association Mel Hickman, Executive Director education & public service Mailing: P.O. Box 1614, Walla Walla, WA 99362 Phone/Fax: 800/252-2550 Web/Internet Outreach Chuck Sigal 510/524-3459 Web: www.aka.kite.org National Kite Month Mike Dallmer 215/722-4092 E-mail: [email protected] Kite Records Ted Manekin 716/639-7679 Education Ronda Brewer 541/994-7556 officers and festivals / competitions executive committee Fighter Kites Sharon Champie 707/545-6737 Susan Skinner, President Kitemaking Barbara Meyer 763/424-2571 2381 Nobili Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051 Sport Kites Jim Barber 360/289-4915 408/554-8399 [email protected] World Championships David Gomberg 541/996-3083 Kite Art Paul Fieber 608/271-8265 Barbara Meyer, First Vice President 10361 108th Place, Osseo, MN 55369 administration 763/424-2571 [email protected] Ways & Means David Butler 503/524-3315 Gayle Woodul, Second Vice President Contract Services Gayle Woodul 830/598-2414 106 Main Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654 Safety & Insurance Jerry McGuire 513/831-8379 830/598-2414 [email protected] By-laws Ted Manekin 716/639-7679 Archives & Records Mel Hickman 800/252-2550 David Butler, Treasurer Elections Al Sparling 630/369-9682 14550 Chesterfield Lane, Tigard, OR 97224 Nominations Kathy Brinnehl 630/271-0765 503/524-3315 [email protected] promotion & membership Kathy Brinnehl, Secretary Membership Russ Faulk 630/530-8690 60 W. Piers Drive, Westmont IL 60559 Renewal and Retention Mel Hickman 800/252-2550 630/271-0765 [email protected] International Linda Sanders +61/885-562696
Ronda Brewer, Director at Large 735 SE Jetty, P. O. Box 988, Lincoln City OR 97367 annual meeting 541/994-7556 [email protected] Convention Mike Shaw 303/232-0950 Hospitality Susan Gomberg 541/996-3083 Mike Dallmer, Director at Large Fly Market Ron Lindner 636/677-3029 7204 Oakley Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111 Mass Ascensions Al Sparling 630/369-9682 215/722-4092 [email protected] Workshops Deb Lenzen 701/463-2661 Auction Dave Butler 503/524-3315 Russ Faulk, Director at Large 177 W. Vallette Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630/530-8690 [email protected]
Mike Shaw, Director at Large 6910 West 25th Place, Lakewood, CO 80214 303/232-0950 [email protected] convention management Maggie Vohs, Convention Manager Cameo Management Solutions, Inc. P.O. Box 410, Otis, OR 97368 Phone: 541/994-4252 Fax: 541/994-3459 Web: www.cameomanagement.com E-mail: [email protected] Kiting magazine Phil Broder, Publisher/Editor Mailing: 904 Bayview Road, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 Phone: 609/465-6575 Autumn issue deadline: July 15 E-mail: [email protected] Winter issue deadline: October 15 Kiting is published quarterly by the American Kitefliers Spring issue deadline: January 15 Association and distributed free to members. Please Summer issue deadline: April 15 contact the editor for information on submissions, advertising, and deadlines. Send address changes to [email protected]
Founded in 1964 by Robert M. Ingraham, the American Kitefliers Associa- tion is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public in the art, history, technology, and practice of building and flying kites.
2 Kiting | Summer ’07
National Kite Month® by Mike Dallmer helped as part of the NKM Com- Kites showcased in a library. mittee, and serving for the first time in an official capacity, my wife Cecilia; without her letter stuffing, going to the post office and helping me when things got tough, nothing would have left the office. Here are the official winners: • The Jerry Houk Cool T-shirt Bol racing at Tinicum Park, Pennsylvania. Sam Foertmeyer Kite for most events registered by an individual is Dale Bowden. ® his year National Kite Month regis- • Mike Shaw’s Bird Kite goes to Ttered 312 events around the world. South Houston Area Recreational Kiters Some events were small family flies, for the most events registered — 24 — by others were large gatherings of kiters a club. putting on shows for spectators. Many • The Andy Selzer Fighter Kite articles appeared in print around the goes to Region Eight Director, Gayle globe, and we even had TV coverage of Woodul, for having the best members/ a few events. events ratio. I would like to thank our sponsors: • A Collection of Donna Houchins the American Kitefliers Association, Miniatures goes to Region Six’s Robert Kite Trade Association International, Rymaszewski, for having 45 events in Selzer Viola Go Fly a Kite and Into the Wind. Those his Region. (Due to the rule limiting ages were: Kevin Kilgoar, Ted Shaw, who donated kites as our Grand Prizes grand prizes to one per person, Region Mena Fiore, Bob Bell, Dale Bowden, deserve a very big thank you as they Eight would have won with 50.) Doug Charleville, Brian Blaeske, Leslie took time to hand make a kite espe- • The Terry McPherson Fighter Davis, Paul Keeler, Monica Gray, Tom cially for NKM. I also like to thank Rich Kite and Shirt goes to Scott Spencer Deck, Randy Fox, Linda Yancy, Miriam Hawkins and Greg Lamoureux who with five Workshops registered (Dale Schafler, Annemarie Hughes, Jerry Bowden had six but Fincher, Jerald Graham and Mark Mor- Rosanna Rosanova and Dennis Smith get ready to already won a prize). row. fly at the Cape Henlopen Kite Festival in Delaware. • The Paul Fieber Check www.nationalkitemonth.org Square Hata Kite for all the numbers. As for education goes to Ian and Lisa and those curious about National Kite Willoughby, randomly Month®, the number of unique visitors chosen from all the and visits to the website have been NKM events. steadily increasing. The number of hits • And finally, the went from 1.9 million for the first four Chen Zhao Ji Sode months of 2006 to 3.2 million for the Kite goes to Randy same time this year. We are getting Fox, randomly chosen the word of kiting out!!! from those entering Finally, I’d like to thank all those events in the under who registered an event. Hope you had 18 category. fun doing it this year, and let’s make it The random just as good if not better next year…. weekly winners of the Go Fly a Kite pack- A kite display in a library window. ages were: Arthur Dibble, Ron Sitnick, Douglas Roselle, Becky Philips, Dean Turnblom, Dale Bowden, Mike Shaw, Mary Ann Bursk and Dan Johnson. The weekly winners of the
Into The Wind pack- Scott Spencer Phil Broder Phil
Summer ’07 | Kiting 3 THE PRESI® dENT’S PaGE ow! National Kite Month has been a blast. I kicked off are not really sure what the RD job entails. So I would like Wthe month on the east coast at the Smithsonian Kite to share the following job descriptions for Regional Direc- festival for a fantastic time with lots of great kitefliers and tors.... a whole lot of spectators visiting the Mall in DC. The second The Regional Directors are the central hub for AKA ac- weekend Darrin and I spent at the North American Buggy tivity at the local level. They serve as the information con- Expo in Nevada; there is such a sweet joy to cruising across duit for all things kiting by keeping members up to date on the landscape with just a kite and the wind for power. I activities in the area, responding to questions from mem- finished out the rest of NKM with a different local California bers and nonmembers, as well as recruiting and connecting kite festival each week. I know many of you were just as volunteers with requests for help. RDs are responsible for busy and hopefully having as much fun. One last tidbit: AKA filing the region’s quarterly report for publication in Kiting. has finally been granted the trademark for National Kite RDs are the “customer relations” department for the Month®. AKA. They are responsible for spearheading membership Many of our top kitemakers have already been sewing recruitment and retention efforts in their region. Network- for several months in preparation for the 2007 AKA Conven- ing with members is essential for success in this leadership tion in Ocean Shores, preparing beautiful works of art to role. RDs are encouraged to attend as many festivals as grace the skies for us. This year’s Convention is shaping possible; however personal attendance at all kite festivals up into an exciting time, with lots of great workshops and in the region is not possible. Networking and recruitment social activities, in addition to the Grand National competi- skills become important to ensure that the AKA has a pres- tion for our kitemakers, sport kite and fighter kite fliers. ence and provides support to events, which the RDs cannot The convention is a special time to commune with other personally attend. kitefliers for a whole week and I look forward to seeing all RDs represents their region on the Board of Directors of you there! (BOD). The BOD leads the association by setting the goals Each year, during the Convention, we honor three out- for the association, creating policy, making budget and ben- standing AKA members with lifetime achievement awards: efits decisions, along with general management oversight the Steve Edeiken award of the nonprofit corporation honoring the “Kiteflier of the that is the AKA. It is the Yea,r, the Bob Ingraham award BOD that reviews and ap- honoring the “AKA Volunteer proves all financial decisions of the Year,” and the Lee Toy for the association, as well award honoring the “Kite Art- as being responsible for the ist of the Year”. While mem- performance reviews of con- bers have always been able to tractors. Most of this work nominate recipients for the is accomplished through first two awards, this year, for e-mail in conjunction with the first time, members can quarterly conference calls. also nominate someone to be Pimp my buggy! Madame The BOD is accountable to the recipient of the Lee Toy President rides Dave Sabi- the membership for the as- award. I urge all of you to lino’s chopper at NABX. sociation. participate by taking time to BOD members may also nominate someone to these our highest honors. be asked to chair or participate in AKA committees. Be- It’s a pleasure to announce that for our 2008 Conven- cause of the broad view BOD members have of kiting and tion we will be going to Gettysburg, PA! As a world famous their familiarity with AKA policies they are the ideal com- tourist destination, it’s a great family vacation site that mittee members to help spearhead progress within our reminds us of our nation’s heritage and the values that special interest groups. The effort level involved with being made America who we are today. Gettysburg reminds us on an AKA committee varies with the committee. that our nation has been built on diversity; at times that AKA members considering running for Regional Director diversity has divided the country and at times that diversity should be energetic and excited about sharing kiting with has made us stronger. Our convention is a place where we others, comfortable working with e-mail on a daily basis, celebrate the diversity in kite flying and remember that to- at ease networking with members and potential members, gether we are stronger. The Gettysburg site is packed with willing to build relationships with members, comfortable everything we need: large grassy fields, with a great hotel soliciting volunteers to assist in the completion of their job and convention center just down the street with a room responsibilities and be willing to go that extra mile to make rate under $100/night. Boyd’s Bears are welcoming us to the AKA a priority in their life. their 125 acres of private land for the flying fields and are If you or someone you know matches this job descrip- as excited about us coming there as we are to visit them. It tion please contact our nominations chair, Kathy Brinnehl, promises to be another great convention. at [email protected]. The AKA is a 99% volunteer At this time each year the AKA seeks nominations for organization, whose strengths and accomplishments depend our elected positions, including the President and one-third on each of us. of the Regional Directors (RDs). RDs are vital to the associa- Share the joy of kiting. tion and I’m often surprised how many people tell me they
4 Kiting | Summer ’07 A Single Liner Goes Buggy by Jóse Sainz
he North American Buggy Expo (NABX) Charles Jackson and Caddo Tis a gathering of wind-loving kiteflying, adrenalin-seeking nuts. It takes place in the spring in Primm, Nevada, at the border of Ne- vada and California, south of Las Vegas. The event is staged on Ivanpah dry lake. This event reunites a diverse “family” of friends every year to enjoy the fun of playing with the wind in every imaginable way. The strong desert winds allow people to express themselves with all kinds of kite buggies, kite boards, land sailers, boomerangs, and single line kites. Nearby Mojave Lake offers the
opportunity to do all the kite- related water activities as well. And when the day is done, you can return to the Primm casinos just min- utes away for a relaxing shower, fine dining and comfortable night sleep. Nightly trips to Vegas are also allowed!! Visitors to the event come from all over the USA, Canada and Mexico, and as far away as Great Britain, France, Japan, Israel, Argentina and New Zealand. Many have been coming here since the early ‘90s when the event was known as Spring Break Buggy Blast. Many will agree that Fran Gramkowski was the founder of the event, but he would tell you it was started by a bunch of good friends and family looking for a good time. So, how do you get Ron Gibian single line flyers Ron Gibian to attend NABX ? You stage the big- gest international Shot-Car Racing Championships held in the entire world! Just ask event coordina- tors Corey Jensen and Dean Jordan, or participants Scott Skinner, Ron Gibian, Blake Pel- ton, Steve Bate- man, Joe Hadzicki, Ben Dantonio, Sue and Darrin Skinner, David Culp, and Meg Albers. Look for more shot-car racing at future kite festivals and the AKA convention. NABX is organized by Claxton Thompson, Dean Jordan and a dedicated group of board members and volunteers. You can see more pictures and read more about NABX on www.NABX.net.
Summer ’07 | Kiting 5 In Balance by Corey Jensen o I find myself on page 6 (instead have allowed our eyes to be locked on the language of the kite. It’s “touch- S of my old spot on the inside back the kite while we’re flying. I figure the flying” page) and with a new name for the neural synapses in our brains are like Involving more senses than sight is column — “In Balance.” I’m good with rutted roads. Once we get in the habit interesting. The marketplace is relies that. Finding some sense of balance in of relying on our eyes, our brains seem heavily on visual advertising. Kites are this world is becoming more and more to forget the other senses. Spinning sold by how they look (sight). Kite fly- difficult. Between the increasingly around distracts your eyes for a mo- ing is much more about how they feel insane “real” world and the elemental, ment. Our eyes have gotten so loud, (tactile) while they’re flying. Sound natural forces of nature (the wind, for our brain can’t hear our other senses. (hearing) is easy. I love the way kite instance) I am able to find some bal- Given a chance, our fingers, con- lines sing in praise of the wind. I love ance for myself. nected to the kite through the lines, the rustle of fabric and the sound of a I have long stated that kite flying can learn the tactile language trans- foil hitting the ground. works quicker than psychiatry, and Now taste and smell are a is a lot less expensive. I’ve been bit more of a problem. Old- teaching “Kite Chi” for years. It is school flyers might remember about finding some personal bal- the adage: For good kite flying, ance in our kite flying. mayonnaise on the top and How many remember “The peanut butter on the bottom. King’s Kite Chi Challenge” at the Has something to do with lift 1989 AKA Convention in Honolulu? and drag, I believe. That cov- Stu Eisenberg won The Challenge ers taste. that year, flying his Kite Chi rou- Finally… aroma. You know, tine in the Sport Kite Finals. I’ve always loved the smell of For any not yet familiar with ripstop in the morning. it, here’s a brief description of Many years ago my brother Kite Chi: flying a stunter in loop, gave me a personal motto. I raise your hands over your head like it and have used it fre- and spin around, untwisting your quently, currently as the sig lines while the kite twists them. The Corey-lama at rest in the desert. line on my internet postings. I It’s not really about your guess Phil didn’t recognize my lines. I’ve noticed that with so family tradition and changed much visual information coming at mitted down the lines, and tell us the name of the column. So I’ll use it us, the neural pathways in our brains “where the kite is” and even (more to close this... default to vision for most information. importantly for traction) “where the “Often wrong… never in doubt.” Without being aware of it, most of us kite is going.” It takes time to learn
6 Kiting | Summer ’07 Empty SPaces in the sky to be able to find a true soul mate and forward to travel the path Philippe has Sam Urner share your life and dreams with that shown us, seeking their own personal Long time Northern California Kite person. We knew what each other’s means by which this small, tranquil Club member Sam Urner died unex- thought with just a look . . . I love light of Philippe’s fireflies will continue pectedly in early March. Sam loved you, Jim, and sweet dreams.” to breathe nature’s and his special building and flying ultra-light kites — Judy Kingery life-force into our kite community. made from common household mate- — Tal Streeter rials. Sam was a quiet guy and often came and flew without saying much. I Philippe Cottenceau enjoyed Sam and will miss him and his 1957-2006 John Eddyhausen kites. I first met John on a flying field in There was the time I spent with — Brian Champie Ft. Worth. Karen and I hit it off im- mediately with John. He traveled with us to numerous events like Rockport, Jim King Oklahoma City, Abilene, and New 1928-2007 Orleans. John was a R/C junkie before Jim was regular a on the kite field discovering kiting. He went into this at the Junction Retreat from 1990 to new hobby-sport like he did everything 2006. Jim always had an interest in in life, FULL STEAM AHEAD. He served kites, making them out of brown paper as regional director and president sacks or butcher paper, and using flour of Jewels of the Sky and was always and water to make paste. He made there to support the JOTS events. John box kites and diamonds mostly, and always had his smart and loyal dog would tie them off at night and return with him at our kite events. the next morning to find the line was I’ll never forget the time we were in broken and the kite gone forever. Oklahoma City for a festival, John was Jim and wife MaryAnn joined JOTS off buggying somewhere. In the late Philippe in Indonesia. At the end of a in Dallas, Texas, as well as AKA, upon afternoon someone informed me that long day of festival kite flying, night Jim’s retirement. MaryAnn recalls, John was down and out of his buggy on falling, Philippe and I were seated next “We went to every workshop we could. the south end of the field. I got in my to one another on a bus carrying us We were HOOKED!” They heard about van and went to get him. As it turned back to our lodging. The old bus moved the Junction Kite Retreat, and George out he was jerked out of the buggy and at a snail’s pace, threading its way Weber and Lois Card convinced them broke his hip. He was only 75 at the down a road packed with an immense it was the place to be on Memorial Day time. He spent a weeks in the hospital throng of people returning to their weekend each year. and recuperating, then was back on homes, leaving the festival beach. the flying field. In the later years his Some of the bus’s kite flyers, knees could not support, so he would exhausted, had their eyes closed. I grab someone to launch his kite, then had my head down, writing notes, sat down in his lawn chair and flew. also tired, having trouble guiding my There are not enough words to say pencil. Philippe was still alert to his about all the things we did and the surroundings. good times we had together. I do and He touched my knee, “Look, Tal,” will continue to miss him, as many of he said in an excited voice, pointing his kite flying friends. out the window at the darkening fields alongside the roadway. Philippe smiled with delight at the tiny lights of fireflies, just a few spread out across the vast fields, only six or so, winking on and off. MaryAnn says that one of the most At that moment on the bus memorable experiences they had was moving so slowly as night fell in their first convention, which was held Indonesia, I recognized Philippe in Lubbock. “We were like two kids in as a kite poet, a custodian and a candy shop, our eyes wide and we exemplar, whose small kites made were so excited about everything.” so lovingly of natural materials Mary Ann says, “One of the most generated precious and all too important things in a person’s life is rare moments of serenity. I pray that others will come
Summer ’07 | Kiting 7 Inside Oregon by Ronda Brewer
t had been a full year of preparation by the Lin- Icoln City Visitors and Convention Bureau (LCVCB), the Lincoln City Kite Friendship Association (LCKFA), The Kite Shoppe, Elmer’s Flag and Ban- ners, and many other volunteers and contributors. Brewer Ronda Finally, it was almost time for the 2007 Lincoln City Indoor Kite Festival to begin. On Friday, March 30, I arrived at the Taft High School building to find there were many volunteers and kiters already there. In the gymnasium, I was surprised at how noisy it was with the voices of the volunteers plus the sound of a scissor lift moving around the floor. The massive effort of turning a high school gym into a performance arena was well underway, with Lee and Debbie Park directing the troop of volunteers. Whew, there were still lots to do and so little time until the festival was to officially start. In the end, I was amazed at the transformation Alan Cunningham that had taken place. Colorful dots of various sizes hung in front of the black fabric backdrop to liven up the on the floor in front of the backdrop. What a difference it dense dark material. Lights hung from the ceiling, others made in the intensity of the bright dots. were along the sides of the gym and the rest were placed When it was all ready, Lee and Debbie gave final instructions to the invited fliers who would be perform- ing in the weekend’s four productions set to Beatle tunes. Jeff Reed Performers included John Barressi, Penny Lingenfelter, Alan Cunningham, Lam Hoac, Scott Weider, Jeff Reed, Andy Becker, Todd Rudolph, David Hathaway, Scott Davis, Ronda Brewer Ronda and Wayne Turner. Other supporting performers were Amy Doran, Donna Wendt, Jerimy Colbert, Zachary Colbert, Sam Colbert, Shannon Herth, and myself. A fresh flurry of activity finally wrapped up the pre-fes- tival preparations. At 4pm the doors were opened. As the spectators drifted into the gym, kiters test flew their kites on the newly transformed stage. In between routines, Bob Wendt manned the microphone to present each flier and did a wonderful job of keeping the audience well informed. The evening performance was an audio-visual delight. The Parks were the glue to the production and once again Lincoln City was honored and pleased to present one of the premier productions of the entire indoor kiting world. Music, kites, props, costumes, performers, and action com- bined for a nostalgic revisit for many in the crowd to days of our youth and memories long forgotten. Did we really dress like that? Saturday started out wet and rainy. . . excellent weath- er for an indoor event at a beach location! The day was filled with two scheduled musical performances, the Indoor Competition, individual performances, indoor kite flying lessons, kid’s free kite making, food, kite vendors, and the Lincoln City Visitor and Convention staff selling raffle tickets and festival shirts. It was a whirlwind of activity for families and visitors to enjoy on a rainy day at the beautiful but stormy Oregon coast. The competition was held in the early afternoon. Bill Rogers, the head judge, organized the performance judges, the boundary monitors, and the supporting staff. It was a close competition but Novice was won by Amy Doran from
8 Kiting | Summer ’07 Bend, Oregon, and the Masters Champion was Scott Weider Inside Oregon by Ronda Brewer from Rhode Island. The LCVCB provided the custom blown Fliers give Lindsey Johnson a 55-popper salute on his glass floats that were placed on the trophy bases. Day two th ended with the realization that the festival had been a suc- 55 birthday. cess so far and we had one short day left to this wonderful Oregon Coast Today weekend. Sunday’s weather was gorgeous and it was difficult to
be indoors when the winds outside were calling our names. - Dave Price Several fliers were caught flying their kites on the school’s sports field and had to be encouraged to get back inside. Like the kiters, the visitors and locals were equally eager to enjoy the outdoors. The crowds were lighter than expected but the event went on as planned. Sunday concluded in the Ronda Brewer Ronda
afternoon with the final musical extravaganza. Then, it was time to tear down, pack up and clean up the facilities. We left knowing this had been an event we were thank- Scott Weider ful to have been involved with and we were already making plans for the 2008 Lincoln City Indoor Kite Festival.
Summer ’07 | Kiting 9 Sporting Life by Terry Cornell re you a member of an active, few general kiting goals as your flying to energize a sleepy Club. In these A vibrant kite club looking for a fun population will find useful. times of decreased competitive flier group activity to fill an open spot in If you’ve done your front-end numbers and fewer major competi- the calendar? Are you the member of research and determined that you are tions, a Regional is a good tool which a somewhat dormant club in need of a going to make your Regional available benefits your established fliers while kick start? Are you a flier with no club to the general public, AKA sanctioning growing the sport by attracting first in your area and you want to get to- is a wise investment at bargain prices. time Novices. gether with other local fliers? Organiz- If you are using public land through a You’ve just got to love a win-win ing a Regional Competition might just partnership with the local Parks and scenario. be the thing. Recreation Department, having the in- A Regional Competition is among surance in hand early on will put them the smallest of formal competitive at ease and perhaps get them more kiting events, but it can easily become actively involved in the community re- one of the most rewarding events lations aspect of your event. For your you’ve ever been involved in. A Re- competitors, sanctioning is important gional can serve whatever need your because they can earn points toward local fliers may have. the invitation to AKA Grand Nationals. You can organize a Regional for as Depending on the size and scope many good reasons as of your Regional it may be you can think of. One attractive to recruit spon- particular new Re- sors from within kiting gional that kicked off and from local businesses. two years ago in the My past experience with Southeast Conference sponsors is that they are embraced two major very supportive of Region- goals: al competitions and will • To present first-time help make your event a Novice Class fliers with success in some pleasantly a no-stress competitive unexpected ways. If you experience complete obtain sponsorships, be with positive inbrief certain to show your ap- and detailed, individu- preciation by prominently al debrief. identifying them. Display logos and • To bring two major Kite Clubs to- such on your official paperwork, and gether for a low-frills scrimmage in display any banners that they provide preparation for the meat of that year’s at your venue. competition schedule. Competition is one of the core This modest Regional event at- goals. In keeping with the grass-roots tracted six new Novice Class fliers. Of flavor of a Regional, make it easy for those six, one gent just showed up, competitors to want to come to your borrowed a kite, and won the NIB dis- event and have fun. Consider: cipline. As I recall, he did well at that • keep your registration fees nominal; year’s AKA Grand Nationals also. a flat fee of $10 to enter as many dis- The scope of a Regional can be ciplines as a competitor wishes is very whatever the organizer wishes it to be, attractive. as long as it serves the needs of poten- • free registration for first-timers tial competitors. It can be as simple • offer the disciplines that your local as the area’s dual-line and multi-line fliers compete in and interesting new competitors meeting at a certain disciplines such as Multiline Pairs. beach or inland park with a boombox • offer Open class or combined events for music. It can resemble a small- for your experienced competitors, and scale kite festival held in conjunction reserve Novice Class events for your with a Parks and Recreation Depart- first-time competitors if Novice-friend- ment complete with sound tent, flying ly is one of your goals. lessons, face painting, etc. It can be • include the fun stuff, like Hot Tricks anywhere in between. As a potential and Mystery Ballet. event organizer, your Regional can A Regional Competition is a grand be sized to accomplish as many or as way to extend a dynamic kite club or
10 Kiting | Summer ’07 AKA News Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes They’ve been members longer than cover for you. It will feature the Kiting Moving? Changed your address? New anyone else, since the Association’s masthead over your photo, as well as e-mail? Updating details on an event? fourth year. That means they’ve flown any text you choose. Need to surprise Now you can send all your updates and kites during the tenure of every presi- someone on their birthday? Make a changes to one address: UpdateAKA@ dent the AKA has ever had. Congratula- nice award for someone in your club? A aka.kite.org. tions, Marian and Richard! Christmas present they’ll never forget? Contact Mel Hickman at [email protected]. Vote Early, Vote Often Your Own Cover Photo org or 800/252-2550 to place your This year’s elections will select not Would you like to see your kite, or order today. only a president, but Regional Direc- your face — or your kids, grandkids, tors for Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 12. If pets’ faces — or whatever you choose Snail Mail you’re interested in representing your on the cover of Kiting? Now you can, Some of you may have noticed that region on the AKA Board of Directors, with new Custom Covers. All you need your spring issue of Kiting took a contact Kathy Brinnehl at nomina- is a digital photo at least 9” x 12” veeeeeerrrrrryyyyy long time to get [email protected] or 630/271-0765. and $30, and the AKA can create a to you. The problem seems to have Deadline for nominations is August 4. one-of-a-kind framed color magazine been at a number of postal distribu- tion centers throughout America, Top 5 to AKAGN which caused kiters in four areas to If you finish in the top five of any experience delays. If you don’t feel discipline in your sport kite confer- like waiting for Kiting to arrive via 3rd ence, you’ll be receiving an invita- class mail, don’t forget that you can tion to compete at the AKA Grand upgrade to 1st class mail for only an Nationals at Ocean Shores, WA. The additional $8 annually. Just contact Sport Kite Committee and Board ap- Mel Hickman at [email protected] or proved the change in April. In years call 800/252-2550. Not sure if your past, only the top three were auto- mail is fast or slow? This issue was matically invited, with the next two scheduled to be mailed on June 1. competitors acting as alternates. When did you receive it? With the rule change, there are no alternates. Not sure where you rank? Going Clubbing Check the latest standings by click- Due to limited space, this issue ing Festivals at www.aka.kite.org. doesn’t feature the full list of AKA affiliated kite clubs. If you’re looking Happy 40th for info about clubs, you’ll find it on Friday the 13th of April was a lucky the Regional Resources page of www. day for Marian and Richard Robert- aka.kite.org. son of Austin, TX. It was their 40th anniversary... as AKA members!
$35 $68 $101
$5 $10 $15 $8 $15 $22
$100 $200 $300
Summer ’07 | Kiting 11 K-FILES Tanna & Glen Haynes business for many years, we were able to utilize components from that business to enhance our kites and ac- cessories. We used material from synthetic fishing rod handles to make cus- tom dual and quad line handles that we shared with many of our friends. We also saw also act as a joining piece where spars an application for tapered spars made intersect. from fishing rod blanks so that the We started competing at differ- frames of our kites would be lighter ent times. Glen competed first with in weight and more flexible, using a rokkaku at the 1993 Smithsonian either fiberglass or carbon graphite Kite Festival and won his category wherever the use was most appropri- as a novice builder. Tanna competed Call of the Buffalo Moon ate. We introduced thread wrapping the following year at an AKA conven- to many builders by using wraps to tion, also with a rokkaku, and won the iting is not just for kids — for us, it reinforce the ferrules that we made Novice Kitebuilder of the Year award. K has become a lifelong adventure. for our spars, turning what was once After that, we volunteered to judge We both flew kites as kids, but the weakest part of the spar into the and work at the registration table for it was the discovery of sport kites in strongest, and we also added decora- the kite building competition at almost 1989 that brought us back to kiting. tive thread wraps on exposed sparring every convention so that we could Out first sport kite competition was to coordinate with the color scheme of learn more about building by seeing at Myrtle Beach where we met Pete a kite. The soft framing fixtures that what other people were doing. DiGiacomo and the What’s Up team. we use help us to hold bridle points on In 1996, at the AKA convention in Glen had read about Pete holding the kites when the spars are removed and Santa Monica, Tanna won first place kite speed record. What a great expe- in traditional kites rience! Tanna’s Lady of the Maori Sea with “Lady of We also found a “real” kite store. the Clouds” and We came home with a Revolution, a also won Grand Firedart and at least 25 back issues Champion. At the of several kite magazines. Sport kite 1998 convention competitions got top billing on our va- in Ocean Shores, cation list. We learned of a local kite both of us com- club, Sky Pilots in Reading, PA, and it peted — Glen in was there that we heard about the kite the cellular and building workshops put on by Mary- delta category and land Kite Society. 1991 was the first of Tanna in the bowed countless workshops that we attended. category. Each The information that has been shared of us won a first by so many of our friends has helped place, Glen with to shape our kite making into what it is his cellular piece, today. “Maori Cody” and So many kite builders have brought Tanna with “Lady different techniques from their own of the Maori Sea,” personal backgrounds. Ours was in which went on to custom fishing rod building. Having win a second Grand been a part of a custom fishing rod Champion award.
12 Kiting | Summer ’07 We have since competed at the Pretty strong: the Haynes’ Smithsonian Kite Festival several threadwrapping technique times, with Tanna winning first place in the figure kite category and a Beauty in the Air award with a Chinese slim sand swallow in 1999 and the coop- erative award in 2000 with the Crane – Cory kite, a wedding present to our nephew and his wife based on a small Mikio Toki edo. Our most recent kite or why they chose a graphic, and cooperative kite, “Call of the Buffalo to encourage them to build more and compete again. But, the best thing about the kite community is the wonderful people that we’ve met. It is great to travel all over the world to events, knowing that even if we do not know anyone there, we still have kiting in common with oth- ers in attendance. Glen’s Maori Cody It is a universal language that Moon”, is currently on display at the crosses all barriers – including age, Billings, Montana, airport’s Lewis and ability, and language for that matter. Clark exhibition. We have spent a week or more at some There are many things that we events, not knowing a common lan- enjoy about this kiting thing that we do. We love to help judge kites, talk- ing to competitors to learn more about them and what they do when building their kites. It is great to talk to the newer competitors, trying to give them confidence to tell the judging teams what made them build a particular
Crane - Cory edo
Chinese Slim Sand Swallow
guage with which to communicate, and yet we all speak kite. We come away from each trip having made new friends and learning something new each time. In some cases, those friends turn into extended family members. The biggest joy of being a part of the kiting world is the sharing. Our adventure continues.
Summer ’07 | Kiting 13 Voices From The Vault Wayne Hosking by Patti Gibbons photos courtesy World Kite Museum alk into a bookstore and take a dren got their Wlook around. Between the obliga- mothers to tory cappuccino bar and book-of-the- donate spent month kiosk are pages chronicling stockings and the imagination of countless authors, bed sheets showcasing everything under the sun. for tails. You name it, its there—Napoleonic When they got history for novices, tax preparation enough raw for expatriates, gardening for lefties, materials they salsa dancing for lovers, and of course began tinker- any store worth its chops (at least in ing and in the the eyes of an AKA member) is bound end assembled to have a decent kite book selection. a communal A giant in the kite section, Wayne kite. The kite Hosking’s body of work justly takes up turned out a fair share of shelf real estate. The to be a tank. prolific kite writer instructs, inspires, They had to and illustrates kiting like few others break a sweat can. Author, teacher, teacher of teach- to get it to fly but victory was theirs, kites for sale. The cottage industry tin- ers, and ace flier, Hosking has tugged albeit for a brief moment in the sun. kerers did pretty well with their week- on his fair share of kite strings over Wayne left kites in the skies of his end forays to the craft markets; Wayne the years while helping countless oth- childhood and didn’t think much of remembers selling over 300 kites at a ers pull their own lines. them until the mid-’70s when his wife single fair. These sorts of orders didn’t Native Aussie Wayne Hosking grew reintroduced him to kiting. She was lead to a rock star lifestyle, but the up skipping stones into the ocean and on the lookout for a couples activity. business venture kept the couple afloat enjoyed the perks of living under the Disco lessons, macramé, and fondue when Wayne was downsized out of his Southern Cross until he moved over- cooking lessons didn’t quite make the day job. He remembers they, “didn’t seas in his early adulthood. Although cut, but kiting piqued her interest. She make a living off it but we made an kites weren’t commonplace in Austra- scoured the library and checked out a existence.” For three years Wayne and lia when he was coming up, Wayne re- couple kite books. Wayne was warm to his wife “supplied all of Australia with calls making a kite or two with friends her idea and they found kite making kites.” from salvaged household materials. a pleasant pastime. Like a maverick The merchant role eventually Brown paper sacks were repurposed chef, he recalls using pictures in the evolved into the role of kite men- as skins, twill package ties were saved books as general guides rather than tor. Three to five days a week Wayne on mail day, and somehow the chil- their exacting patterns to make his packed his kiting trick bag and headed first kites. to area schools to teach the art of kite His boyhood fighting. Students took to the sport triumphs of rapidly and word traveled. Wayne’s making kites date book filled up quickly as school- from found children took to the skies to compete materials with kites. This person-to-person tute- resurfaced lage was a tremendous amount of fun and Wayne and it helped promote the Hoskings’ dipped into kite ventures. Soon, Wayne’s passion the trash for kiting broke out of the schoolyard bag to make and he spearheaded a kite festival. many of his The festival drew 20,000 people and early kites. subsequent events expanded rapidly. The The Hoskings eventually moved to kiting bug bit America, seeking treatment for their Wayne and daughter’s cerebral palsy in Michigan. his wife and Wayne remembers his new neighbors their pastime thought he needed a straitjacket soon evolved after they watched him fly a red kite to making through a snowstorm. Contrary to the
14 Kiting | Summer ’07 whispers, Wayne enjoyed the Zen of flying amid the relentless flurries. Inclement weather aside, Wayne was surprised to learn that aver- age people he spoke with in the US didn’t know much about kites. The Midwestern snows finally stopped and the drifts melted away. Wayne’s winter flies didn’t sustain him. The emotional toll of moving to the opposite side of the conti- nent and caring for a special needs child weighed heavily on Wayne and after about a year he realized he himself needed to see a doctor. The doctor suggested medication or removing himself from his stressors membership card, kiting took him sians had in fact flown the world’s first to overcome his depression. Happy overseas. He began traveling interna- kite. Perhaps an early sail escaped, pills weren’t Wayne’s panacea and he tionally to promote and participate in flew free, and inspired an anonymous couldn’t quit his job, so he battled the kiting adventures. The Hoskings went Malaysian to create the first kite? To blue period his own way. He headed on Dave Checkley’s tour of the Far check up on his theory Wayne visited downstairs to the basement and wrote. East and his wife won the Black Ships a Malaysian library. Using his pocket His first kite book sold 6,000 copies. Festival in Japan. dictionary to translate, Wayne poured Writing Kites Aussie Style did more These overseas trips stuck with through the materials. Although he than counterbalance a stressful time Wayne and eventually found their way didn’t find the kiting Rosetta Stone on in Wayne’s life, it redirected his kiting to the page. Wayne’s book Asian Kites his trip, he holds open the possibility efforts and helped connect him with started with firsthand visits to Malay- that the Malaysians made the world’s fliers from distant corners. Paul Garber sia. He met the Malaysian kite flying first kite. team at the International experiences may Junction Kite have wowed him, but Wayne never Retreat and lost interest in helping spread the joys took them up of kiting locally. Back in the US he on their kind took kites to the classrooms. Although invitation to Wayne encountered some resistance visit their flying from school administrators, eventually fields. Notepad he taught kite making and kite flying in close at hand, over 200 schools, colleges, and com- Wayne studied munity organizations. But teaching stu- their traditions dents wasn’t all he was good at doing. as he enjoyed Wayne also taught teachers. For four making new years he enjoyed spending part of his friends and fly- summers at NASA’s Johnson Space Cen- ing new kites. ter in Houston showing teachers ways The consum- to incorporate kiting into their les- mate student of son plans. Wayne enjoys working with kites also put classroom teachers and wrote Flights on the teach- of Imagination, a textbook for sci- er’s cap while ence teachers that uses kites to teach and Dom Jalbert sought him out after visiting. He taught kitemaking work- aerodynamics and science principles. they got their hands on his book while shops as a way to share his knowledge. Although he got a paltry $300 for the countless other fliers were introduced He remembers, against his protests, book and doesn’t receive a penny to kiting after stumbling upon his that he was allowed only to work with in royalties, he relishes knowing the material. With a virtual kiting Renais- teachers and that he had “to sweep resource is out there for educators. sance on the horizon, Wayne’s writing the kids away with a broom.” Before Wayne sat down for his oral contributed to the rise of organized Wayne’s Malaysian trip sparked history interview in 1997, he toted kiting in the country. some historical questions. While a tape recorder to Francis Rogallo’s Wayne’s overall involvement with watching their traditional use of kites home and interviewed the kiting giant organized kiting picked up along with for fishing and sailing he began ques- for the World Kite Museum’s oral histo- his book sales. He found out about the tioning the widespread belief that the ry program. In the years since, Wayne AKA and began attending festivals. kite is native to China. Wayne’s obser- continues to fly and has authored over Not too long after getting his first AKA vations made him wonder if the Malay- a half a dozen new kite books.
Summer ’07 | Kiting 15 AKA sanctioned events EVENT CaLENdaR are listed in BOLD June 15-17 June 24 Rogallo Kite Festival Brigantine Fighter Kite Fest Jockey’s Ridge State Park Brigantine, NJ Nags Head, NC Andy Selzer Cory Davies 856/728-8870 252/441-4127 June 30 - July 1 LibertyFest Kite Fest Mitch Park Edmond, OK Terry Officer 405/341-5477
July 20-22 North Coast Stunt Kite Games Maumee Bay State Park Check the event calendar Oregon, OH Kevin Kilgoar at www.aka.kite.org for 419/260-3183 updated info! Dave Butler www.bsaf.org
Dave Butler July 27-29 August 11 September 1-2 Kites Over Branch County Fly To The Sky Bristol Int’l Kite Festival Creal Soccer Complex BF Goodrich plant Bristol, Great Britain June 16-17 Coldwater, MI Ft. Wayne, IN Avril Baker Perry Farm Kite Festival Suzette Arnold Joe Stemen [email protected] Bourbonnais, IL 517/278-6023 260/747-9524 Sarah Winkel www.tristatewindriders.com 815/933-9905 www.btpd.org August 15-19 July 28-29 Dieppe Int’l Kite Festival New Jersey SKC June 23-24 Dover Park Liberty State Park Dieppe, New Brunswick Old Dominion SKC Jersey City, NJ Dorey Park Jake LeBlanc Rosanna Rosanova 506/877-7830 Richmond, VA 845/628-8245 Marc Conklin www.cerf-volant.ca 804/347-6241 Berkeley Kite Festival www.richmondairforce.com Cesar Chavez Park August 20-26 Berkeley, CA Washington State Int’l Lincoln City Kite Festival Tom McAlister Kite Fest D River Wayside State Park 510-235-KITE Long Beach, WA Lincoln City, OR www.kitefestival.com Barton Howe 541/557-1110
www.oregoncoast.org Doug Jones Dave Butler
AKA sanctioning is available for kite events within the United States and Canada. AKA sanctioning means that AKA members are involved in the ad- ministration of the event, that the AKA endorses and approves the event and that those involved in staging and supervising the event qualify for limited coverage under the AKA’s liability insurance policy. Coverage limits: • $1,000,000 per occurrence ($100,000 for non-member claimants • Fire legal liability: $300,000 • Traction kiting activities such as, but not limited to, kite surfing, buggying, and kite skiing are excluded from coverage. AKA sanctioning is awarded for a kite event of a specific date and time or, through the club affiliation fee, for recurring club events for which the Chair and activities remain constant. A standard certificate of coverage is available upon request. Sanctioning is automatically nullified by an illegal action by the sponsor or Chair as regards the sanctioned event. News releases or announcements may not indicate that AKA approves or endorses an event unless and until sanctioning has been granted in writing. AKA strongly recommends that events have participants sign a waiver and release of liability. It will not affect the level of coverage, but will add another layer of protection for event organizers and participants. AKA sanctioning costs $75. Find additional information at www.aka.kite.org/sanction.shtml or by calling 800/AKA-2550.
16 Kiting | Spring ’07 E-mail your answer (25 words or less, please) to [email protected], Aerial Inquiry or post it to the KiteTalk Forum, by August 1. AI We’ll feature your an- What was the first swers in the next issue, and ask a new question. kite you flew this Next issue’s question spring? is, “What’s the one kite that’s ALWAYS in your bag?”
The first kites I flew this spring were a Benson Fusion (stan- dard), a Peter Betancourt AMI-UL, and a self made 6 foot rokkaku. I flew them on March 30th at the 2008 AKA Conven- tion site in Gettysburg. Todd Little
I fly my kites all year round from the cold of the winter to the hot of the summer, but the first spring kite I would say is my Premier sled 32. Anthony Lauriello
I flew small paper bird kites indoors while I was perfecting them for use at a kids workshop for a local theater. Oh, and I flew a modern version of a Maori bird kite, 12’ wingspan that I built. Barbara Meyer
I flew a double box delta (Barbara Meyer version) from Premier, one of the large fish (also from Premier), a Premier Mega Sled 81, and a Revolution Baressi Series quad-line the first day I went out. Oh, and it was all on the dunes of Jockeys Ridge! Jim Hodges
So, do Southern Hemisphere members have to wait until Septem- ber? As we say here... unfair, koala bear! Linda Sanders LY pOTS Wildwood,F S NJ Yes, the sand goes on forever. From the boardwalk to the water, it’s almost ¼ mile. Which means that all the sunbathers trek right on by, leaving lots and lots of open space for kites. Wildwood may be the Mecca of American kiteflying, a place where everyone has to make a pilgrimage at least once. The beach is massive, which is why it’s hosted the Wildwoods International Kite Festival and East Coast Sport Kite Championships on Memorial Day weekend for 22 years. The convention cen- ter also offers an ideal indoor flying space. But your Wild- wood experience isn’t complete without a ride on the tram car. Hop off to get your fill of America’s best boardwalk food, watch the old men play bocce at the Italian Social Club, or ride the rollercoasters at Morey’s Piers. You can even catch a first-run movie on a giant 56’ screen on the beach. Make the pilgrimage. Bring kites, buggies, and an appetite.
Summer ’07 | Kiting 17 Stores in BOLD sell Kiting! MALASKAEmBERWind Wizard MIDAHOERCHaMASSACHUSETTSNTS Cobra Kites 771 Myrna Drive 2608 Rt. 37E Northwind Kites Sunrise Kites Fun with Wind Port Hueneme, CA 93041 Toms River, NJ 08753 460 Cleveland Street 360 Merrimack Street 320 W. Fifth Ave, #156 805/271-4747 732/270-2112 Idaho Falls, ID 83401 BLD #9, 2nd Floor Anchorage, AK 99501 www.windwizard.com www.cobrakites.com 888/291-4386 208/524-5551 Lawrence, MA 01843 [email protected] 866/37K-ITES www.alaskites.com Wonders of the Wind Lighten Up Kites www.funwithwind.com 14821 Cheyenne Road 238 96th Street Apple Valley, CA 92307 ILLINOIS Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 ARIZONA Sea Side Kites 760/617-8293 Air Time Kites 800/679-5747 Two Links Enterprises 293 Nantasket Avenue www.wondersofthewind.com 1719A Worden Avenue www.lightenuponline.com 5630 East Roundup Street Hull, MA 02045 Alton, IL 62002 Apache Jnct., AZ 85219 781/925-3277 618/465-3448 480/390-7461 www.SeaSideKites.com COLORADO [email protected] NEW MEXICO [email protected] Common Thread Kites Katika’s Casa P. O. Box 2401 1919 Old Town Road, NW Chicago Kite/Kite Harbor MICHIGAN Breckenridge, CO 80424 Albuquerque, NM 87104 ARKANSAS 5445 N. Harlem Air-Fun Kites 303/913-1749 505/242-2111 KaleidoKites Chicago, IL 60656 167 S. Hancock Street www.commonthreadkites.com www.katikascasa.com 1-C Spring Street 773/467-1428 Pentwater, MI 49449 Eureka Springs, AR 72632 www.chicagokite.com 888/AIR-FUN1 Into The Wind 888/836-6251 www.air-fun.com NEW YORK 1408 Pearl Street [email protected] Windfall Farm Wonder Works Boulder, CO 80302 6370 US Hwy 20 West Kiteman Jack’s 711 Harvest Drive 800/541-0314 Galena, IL 61036-6041 Newman Street at The Pier Rochester, NY 14626 CALIFORNIA www.intothewind.com 815/776-9075 East Tawas, MI 48730 585/227-5497 Candy & Kites www.velocity-sports.com 989/362-4615 www.goodthingsfly.com 1415 Coast Highway [email protected] PO Box 8, CONNECTICUT Coriolis Kites Bodega Bay, CA 94923 INDIANA Kites & Fun Things NORTH CAROLINA 59 Route 148 Blowing In The Wind 707/875-3777 Play With The Wind 1049 S. Main Street Killingsworth, CT 06419 312 Nutt Street www.candyandkites.com 17933 Williamsburg Drive Plymouth, MI 48170 860/575-5745 Wilmington, NC 28401 Granger, IN 46530 734/454-3760 Coastalkites.com www.coriolis.cc 910/763-1730 574/315-6231 www.skyburner.com 877/544-KITE [email protected] www.coastalkites.com Blowing In The Wind FLORIDA Tropical Treasures 222 Causeway Drive Grasping The Wind 34190 S. Gratiot Farmer’s Kites IOWA Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 819-1 E. Strawbridge Avenue Clinton Township, MI 48035 1108 Front Street Midwest Kites 910/509-9989 Melbourne, FL 32901 586/791-6595 Morro Bay, CA 93442 3566 Heatherton Drive www.blowinginthewind.com 321/676-6926 [email protected] 805/772-0133 www.graspingthewind.com Davenport, IA 52804 [email protected] 563/823-8337 Cape Fear Kiteboarding Hawaiian Kiteworks www.midwestkites.com MISSOURI 6402 E. Oak Island Drive Gone With the Wind Kites 5250 International Drive, Flying High With Charon Oak Island, NC 28465 530/894-2064 Box 1046 KANSAS 5633 Carlton Drive 910/201-4002 www.gwtw-kites.com Orlando, FL 32819 Kansas Kite Connection St. Louis, MO 63049 www.capefearkiteboarding.com 407/363-9050 1806 16th Street 636/376-6055 Highline Kites Of Berkeley www.hawaiiankiteworks.com Great Bend, KS 67530-4110 [email protected] Home Toys Company 6809 Del Monte Avenue 316/792-6549 312 Culbreth Avenue Richmond View, CA 94805 Kites Incorporated Wind Wizards Thomasville, NC 27360 673 State Hwy 165 510/235-5483 611 Ponte Vedra Lakes Bl. #2001 Wind Heaven 336/420-2032 Building #30, Suite 4 www.HighLineKites.com Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 10939 East Harry www.hometoysco.com South Branson, MO 65616 904/280-2226 Wichita, KS 67207 417/334-4463 Into The Blue www.kitesinc.com 877/604-WIND Kites Unlimited - Atlantic Beach www.windwizards.com 11101 S.R. 1 www.windheaven.com Atlantic Station Shopping Center Pt. Reyes Station, CA 94956 Kitesville USA PO Box 2278 415/663-1147 405 Gulf Boulevard Wind Wizards MONTANA Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 www.into-theblue.com Indian Rocks Beach, FL 34635 33525 W. 143rd Street Wagntale Kites 252/247-7011 800/445-6902 Gardner, KS 66030 P. O. Box 365 www.kitesunlimitednc.com Kite Flite Of San Diego www.kitesville.com 913/856-5177 Choteau, MT 59422 Seaport Village www.windwizards.com 408/466-5483 Kitty Hawk Kites San Diego, CA 92101 Kite World www.wagntalekites.com PO Box 1839 619/234-KITE 109 S. Miramar Ave., Hwy A1A Nags Head, NC 27959 www.kiteflitesd.com Indialantic, FL 32903 Louisiana 800/334-4777 800/431-5170 MeauxJo Kites NEBRASKA www.kittyhawk.com Lou Lassabatere – www.kiteworld.com 3425 Robert Street Breeze Chasers Online Kites Kiting Accessories Zachary, LA 70791 402/477-0794 www.breezechasers.com OHIO 73-315 Country Club Dr. #193 Kitty Hawk Kites of Florida 225-654-5180 Palm Desert, CA 92260 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy #101 Amoka Windsurfing Kites www.meauxjokites.com Picture Pretty Kites 760/776-5807 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 4703 Lose Road 6512 N. 44th Street 850/796-0102 Monclova, OH 43542 Omaha, NE 68112 419/878-6009 Old City Kites [email protected] MAINE 877/453-4970 www.amoka.com 1017 Front Street, Suite B Cricket’s Corner www.pictureprettykites.com Sacramento, CA 95814 Stuff 4 U 41 Shore Road Coolest Toys On Earth 915/446-7575 993 NW 106th Avenue Circle Ogunquit, ME 03907 NEVADA A Wind Of Change 314 Main Street www.kitesatoldcity.com Miami, FL 33172 207/646-2261 786/325-7390 [email protected] 3870 West Russell Road Milford, OH 45150 Las Vegas, NV 89118 513/831-8697 Second Wind http://stores.ebay.com/Stuff-x-U 702/736-1476 www.coolesttoysonearth.com 1805 Hwy 1 Maine Discovery Museum www.awindofchange.com Bodega Bay, CA, 94923 74 Main Street GEORGIA Flaggs U.S.A. 707/875-WIND Bangor, ME 04401 Coastal Wind Sports Windpower Sports 2088 Raeburn Avenue [email protected] 207/262-7200 247 Wellington Place www.maindiscoverymuseum.org 3111 S. Valley View #A-1116 Cincinnati, OH 45014 Brunswick, GA 31523 Las Vegas, NV 89102 513/939-3524 Sport Kites International 912/265-1149 702/220-4340 [email protected] 20505 Yorba Linda Blvd. #800 www.coastalwindsports.com MARYLAND www.windpowersports.com Yorba Linda, CA 92886 The Kite Loft Just Add Wind Kites 714/970-2833 511 Boardwalk 10019 Washington Church Rd. [email protected] NEW JERSEY GUAM Ocean City, MD 21842 Miamisburg, OH 45342 Chill Out Cape May Beach and Kite Shop 410/289-7855 937/572-3252 Up, Up, & Away Kites Unit 36 Chamorro Village 1218 Route 109 www.kiteloft.com [email protected] 1391/2 Main Street Agana, GU 96932 Cape May, NJ 08204 Seal Beach, CA 90740 671/472-4867 609/898-2022 562/596-7661 www.chillout-guam.com www.capemaykites.com www.upupandawaykites.com
18 Kiting | Summer ’07 Stores in BOLD sell Kiting! The Potter House PENNSYLVANIA New Tech Kites Flying Dragon Kites 108 South Main Street 7208 McNeil Drive, #207 7487 Leeside Drive AUSTRALIA Air Affairs Celina, OH 45822 Austin, TX 78729 Blaine, WA 98320 Kitepower Australia 107 Chelsea Road [email protected] 512/250-0485 360/933-4820 126 Beach Street Hatboro, PA 19040 www.newtechkites.com www.flyingdragonkites.com Coogee, Sydney NSW 2034 215/672-1470 What’s Up 293 157894 4500 Chagrin River Road Pat ‘n Eddie’z Four Winds Kite Shop www.kitepower.com.au B and C Creations Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 8804 Colonial Drive 1911 Broadway 215 Kerrick Road 440/247-4222 Austin, TX 78758 Everett, WA 98201 Kitepower Australia Shillington, PA 19607 [email protected] 512/837-4371 425/339-9334 302 Grand Parade 610/796-1830 www.patneddiez.com www.fourwindskites.com Sans Souci www.bandccreations.com OKLAHOMA Sydney, NSW 2219 Rainbows 4 Sail Gasworks Park Kite Shop +61 02-95296894 Kinetic Kites Burlesque Kites 980 Gibb Rd. 3420 Stone Way North 6313 Willow Ridge 1670 Limeport Pike Waxahachie, Texas 75167 Seattle, WA 98103 Kitepower Australia Bethany, OK 73008 Coopersberg, PA 18036 972/923-0119 206/633-4780 386 La Trobe Tce 405/722-KITE 610/965-0867 www.rainbows4sailkites.com www.goodwindkites.com Geelong VIC 3220 www.kinetickites.com www.kitesonconsignment.com +61 03-52295899 Windchasers Kites Great Winds Kite Company Celtic Winds OREGON 1514 Padre Blvd. 312 N. 83rd Street Kite Lady 36 W. North Street #1 Catch The Wind – Lincoln City South Padre Island, TX 78597 Seattle, WA 98103 P. O. Box 758, Bethlehem, PA 18018 240 SE Highway 101 956/761-7028 www.greatwinds.com Willunga, SA 5172 [email protected] PO Box 973 www.kiteshop.com 885-562681 Lincoln City, OR 97367 Hi-Flyers www.kitelady.com.au KitesRUs 541/994-9500 World Wind Kites 55 Main Street 1482 River Road www.catchthewind.com 7208 McNeil Drive #204 Pacific Beach, WA 98571 New Hope, PA 18938 CANADA Austin, TX 78729 360/276-8377 215/862-6272 Boreal Kites/Gothic Design Columbia River Kites (800) 648-8680 [email protected] www.kitesrus.com 45960 Sparta Line 270 NE 2nd 512/279-8454 N5P 3S8 Canada Irrigon, OR 97844 www.ikite.com Mariah Kites Windsports & Hobbies Kite Studio 519/775-2527 541/922-5739 41 NE Midway Blvd #107 5555 Hamilton Blvd. [email protected] Oak Harbor, WA 98277 Wescosville, PA 18106 VIRGINIA Elmer’s Flag & Banner, 360/240-8601 610/395-3560 Hang-em High Fabrics Boutique au Gre du Vent Kites Too! www.mariahkites.com www.kitebuilder.com 1420 Yale Avenue Place du Marche, LaCote 1332 NE Broadway Richmond, VA 23224 L’Etang-du-Nord Portland, OR 97232 Ocean Kites SETI Kites 804/233-6155 Iles de la Madelaine, QC G4T 2W1 800/547-8795 511 Pacific Avenue South 21 Shirley Road www.citystar.com/ 418/986-5069 www.kitestoo.com Long Beach, WA 98631 Narberth, PA 19072 hang-em-high www.greduvent.com 360/642-2229 610/745-9484 Gomberg Kite Productions Int’l. www.kitealog.com www.setikites.com Boutiques Coriolis P.O. Box 113 HQ Kites and Designs USA (formerly Nova Designs) 2021 Narie-Victorin Neotsu, OR 97364 Ocean Shores Kites Windstar Kites 317 Great Bridge Blvd, Suite C Varennes, QC J3X 1R3 541/996-3083 172 W. Chance A La Mer 203 Ridgeway Drive Chesapeake, VA 23320 514/827-3163 www.gombergkites.com Ocean Shores, WA 98569 Baden, PA 15005-2423 757/819-7951 www.coriolis.cc 360/289-4103 724/869-4488 www.hq-kites-usa.com Inland Kites [email protected] www.windstarkites.com Canadian Wind Rider 499 Willamette Street Jackite, Inc. 26 Elfindale Crescent Grants Pass, OR 97526 Pizazz Kiteworks 2868 W. Landing Rd. North York, ON M2J 1B5 541/476-8299 P. O. Box 266 Rhode Island Virginia Beach, VA 23456 416/497-9463 [email protected] Kitt Kites Coupeville, WA 98239 877522-5483 www.canadianwindrider.com 28 Brown Street 360/678-6266 www.jackite.com kitelife.com Narragansett, RI 02882 www.pizazzkites.com Great Canadian Kite Company 1236 N. Killingsworth Street, #3 401/726-1626 Life’s A Breeze Kites 4517 Harvest Green Portland, OR 97217 www.kittkites.com The Kite Shoppe 2125 Staples Mill Road Taber, AB T1G 1A1 503/890-0280 2727 E. Evergreen Blvd, #D Richmond, VA 23230 877/382-3956 www.kitelife.com Vancouver, WA 98661 804/358-7665 www.canadiankitecompany.com SOUTH CAROLINA 866/ROK-KAKU Kites Fly’n Hi [email protected] Ocean Kites www.thekiteshoppe.com Le Gite Du Cerf Volant The Rainbow Market 300 Broadway 935 Rte De La Seigneurie 40 N. Market Street Sky Jewels Seaside, OR 97138 Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies 503/717-0796 Charleston, SC 29401 2906 Hideaway Road WISCONSIN Aerial Stunt Kites PQ G0R 4E0 www.kitealog.com 843/577-3529 Fairfax, VA 22031 703/280-5007 121 Wrigley Drive 418/354-2182 Lake Geneva, WI 53147 www.legiteducerfvolant.ca Phantom Star Design TENNESSEE 262/249-0631 2818 SE 23rd Drive #C-3 East Tennessee Kites WASHINGTON www.askites.com Lincoln City, OR 97367 206 Woodman Street 7 Feathers Kites JAPAN 541/994-7556 2504 E. 25th Street AGAIN Athens, TN 37303 Fish Creek Kite Company www.phantomstardesign.com Vancouver, WA 98661 Joyfull Tsurumai 1F 423745-2688 3903 Highway 42 360/213-7245 3-14-16 Chiyoda Naka Ku www.etkites.com Fish Creek, WI 54212 Wind Dancer Unlimited www.7featherskites.com Nagoya, Achi 460-0012 920/868-3769 19 Broadway 52-339-3830 www.fishcreekkites.com Seaside, OR 97138 TEXAS Above It All Kites www.agagas.co.jp/again 503/717-0138 B & S Kites 312 Pacific Avenue South Gift of Wings www.kitealog.com 2812 Padre Blvd., Ste. B Long Beach, WA 98631 9955 W. St. Martins Road NETHERLANDS South Padre Island, TX 78597 360/642-3541 Franklin, WI 53132 Vliegersenco Wind Dancer Unlimited 956/761-1248 www.aboveitallkites.com 414/425-8002 veenweg 34-36 219 N. Hemlock #A www.bskites.com www.giftofwings.com Deventer OV 7416BC Cannon Beach, OR 97110 AKA Store (570) 607946 503/436-8612 Buck-N-Blue Outdoors P. O. Box 1614 Gift of Wings - Veterans Park www.vliegersenco.nl PO Box 2121 Walla Walla, WA 99362 1500 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive Wind Dancer Unlimited Alvin, TX 77512-2121 800/AKA-2550 Milwaukee, WI 53202 3905 Hwy 101, #D-42 713/393-1100 [email protected] SCOTLAND 414/273-5483 Gearhart, OR 97138 www.jbrau.com/bnb-01.html Gentles Limited 503/738-5801 Cutting Edge Kites 11 Corbiehill Avenue GuildWorks Studio Family Fun Kites 676 Ocean Shores Bl. NW Edinburgh, EH4 5DT 2322 Atwood Avenue 1419 N. Plaza Drive Ocean Shores, WA 98569 +44 131-3365472 Madison, WI 53704 Granbury, TX 76049 360/289-0667 [email protected] 608/49-2725 817/573-5483 www.cuttingedgekites.com www.familyfunkites.com www.guildworks.com
Fly It Port A Unique Flying Objects 405 Cut Off Road 2022 Washington Street Port Aransas, TX 78373 Two Rivers, WI 54241 512/749-4190 866/UFO-4FUN www.uniqueflyingobjects.com
Summer ’07 | Kiting 19 Fightin’ Words by Sharon Champie ighter kites are by far the most They are perfectly suited to the style will often fly on up to 3000 feet of F popular kites in the world, so it’s of flying that has been evolving along line, we seldom let out more than 200 not surprising that they have caught on with them. feet, usually competing at less than here. What is surprising is that it took Much of the evolution was spurred 100 feet. This makes for a very excit- so long. along by a small avid group of fighter ing, fast-moving combat situation that For as long as 2000 years fight- enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, relies on quick reflexes and severely ers have been the national hobby of who in 1997 formed the Northwest tests kite and flyer alike. countries all over the world. Indian Fighter Kite Association. This group We never use the glass powder kites are almost exclusively fight- found that the interest in fact had coated line called manjha that is used ers. The kites themselves have come spread across America and on to Ger- in traditional fighter competitions. In down through the centuries virtually many, Australia, Israel and beyond. fact, it is specifically prohibited by the unchanged. They are still mostly all Today they are known as the North AKA for use in any sanctioned event made in the traditional diamond shape American Fighter Kite Association and except in a controlled line cutting with a single spine and a single bow have a website at www.nafka.net. demonstration. Instead we use either made of bamboo. They all have tissue At about the same time in 1997 lightly waxed cotton carpet thread or paper skins with the only differences the newly formed AKA Fighter Kite other lightweight spectra lines. We do being variations in the size of the kites and Rokkaku Committee convened not seek to cut the opponents line, and the types of tissue used. They are and started working on a set of rules rather we symbolically count coup by flown off the roof tops on long glass to go along with these American style touching the top or bottom of their powder-coated lines. On the big holi- fighter kites. They worked closely with line with ours, scoring points. If the days there can be thousands of them NFKA and came up with the basic rules judge calls a “top point” the flyers in the sky at the same time flying at that are in use today. The form of the will attempt to maneuver their kites in incredibly long distances, over 3000 game still pays symbolic homage to the such a way to fly over the opponent’s feet out at times. The object of the traditions but the rules are distinctly line and touch the top of it with their traditional fights being to cut all the our own. Instead of flying from actual line. A “bottom point” is just the oppo- other kites out of the sky, the flyer site.” Typically a pair will fly three to will maneuver his kite until it crosses five such tangles in a match. Everyone the line of another and he will begin in the competition will fly matches sawing away, yanking on his line until against everyone else and the winner the friction cuts the line and sends will be the one with the most points at the opponent’s kite drifting away. The the end. flyer with the last kite in the sky is the For more information on line touch winner and becomes the hero of the rules and other games played with festival. American style fighter kites look at the Here in the United States over just AKA Fighter Kite and Rokkaku Rulebook the past decade there has evolved a on the AKA website www.aka.kite. very untraditional twist on this cen- org/data/download/pdf/ turies old game. An unconventional FighterKite&RokkakuRuleBook.pdf and distinctly American style of fighter A wonderful website for every- flying is being seen more and more on thing about building, flying, and tuning fields around the country. This style is fighters is Fighter Kite Central http:// variously called “Short Line” or “Line fighterkitecentral.com/. Here you will Touch” or just “American Style”. The also find a great forum devoted to all American style kites still have the things fighter. generally diamond shape but are now Steve Bateman with an American Every year NAFKA hosts a delight- being built of high tech materials. tradition: orcon and polyfilm sail, ful week of fighter activities cul- Skins are made of orcon, icarex and microcarbon sparring, and a 5- minating in the two day Line Touch many different polyfilms, and spines point bridle. World Cup Championship held at the and bows are carbon fiber. Fighter Washington State International Kite fanatics with engineering brains and Festival. Nearly two dozen of the best Yankee ingenuity have applied endless roof tops, the flyer would now stand of the best gather each year to vie for experimentation to all facets of design within a 10’ diameter ring. He must the honor of taking home a gorgeous and materials in the simple- looking not step outside the ring, it being the silver cup and one of kite artist Ralph kites, to the point where unheard of equivalent to stepping off the roof. He Resnick’s beautifully decorated fighter performance is being achieved. Star- would fly one-on-one against a single kites. Many more will be gathering to tling improvements in speed, horizon- opponent who would be standing 10 talk fighters, fly fighters, make fighters tal tracking, spinning and the ability feet away in his own ring. The Ameri- and show off the latest innovations in to fly deep into the sides of the wind can style flyer would also fly on much our own American style fighter kites. window have been amazing to see. shorter lines. Where the Indian flyers You could almost call it a tradition.
20 Kiting | Summer ’07 HISTORY LESSON Cahiers: Au Fil des Vents by Scott Skinner Fiercely independent, Cottenceau The volume details the origins of was one of the first contemporary this kite in France and the origins of kite makers to really explore the the art and popular imagery used to Malay and Indonesian kite traditions decorate them. The full color pages, and traveled throughout Asia to offered in the center of the book, observe and discover kite traditions. offer a variety of hand painted and His writing attentively written and printed designs, displaying gorgeous carefully detailed, he reported on examples with delightful humor. his travels in addition to revisiting Once experienced, the innovative the kite traditions of Europe and painting and story style of these kites presented ideas that pushed others and their decorations are difficult to to serious research. forget. Sometimes advertising popular The first issue of Cahiers (February products of the time, many times po- 2002) focuses on kites in China, de- litical in nature, many printing compa- nies at the time had produced these kite sails to showcase their printing quality. Occasionally, they will surface at antique book fairs and auctions. Like the Cahiers volumes, Au fil des Vents’ special edition newsletter is also full of gracefully written infor- mation and elegant layout. Offering Drachen Foundation charming poetry about the appeal he Drachen Foundation recently of the kite, essays on kites in educa- T placed a database of its library tion, and research of kite cultures in archive online for the public to view. Columbia, Vietnam and Indonesia, With prized volumes and many infor- each page conveys both the magical mation-heavy reference books, easily allure and seriousness of Cottenceau’s overlooked in the Drachen Foundation approach to kiting. Archive are three small volumes of Small gems like Cottenceau’s pub- poetry, prose, and pictures lovingly lications are the unexpected treasures of any archive. With Philippe’s pass- center - Ben Ruhe compiled by Philippe Cottenceau. Cottenceau, who recently passed ing they become even more trea- away, was a celebrated kite maker sured. respected worldwide for his interest- ing and ephemeral flying creations. Founder of French kite associa- Philippe Cottenceau tion, Au fil des Vents, Cottenceau tailing the rise of this country’s popu-
worked zealously with the ambition Drachen Foundation to promote what he sees as a magi- lar tradition, includes a survey of the cal object, “with all its rich historical contemporary kite scene in China, associations and its capacity to inspire the kites of Lingzhi, and recounts wonder.” Through Au fil des Vents, he the “Legend of the White Snake.” directed the publication of a semi- Delightful annotation and stunning regular newsletter recording his and photographs add charm to its elegant others’ kite research abroad as well as layout. three very special volumes. In the second issue (April 2003), The volumes Cottenceau published Cottenceau and writer Jean –Pierre through Au fil des Vents, Cahiers: Au fil Ollive focused on the significance of des Vents issues one and two (printed the “pear shaped” kites of Europe. in Cottenceau’s native French) and First dated around the fifteenth cen- the special edition of Au fil des Vents tury, the familiar shape of the pear- newsletter are composed of insight, top shows up in many parts of Europe historical information and commen- and was made of paper, sporting a tary and were beautifully laid out and variety of hand painted designs and organized by Cottenceau. motifs.
Summer ’07 | Kiting 21 KITE PLaN The Rockaway Bikini by John Freeman fabric for your edge binding. Begin by folding your edge binding in half and creasing it well. First sew the edge bind- ing on the two long sides of the long sail piece. Next sew it on the two short edges of the smaller piece. These will be much more difficult because they are curved. Go slowly, an inch or so at a time. Remember that there really are no curves — just a lot of very short straight lines. The remain- ing two edges also get edge bound, but the binding is also a spar sleeve, so it requires extra attention.
Creating the Spar Sleeves This kite was designed especially for the Oregon Kitemakers 1. Cut two pieces of edge binding 48 inches long. Mark one Retreat 2007. It was inspired by a picture I saw of a kite by inch from each end and fold over and crease. Normand Girard, a wonderfully innovative kiter from Que- 2. Hold the folds in place with a little piece of sailmakers’ bec. If you run into any problems, or have questions, drop tape. Sew down very close to the edge. Your pieces are now me a line at [email protected]. 46” long. 3. Now fold the pieces in half longways, and crease thor- Parts List oughly. Make sure the folded over ends are on the inside. 2 .2100” X 4’ spar 4. Fold in half to mark the middle of each piece. Mark on 2 .060” X 4’ spar the inside and outside. 1 .2100” ferrule Mark one of the strips Pic. 1 1 .2100” nock this way: lay the strip 1 .2100” end cap with hole out with the inside up 3 .075” ferrule and mark two inches 2 sail piece each side of the cen- 30 feet—1” edge binding ter. Turn it over and 2 4 ½” X ½” hook Velcro mark ½ inch each side 2 2 ½” X ½” fuzzy Velcro of the center. 1 1” X 5” 3.9 oz. dacron 5. Find the 4 ½” 1 1” X 4” 3.9 oz. dacron pieces of “hook” 1 bottom reinforcing patch Velcro. Cut two pieces 1 1” X 1” reinforcing patch with adhesive of sailmakers tape Thornton Tom 1 bridle about an inch long. On 1 tension line the outside of the strip with the extra markings, stick the Velcro with the tape to each end, hook side down, on one Using the gridded drawing, draw out full- sized tem- side of the binding strip. Make sure they are both on the plates for the skin. The grid is two inch squares. Note that same side. Sew the Velcro to the edge binding. Do the same the drawing is for half the sail—flip your drawing over to on the other strip with the two 2½” pieces of fuzzy Velcro. draw the other side, or fold the fabric and place the draw- Fuzzy side up. See picture 1 to see how these will look. ing center line on the fold. Butcher paper works just fine. 6. Fold both sails at the edges that haven’t been edge Cut out the two skin pieces in your choice of colors. bound yet. Crease to mark the center. Mark with a pencil. You will need about thirty feet of one inch wide ¾ oz. 7. Lay out inside up the sleeve strip with the 4 ½” Velcro. Stick a small (½”) piece of sailmak- ers tape in the center
Lindsey Johnson at the edge opposite the Velcro pieces. 8. Stick the top sail panel to that piece of tape,
22 Kiting | Summer ‘07 with the centers lined The End of the Pic. 3 up and the edge of Sewing the sail at the center Burn pairs fold of the strip. of holes in 9. With the strip open three places: sew the sail to the the reinforcing edge binding strip patch at the on the four inches nose, the spine between the marks. sleeve in the 1 Sew about /8” from center, and the reinforcing piece on the tail. Make them the edge of the strip. about ¼” apart. See picture 4. Back stitch at both Tie an 8” long loop in a piece of line. Cut the line so ends. the overall length, including the loop, is 24”. Feed the 10. Fold the edge loose end through the holes in the tail piece — front to binding strip closed. back, then back to front. Tie a bowline, leaving only enough Starting at your pencil slack to make a small loop on the front. Sam and Cari King marks one inch apart On one full 4’ length of .060” solid carbon rod, glue a flank John Freeman on the face of the ferrule on each end. On another full length .060” spar, use strip, sew the sleeve fine sandpaper to slightly round and smooth each end. 1 both ways from the middle, /8” from the edge. (Do not Use a hole punch to punch a small try to sew too close to the edge as you run the risk of not hole very near the closed end of a catching the other side of the binding.) This leaves a 1” .2100” vinyl end cap. Push another space open on the back side of the kite. Back stitch at both ferrule to fit the .060” spars through ends of each seam. the hole. See picture 5. 11. Position the bottom sail panel inside the edge binding Insert the .060” spar with fer- piece with the center lines on both aligned. Start at the rules into the lower sail sleeve. middle again and sew the binding on, then go back to the Insert the plain .060” spar into the middle and sew the other direction. This ensures that the upper sail sleeve, passing it through sleeve will remain centered on the sail. the end cap/ferrule fitting at the one inch opening in the middle. This The Hard Part Is Over! spar is the most vulnerable to break- Make a one inch square reinforcing patch of 3.9 ounce age, so using the plain spar makes it Dacron. Stick it to the top sail in the center just below the easier to replace if that happens. upper spar sleeve on the back of the skin. I use 3M Very On one full 4’ length of .2100” car- High Bond adhesive, so the patch requires no sewing. I hate bon tube, glue a ferrule on one end. On extra things showing on the kite face! If you don’t have ac- another full length .2100” glue a nock cess to this stuff you may need to sew this patch on. on one end. Make a reinforcing patch for the end of the tail. Make Slide the plain end of the .2100” it also of Dacron, and from the very tip up the kite about Pic. 4 spar with the ferrule through the sleeve three inches. Sew it on the back of the skin. in the middle of the kite and plug it into Make two pieces of 1” wide Dacron tape, one 5” long the nose fitting. and one 4” long. Sew them together at the edges with one Make a Prussic knot in the big loop end of each even. This will be a sleeve for the spine. See on the piece of line at the tail and slip it over the other picture 2. Sew the single thickness end to the center of .2100” spar. Slip the nock end through the loop of line on the bottom sail, on the back side of the sail, overlapping the reinforcing piece on the tail. Plug the spar into the fer- the spar sleeve with the shorter piece facing away from rule. Slip the tension line through the nock and tighten by the kite. Sew carefully very close to each side of the spar sliding the prussic knot up the spine. sleeve. Cut a piece of line for the Lay out the two sail pieces face down. With the 1” wide bridle about 6’ long. Tie one Pic. 5 sleeve you just made laying on the back of the top sail, end of the bridle line through carefully space the two sail pieces 2½” apart. Tape the the nose holes and the other spine sleeve through the center sleeve Pic. 2 in place and holes, going around the spine sew it to the just as you did for the tail-ten- top sail. Sew sion line. carefully on Cut another piece of line top of the about a foot long, and tie it seams you al- into a loop. Larkshead the flying ready made. line attachment loop to the main bridle. See picture You are now the proud builder of the Rockaway Bikini. 3. Tom Thornton Tom
Summer ’07 | Kiting 23 KAPTIONS Carl Bigras y better half Nicole got M me started in kitting in the late ‘80s and soon after I had ideas of attaching a cam- era to a kite. Thinking I would be the first, I’d be the inventor of what is now known today as KAP. Oh well! I’d never seen a KAP rig other than the one in Pelham’s Penguin Book of Kites. A Plexi- glass duplicate was made, and then a small photographic ball- head was fastened to it. As for a camera, at the time my lightest one was a new Canon T-90. With some basic electronic background, I used a pair of walkie-talkies to trigger the camera. But now a day, it’s video downlink directly from a Nikon Coolpix 8400. Other than wanting a better cam- era, I’m very happy with my KAP re- sults. Mostly I’m keeping KAP as a hobby and refusing any kind of paying jobs. But in a couple of circumstances, I have used KAP within my work, once in a Newfoundland archeological site and the other in the high Arctic natural history site doing stereo photogra- phy. I haven’t used a two-camera stereo set-up since my last Arctic trip in ‘96, but I still have an interest in stereo photography. But now, after a first and second edit of my images, I do a third edit looking for stereo pairs. I check for clues in and around objects where the camera might have moved sideways between 2 shots. The only problem with this method is the people on the ground moving around and not staying put. I should be re-designing a new smaller rig and controller box instead of building more festival show kites. My current set-up has traveled with me to across Canada, the high Arctic, KAPiCa02, KAPiSco04, China and now maybe Australia later this year.
Top left: At Play; St. Lawrence River, Varennes, Quebec Top right: Sandcastle; Presqu’ilse Provincial Park, Ontario Center left: Bunchrew House Hotel, Inverness, Scotland. To view this stereo pair, cross your eyes and stare at the center of the image. Center right: Lighthouse; Presqu’ilse Provincial Park, Ontario Bottom right: Classic Fire Engine, Avonmore, Ontario
24 Kiting | Summer ‘07 Yahoos in Texas by David Gomberg
ahoo, for all you dudes, is Texas talk. And you just thought it was a search Y engine.... Everything is Texas is bigger. At their kite festivals, they have big fields, big crowds, and big fun. And nowhere is that more true than Zilker Park. With the possible exception of Smithsonian, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen as many kites in the air at a US event. For anyone not familiar with this Austin tradition, kiters have been gathering in a riverside park for 79 straight years now. Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Exchange Club, “Zilker” is the longest running kite festival in the country. For all of these years, the Exchange Club of Austin has been celebrating children, families, and the arrival of Spring to Central Texas with a gathering that has changed remarkably little. Back in 1929, the contests included larg- est, smallest, most unusual, and
David Gomberg strongest puller. And although the styles have changed, today those same contests are held and judged by the same rules. The thing I think I enjoy most about Zilker is the sense that it has been go- ing on so long. Generations come out to the park. Parents who came as small children now bring their own kids to renew the tradition. Kitemasters who got their start over in the children’s kitemaking tent. Kids line up and make kites from instructors who learned the process by going through the line themselves years before. A relatively new addition has been the Large Kite Field. Large kites have become a mainstay, anchoring the far end of the flying zone and making the event visible from miles away. This year, field ‘integrity’ was the best ever, with volunteers keeping onlookers, kids, and smaller kites out of the display area. It was a gusty, bouncy, blustery, put-them-up, crash them, untangle them, launch-them-again day in Austin. But the sun was shining and the crowds were happy and we had plenty of good help and a well-secured, safe flying area. The Texicans always go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. The main organizers are Bun- nie and Dorsey Twidwell. If anyone has doubts about the resiliency of kite festivals or the en- thusiasm of people that attend them, they need to come down here and see how good, and how long a festival can go. Put it on your calendar — the second Sunday in March — for next year, or the year after, or the year after that.... David Gomberg
Summer ‘07 | Kiting 25 Wishes Come True by David Gomberg ou start with Special treatment is the hallmark of island hospitality. Ya stunning Our room in the Outrigger hotel was luxurious and the staff tropical destina- friendly and exceptionally helpful. It is hard to imagine tion. you are still in the States when the people refuse to take Add warm tips. Hospitality? In five days, I think we enjoyed 25 meals. and gracious Sometimes, the lunch would end so we could go to dinner!! hospitality, a “When do we eat??” became a running gag. perfect flying The field is a grassy plain at the edge of a pristine field, and effec- white beach. Once, 30,000 US Marines had come ashore tive promotion on this same beach to reclaim the island and faced fierce and organiza- resistance from the Imperial Japanese. Now we were there tion. Mix in a flying with a contingent of Japanese kiters and sharing the classy cross-sec- field as close friends. tion of interna- Actually, 11 national teams participated in Kite for tional kiters. And then polish it off with an important and Wishes this year. We began just two years earlier with three worthwhile cause. What you get is Kites teams. But Guam is within easy reach and Wishes in Guam. of Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia, In- For three years, I’ve been privileged donesia, Bali, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. to participate in this event designed as a Each presented their distinctive kiting fundraiser for the Make a Wish program of culture in what is quickly becoming a Guam. Make a Wish, as most of you know, world class “Pacific Rim” kite gather- raises funds and organizes “wishes” for ing. Other nations on the field included kids with a terminal illness. Blue banners Canada, Germany and the USA, as well ringed the flying field, each containing as a contingent of Guam kiters. the name of one of the local “Wish Kids”. Kites and Wishes is a special event. You had to stop and think hard about the You fly for peace on an old battlefield. fact that there were nearly 150 banners. You fly for kids who aren’t there to fly Now understand that Guam is about themselves. You fly for a large, appre- as far as you can get from the “mainland” ciative audience on a perfect field. The and still be in the USA. This is where festival is growing and each year, more America’s day begins. The trip took 22 nations and more fliers arrive to be part hours, crossed the date line, connected Congresswoman of the fun. through Japan, and landed at two in the Madeleine Bordallo Ray Bethell and I have a private morning. But it makes you feel pretty little joke. When we find ourselves at special when a representative of the Governor’s office is an event where the wind is cold or turbulent, the field too there in the middle of the night to greet you at the gate small, the organization imperfect, or the hotel less than it and whisk you through customs. might be, Ray Bethell Everywhere we went on the island, people were famil- we share a iar with the kite festival. We performed at schools, partici- quick wink pated in warm-up shows, and were interviewed by newspa- and observe pers and radio. that “It isn’t Guam”. Wishes Come True by David Gomberg Maryland Int’l Kite Expo & Mid-Atlantic Sport Kite Championship Ocean City, MD April 27-29, 2007
Cliff Quinn and Dennis Jon Burkhardt NKM Coordinator Mike Mayhew’s OLO. Dallmer says, “Let them eat candy!”
Cath and Eliot Shook are the Ron Graziano Corolla Island Airheads.
Edd Brooks Pete Dolphin
William Sturdy
photos by Phil Broder
Summer ’07 | Kiting 27 Ft. Worden Kitemakers Conference by Ron Miller photos courtesy Washington Kitefliers Association
fter all these years think you have seen all possible shapes and variations of Aof kitemaking at kites, up pops something new and wonderful. Fort Worden, near Port Fort Worden has done a great job in providing a class Townsend, WA, we had schedule with well-diversified projects to meet the chang- another great 3½ days of ing times. Gerry Pennell always steps up to the plate and classes. For some time teaches “Beginning Sewing” for those who are excited there have been requests to have classes involving bigger about learning kitemaking by using a sewing machine. and more detailed projects. This year Ken McNeill taught a Dan Kurahashi offers projects using washi & bamboo for two-day class to build sport kite. Georgean Curran offered those wanting to get a sense of “the old way.” Charlie a “No-Sew Noodle” kite scheduled for 1½ days. The people Sotich brought another new miniature kite project, and by that signed up for those classes wanted to spend quality the end of the class his students using their imaginations time making their kite and not try to jam a 12 or 16-hour to do variations of the theme. That’s what it’s about. project into eight hours plus a late night. It’s nice to know Guest teachers come from all over the world and bring that the members of the Fort Worden Planning Committee so many great ideas. This year Ralf Maserski and Holm are not afraid of change. Struck from Germany offered up a Pentagon kite and his- This kitemaking conference has been going on now for torical Eddy kite, respectfully. Kevin Sanders, from Aus- 24 years and my regret is that I didn’t know about it until tralia, taught a class with a different than normal shape. the eighth year. Through the years of being involved in kit- One of the good things at this event is watching the ing, I have seen so many things change, such as materials, students with their newly completed kites coming out of techniques, and shapes. It will be interesting to see how class with that great big grin on their face and looking up kitemaking will change in the next decade. Just when you to the sky and with that look on their face that says, “I’m going to fly my new kite.” Brian Champie Kathy Goodwind Gary Engvall
Ralf Maserski Scott Hartley, the big raffle winner
Dave Butler
Mark Engbaum and Don Guick Donna Wendt
28 Kiting | Summer ’07 Ft. Worden Kitemakers Conference by Ron Miller photos courtesy Washington Kitefliers Association
Paul Fieber Cliff and Joyce Quinn Korean Wave Train class
Ralf Dietrich won Joann Weber’s kite Elmon Morrison builds a malard
Members of the Kitebuilder’s Forum meet offline Midwest Area Kitemakers Retreat by Grant Lovett photos courtesy Rob Pratt, Grant Lovett, Rick Agar and Ralf Dietrich or 19 years, the second weekend in March has signaled the Midwest Area FKitemakers Retreat in Oregon, Illinois. This year’s there were a flock of bird-themed classes including the Malard, taught by Ralf Dietrich of Den- mark, a Snowy Owl kite by Paul Fieber and a Penguin Banner class by Betsy Agar and Sandi McGuire. There was also a choice of train classes, with Pauly Berard teaching an indoor train class and Cliff Pennell teaching his outdoor Korean Wave train. Two There was a Washi paper and wood Edo with water- color by Charm Lindner, and a woodblock carving/repeat pattern printing technique on a modified Edo taught by JoAnn Weber. Other classes included Dropping Things from a Kite by Jerry Houk, Sedgwickube and Small Tumbling Boxes co-taught by Dave Ellis and Grant Lovett, Tiki Mask delta derivative by Barbara Meyer, Circular Miniature kite by Charlie Sotich and a Structural Details class taught by Cliff Quinn. Keep an eye on www.makr.info for infor- mation on next year’s 20th anniversary retreat.
Summer ’07 | Kiting 29 My Visit To Toki Camp by Greg Kono ikio Toki is one of the finest guest to stay at Toki’s new home. Mcontemporary kite makers in Toki’s kite studio is located in a Japan, and has showcased his talent separate building, with large sliding in exhibitions and demonstrations glass doors and windows that allow an throughout the world. Having studied abundance of sun light. A third build- graphic design in school, Toki learned ing stores bamboo and other materials. about Edo kites from kite maker Mrs. Toki prepared a delicious Katsuhisa Ota and has worked over 30 Sukiyaki dinner on my first night’s stay, years to keep the traditional Edo kite making it a warm welcome. form alive. Work Begins We started the kite-making process of laminating the washi (Japanese hand-made paper) to the silk. We first trimmed the washi and prepared the silk by tacking it to a board, wetting it with Checking bamboo for symmetry water, then brushing out all the air bubbles washi onto the silk. This was done by and wrinkles. picking up the end of the washi paper The next step was with a bamboo stick, lifting it, then Maasaki Modegi and Toki at the Tokyo Kite Museum preparing the nori placing it on top of the silk. The air paste (a type of rice bubbles were then brushed out and the Traditional Edo kites are rect- glue). Three brushes were used in the washi-silk paper was left to dry for a angular in form with an elaborately laminating process: one for spreading day. painted sail and multiple bridle lines. water (mizubake), another for spread- Once the kite paper dried, the The length of the bridle lines are ing the nori paste (noribake) and a painting process began. Originally typically 20 times or greater than the courser wallpaper brush for getting out I planned to leave it white, but was height of the kite, without a tail, and the wrinkles and air bubbles. told that white is symbolic of death. a long “Unari”, known as the hummer The final step was transferring the Sumi ink (traditional Japanese ink — a long bamboo pole pulled used in Sumi-E painting) and colored tight to create a bow which dyes are used in creating the brightly produces a low pitch hum colored sails often typifying pictures in the wind. Edo kites have of historical persons, old stories, and been made the same way for famous Kabuki actors. I chose to paint hundreds of years. a simple rising sun design depicting the Thanks to a grant by the sunrise I had viewed earlier at Hitosu- Drachen Foundation, I spent matsu beach. five amazing days in Febru- ary with Mikio Toki, learning Bamboo the art of building traditional Madake (Japanese timber bamboo) Japanese Edo kites and expe- is the species used by Toki for making riencing a glimpse of Japa- kites. These bamboos are capable of nese culture. reaching heights of 72 feet and diame- ters of four to six inches. Toki harvests My Arrival the bamboo between late September I arrived at Narita Airport through November when it is least on February 2nd. Toki was likely to be infested with bugs. Toki there to greet me. From prefers 2-3 years old bamboo, mature there we headed west to enough to reach full strength but not his home in a rural area of too old to be full of scars or damaged Chiba, about 1½ hours away. from the elements. Small rice fields surround the Bamboo can be split dry or green, home. I had the honor of but must be allowed to dry at least being the first international Toki preps silk six months before kite making (a year
30 Kiting | Summer ’07 or longer is even better). Some kites profile of the split bamboo. The fit- My Visit To Toki Camp by Greg Kono are known to be made from recycled tings are secured to the bamboo with bamboo salvaged from torn down farm rivets or wingnuts. houses dating back over a century. Heat-treating the bamboo for five Assembly to ten minutes over charcoal brings Top and bottom spars are attached the oil to the surface. Rubbing the first. The sail is folded over string on oil off with a rag produces a polished sides to prevent the edges from tear- finish. This process reduces the mois- ing. Side spars are added next. Glued ture and increases the strength in the leather patches are used to reinforce bamboo. bridle points. When adding the diago- nal cross spars the right side is always Tools placed over the left. This is based on Toki uses very few power tools, the tradition of wearing kimonos. The adhering to the traditional methods sides are reversed only when the per- of working the bamboo with simple son dies and is wearing their funeral hand tools. He cuts it to length with kimono. The hummer (unari) is made a bamboo saw and uses a froe (thick- from an un-split section of bamboo. Greg Kono helps launch Toki’s edo bladed hatchet) for splitting. By A plastic tape is tied over the end applying pressure left or right to guide and pulled tight to create a bow. The Store. My final evening at the Toki’s the split, he is able to form straight hummer is attached to the top of the was spent with a few of their friends and even thickness strips. It is easiest kite with rubber bands and produces a for dinner, drinking sake and singing to split bamboo into halves each time low pitch hum in the wind. karaoke. until obtaining desired widths. Bridles Conclusion Bridle harnesses are made Edo kite making has remained with a rope-making tool. The unchanged for hundreds of years, harness is used to splice the requiring vast amounts of various skills individual lines into rows, and patience. This experience has then columns, and finally into increased my appreciation for tradi- a single tow point. The long tional kite making and inspired me to bridles are not only for beauty hone my skills working with bamboo of an Edo kite, but serve the and washi and combine it with my own purpose of adding drag to the artwork and kite making. kite to help stabilize it in place of a tail. Toki and I attached Internet Resources the lines by staking the kite to www.konodesign.com/tokicamp2007. the ground and tying the lines html around a nearby telephone http://homepage1.nifty.com/ pole. The individual bridle mikiotoki/english1.htm lines are fed through a leather www.drachen.org/journals/a12/ bridle plate to keep track of Mikio-Toki.pdf them and prevent tangling. A bamboo stick placed near the Toki’s edo aloft tow point is used to prevent twisting. Toki checks the symmetry by bending the bamboo and observing the Adjusting for Flight profile by his naked eye. He fine tunes We drove back to Hitotsumatsu and tapers the strip with a block plane beach to test fly our finished kite. or shaves it by pulling the strip against It took us a few attempts to get the the sharp blade of the froe. kite to stay in the air, but after a few minutes of adjusting the lines, the kite Brass Fittings stabilized and flew motionless against Normally, bamboo spars are joined the cloudy sky. What a sight to see! together using hemp string. Brass fit- We spent the rest of the after- ting are now being utilized to allow for noon sightseeing in Tokyo, visiting the the kite to be easily disassembled for Tokyo Kite Museum of Japanese Kite travel. Modern fittings are made from Association President, Masaaki Modegi. Greg Kono’s edo, featuring an brass tubing shaped with a hammer We also checked out bamboo knives aerial photo of his Alki Avenue and disc sander to conform to the oval and chisels at Toku Hans Department neighborhood in Seattle
Summer ‘07 | Kiting 31 Veni Vedi Volavi I Came I Saw I Flew Kites by Dave and Diane Butler
ervia, Italy. Painted kites from just lots of examples of innovation and and make you new friends. If you can’t CClaudio Capelli and Guiseppe and beauty in the air. They break all our get to Europe, then try a more Euro- Franca Cacozza. Hand made paper rules, and do it magnificently. The air pean-feeling festival in North America and bamboo, asymmetrical kites by was thick with kites I had never seen like Canada’s Dieppe but by all means Therese Yguen and Daniela Zitzman. before, and the sky was a mélange of get to a non-US festival. By the way, Kinetic kites from Germany and Swit- color and shapes and things to wonder yes, we will be going back to Cervia. zerland and others. Ground displays at. The atmosphere is festive and the Maybe we will see you there. by Robert and Helene Valkenburgh kiters wish to meet and celebrate and Eric Auroraott. New cellulars by with people from around the people like Engelbert Simon and Car- world. There was also music and men Görtz. Quilting from Eli and Shula dancing every night, either on Shavit from Israel and Fausto Marrocu the beach or among the kiters from Sardinia. Huge inflatables by Pe- (not to mention the “Night of ter Lynn and others. A new kite from Miracles” with the lighted ground José Sainz. Fighter kites with Stafford displays and fireworks). I also Wallace and Gerhard Zitzmann, and have to say that the street food lots and lots of stunters. Too many was much better than anything amazing kites to remember and regret- I can find here (the fresh, flash- tably too many names of wonderful fried, mixed fish was incredible, people as well. as was a sandwich called the This was our first European kite piadina). festival, and many of you are probably Now that I have raved suffi- smiling knowingly. The nudge to go ciently, I would recommend that there came from Don and Jean Mock, anyone who has not done so, try and we are grateful to them for it. If to get to Cervia, or another Euro- you haven’t been there, Cervia (on pean festival. It will re-energize the northeast coast of Italy) is an art you, get you thinking about other kite festival. There is no competition, ways of making kites, excite you Dave Butler
32 Kiting | Summer ’07 A rokkaku by Australia’s William Farber.
A rokkaku by Italian festival On this German kite, the propellers organizer Claudio drive a roll of optical fabric, pro Capelli. ducing ever-changing patterns. -
Veni Vedi Volavi I Came José Sainz with a kite made Tannenbaum by Engelbert of paper and bamboo. I Saw Simon and Carmen Görtz I Flew Kites by Dave and Diane Butler The work of Israel’s Eli and Shula Shavit.
A star by Sardinia’s photos by Fausto Marrocu. Dave Butler Some asymmetry by More of Thérèsa Thérèsa Uguen. Uguen’s work. What Happens In France... by Linda Sanders
f you’ve been to Berck Sur Mer before, you’ll already a picnic at Cap Gris Nez and finally, a walk around Calais to Iknow of the magnificent beach, looking out over the Eng- enjoy the tulips in full bloom. (In our absence, my Berck lish Channel, which stretches for miles even at high tide. sources tell me that an oversized octopus took off across This was our first visit to Europe’s opening kite event the beach during one squall, complete with the heavy con- for the 2007 season, spreading over ten days with two full crete anchors in weekends of flying and friend-making. Kevin still insists tow! that for our 25th wedding anniversary he was taking his Thursday wife to Paris, when we both knew that we really just want- - quelle hor-
ed to be on a beach, amongst other kite fliers, doing what reur! (Not Gary Mark we thoroughly enjoy. really... just Berck did not disappoint. a madhouse!) We’d heard that Thousands of Gérard Clément was school children looking to BEAT the pre- thronged over vious World Record for the beach, number of octopus kites disregarding in the sky at once. The marked zones, Kevin Sanders and kites last record was set in running with Thailand last year, where their newly- the group managed a made constructions, weaving themselves into tangled may- total of 12. This time, hem. But all the while, laughing. Children don’t hide their Gérard wanted more, feelings, have you noticed? The beach was certainly full of MORE! joy that day. Claudio Capelli’s and Starting with our ar- Friday, the start of the Easter break, saw the beach Marco Cassadio’s cherub rival on Friday, we fell in shrouded in a thick foggy FOG. Not much to be done when love with the place. Our landlady was delightfully French you can’t see what’s on the end of your string, but it didn’t provincial in her fashion sense and our hotel room felt like stop people trying! Friday was also Banquet Night where Gary Mark part of a large home rather than a hotel. (Complete with fliers got the chance to catch up with each other and be two cozy single beds — well, after 25 years...? — and a low totally relaxed. No pressure to keep kites aloft here. Unless bathroom ceiling which is still well-remembered for deliver- you were the “Crazy Drivers” Revolution kite team! Their ing mild concussions on that first night!) impromptu indoor flying display gave the dancers a rest. We had two full days on the first weekend, followed by Can anyone tell me again how I ended up leading the conga
a slower start on each of Monday and Tuesday. Full days Gerhard Zitzmann meant 9:30am to about 6:30pm on the beach, fighting gusty A KAP look at the record-setting octopile. winds. Octopus went up, octopus came down, and every tentacle wanted to go in different directions with every up and down. It was non-stop de-tangling in the imposing shadow of the megaflag kite from the AlFarsi kite team. TV and radio interviewers scurried about, looking for someone interesting to talk to. I was collared early on by French Radio, but with only high school French from years ago, my interview was pretty much one-sided.... Wednesday, in need of a well-earned break, Kevin and I joined a group of KAP enthusiasts on a drive up the coast- line. We were treated to magnificent views of the White Cliffs of Dover, the brisk Arctic winds at Fort d’Ambleteuse,
34 Kiting | Summer ’07 line? Gérard lived up to his promise and threw me around a quick sew-job the dance floor just as he’d done in Thailand the year be- transplant in fore. (That one dance was well worth the 30+ hours it took the tent on the to make it to Berck...) Esplanade. The biggest weekend I’ve ever seen for kite flying was • Team AlFar- Easter. Three FULL-ON days of wind, tangled octopus legs si’s megaflag (for me), sand, more received life- wind, and mass upon saving suturing mass of colour all the in the tent on
way up the beach. Gary Mark the Esplanade. Everywhere I turned • Language barrier? - what language barrier! Learn the there was colour. important phrases and mime the rest. Linda Sanders And not just at great • Our French Bus Driver who believed we understood him, What Happens In France... by Linda Sanders heights. These 500 or when we only recognised the word “Berck.” so kite fliers all KNEW • The United Nations of Kite Fliers. The melting pot for what the crowds diverse cultures, languages and habits. The carnival atmo- wanted to see. Colour sphere. on the ground with • Chandeliers in the beer tent. Gary Mark Linda Sanders, underwear wind gardens and Such class. on backwards. April Fool! ground displays (the • The dogs. And what they left turtles trudging up the behind. beach were not to be missed), the labyrinth, the music- • Cars parked so tightly, even up inspired stunt & quadline kite team displays, the ingenious on the pavements. Smart Cars single-line displays and the mega-team stunt flying - I lost - which look like roller skates. count of how many, but it was definitely more than fingers • Scarves. Real men DO wear on my hands...! them. Especially in Berck when Could the best part have been the Grand Parade mid- it’s cold. day on Sunday? Parades are always fun to watch, but to be • Boulangeries and Patisseries with Peter Lynn actually IN one and have people waving at YOU is a most freshly-baked baguettes. makes repairs humbling experience. The kite fliers were encouraged to • THE CHOCOLATE SHOPS. carry and wave their banners as they walked, marching girls • Pastel-shade beach huts, deliv-
Linda Sanders twirled their ba- ered by fork-lift tractors. tons, oom-pa-pah • Cheaply-priced wine. bands played, and • Shopping for bargains with Euros €. the percussionists • A hillside picnic, in France, eating baguettes, fromages, kept the beat. jambon and sipping vin rouge. We brought traffic • “Je suis fatigué.” to a standstill in • Standing Linda Sanders Rue Carnot. Shop room only in Dirk Krüger’s wedding bears keepers even the spectator came out to cheer areas— 100,000 and applaud. In people each of this town at least, the weekend Trudging turtles by Dirk Krüger the locals were days. PLEASED to have • The game of kite fliers filling their beach, and cafés, and restaurants, cricket being and late-night bars. introduced into At some point over the weekend, the new World Record the history of for Octopus kites was set (ready for the next challenge?) Berck’s kite at an amazing 19. Doing some quick arithmetic here, that festival. makes 152 tentacles, all 80 feet or longer. Every octopus • Monday - the wrangler earned their stripes that weekend. last Festival By the way, April Fool’s Day fell on that first weekend. day - from For the record, I swore it was because of my jet-lag, but I about 4pm, found I’d dressed in a rush that morning, and put my ther- anarchy on mal underwear on backwards. Okay... laugh away. the beach as Other memories of Berck... public swarmed • With little remembered French, I mimed to Michel Bou- through. card if I might borrow his hammer on Day One... he looked • We’re going puzzled...! Try it in front of a mirror. to Paris for • Gérard’s pink octopus became an amputee, then received some R & R! Weifang: Kiting’s Olympics
Weifang’s opening ceremonies by Jim Martin Jr. n April, I joined the Gomberg Kite Productions crew — Da- the spicey-hot city of Chonqing, the beautiful Three Gorges Ivid and Susan Gomberg, George Emmons, Wayne Brooks, area of the Yangtze River and the modern bustling city of Darryl Water, Scott Shevlin, Mike and Sheila Hale, Jerry Shanghai. and Sandy McGuire, Mike and Lisa Yang, and Bill and Marylu Mr. Sui Shude made sure we were well taken care of Sonntag — on a journey to China for the 24th Weifang Kite and saw as much of the country as you could see in a few Festival. Weifang, the World Kite Capitol, is the legendary days. Thanks, Shude! birthplace of kite flying and home of the World Kite Muse- For more photos, visit http://public.fotki.com/ um. In recent years, Weifang has built a number of beauti- JMARTJR/kite_fests/weifang-china-trip/general-pictures/, ful new parks, dotting the sky with kites on any given day. or see http://public.fotki.com/JMartJr/kite_fests/weifang- But when April rolls around, Weifang kite-folks pull out all china-trip/kap-at-weifang-festival/ for kite aerial photos. the stops. Picture kiters from dozens of countries bringing amaz- ing traditional and modern kites and colorful national cos- tumes. Picture an Olympics-like opening ceremonies with delegations marching into the stadium, popular music stars, fireworks and thousands of cheering fans. Picture a flying field crowded not only with kites and fliers, but thousands of spectators, many of whom bring their own kites to add to the show. Imagine people asking if they could have their picture taken with you, the kite celebrity from the USA, all day long. Now you are starting to get an idea of what flying in Weifang is all about! Our gang of kiters also enjoyed a tour of China, seeing (and flying kites at) such landmarks as Tienanmen Square, the Forbidden City (where kite flying, we were politely but firmly informed, is forbidden, so pull them down please!), Jim Martin flies on the Emperor’s Bridge.
36 Kiting | Summer ’07 David Gomberg does the forbidden in the Forbidden City.
Soon to be a collector’s item: a Beijing 2008 Olympic kite.
photos by Jim Martin Jr. and Jerry McGuire
The ground at Weifang is too hard to pound in anchors, which is why it’s helpful to travel with Susan Gomberg.
Festival poster
Jim Martin at the A Weifang kite shop opening ceremonies. Tour guide Sui Shude This year the AKA with them. Hot Tricks Shoot-out is open to any Conven- Convention is XXX! tion attendee on a first come, space available basis. That’s right, it’s our 30th annual Comprehensive Kitemakers Competition national conven- You’ve had a year to prepare, and now it’s time to tion, on the beach show off. Bring your best homemade kites to be judged in beautiful Ocean on flight, visual appeal, craftsmanship, and structural Shores, WA. Join us design. We’ll start with a pre-competition meeting from October 1-6 to go over procedures and rules. After the competi- for what should be tion, there will be a debriefing session to review the one of the largest event and get your feedback. Make sure to download gatherings of kiters a rulebook from the Publications page at www.aka.kite. on the continent. org. One change this year is that ground judging will Register with the form precede flight judging. in this magazine, or do it The categories of kites will once again be Figure, online at www.aka.kite.org. Soft & Flexible, Bowed, Delta, Fighter, Sport Kite, Rokkaku, Train & Centipede, Cellular & Dimensional, Annual Member’s Meeting Flat, Arches & Ribbons, UFO, and Sky Display, with The annual business meeting of the American Kite- separate prizes for Cooperative kites, Novice kitemak- fliers Association will be on Wednesday, October 3rd. ers, Traditional Materials, Mixed Media, and Innovation. The two top prizes are the Grand Champion (selected Fighter Kites & Rokkaku Battles by the judges), and Member’s Choice (voted on by con- We are planning something for fighter kite fliers vention attendees). for every day of the Convention. Join us for the Fighter Kite Grand Nationals, including Novice and Experienced Workshops class competition with both Line Touch and Skills cat- A full slate of workshops will be offered at Ocean egories, plus the Rokkaku competition, with both indi- Shores, with sessions being held mornings and after- vidual and team events. The “Rok Battle” is always one noons to give attendees the chance to learn as much as of the highlights of the Convention. Any attendee who possible about the wonderful world of kites.
REVIEW pays a full registration (no day passes) may participate Early workshop commitments include Rick Kinnaird regardless of your skill level. If you are new to fighter doing a follow up to his very well-received workshop at kites stop by the field for learn-to-fly tips. Des Moines entitled, “What do Parafoils and Box Kites In addition to the on-field activities, there will be have in common, or, How many sticks does a parafoil two fighter kite workshops for your enjoyment. Plus, have?” It would be an examination of the problems
P the not-to-be-missed Fighter Kite Symposium is your that both designs are trying to solve and a discussion of chance to talk with the fighter kite committee to share making really large kites. your ideas for change, improvement and how to keep iQuad will be offering quad pairs and team instruc- the growth of fighters on course. tion on the beach. The focus of the presentation will be to introduce people to the basic calls which make quad Sport Kite and Indoor Competition flying as a group so easy, and show them how much fun The AKA’s best sport kite fliers will compete on it can be. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the Sport Kite Grand For kitemakers, workshops will be held that explain Nationals. Competition participation is by invitation each of the four judging criteria used to judge the only. For each of the 21 disciplines the top five com- comprehensive kitemaking competition. John Freeman petitors from our six sport kite conferences will receive will present a session sharing his knowledge of quilt- invites to demonstrate their skill. Check the AKA web- ing techniques used in kitemaking. Scott Skinner, José site after August 1 for the final standings. Sainz, Barry Poulter and Ron Gibian will share their Invitations are mailed to the invited competitors technical information and good humor in a roundtable but you don’t have to wait for it to arrive to RSVP to discussion about kite craftsmanship. your conference commissioner. Just send them an e- A complete list of workshops will be availabe at mail. Letting your conference commissioner know as www.aka.kite.org. If there is a workshop you would like soon as possible you will be attending and your avail- to see or a presentation you would like to offer please ability to volunteer helps with scheduling and organiz- contact Deb Lenzen at [email protected]. ing the event. The Indoor fly onTuesday night is always popular Great Kite Auction and anyone is welcome to fly a demo after the competi- What is the most fun you can have indoors with
ONVENTION tion. The sport kite symposium is a long-standing tradi- kites while eating a great dinner? It’s the Great Kite tion that every sport kite flier should attend. It’s an Auction. We are lining up for another fantastic Auc- important opportunity to find out what the sport kite tion with many one-of-kind fabulous finds waiting for committee has been discussing and to share your ideas the attendees. Our kitemakers who have participated C
38 Kiting | Summer ’07 in this year’s auction project will wow you with their Register today at www.aka.kite.org! creations. Many generous individuals, kite artists, store The Robert M. Ingraham Award owners, manufacturers and wholesalers have contrib- Robert Ingraham founded the AKA in 1964. He origi- uted treasures to make this the best Auction ever. nally gave this award to outstanding kiters from the The Great Kite Auction is divided into four parts. American southwest. After his death, the AKA changed The Bag Raffle begins on Wednesday, where everyone the award to commemorate “Kitefliers who have ex- has a chance to take home a treasure. Friday’s festivi- emplified outstanding volunteerism and service to the ties start with the silent auction, where all sorts of AKA, and who, in the tru spirit of Robert Ingraham, kites and kite related items can be bid on. The cash and have given unselfishly of their time to help the AKA and carry section is available for those who need instant promote kiting in general.” gratification and just can’t wait for the silent auction For complete award criteria and nomination infor- to end. The piece-de-resistance of the night is the loud mation, visit the Festivals - Annual Convention - Awards page auction, offering fantastic art pieces, one-of-a-kindcol- at www.aka.kite.org. Nominations are due by August lector items, outstanding kite deals and entertaining 31. Contact Darrin Skinner at 408/313-6657 or e-mail auctioneers and crew. [email protected]. We need your help to make this the best Auction ever. Remember to bid high and bid often. Bring your credit card or check book, and every dollar you pay The Lee Toy Kite Artist of the Year Award above the market value of the item is tax deductible! Kite vagabond, author, artist and beloved kiter, Lee Toy filled the world with his creative energies, enor- mous talent, kindness, good humor and zest for life. Fly Market Born in California and raised there and in Wisconsin, Our marketplace where kite and accessory manu- Lee worked in several artistic mediums and kite styles facturers, retailers and crafts people can vend their with an emphasis on fighter kites. Viewing kite flying wares. The Fly Market is open to all registered mem- as a metaphor for life, he promoted the joy of kiting bers as well as the general public. Contact Ron Lindner around the world. His true gift was inspiring others to at [email protected] to reserve a booth. explore the wide world of kites and to see them as au- thentic art forms. His small book, Flight Patterns, gave Posters wise insights with several excellent plans. Lee passed Help publicize the convention! You can download a away in late 1992 and is still missed terribly by his fam- free 30th convention poster at www.aka.kite.org/data/ ily and many kite friends. download/pdf/Posters/AKAconv2007.pdf. The poster The Lee Toy Memorial Award will be presented at — as well as the convention logo — were designed by the annual convention to a member selected as the Jeff Erzin. “Kite Artist of the Year.” This recognizes an artist’s body of original work or their commitment to kites as Kite Art Gallery art as well as their ability to inspire others in recogniz- Kay Buesing is putting together a terrific gallery ing the uniqueness of kites as art. The Artist of the exhibit featuring the last master kitemaker of Tokyo, Year demonstrates a willingness to teach, explore and Teizo Hashimoto. Be sure to see the washi paper and innovate in promoting kites within the AKA membership bamboo artistry of Hashimoto-san. or the broader community. The recipient also shows a clear generosity of spirit and willing- The Edeiken Kiteflier of the Year Award ness to share his The Steve Edeiken Memorial Award is the highest or her energies in OCEAN SHORES recognition given to a member by the AKA. Steve — a promoting kites as WASHINGTON respected and active AKA member — was killed in a an art form. tragic accident in 1983. The AKA established the award For complete in his honor a year later. award criteria and The award’s recipient will be a person who has nomination infor- shown friendly, loving, fair, even-handed concern for mation, visit the people in general, but kitefliers in particular; kiteflying Festivals - Annual in general, but for craftsmanship and technical devel- Convention - Awards opments in particular; communication in general, but page at www.aka. for leading and participating in kite events in particu- kite.org. Nomina- lar. These criteria best exemplify the character of Steve tions are due by Edeiken. August 31. Contact AMERICAN KITEFLIERS ASSOCIATION For complete award criteria and nomination infor- Sue Skinner at 30TH ANNUAL CONVENTION mation, visit the Festivals - Annual Convention - Awards page 408/554-8399 or at www.aka.kite.org. Nominations are due by August e-mail October 1st -6th, 2007 31. Contact Sue Skinner at 408/554-8399 or e-mail The AKA Convention is an annual five day gathering of kite enthusiasts, ToyAward@aka. artists, and competitors. With roughly 500 members in attendance, [email protected]. kite.org. the Convention ranks as one of the largest kite gatherings in the world. for more info: www.aka.kite.org Japan WOW! at Smithsonian Washington,DC March 31, 2007 st in the Bermuda’s Philip Jones won 1 Kitemaker competition, as well as a special prize for ingenuity, with his Roby Pagoda.
Debbie Wilkens, Debbie Carney, and Judi Loscomb won the cos tume prize. - Adrienne Balmer’s theme prize winner Yoshizo Sakuraba won the Grand Prize Award.
Kaziah Hall’s winner, from the West Indian American Kitefliers Association. Drake Smith and Jon Burkhardt Kaziah Hall won 1st in the Master Kite- maker competition. Doug Charleville’s patriotic photos by quad-line. Phil Broder and David Barr Maasaki Modegi teaches the art of woodblock printing. Allan Robb’s ground display
Andy Burchfield flies in front of the World War II Memorial. 40 Kiting | Summer ’07 REGIONaL sionRE held atp VFWORTS Post 2094. We had in Camp Hill, PA. Class size is limited an awesome time. The workshops and and the registration deadline is July discussion were great, not to mention 3rd. For more information, call Cinda all the great food everyone brought. Shannon at 717/243-7913, or see their Chuck Donaldson and Archie web page at www.KeystoneKiters.com. Stewart flew a replica of the Blue Hill The SJKF schedule was full in April Clayton-Hargrave box kite recently, and May, with events taking place the first time in a century that such every week. Members got their chance a kite’s been airborne. The 6’x6x’2’ to pick and choose what events they kite weighed in at 18 pounds, made wished to attend. For instance, in of spruce, cotton, bone glue, shoe Bensalem, PA, there were at least 100 thread, and iron wire. The original is kids who came to get the kites given on display at the Boston Museum of away by the township for their annual Region 1 ~ New England Science. kite day. Many SJKF members were CT-NH-MA-ME-RI-VT-NY That’s all I have for this report. there with many big kites, from sleds Robert “Woody” Woods The kite season is springing into ac- to rokkakus. Chris Levesque reports P.O. Box 525 tion and I will have more kite events that his family made and flew a kite to write about soon. Better days are at this event. This counted towards North Dighton, MA 02764 coming. his goal to fly a kite every day in April, 508/669-4114 even if just for five minutes. And by [email protected] now everyone has enjoyed an Italian End of term: 2007 Dinner opening night party hosted by Another kite season is rolling SJKF at Wildwood. SJKF also held a Bol along and things in region one are just building workshop where 16 bols were super. Thanks to everyone who put on built. Thanks to Scott Spencer and the a National Kite Month Event this year. Ed Spencer Sunshine Fund for donating Some changes are being make to event most of the fabric for this project. I schedules this year and they are as heard that over 100 yards of material follows; The Newport Kite Festival is were used! The club is also raffling now July 14,15th BASKC is now Aug. off two rooms for their 13th Annual 10 - 12 at Millennium Park in Boston Birthday Bash to held October 14th at and the KONE Regional is now being the Montego Bay hotel and resort in held on Oct 13th in Nahant. This year North Wildwood. There are a limited Larry and Tracy Smith are having the number of tickets available and the Capriccio Festival of Kites on Sept 8th two winners each receive a room for in Ogunquit, ME. Don’t miss this one Region 2 ~ Northeast three nights plus a few meals. The only it’s my favorite. NJ-PA-(lower) NY condition is that the winner must open their door to SJKF for the Bash! The rumor mill has someone from Todd Little Region One running for President of LVKS has been busy. In January 832 Meadow Lane the AKA. I can’t let the cat out of they held a Genki seminar, presented the bag but I know you all know this Camp Hill, PA 17011 by Paul Keeler, where about 18 kite fly- person. The Convention this year is 717/975-2852 ing enthusiasts worked towards creat- at Ocean Shores WA. and should be a [email protected] ing their own 6’ genki. A few of them great place to fly kites and have fun. End of term: 2007 showed up for our scheduled Winter I would like to thank everyone Fly in February, only to find the park who came to the Region One Party / was closed due to snow. They were Workshops and Round Table Discus- Greetings and salutations, kiters! looking forward to “sledding” across Here’s what’s new in Region Two.... that snow but never got the chance. Following up on their successful And recently, LVKS held its 17th Annual winter retreat, the 2007 Keystone Kit- Kite Day In The Park scheduled for ers August kite building retreat project May 5th. This event was held at Louise will be a 30 ft2 parafoil. This class will Moore Park, Easton, PA. The club has be taught by Kevin Shannon, who is also been scheduling local kite flying well known for award-winning ex- and building events to be held over the amples of this type of kite. The retreat next few months. In addition to local will be August 3-5. A reliable sewing events, they are looking forward to machine and basic sewing skills are building kites for kids at some of the required. The retreat will once again Chuck Donaldson major East Coast events. be held at the Camp Hill Borough Hall, and Archie Stewart Phil Broder has been working
Summer ’07 | Kiting 41 proactively with the Stone Harbor, NJ, fun though, as they visited some local city council and the NJ Fish & Wildlife (indoor!) attractions and went to Chris Division on a management plan for Stankus’ (Jackites) home for an after- Stone Harbor Point. Because it’s wide festival party. Last but not least, I open sand with no sunbathers, it’s a made it up to Ocean City, MD, for the great spot for buggying and kite surf- MIKE/MASKC celebration. Everyone ing. But it’s also home to some en- seemed to have a great time despite dangered birds, and kites ruffle their sometimes challenging wind condi- feathers, so the official US Fish & Wild- tions. life Service doctrine is to ban all kite I am going to be a bit lazy this flying within 200 meters of their nests. edition and let you do the most of the Phil has been involved in the planning talking. So here is some input from process, explaining to the biologists other events in the region.... what kite surfing is. The end result is Andrew Sager, nine-year-old still pending, but they’ll probably have W.O.W. member: “Japan Kite Associa- a seasonal ban on buggies, and kite tion workshop - I liked how the Japa- surfing will be restricted to certain ar- nese people were really helpful when eas. They’re still talking about making you were making your kite. I also liked kite surfers register with the police de- Region 3 ~ Mid-Atlantic how they gave me another kite that partment, but Phil is fighting that. Phil DC-DE-MD-VA-WV could fly indoors. Smithsonian Festival feels that AKA members need to look Norman “Doug” Charleville on the National Mall - I had fun fly- at the places they fly, get involved, 1607 Longdale Drive ing Jim Cosca’s poison dart frog kite. and make sure that governments Norfolk, VA 23518 I ran out of line because the kite was understand kite flying, instead of just 757/852-3522 so good! I got interviewed two times, imposing knee-jerk bans on kites. [email protected] once by Voice of America and once by Phil also wrote an article about us- End of term: 2007 American University. They asked me ing kites as a tool to teach about wind what it felt like flying a kite. I said I and meteorology. The article was just Hi everyone. National Kite Month was proud because of getting the kite published (and on the cover) of The has come and gone and with it a very up so high ... and running out of line Interpreter, a magazine of the Na- active month of kiting. Not that we was really cool, too. “ tional Association for Interpretation, a are going to stop because April is gone. Bill Taylor: “The RAF was rep- professional society for environmental, There are many events scheduled resented at the Seaford Elementary museum and park educators. The cover throughout the summer. Check out the School kite fly on March 30. The 4th photo was of Paul Fieber’s “Mound kite clubs and AKA websites and come grade classes gathered with their Builders” della porta. The magazine out and join us. parents and teachers for the event goes out to over 3000 people, about We kicked off the NKM celebration — about 100 attendees. I helped them 99% of whom are not kite fliers. early, with a festival in Richmond, VA. and flew some of my kites to show Sunday April 29th saw the running The weather was great and Dorey Park them a variety. It was a great experi- of the 3rd annual Williamsburg kite saw one of its largest turnouts. Kids ence to fly with the kids and to help festival. Held each April in Brooklyn’s and kites were everywhere enjoying them out, mostly letting them know to McCarren Park, the festival is a fund the day. Next on our calendar was fly INTO the wind, not with it, or just raiser for the P.S. 132 PTA. The the Virginia Beach Kite Festival on 7 around in circles. From all the laugh- festival featured face painting, food, April. Due to very unusual weather, ter, the event went off well.” crafts, and kites. Charles Stewart we had temperatures in the 30s and Stoney Stonestreet: “Winchester, showed the PTA how to make Eddy heavy snow so the event was can- VA, was surrounded by rain showers kites and they made and sold five hun- celled. Folks didn’t let that stop their on April 14 but the storms kept their dred kites. Ron Jakubowicz and Felicia distance until late afternoon. Mosery wowed the festival crowd with Despite light and erratic winds, a large Frog lifted by a power Sled. the Richmond Air Force man- A large Delta with a sixty foot ban- aged to fly foils, sport kites, ner tail was a crowd pleaser as well. and single lines throughout the The weather was good and the crowds Maribel Charleville afternoon and finished with Bol seemed to enjoy the offerings. Races. New RAF fliers, Laure Finally, I’m pleased to announce Manette, and Emily and Mike that the 2008 AKA convention will be Rose, fit right into the scheme held in Region Two! Gettysburg will be of the afternoon activities while the site of next year’s annual meeting Marc Conklin, Lawrence Levine, and Grand Nationals. As President of Charles and Laura Stonestreet, the Keystone Kiters, I look forward to Phil Napier, Jeff May, and Don helping the new Region Two Director Virginia may be for lovers, but Thomas kept kites in the air. Will host the AKA in my home state. Virginia Beach is for sledders. Smoot spun the musical program
42 Kiting | Summer ’07 like to January 29th. The Plunge and Festival acknowl- raise money for the Maryland Special edge the Olympics. In March, WoWsters turned many AKA out for a Sunday fly on March 11th at members the Washington Monument for a news who made and photo op with the Washington the trek Post. from cen- “Next came the Second Fun Fly at tral PA and Solomons Island, MD, and the Sail- northern winds II Kite Festival on Maryland’s VA to dem- eastern shore at Cambridge. Fields at onstrate Solomons were soggy and winds were their skills squirrelly, but fliers managed to put and to on a good show and lots of kites were assist the made and flown by the ever-welcome many new younger visitors. The next day, WoW fliers.” pilots braved frigid temperatures and Jim Podlasek launched a trib- Daniel 30 mph winds at Sailwinds II. Skies ute to those killed at Virginia Parker: were blue, but it was cold and blus- Tech, with 32 maroon and or- “On April tery and fliers took turns flying and th ange ribbons tied to his line. 18 I met taking breaks behind a hastily erected with three windbreak. There was still a decent and kept up a steady stream of kite classes local turnout despite the conditions. jargon throughout the day. It turned of the Gan Hayeled Nursery School in Take that, Mother Nature! The “just out to be a very satisfying festival in Washington, DC, for the second year. I for fun” sport kite competition was a spite of the threatening weather.” taught a little about kite basics as well hit again with Richard Mervine first, Al Ault: “The day was forecast for as showing many different kite styles. Todd Stevick second, and Mike Mosman heavy rain, but it turned out to be There was even enough space for a and Jeff King tying for third. The still- partly cloudy with 5 to 7 mph winds quick turn with my indoor stunt kite. young Sailwinds Festival is so popular for the 2nd Annual Bel Air Kite Festival. The highlight of the talk was the infla- that the Chamber of Commerce hosts Estimated attendance was 1000 – 1200 tion of some of the larger kites. There it twice a year! and the 30+ acre field was full of kite was a Peter Lynn Gecko, which the kids “March 24th saw the WoW gang at flyers and spectators. Our stock of 110 really enjoyed being able to touch and the National Air and Space Museum’s entry level kites was gone by noon; feel. There was also a 10’ soccer ball Family Day in Washington, DC. We our stock of free loaner kites (70) bouncer that got everyone’s attention. ran an information table, provided was out all day; and the food vendor I enjoy sharing my kites with young- displays, demonstrated indoor flying, sent out for more supplies four times. sters, because they’re not shy about and hosted some of our friends from Many thanks to the large number of showing enthusiasm. I also know that Japan who demonstrated kite making AKA members who made the day pos- kiting is a hobby that can keep them techniques. The indoor flying was one sible and to WOW for furnishing the connected to those feeling for years to of the most popular things at Family sound system - Jeff and Joyce King, come.” Day. The WoW fliers had a blast flying th Kelly Mayhew and Dennis Hawley, Paul Jeff May: “The 5 Annual Rural for the crowds, and the whole day was and Emily Hines and family, Larry and Retreat Virginia Kite Festival moved well punctuated by stellar performanc- Laura Magnani, The Town of Bel Air and to the hilltop above the town giving es by the visiting Scotty Weider and the Public Works Dept., and last, but us greater room and better facilities. Paulie Berard. Thanks for coming to fly not least my daughter and grandson, In addition, the kites could be seen with us, guys! st Becky and AJ Magnani, and my best several miles away. We had great wind “31 March was the 41 Annual friend, Evelyn Rossbach. I would also with cool temperatures. The festival Smithsonian Kite Festival. WoW turned brought out over 300 people and at- out in force, but were pleased to have tracted several families off I-81 who so many visiting clubs and other fliers were trying to figure out what was from all over. The festival was marked happening. We are staying closer to with fabulous ground displays, com- home over the next few weeks at the petitions, and demonstrations for the Coyner Springs kite fly in Waynesboro, thousands upon thousands of visitors in Laura Stonestreet VA, on May 5 and the second annual DC that day.” Quetzal Kite Festival in Fluvanna on Thanks to everyone who flew May 19.” and submitted their stories. Sorry I Jeff King: “WoW News! WoW fliers couldn’t include it all. Keep on flying, took part in the 2007 Polar Bear Plunge having fun, and sharing kiting with oth- & Bluster By The Bay Festival at Sandy ers. See you around the flying fields! Bol races at Richmond’s Dorey Park Point State Park, Annapolis, MD, on
Summer ’07 | Kiting 43 Championships were held on March 10th from Kitty Hawk Kites was on hand as at Sand Key County Park in Clearwa- well to teach stunt kite lessons and do ter, FL. This novice-friendly Eastern kite buggy demos.” League event was officiated over in From Gary Resnick: “The first 3+ grand style by Chief Judge Jay Nunes months have been have been busy ones and was attended by the cream of in the Tampa Bay area. It all started Florida’s sport kite competitors. In with the Treasure Island Kite Festival attendance were Master’s Class fliers back in January. This was followed by Rob Autrey and Ted Goodman from the first Sand Key Winter Kite Festival SASKC, flying both individually and as in March. Sherri and Steve Pigeon got the always-popular pair Rainman For- off to a great start with a promise of rest. Experienced Class fliers Robbie many more to come. TISKK received Boerth and Terry Cornell (TeeCee) from two calls on the same day for kite help Orlando also flew individually and as from two different towns. Luckily the the pair Flight Risk, and Novice Class events were on different days. We flier Dave Meeks of the SASKC Daytona joined up with the Sunset Fliers for the branch rounded out the competitor Safety Harbor Seafood Festival Early Region 4 ~ Southeast field.The success stories from MFRSKC March. The weather sure dampened AL-FL-GA-KY-MS-PR-NC-SC-TN feature the two first-time competitors the seafood fest but it did not stop Mike Agner Kareem Abdul Mohammed (dual line) the kites from flying. We all got to 4801 Deer Glade Court from Miami and Sherri Pigeon (multi- spend the next day or two drying out Wilmington, NC 28409 line) from Sunset Flyers of Clearwater. our kites. The second call came from 910/790-5979 Both of these good people turned in a the Pier Aquarium in St. Petersburg [email protected] pretty good ballet routine, and we cer- requesting kites the following week for End of Term: 2007 tainly expect to see them calling “In” their 10th annual Beach Splash. A bunch for a good number of years to come. of us spent three nearly windless hours I had the good fortune to be in- Open Multiline Ballet at MFRSKC was helping kids build sled kites. The day vited to fly at a huge festival in Berk, flown by Rob Autrey and Dave Meeks. A ended with the wind coming up and France where we managed to get 19 big “thank ya!” to MFRSKC’s sponsors; some of the more determined kids be- octopus in the air. We flew on a huge Air Ouevre Sport Kites, GKPI, and Sky ing rewarded by seeing their kites take beach on the English Channel, attend- Shark, and an even bigger “thank ya!” to the sky. A special thanks to Carl ed by literally hundreds of thousands. to Sunset Flyers of Clearwater, the “Gumby” Anderson for helping out. Here’s some other region news: host club!” An unfortunate bit of timing had the Allison Holmes and her dad Chuck From Cori Davies at Kitty Hawk Beach Splash falling on the same day of Spartanburg, SC, participated in the Kites: “The weekend of March 31st- as the First Mid Florida Regional Stunt Smithsonian Kite Festival. Both en- April 1st was a busy one for Kitty Hawk Kite Championship which took place tered Della Portas in the competition. Kites. The Fly Into Spring Kite Festival at Sand Key. Another great start with They came in second in the Rokkaku took place on Jockey’s Ridge State great promise for more in the future. battle with their team “Charlie Don’t Park, had great winds, great weather, You can bet I won’t miss the next one. Run”. The team name is in honor of and record-breaking attendance. While Spring usually brings kiters back Charlie Henderson, a well-known im- What better way to kick off spring, outside members of TISKK and the mobile kite winder maker from Deca- and National Kite Month? The two-day Sunset Fliers headed indoors on April tur, GA and Chuck’s father-in-law. event featured kite flying experts from 7th for the first indoor fly for these From Harlan Groover: “The mem- Kitty Hawk Kites, along with the help parts since the AKA was in town back bers of SAKE will make the trip to of Jim Hodges. Children’s games, and in 2000. What a great time! It did not Clayton, GA, to assist them with their kitemaking also took place at the Nags seem to matter that most of us had no festival. Steve Cseplo and I will fly Head Kitty Hawk Kites store. In Fort clue what we were doing, it was just pairs, open team train, and fighter Walton Beach, FL, the 3rd Annual Beach plain fun.” kite demonstrations as well as single Kite Festival took place. Saturday line and sport kite. Also planned for was a great day, sunny, warm, and Mike Agner chilling out in Berck. the next few months is making kites windy! Despite some rainy weather for kids and flying demonstrations at Sunday, John Harris took a flight on Gary Mark Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park on a tandem paraglider while thousands the 4th Saturday in May, several kites of spectators looked on. Spectators for kids in suburban Atlanta schools, and spring breakers came to see the the Asian Cultural Experience in July at spectacular show put on by Kitty the Botanical Gardens, and Japan Fest Hawk Kites and Kelly Mayhew and at Stone Mountain in September. Just Dennis Hawley of Larger Than Life trying to promote kiting.” Kites. Among some of their spec- From Terry Cornell: “The inau- tacular kites were a scuba diver, gural Mid-Florida Regional Sport Kite octopus, and bears. Craig Young
44 Kiting | Summer ’07 attended from Wisconsin, Dave Bush June 16 -17 the Father’s Day Kite Fly and Mary Hoffman from Michigan and is planned at Mill Run Park in Hilliard, Ben Dantonio from California. In at- OH. This annual Father’s Day fun fly is tendance from Ohio were Dorothy and organized by Tree Alexander. Gene Lewandowski, Nancy Lockwood The Black Swamp Air Force has and Harry Gregory from Cleveland, scheduled the North Coast Stunt Kite Tree Alexander and Tom Lavender from Games for July 20–22. This event will Columbus, Dean and Vicki Proudfoot be held, as usual, at Maumee Bay State from Tiro, and Frank and Barb Seidita Park in Oregon, OH. And, as adver- from Youngstown. tised, there are no competitions, just Gee, all of this talent on site and hanging out with friends, old and new. it rained all day. Yes, there were a Then, on July 27–29, the Tri-State Wind few committed kitefliers who braved Riders are holding the annual Kites the elements before seeking shelter Over Branch County in Coldwater, MI. in the kite display building. During the Event organizers, please send me a rain on Saturday, Ben Dantonio from summary after your festival so we can Region 5 ~ Great Lakes California was asked if he was plan- share your experiences with others in MI-OH ning to fly home early because of the the region who could not attend, and Jerry McGuire weather. His reply was “of course not, get them interested for next year. I’m have a great time hanging out with I am looking forward to seeing you 5031 Mallet Hill Dr my friends.” As many of you know, kit- on a kite field. Remember... it is all Cincinnati, OH 45244 ing is really about people. about putting smiles on faces. 513/ 831-8379 By noon on Sunday the weather [email protected] had improved. Chicago Fire, Eos, Fire End of term: 2008 and Ice and others kept those who braved the chilly winds entertained Sandi and I returned last night all afternoon. Linda Larkey’s banners, from a visit to China that included the along with ground displays by several Weifang International Kite Festival, others, added great color to the festiv- attended by thousands upon thousands ities. Because of the high wind, the gi- of kitefliers and spectators. What a ant inflatable kites stayed in their bags marvelous experience. If given the but a few mid-sized inflatables added opportunity you must go. The people to the sky candy. Representatives from and kites are wonderful. But now back Revolution Kites showed folks how to Region 6 ~ Midwest home, I am enjoying my blue sky, my fly quads and several volunteers taught IA-IL-IN-MN-WI clean air, and my soft bed. dual line flying to many first timers. At last count there were 11 events Robert Rymaszewski Over 200 kids built kites in the work- 3266 S. 44th Street registered for National Kite Month shop. So although the weather was not in Region Five, two in Michigan and very cooperative, about a thousand Greenfield, WI 53219 nine in Ohio. The only AKA sanctioned or so spectators, and 80 plus AKA fli- 414/329 9825 rd event, the 3 Annual Airwaves Kite ers had an enjoyable experience at [email protected] Fest, was held April 14-15 in West Airwaves. Thanks to WGUC 90.9, West End of term: 2008 Chester, OH. After a having a near Chester Township and P.I.G.S. Aloft for perfect day for the media on April 1 their efforts in putting together this Hello from Region Six. First off I’d to promote the festival, the weather early spring event. like to welcome the Illinois Kite Enthu- did not quite cooperate on the days So what is currently scheduled for siasts to the list of kite clubs that are of the main event. It rained all day on the coming months in Region Five? On AKA affiliated. Saturday and that day’s activities were The Midwest Area Kitemakers Re- canceled. Except for the evening din- treat took place this past March in Or- ner where about 80 AKA members and egon, IL, with attendees taking part in guests were in attendance, Saturday classes, enjoying the scenic Rock River was a “wash-out”. and eating some of the best food you’ll Randy and Linda Larkey drove all find at a function of this kind. The the way to Cincinnati from Missouri theme was “Birds of a Feather” and to display their banners at Airwaves. even had some folks doing the”Chicken Also there were Grant Lovett, Angie Dance” during the Saturday night fes- Chau, Clark Shute, and Dick & Terry tivities. Make an effort to add MAKR to Claycomb came from Indiana, Paul Ke- your calendar in 2008. opke, Kathy Brinnehl, Zack, Josh and The month of April was National Elizabeth Gordon, Dan and Anne Brin- Kite Month and members throughout nehl and Mike Kory were there from The stars come out at Airwaves. the region took part in related activi- Illinois. Mike Delfar and Dan Newman Members of the Minnesota Kite So- writes, “ I’m a new member of AKA ciety will take part in the International and a competitive figure skater. I’ve Kite Festival that’s part of this year’s been teaching myself how to fly Prism Flint Hills International Children’s Fes- 3-D indoor kite so that I can skate with tival held in downtown St. Paul. The it on the ice. I competed at the US event includes kite displays, kite flying Adult Figure Skating Championships in demonstrations and kite making for the Ladies Interpretive Class 3 event. families. This is an event that judges skaters Special thanks to Art Hass and Brian on both showmanship/ entertainment Blaeske for sending contributions to and skating skills, for ladies aged 36- this report. Until next time, take care 45. Props are allowed, as long as they and keep your eyes to the sky. don’t touch the ice. Hence…the kite! The Chicaco Fire at Airwaves. I skated as Charlie Brown to the song “The Kite” from the musical “You’re ties including workshops, kite flys, a Good Man Charlie Brown” and flew kites in classrooms, kite displays and my Prism. I won a gold medal! There a kite swap meet. Wisconsin Kiter Art were 18 skaters entered in the event. Hass conducted a workshop on a two Videos are posted at www.youtube. winged box kite at the Community com/watch?v=kZwU2wy7v9Q. Now all I Center in Little Chute, WI on April 7th. need is someone who can really teach AKA member Brian Blaeske hosted the me how to fly that kite on skates. I’d first annual Banshee Kite Swap at Ha- love to be able to do more “kiting” ven Wood Environmental Center in Mil- tricks...” waukee, WI on April 14th. All together, Jon Gabby of CO writes “The fly the region hosted a total of forty-six in Arvada was great with well over events, twenty-three of which were in three thousand folks in attendance. Wisconsin. Fourteen of the Wisconsin April 14 dawned bright and sunny and events were listed by Dale Bowden. by the time we left the Springs for Way to go Dale! Arvada there wasn’t a trace of the day The Month of May started out with Region 7 ~ Great Plains before! Snow melts fast in Colorado. one of the busiest weekends of the CO-KS-MO-ND-NE-SD-UT-WY Highs in the mid to upper sixties during kite season with Kites Over Lake Story, Donald Murphy the day. A great day with 8 to 12 mph Mayor Daley’s Kids and Kites, Kites wind all day...kind of why we took up Over Grinnell, the Neenah High Fun 9104 Charles Street kiting in the first place...a truly great Fly and the Ansel Toney Fly all taking Omaha, NE 68114 community event. This once small fly place. 402/391-8503 has turned into a real happening. This The Kite Society of Wisconsin and [email protected] weekend we have a premier event Illinois has a busy schedule with the End of term: 2008 sponsored by the El Paso County Parks Outta Site Kite Flight at Kenosha Park This will be a first for me since and Recreation folks. The event at the in Kenosha, WI on June 2-3, the Fire- Ibegan this job as your Regional Direc- Fountain Nature Center will be primar- works Kite Festival at Veteran’s Park in tor. It will be completely compiled of ily a family event with Donald Nash Milwaukee, WI on July 3rd, the Chicago snippets from members out there in coming down from Denver to work Botanical Garden Kite Festival in Glen- our region. A Great big thank-you to all with kids kite building. Scott Skinner coe, IL on August 11-12 and the 29th of you who sent in articles. has installed a Japanese kite exhibit at annual Frank Mots International Kite Richard Keeney of KS writes, “My the center. This event could well grow Festival at Veteran’s Park in Milwau- family and I attended the Kite Fest at legs and become another great com- kee on September 8-9. Longview Community College. There munity event.” The Wisconsin Kiters Kite Club will was an overwhelm- take part in the “Up, Up and Away” ing turnout. Grand- Betty Murphy th Bruce Kenkel flying indoors at the Sac Air Museum. Kite Fly on June 16 in Shawano, WI, kids had a great the second annual “Kites over Lake time. I wanted to Michigan” Kite Festival in Two Rivers, get some KAP shots WI on September 1-2 and the second but there were just annual DeKalb Kite Festival on Sep- too many kites in tember 16th at the campus of Northern a given area. Still Illinois University in DeKalb. working up KAP for The Hoosier Kitefliers Society plays use with Community host to the Indiana Trick Clinic and Emergency Response Fun Fly on September 1-2 at the Acad- Teams in the Great- emy of Model Aeronautics in Muncie. er Kansas City Area. The same facility hosts the Merritt Lori Fussell of Beck Kite Reunion on September 29th. Jackson Hole, WY, 46 Kiting | Summer ’07 Jason Stotter of Boulder, CO April has been a very good month to writes, “I attended a fly in Arvada, promote kiting in our community. El- CO with beautiful blue skies and lots mer Burnnett lined up a scout troop to of grinning kids and adults on April build sleds on a stormy evening, John 17th No snow that day, but the kites Marr kept us busy with a couple local were going up and coming down in the elementary schools with a show and variable wind most of the afternoon. fly. We hosted kite building sessions at I saw many kids around the field with the rescue mission.” kite sleds they painted and assembled Chris Turner from Powerkiting in a kite building activity. I have never writes “The Meadows subdivision in attended this fly before; and it was Castle Rock, CO, asked Into the Wind if beautiful to see the kites fling over we could join them for some advertis- views of the Rockies in the distance.” ing of their festival and newly opened Ron Lindner of MO writes,”The neighborhood. Dean Densmore and Gateway Kite Club helped the St Louis I went down to Castle Rock on April Art Museum put on a very successful 19th to do a TV interview, and also kite building and kite fly. Over 200 displayed some of the newest kites kids made kites in the museum. This that Into the Wind is carrying. There Region 8 ~ South Central is the 2nd year they have sponsored were some local girls who flew a Rocky AR-LA-NM-OK-TX this and it keeps growing. Tina Bushie, Mountain delta conyne and one of Sue Clament and Donna Houchins were George Peters’ dragonfly kites.” Gayle Woodul the driving force behind it all. Charm On April 14, our local club , Mid- 106 Main Street Lindner helped in the Museum The rest west Winds Kitefliers, held a fly at the Marble Falls, TX 78654 of us flew what we could in the 0 to 50 Sac Air Museum at Mahoney State Park. 830/598-2414 mph winds. Are we having fun yet?” We were there to help promote the [email protected] Sean Beaver from KCKC writes, Drachen Foundation exhibit. It was a End of term: 2008 “NKM in Region 7 took on epic propor- wonderful exhibit with an informative tions with the Kansas City Kite Club’s historical display of kiting. On April 29, If I had to sum up the Spring ‘07 amazing events. As Club President, I our club held their 5th Annual Spring kiting season in Region Eight in a word, feel the club has worked hard and is Festival at the LaVista Soccer Fields. that word would be “fluid”! We had an inspiring and artistic gift to the lo- It was a well attended event with kite mainstay events drop off of the calen- cal community. The first ever “Flights giveaways, candy drops, hot weather dar (including Westlake in Oklahoma of Fancy” Kite and Model Airplane and some tired and dusty overcooked and even Lifenet in Dallas!); and new, Festival drew over 4000 people. April fliers. But, we had a great day. local kite fests popping up all over! As 21 saw winds at Longview Community I just want to remind you all of the much as we mourn the cancellations of College at 17-20mph with temps near Callaway Kite Festival in Callaway, NE recurrent festivals, it’s also encourag- 80°. There was a huge experienced fly- on Labor Day Weekend. We are plan- ing to be contacted by so many local ers area as well as a public flying area. ning for a large attendance of fliers schools, libraries, and Parks & Rec De- The event had a children’s activities and spectators this year. Hope to see partments in an effort to incorporate tent and kite making area Candy drops you there. kiting entertainment and education were unlike anything we have seen in Enjoy the sky! into their curriculum, celebrations, years. The KCKC did an outstanding and programs! I dearly job and trust me you’ll want to attend appreciate all of the this event next year. Did I forget to kiters throughout the mention Don and Betty Murphy were Region who coordinat- the special guest flyers!” ed with these smaller Todd Copeland writes, “ I recently venues and acted as attended Dixie Escalante Kite Festival the local points of con- in St. George, UT. It supported chil- tact and “AKA eyes on dren reading books and each child that the ground” for their completed certain goals received a events! It’s invaluable free kite (I heard that they gave away to have a local kiter or about 400 kites this year). Hundreds of club who can work with kids were flying single lines kites. They folks to ensure safety also hosted a small precision competi- and maximum enjoy- tion which was sponsored by a kite ment for everyone at store from Cedar City, UT. Prizes where these local events. We awarded and everyone had a great had a few weekends time. Many new flyers in the Cedar with multiple events, City area!” large and small, on the Bob Homan of Topeka writes, “ Marshall Harris, Leslie and Joe Meaux calendar which re-
Summer ’07 | Kiting 47 weather system that had hit Perrin in North Texas was coming our way
Phil Burks Phil on Saturday... we just didn’t know at exactly when! Although it was strong, the thunderstorms were short lived.. Thank goodness, there were no acci- dents; just a bunch of drenched kites and kiters! In Mineola, near Dallas, George Weber reports that a kiting weekend was disrupted by sleet and snow… in April! Thanks to the organizers and kiters for getting their events registered for National Kite Month! Rick Hawkins has been our regional point of contact for NKM for years and does an incredible job of notifications, securing proc- lamations, and follow up. Thanks so Region 9 ~ Intermountain much, Rick, for juggling this enormous South Padre Island Trlbys project for the Region! ID-MT-OR Congratulations to Katie Gray of John Barresi quired our regional kiters to just “pack 1236 N. Killingsworth Street, #3 the van and pick a direction”! Cedar Park, TX, for blowing us away Portland, OR 97217 Spring weather was also a continu- with her first AKA competition! Even ing challenge! Although the weather with a “crash problem” (oh, ‘fes up; 503/890-0280 for Zilker during the first Sunday in we’ve ALL had them!) on her third [email protected] March was perfect, a mysterious “dust compulsory figure, she impressed us End of term: 2009 devil” or two blew in and temporarily all with her scores in precision and her created havoc! Kiters had to decide ballet routine at the Kite Fest Loui- Happenings and events in Idaho... whether to hold down the canopies, siane. Remember her name; I’m sure The Magic Winds Kite Club is stron- chase after the banners, grab the loose you’ll be hearing more about Katie ger than ever, growing every year... kites, or run after the lawn chairs! I’ll in the future! Veteran competitors Their 7th annual “Kiting Just for Fun” admit, it was kind of creepy to look Ben Gray, Guy Blatnik, and Windchas- promises to be great this year. They over and see the large kites on the ers (Guy Blatnik and Claudia Steen) are planning to have a great display up inflatables field moving in a circular of South Padre Island also captivated for the public, including a 40’ dragon, pattern around each other! Our pal the spectators in Louisiana! Much 23’ alligator, 23’ fish, two 8’ teddy from Kitelife, Dave Shattuck, even appreciation to the organizers, staff, bears, 2 Octopi, two 22’ spin socks cruised in from the Great Northwest to field crew, judges, and audience for and all the Jordans they’ll need to attend Zilker ‘07! At the Cloud Buster your support of competition in Region hold it all up! Also part of the show, a festival in Perrin, near Abilene, every- Eight. In addition to sport kites comps, 5’ gorilla stand that will hold a balloon one was ducking thunderstorms and Sandra and Marshall Harris — along in his hand for kiters to try to pop, a watching out for area tornadoes on with Leslie and Joe Meaux of MeauxJo good challenge for fliers of any level. Friday evening! On the same weekend Kites — held a kitemakers competition. Also, a new kite club is starting up, in Port Allen, LA, those of us at Kite Plus, we managed to get in a round of The Snake River Kiters, sponsored by Fest Louisiane knew that the same rok battles. Congratulations to Jim Cox Sunrise Kites, Robinson Auto Glass and of Austin EOL Kite Team for being “the the Hampton Inn. They’ll be hosting last one standing” their first events in late March. (with MY Rok... Kiting activity in Montana... MY kite…it’s a Opening on June 1st at Billings Phil Burks Phil winner!). Logan International Airport, “KITES.... Keep the van Sculpture in the Sky...A Cellular Cele- and the kite bags bration.” Cellular flying sculptures bor- packed, we’ve rowed from world famous kite builders still got plenty will grace the main terminal in Billings of “kite season” Montana for a two year period. This left! Remember exhibit features the work of Micheal to always check Alverez and Peter Malinski (from the the calendar for Scott Skinner collection), Drake Smith, changes -- espe- Rob Gibian, Sam Huston, Stuart Allen, cially THIS year! Bobby Stansfield, John Pollock, Tony Keep looking Ferrel, Steve Ferrel, Adam Grow, and The end of the day on South Padre Island. up! more. Harold Ames has donated a
48 Kiting | Spring ’07 bevy of antique Gibson Girls and Nick making classes in the morning followed group does this every year to show the D’Alto is gathering up his red cells by a kids fun-fly, and the single-line, council that people are using the park that replicate Alexander Graham Bell’s sport-kite, and team-flying demos ran and because I will be flying with them, earliest tetrahedron. Margo and Bevan throughout the day, plus at least 10 they can call it an international event. Brown are loaning the display a piece kites were given out in drawings. All Next on the calendar was a work- from their collection. La Quinta Inn fliers everywhere were welcome to shop for “Kids Fun Fest” at Fort Lewis. and Suites in Billings is our sponsor and come out and join in the fun. I think that we made at least 100 is providing funds for brochures and kites. The kids were great and we a CD, some promotion and market- could have used more kite kits. It was ing budget,and funds for kite flys and a special day. Anytime you can help a classroom kite building instruction at child make a kite is a good day. schools during the exhibit period. For Then it was off to Eastern Wash- more information, contact Terry Zee ington to fly kites at an opening for a Lee Smith at 406/698-9369 or tzlee@ new winery. Col Solare is the collabo- myfastmail.com. rations of two wineries, Ste. Michelle From Oregon... of Washington State and the Antinori Whatever you might say about the family of Italy, which has been mak- Lincoln City Indoor Festival, it’s always ing wine for 26 generations, since an interesting experience for all con- 1385. Yes, that’s 1385. Eli and Bernice cerned, so our local indoor pilots really Williams and Al Councilman accompa- looked forward to this “Third Annual” nied Ron and myself on our long day running of the event. As usual, Lee journey that began at 4:15am. The and Debbie Park organized and “head- weather was great and the winds were lined” in the show – this year featuring not the best. We all said at the end of a theme of “Here Comes The Sun,” the Region 10 ~ Northwest the day we had never worked so hard music of The Beatles, and costumes AK - WI to keep kites in the air. The day with of the 70s (meaning lots of Tie-Dye, Marla Miller these good friends was all worth it. plus a single Green polyester Leisure 5440 N. 49th Street Take a look at the websites for Suit). As might be expected, local Tacoma, WA 98407 WKA, Westport Windriders Festival, Northwest pilots were there in abun- PCKA Festival, Washington State Inter- 253/752-7051 dance and flew both as part of the national Kite Festival, Whidbey Island show (about 30 Beatle Tunes) and in [email protected] and Up Your Wind, check them all out. ad hoc demo flights as well (including End of Term: 2009 Then when you are done with all these an iQuad demo). And out-of towners festivals and some I am sure I did not contributing their skills included Lam We’re off and flying in Region Ten. mention, pack your bags and head Hoac down from Ontario, Andy Becker Fort Worden seems to always start to the AKA Convention right here in in from Wisconsin, and Scott Weider the season for us. Check out the ar- Region 10 at Ocean Shores in October. from Rhode Island. All three were ticle on Fort Worden in this magazine I know that I will be collecting some significant pilots in the big “Show” to learn more. My job is the raffle and nice kites for the auction when I am and the demo line-ups! Add in a single once again we had a great time and in the UK. We do have a raffle tickets AKA sanctioned Indoor Individual Open had over 550 items. I not only need available for $1 a chance to win regis- Unlimited competition and some free- to thank the people who attended for tration. Let me know if you want one. fly and “teaching” time, and there their donations, but all the people that The drawing to win this prize will be at was plenty going on almost constantly, sent items who did not attend, a big WSIKF August 25th. so everyone had loads of fun. There- thank you to you all. David and Ja- fore, if you happen to be near the net Robinson and Don and Di Baggett Oregon Coast in March next year, you from the UK just happened to fly in might want to put Lincoln City on your and to work the raffle. Again. What agenda. good friends and what good work- With two more events scheduled ers. So in return I will be going over for Lincoln City this year, it would be the end of April and help them with a good idea to check up on their 2007 the Swindon Kite Festival raffle. I schedule: www.oregoncoast.org/pag- will also be attending the Weymouth es/whats-happening.html kite festival. There I should see And on April 28th in Bend, OR, the other AKA family, Pete Dolphin who Les Schwab Ampitheatre and the Mill has attended this event forever, District invited everyone to join in Miriam Schafler and Barbara Hall celebrating the Art of Kiting. We had will be making their first visit for International fliers and kite-teams both festivals. Then before I return present as well as world renowned home I will attend a small kite event Display fliers. There were kids kite- in London to help save a park. This Al Councilman opens a winery.
Summer ’07 | Kiting 49 for a kite festival. Plans are unfolding well and it looks like this one will be another new and exciting addition to the California kite calendar. Way to go BASKL and Jeff Erzin for your efforts.
Region 11 ~ N. California Northern CA-NV Brian Champie 7510 Corrinne St. San Ramon, CA 94583 925/829-0683 [email protected] End of Term: 2009 Region 12 ~ Southwest March 11th the Northern California Southern CA-AZ-HI Kite Club had their spring campout. A Ben Dantonio new location was tried, Rancho Seco 1320 Flamingo Place Park near Sacramento, and it was al- El Cajon, CA 92021 most perfect for the event. The park 619/750-8770 is huge, green and clean. The rangers [email protected] opened a gate to an adjacent field End of Term: 2007 so we could fly kites out there. This “field” had to be three or four miles square and the wind was pretty good, It’s been a busy few months, but a far cry from all the former loca- I’ve been going at it for sure. Yucca tions. There were about 25 campers Valley was a blast with some real hard in attendance. Everyone there agreed wind that my vented Rev 1.5 ate up. to return Rancho Seco Park for the As always, the crowds really had fun next campout. with the show. Between the locals and My National Kite Month event got the fliers I more than felt at home. sprinkled on in the afternoon but the The next day was Redondo Beach, and month was a great success. With hun- it was more of the same. We really dreds of events reported, thousands revved up the crowds. were introduced to kites. As of this writing I just got back I wrote a couple times about from NABX, and the buggy world is a new event in Morro Bay. Well it doing well. Between Big Mike feeding happened over the weekend of April us, and Kent of Wind of Change donat- 28-29. For a first time event it was a ing only the very best for the sale, great one with huge crowds, a great I had more fun than one guy should location, almost perfect winds on be allowed. Even if the winds were a Saturday and happy kiters spread bit light at times the fun was off the out over a quarter mile of beach. It’s hook. been a while since I’ve seen happy I’m sorry that this one’s a bit kites, happy crowds, and happy orga- short because it’s been a fun few nizers. Look for this one to be even months, but I’m in the process of bigger and better next year. moving out of my house. I’ll keep BASKL is working on a new full- you all informed in the next one, and blown kite festival in Santa Cruz remember that I need your help so (BASKL usually does league-style send me any info you feel we all need competitions). Scheduled for the 3rd to know. weekend in September, the beach and board walk there is a perfect location NKM® poster design; now we truly are In- ternational. (PS Arthur suffered a heart attack on 14 April, and is com- fortably recovering. Another friend on the recovery list is Doug Battaglia of Alberta, who had surgery in late March. Chin up boys, The Viareggio gang enjoys March in Tuscany. the winds will still be there when you’re al- as kite aerial photography. Sounds like lowed out again!) they had great weather, too. Michel Gagnon, Quebec wrote: Sharon Musto reported a fantastic “We are flying our kites almost every- turnout to FortWhyte Alive on 22 April, Region 13 ~ International day in Quebec...” and Eric Curtis, On- with 147 sled kites built in “17ºC with Linda Sanders tario, agreed, as he and Anne Sloboda gusting winds and only a few spits of attended the Festi-Vent sur glace at rain”, with minutes to spare before P. O. Box 758 St-Placide, Quebec on 17-18 Febru- the park gates shut. Phew. Willunga SA 5172 AUSTRALIA ary. Held on the ice of Lac des Deux Following rigorous bidding recently (+61) 885-562696 Montagnes, this year wasn’t as cold, at the Fort Worden raffle, Bev Dockrill, [email protected] but he still “wore long underwear and Edmonton, now owns a Chinese Opera End of Term: 2009 many layers of clothing plus a full Lady OzFeather banner. I had 3 hours snowmobile outdoor suit, boots, heavy to spare one day... Enjoy, Bev. Where to begin? Everyone in mitts, a balaclava and wool hat.” Carl Now, Europe! Giacomo Borghi, Region 13 has been having kite fun and Italy, ran his everything-that-flies they all want to be included in this Taiwan’s Wen-fu Tsai meets event called “Levant’ eVento”, 17-18 report! Here goes: the mayor at the 10th March at Viareggio Beach, Tuscany. Mark your calendars for 15-19 Adelaide Kite Festival. Stafford Wallace (fighter kites), August, Dieppe Canada; the theme is Ludovico Bertozzi (inflatables) and Edy Mardi Gras. More information: jake. Angelino (three stunt kites at once) [email protected]. Sounds like joined guests from France and Greece many world nations will be represent- to make this inaugural event a huge ed, including Australia, India, Germa- success. 2008 plans for an even bigger ny, Netherlands and France! show! Another must is the AKA conven- I met Bob “Hi” Cruikshanks, UK, tion in Ocean Shores WA., where ve- in Berck, who said, “It was great to hicle parking is allowed on the beach! meet our AKA stringpullin’ director... That’s a big plus to those with loaded- or should that be direct-her... plus up vans! Bigras and Terry Thillman (Montreal) your groupie/ground-crew/bag-carrier NKM started in Region 13 when also took part, with prizes awarded to Kevin.” Bob was having way too much Arthur Dibble, UK, proposed we Nathalie Villeneuve, Manon Lemaire, fun! should use a poster which showed the Ginette Champagne and Daniel Allary. Weifang’s 24th International Kite world... and Mike Dallmer agreed. So, In contrast, David Hathaway, Festival, China, 19–23 April was at- Region 13 was granted our very own Burnaby, Canada wrote in February, tended by everyone else, except us! “John Barresi and I are in South Padre Jim Martin (NC, USA) was there; we’ve A balmy day for kites in Island, Texas” to be followed by a visit seen the photos! His grin was as wide St.-Placide, Quebec. to Arlington’s Up The River Indoor kite as the Great Wall itself! fest, and on to Los Angeles for the And in the Caribbean, Katherine Kite Party. I’ve not heard a peep from Felix and Roger Miller, St Lucia, say David since! they’ve “dusted off the ripstop and Canada again... what busy beavers started flying again”. They spent Eas- they are! Don Lord from BCKA told me ter sharing their kiting spirit with the of “Wind, Waves and Water” to be held St Lucia/Jamaican Association. at White Rock, BC, 28-29 April. Anyone considering serious travel? An April Fool’s Day event? Why There’s a kite festival in Harden, not...! St. Lambert Park, Montreal fea- NSW, Australia, 20 October. Get tured a running of the Bols, parachut- more details from Cathy Sanderson at ing candies, kite give-aways and in- [email protected]. cluded dual and quad line kites as well Remember... less talk, more fly....
Summer ’07 | Kiting 51 It’s Not A Kite, Exactly.... With “clean power” one of the hottest buzzwords these days, wind power looks like one solution. But where to put all those massive windmills? And how can all that infrastructure work in developing nations? From Europe’s Magenn Power comes M.A.R.S. (Magenn Air Rotor System), a tethered power-gen- erating turbine. Yes, it’s helium-filled, so it’s not a kite. But the spinning rotor creates a Magnus effect, generating its own lift. Bill Bigge has designed kites using the same principle. So, what exactly is that thing at the end of the 1000’ string? Stay tuned, as Magenn expects to go into production later this year.
The Blizzard-Insane There are those among us who think that traction kiting in any form is crazy. But it seems to have found its way to the four cor- ners of the planet, including Canada’s Island- of-the-Madeleine. There, it’s practitioners are called “the blizzard-insane.” That might be because they have to tie the knots in their lines in -77°F temperatures. Hot toddy, anyone?
Kites Or Bread Nisar Ahmad Khuhro, the leader of the opposition PPP Party in Pakistan’s Sindh Assembly, has condemned the government’s move of systematically demolishing poor settlements around Karachi. He said that the government was now planning to demolish Gulshan-i-Buner in Landhi to build a “kite park” there. Speaking at a protest meeting, the PPP leader assured the people that the party would resist the plan and was ready to render sacrifices to foil the government’s scheme. Recalling the role of the party in the past, he said the PPP had always made sacrifices for the cause of the downtrodden and would continue to do so in the future. Khuhro said that “people want bread, butter and shelter, not kites.” He urged the government to construct the pro- posed park in Azizabad if it considers it essential, but not in a poor Pakhtoon locality. Disaster du Jour Lost In Translation You don’t make an omelet without David Gomberg regales us with breaking a few eggs, right? Pete Dol- this conversation... phin has certainly flown a few kites, so “I was in Weifang last week and sooner or later he’s bound to have an was interested to hear from some of accident. This one happened on Good the Chinese that they were coming to Friday, at the Cape Henlopen Kite a festival in the States. “Where are Festival in Delaware. Seems a sudden you going?” I asked. gust sent Pete’s pyrodelta straight “To Active Forest!” down... into the thickest, thorniest “Active Forest?? Where is that?” patch of briars in the park. The always “Oh, it’s a big kite festival in resourceful Mr. Dolphin simply bided America!” his time, until several youths came “Where is it? When??” over and offered to wade into the “In May. It is in New Jersey.” tangle to free the kite. Unfortunately, I had to think for a minute. “Active they weren’t able to get very far. Pete Forest. You mean... Wildwood???” finally had to bite the bullet and go in himself. The result: a few minor punc- tures to both the kite and Pete. AUGUST 20-26
1-800-451-2542 WSIKF PO Box 387 Long Beach, WA 98631 www.kitefestival.com