Spring 2007 Volume 29, Issue 1 $7.50

KiteShipKiteShip SailsSails OnOn

National Kite Month

Kite Trade Show

Afghan Fighters

KAPiCA/06 Painting The Pollock Way Giant Kites of Guatemala

CONTENTSCONTENTS

Dave Culp KAPtions 5 Kite Plan 24 Q&A 36 David John Pollock KiteShip’s boss Wheeler slaps on a few looks toward the looks down coats of paint future... on on the world Mars

Navigating Maximum Online Kite History 26 7 Guatemala’s Carry-On 40 Forums incredible paper The Brits fight Kites and kites the battle of computers join the bulge forces

Voices From KTAI Show 8 National Kite 28 The Vault 41 The industry Month Junction’s takes a right April is going favorite son, Bill turn at Albu- to fly by! Lockhart querque

Blowing Your Regional Own Horn Windless 30 Reports 42 Make sure 12 Indoor flying in On the set of people are Long Beach “The Kite talking about Runner” and you more

K-Files 13 Jacques 31 Sailwinds 52 People + Letourneau gets Bayside flying on Places + surreal in Quebec the Eastern Shore Things Wedding bells are ringing

Fightin’ Words 20 KAPiCA/06 32 “The Kite KAPpers trade Runner” comes secrets in to California California 2 AKA Directory 3 Mailbox 4 President’s Page 6 In Balance Oregon Kites In 6 Empty Spaces In The Sky 21 34 Kitemakers 10 FlySpots Afghanistan Retreat Will the Army 11 AKA News Fancy sewing on 11 AI: Aerial Inquiry turn to fighter the Left Coast kites next? 14 Clubs 15 Event Calendar 16 The Sporting Life Maryland 18 Member Merchants KiteShip 22 Kite Builders 35 Really big kites Retreat pulling even Fancy sewing On the cover: KiteShip tests bigger boats on the Right the next wave of traction kites. Coast

SPRING ’07 | KITING 1 AAAAKKKA DDA IRECTORYIRECTORY

american kitefliers aka committees association Mel Hickman, Executive Director education & public service Mailing: P.O. Box 1614, Walla Walla, WA 99362 Web/Internet Outreach Chuck Sigal 510/524-3459 Phone/Fax: 800/252-2550 National Kite Month Mike Dallmer 215/722-4092 Web: www.aka.kite.org Kite Records Ted Manekin 716/639-7679 E-mail: [email protected] 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 annual meeting 735 SE Jetty, P. O. Box 988, Lincoln City OR 97367 Convention Mike Shaw 303/984-4159 541/994-7556 [email protected] Hospitality Susan Gomberg 541/996-3083 Fly Market Ron Lindner 636/677-3029 Mike Dallmer, Director at Large Mass Ascensions Al Sparling 630/369-9682 7204 Oakley Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111 Workshops Deb Lenzen 701/463-2661 215/722-4092 [email protected]

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/ 984-4159 [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] K iti n g Kiting magazine Phil Broder, Publisher/Editor Mailing: 904 Bayview Road, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 Phone: 609/465-6575 E-mail: [email protected]

Kiting is published quarterly by the American Kitefliers Association and distributed free to Summer issue deadline: April 15 members. Please contact the editor for information on submissions, advertising, and deadlines. Autumn issue deadline: July 15 Winter issue deadline: October 15 Spring issue deadline: January 15

Founded in 1964 by Robert M. Ingraham, the American Kitefliers Asso- ciation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public in the art, history, technology, and practice of building and flying kites.

2 KITING | SPRING ’07 MBMMAILAILAILBBBOXOXOX all kites, competitions, demos, hot tricks, open flying and workshop. The AKA needs not be, or appear to be, discriminatory. Beside, “Windless” sounds better than “indoors.” Nelson Borelli Woodstock, IL

Back In The Fold I feel eager to reinstate myself as a member of the AKA. The Dallmers receive the Edeiken Award trophy the week after the Des Enclosed is my check with applica- Moines convention from ‘05 winner Pete Dolphin and Erin Edeiken. tion and a photocopy of my last issue of Kitelines dated in the fall of 1980. Edeiken Thank You AKA Convention rotates from Central to Twenty-seven years ago. My, how time Cel and I are deeply honored and Western to Eastern regions. The 2007 does fly! (The pun is intentional). humbled to receive the 2006 Edeiken Convention is in Ocean Shores, Wash- I am surprised however as to the Award. Looking at the names that are ington, and in 2008 we’re headed back current price of Kitelines ($30) com- on it, we are even more awed to think to a yet-to-be-decided spot on the East pared to $9 annually. that the selection committee chose us Coast. 2009 is back in the center of the I would welcome a notice of exist- to be included in the list. We would like country, and locations in Wisconsin and ing world records as I am interested in to thank those that nominated us and Minnesota, as well as Des Moines, have attempting at least two different the Award Committee for selecting us. all expressed interest. approaches for milestones next year. We spent the last 30 years in kiting If you could inform me in your and it never gets old, we really love Windless Vs. Indoors estimation of the wisest and ablest what we do. We’ve met a lot of people The World Kite Museum chose current kiteflyers that would also be who we consider friends and their “Windless Kites” as the title for its appreciated. creations keep this exciting. It never wonderful January 13-15, 2007 indoor Sincerely, and forever flying, gets boring. Another reason we love kite event. Windless Kites or Windless Robert Reichert what we do is the family aspect; no Kite Flying/Competition is a most Lawrence, MA matter how young or old you are, there felicitous denomination for the fast is always something for you to do. growing indoor kiting specialty. Editor: Welcome back, Robert! We’ve Thanks so very much for this honor!!! The AKA has been using “Sport been wondering where you’d gone. Mike and Cecilia Dallmer Kites” as an overall title for indoor While you were away, there were some Philadelphia PA competitions. That should change to changes. Kitelines folded its wings, and “Windless Kite Flying/Competition.” the AKA’s magazine is now known Loving the Midwest The name “Sport Kites” has been simply as Kiting. And yes, the price has The other night I was looking at some reserved exclusively for multiple line gone up a little. By my calculations, $9 photos taken at Iowa’s convention. I kites. Thus, single line kites do not fit in 1980 would equal $22.86 in 2005 was so pleased with the number of first in “Sport-Kite-Indoor-Competitions.” (the last year for which inflation attendees. It was told that we ran out That is not just nit-picking seman- figures are available). The cost of an of first-timer ribbons. Also, I had a tics. “Sport Kites” brings Sport Kiters AKA membership was $30 in 2005, but chance to see others who I haven’t to the competitions. It brings judges that got you not only the magazine but seen since Kites on Ice in Wisconsin. who are Sport Kiters. And it brings all the other benefits, including insur- Iowa may not have the appeal that Sport Kites’ fans and relatives of the ance coverage. Even at $35, it’s still Niagara Falls has, and that’s OK. The Sport Kiters, pilots and judges, all of cheaper than dinner and a movie. AKA gave a chance to those who lived whom think, know, admire and cheer Kiteflying records are monitored by the closer to attend the event, and that is the wonderful skills and tricks per- Kite Records Committee (see page 2), why we move the site. I am blessed to formed by the Sport Kite pilots. Single and to a lesser extent, by the good have had the opportunity to fly kites liners, such as fighters, do not have folks at Guinness. And who are the with those came to the event and look much of a chance in such an over- wisest and ablest kitefliers? Oh no, we forward to the next Convention in one whelming (and possibly biased) Sport know better than to open that can of of the Central regions. Kites environment. Therefore, one worms! I’m sure that most of the AKA’s Pete Dolphin finds only the occasional, lonely single- members consider themselves the Oaklyn, NJ liner in the indoor arenas. wisest and ablest… just ask them! But The AKA should adopt this year’s there’s no shortage of wisdom and Editor: Always good to see you, Pete. World Kite Museum’s Windless Event as ability in your local club, Kites Over Remember your last kiting trip to Iowa, a prototype for Nationals as well as for New England. for Kites Over Burlington in 2000? The events around the country. It included

SPRING ’07 | KITING 3 TTTTHEHEHE PP RESIDENTRESIDENT’’’SSS PP AGEAGEAGE inter found me at the Kite Trade Association Interna- √ Best Manufacturer Promotion: Gomberg Kites Mega Flag W tional Trade Show and Convention in Albuquerque. The √ Best Retail Promotion: Into The Wind Catalog KTAI is an important partner of the AKA and many of their √ David Checkley Award: Billy Jones members are some of our strongest supporters. The KTAI has √ Manufacturer of the Year: Revolution Enterprises been nice enough to invite the AKA to participate in their √ Outstanding Kite Festival: AKA Convention Ascensions Trade Show for many years now. Darrin and I staffed the √ Retailer of the Year: Catch The Wind’s Flying Things booth for the AKA where we distributed 2500 AKA member- The KTAI and AKA have been partners in National Kite ship flyers to the participants to take home and pass along to Month since it’s inception and this year NKM is shaping up their customers. We also handed out six flavors of Hershey’s into a fantastic event. National Kite Month is March 31 – April Kisses. 30 and once again, there will be weekly drawings for great For most of us in the AKA kiting is a hobby, a passionate prizes. So get your events registered at hobby, but a hobby nonetheless. In the KTAI kites are busi- www.nationalkitemonth.org, and please thank the prize ness but just as passionate an endeavor. These are people donors for NKM every chance you get: Into the Wind, Go Fly a who believe kites add enough value to our lives to make Kite, Jerry Houk, Donna Houchins, Mike Shaw, Andy Selzer, selling kites how they earn their living. The week proved Paul Fieber and Terry McPherson. that business or hobby, kite people are kite people. The We have some new event organizers participating in NKM camaraderie and good spirits were in abundance the whole this year. Goin’ Postal (www.goinpostal.com), a national week. packing and shipping franchise of over 200 stores, has The trade show was two days, with on-field demonstra- decided to celebrate National Kite Month with us. Every year tion flying on the days before and after the show, giving four Goin’ Postal organizes and carries out various family- full days of fun and business. The flying was at the Albuquer- oriented not-for-profit events in their towns and this year que Balloon Festival field it’s National Kite Month! All of where participants could try Susan Skinner and Al the stores are armed with a out the latest kites that were Sparling helped organize copy of our event organizers on display in the exhibit hall. the Outstanding Kite manual to help them plan It’s a great opportunity for Festival of 2006. their festival. Press releases many kite store owners who for the events will feature the can’t make it out to festivals AKA and our mission. If you’d during the year because they like to get involved with these are too busy selling kites to great new festivals contact people like us. your Regional Director for The KTAI made some more information. significant changes this year The Board continues to by simplifying their organiza- work diligently for you. We tion. Instead of the tiered are close to selecting a membership structure they location for the 2008 conven- used to have, now they have tion after a long and exhaus- just one type of membership tive hunt. Big thanks to and all members in the everyone who suggested sites association get to vote. The aim was to reduce barriers to and measured potential fields for us. Finding locations with participation and encourage any legitimate kite business to space for 5 flying fields, affordable hotels and convention be part of the process. The new organization is leaner and facilities is no easy task. Approximately five out of every six more nimble with lots of ideas to address the commercial sites we look at turn out not to have the facilities we need. side of the kiting industry. Many of you have wondered how Help from our members locating those unique sites David Gomberg was keeping busy since his retirement as the that fit our needs is an important part of the process. AKA President last October; well, wonder no longer and the We have had a change on the Board of Directors this next time you see him be sure to congratulate him on being quarter. Please welcome Ben Dantonio as the acting AKA president of the KTAI (again). Region Twelve Director. Ben has been active in both local The AKA was honored for the third time in 12 years by kiting activities in Southern California and the AKA. Ben is the KTAI with the Best Kite Festival award for our conven- excited and looks forward to seeing all of you on the kite tion. This year there was a twist; it was the mass ascensions field. Ben takes over for Wayne Brooks, who resigned for at our convention that were explicitly named. So a big personal reasons in January. I would like to thank Wayne for congratulation to our mass ascension coordinator Al Sparling his service to the Association and wish good winds to him. and his crew for their efforts. Here are all the winners from Kiting is a passion best shared; invite someone to join this years KTAI awards. you and your kites on your next √ Best 2006 Kite: Gomberg Kites Dopero kiting adventure! √ Best 2006 Non-Kite Product: William Mark X-Launcher √ Best Booth: Go Fly A Kite √ Best New Product: Gomberg Kites WindStinger Pole

4 KITING | SPRING ’07 KKKKITEITEITE PP LANLANLAN Painting Acrylic On Nylon by John Pollock ainting on kites is not a replacement for appliqué, nor is Pit something new. Kitemakers have been painting on kites for hundreds of years, but painting on nylon has presented problems. What makes painting on nylon in this way special is its lasting quality. A few years ago I was seeking a method of painting on kite material would result in a more permanent kite then one made from painted paper. After several trials and errors, I came on this method that allows the acrylic paint to adhere and remain flexible on the fabric. I have since found that I am not the only artist/ kitmaker that has been using this method, but it has made a big difference in the appearance of my kites. The product that has made the difference is GAC 900, an acrylic medium made by Golden Acrylics. GAC 900 is made to produce fabric paints from acrylic paints. When this product is added to acrylic paint in a 50/50 ratio and heat set when dry, the paint remains flexible. Lindsey Johnson Lindsey Johnson

specific brands of fabric. Be sure that the fabric is two inches wider in both directions than the stretcher bars described below. I have been using this method of painting on nylon for The GAC 900 works with any brand of acrylic, but I do about three years, and it has allowed me to create images on advise the use of quality brands. Recently I have been using kites that are in reality paintings. I can change the value of a Golden fluid acrylics and have liked the results. I suggest color within an area or even change the color itself. I can Golden Acrylics, Liquitex Artist Color, M. Graham and Co., create the illusion of form and contrast. If I use the right Winsor and Newton, or Grumbacher. colors and paint them in the right order, I can even create I recommend selecting colors that are the most transpar- and image that is translucent and glows whether the sun is ent; the colors will glow when light is coming through it from striking it from the front or the back. the back. Opaque colors will lose their intensity, as not as much light will shine through them. Most paint brands will Supplies have information on the transparency of their colors. I prefer to paint on three quarter ounce ripstop fabric Colors I suggest include Cadmium Yellow Light, Hansa Yellow, but on larger kites I have used one and a half ounce white Magenta, Quinacridone Crimson, Alizarin Crimson, Phthalo ripstop nylon. I have not at this time experimented with Blue, Prussian Blue and Dioxazine Purple. continued on page 38

SPRING ’07 | KITING 5 InIn BalanceBalance by Corey Jensen

This new column, “In Balance,” think it is the connection between my forged a bond that superseded every- marks the return to Kiting of the soul and nature that I find through the thing else. Political, ethnic, social kiteflying world’s philosopher-king, wind. differences suddenly melted away and Corey Jensen. He is a past presi- I learned to see the wind when I we all found common ground. dent of the AKA and the owner of was a kid, flying big compound box Let’s face it, many of us are WindPower Sports in Nevada. kites and lifting banners that would somewhat “odd ducks,” being adults ripple in the breezes. Like the goblet (at least age-wise), flying kites (consid- that becomes the two faces, one day I ered by lay-people to be children’s Howdy Family. It’s been awhile suddenly saw not ripples of fabric, but toys). How marvelous to find we are since the last time my words graced waves of wind. members of a whole “flock.” these pages. I’ve missed it. Mom would The further I delve into this sport/ After 30 years of doing this orga- say that absence makes the heart grow hobby/passion/game the more I nized kite thing, introducing someone fonder. I thought that absence makes discover that sight alone cannot reveal. to the joys of kiting for the first time is the heart go wander. . . . We’ll see. Sure the kites can be beautiful, as still a thrill. That is another thing we all Gripped by the icy fingers of winter, works of art and as flying devices. But have in common. without as many opportunities to fly it goes beyond that. The tactile connec- In 1980, at my first AKA conven- kites, I find myself recalling the past tion through the kite lines, being able tion, Bob Ingraham told me the reason few years and the great kite moments to “touch” the wind, adds to the beauty why he had started this club. The I’ve had. From the boisterous AKA and expands the imagination. simplicity and the purity have re- gatherings each fall, to the alone times And that is just the kites. . .the sounded in my heart ever since. out on the playa where I can commune stuff. Kite people are even more “I just like to fly kites with my friends” with wind, every time I fly kites I feel incredible. Folks I never would have had That’s it. That’s why I’m here. And more in balance. It’s not what kite I’m a chance to meet and get to know. the reason I am so grateful to all of flying. It’s not who I might be flying Some, quite frankly, I probably would you, the members of the AKA, for being with. Not even this or that event. I not have wanted to, except a silly kite my kiteflying friends. EmptyEmpty SPacesSPaces inin thethe skysky Dan Buob for myself. That’s the way I am. Mom was an experienced seamstress and 1957-2007 hated not being involved. Then Dad The Edwall, WA, resident was a decided to start making kites, he would three-year member of the AKA, and cut the fabric, have Mom sew it, then flew with the Lilac City Wind Chasers. he would frame and bridle the gems. Dan and his boys loved flying kites with This lead to a small cottage industry Grandpa Bill Lester. Dan was working on called Shur-Flyte Kites. Sales of their making his own kite train. Bill always kites paid for the expenses to go to said when he had one of trains up he kite events. was fishing for angels, and now has a I loved when she would call and ask special one to guide it. me how to sew a particular detail on a Mom didn’t fly kites too often, due kite. “Geez Mom, you’re the seam- to physical problems, but she was stress, figure it out”. Then I’d give her always there on the sidelines or board- Nancy M. Spencer the explanation of how I would do it., walk educating the public about what 1931-2006 how others have done it, and then she was going on. I can still hear her yelling I find it hard to talk about Mom would ask “what’s the best way?” from the sidelines, because Dad’s without including Dad. They were a Answer: “What ever works for you Mom.” staked-off kite was misbehaving and team, not just a couple. They were two of the original he was too busy talking to someone Mom and Dad got into kiting some members of the Greater Delaware Valley else to notice. years after me. I was giving Dad kites Kite Society, predecessor to the South Mom sewed thousands of kites, as presents. They found it interesting Jersey Kite Flyers. They attended their deltas and seagulls mostly for their that I’d come home with a smile on my first AKA convention in 1983. They craft fair business. Many personal kites face after kiting events and thought attended many of the East Coast Stunt were made as co-op projects. She and this must be something interesting. Kite Championships from 1985 on. They Dad had a flare for adapting their When I first started making kites I earned many Smithsonian kite festival personal and past experiences into would not let Mom teach me her awards. They were avid supporters whimsical and serious flights of fancy. seamstress tricks. I had to figure it out of the Sunfest Kite event in Ocean City. — Scott Spencer

6 KITING | SPRING ’07 Navigating Online Forums by Gary Engvall There are several online Forums Okay, you did all that. Now, how do center’ button. Then, on the new page, where people gather to discuss kite you post? The most frequently used on the left side, click on ‘Avatar’. On topics. These Forums are available to method of Posting is to Reply to a Post the Kitebuilders Forum click on the anyone with a computer and an Internet that you are reading. In the window ‘Profile’ button at the top of the page. connection. Forums are a new and that displays the Post, simply click on This brings up a page where all aspects different idea to many people. Like kite the Reply button, and a new window will of a Users profile can be entered or flying, they can be as intimidating as appear in which you can compose a modified. If you go to this page, DON’T they are alluring. Like kite flying, there Reply. PANIC! There are a gazillion things that are lots of great people ready to make The other way to Post is to start a can be set here. the learning curve as easy as possible. new Topic. That means to find, and What is a Forum? A Forum is like click on, the ‘New Topic’ button. A new Signatures e-mail, Forums, like e-mail programs, allow except Users to set up a signature, or ‘Sig’, that it is that is automatically placed at the end necessary to go somewhere to get the window will pop up, asking you to name of each of their Posts. This can be mail instead of it being sent to you the Topic and compose the first Post. anything the User wants. This is easy to automatically. A Forum is not a Chat Whichever method you choose, you set up in the ‘Profile’ section of most Room. It doesn’t work in ‘real time.’ can type your Post in the window. Then Forums. To do it in the AKA Kite Talk Somebody ‘posts’ a comment or you can click on the ‘Preview’ button to Forum, first click on the ‘message question. When others ‘log on’ and see double-check it before it is Submitted. center’ button. Then, on the new page, the post, they can then post answers or There is a ‘Submit’ button in both the on the left side, click on ‘Signature’. ask questions. Forums can be wonderful Preview pane and the Compose pane. On the Kitebuilders Forum click on the tools for discussion. Most Forums can You can submit the Post from either ‘Profile’ button at the top of the page. be read just by going to them, without window. Then it is up on the Forum for requiring you to Register or Log In. everyone to see. AKA Kite Talk Forum Reading posts can be a great way to Probably the best place to start is become acquainted with Forums before Navigation with the AKA Kite Talk Forum. As with becoming directly involved. It is known There are many topics, or boards, most Forums, it can be read without as ‘lurking’ and many people lurk on on a Forum and it is easy to forget registering or logging in. At the top Groups and Forums and Newsgroups. where you are. There is a Status Bar right of the Kite Talk Forum page is a How do I learn about using a across the link to either Register, Forum? Every Forum has a FAQ, a top which or to Log In. section of Frequently Asked Questions. tells the (Note: normally, when This should be read by every new user! User what using the AKA web All of what is in this article is explained board they are reading at any given site, your Username in much greater detail, and specific to time. A popular topic can run for many is your AKA Member Number, and your each Forum, on the Forum’s FAQ. pages on a Board. It is often a good Password is your e-mail address. That How do I get to a Forum? Start your idea to read all the way to the end of DOES NOT APPLY to the Kite Talk internet browser to go visit a Forum the posts on a board before Replying to Forum.) For your Username, make up a just like a web page. To get to the AKA one. name. This will be the name by which Kite Talk Forum, click on the Kite Talk everyone will know you and refer to you Forum button at www.aka.kite.org. Avatars on the Forum. Some folks use their There’s a similar button at Forums allow Users to set up names, some make up names. Reading www.kitebuilder.com for the Avatars, or pictures, that are automati- the Forum before Registering will Kitebuilders Forum. The Gone With The cally put next to their posts. This familiarize you with Username choices Wind forum is at makes it easy for people reading the that others have made. Again, you can www.gwtw- Forum to identify who read the Forum without Registering, kites.com/forum/. wrote the post. There but you must Register in order to post, How do you are ready-made or write anything. Next, make up a post on a Forum? In Avatars available password you can remember. order to post a within the Forum to User needs to choose from and use. Kitebuilders Forum Register. The Most Forums allow The Kitebuilders Forum is hosted by Registration form the User to use their Steve Ferrel of Kite Studio. The on each Forum will ask the User to fill own Avatar as well. To use an Avatar, Kitebuilders Forum was my first experi- in a Username and Password. These can find the User Profile page. This is easy ence with Forums and it has consis- be whatever the User chooses, or to set up in the ‘Profile’ section of tently been a good experience. There makes up, as long as no one else is most Forums. To do it in the AKA Kite already using the same Username. Talk Forum, first click on the ‘message continued on page 10

SPRING ’07 | KITING 7 NATIONALNATIONAL KITEKITE MONTHMONTH his year’s National Kite Month will take place from Grand Prizes for: T March 31 till April 30, giving us five fantastic weekends • most events registered by an individual of kiteflying happening throughout the world. People will be • most events registered by a club celebrating the art, sport and educational aspects of our • most events in a region hobby. You are invited to participate in these events but you • under 18 running an event must let people know about these events. Go to • most Kite Workshops. www.natonalkitemonth.org and register your event or help Kitemakers who are committed to making prize kites are: someone who is running an event. The deadline to register Jerry Houk, Donna Houchins, Mike Shaw, Andy Selzer, Paul your events is April 25, 2007. National Kite Month is the Fieber and Terry McPherson. Grand Prize winners will be largest outreach campaign for the American Kitefliers limited to one per person. Back by popular demand, regis- Association and the Kite Trade Association International. tered events will also each receive four “I (Heart) Kite” National Kite Month is sponsor by the American Kitefliers bumper stickers. Association, Kite Trade Association International, Into the While you are registering your event, check out all the Wind and Go Fly a Kite. resources that are available to you on the What to register? Anything having to do with kites or www.nationalkitemonth.org website. There is: kite flying. It can be a major kite festival, a small local fly, a √ what is National Kite Month get-together of kite flyers, hanging of kites in a school or √ resources for teachers library, someone giving a talk about kites, club meeting or √ kite fun for kids events, kite slide show, etc. You get the idea, anything √ kite history dealing with our pastime. Once you get your event together, √ Kite Events Organizer’s Manual register it, and we can start publicizing it and get you in the √ 10 Commandments of Kiting running for fantastic prizes. √ help to organize an event, faq’s Our goal this year is to register 600 events but we √ where to buy kites cannot do this with out your help. Plan, schedule and register √ kite plans. your events on the National Kite Month Website. This year Got a question that needs an answer, contact Mike there will be all kinds of prizes, and once you register you are Dallmer [email protected] or 215/722-4092. automatically entered for weekly drawings that will start in While you are at the website you can also download and print March and end the last weekend of April. The prizes were the posters that won our NKM contest, designed by Gregg donated by Into the Wind and Go Fly a Kite. There will be Mazzotta (at left) and Jennifer Teichman (at right). You can print out as many of these posters as you need and hang them all over, the more the merrier. You can also purchase pre-printed 16” x 20” posters from the AKA’s CafePress store for a small fee. So get those events registered and spread the word of our fantastic hobby.

NKM Proclamations by Rick Hawkins What does is take to be a participant in National Kite Month ? It’s a simple question with lots of answers. To begin to answer the question you have to understand exactly what Nation Kite Month is. In 1999 the American Kitefliers Associa- tion and the Kite Trade Association International began a program to promote kiting during April. The www.Nationalkitemonth.org website was launched as a collection of information for AKA members and the public. On the site you’ll find a calendar publicizing events all over the country. The added bonus besides the smiles on the kids’ faces from being able to take part in this celebration is the chance to win prizes. Each time you register an event your name is put into a drawing for prizes. In 2005 an organized effort to get official recognition of the activities of kitefliers was begun. Local governments were asked to declare April to be National Kite Month in their area to show support for the activities that were being conducted. After garnering 23 proclamations last year, this

8 KITING | SPRING ’07 year we are expanding the attempt to gather proclamations from Flying miniatures under NATIONALNATIONAL KITEKITE MONTHMONTH throughout the Country. the Eiffel Tower. This year we will be requesting the Proclamations on the state level and asking for the assistance of members to sponsor their State request. To assist in requesting a proclamation an informa- tion packet is available for download at the NKM website. The packet includes a sample letter of introduction along with a press release and the sample Proclamation. You may use these directly or submit your own. There are several methods used to request your Proclamation depending on your local requirements. The easiest is to check your local Government website for instructions. Larger cities require a 45-60 day advance notice to process your requests so you should allow plenty of time to complete the process. When requesting the Proclamation you might also ask if a second copy is available to be retained by the club. You may also be able to request a formal presentation instead of mailing it to you. If you choose to have a photo opportunity you will want to notify the local press or provide your own photographer to use the event as an additional way to advertise your NKM activities. You might also make available a copy of the Proclamation to local Visitors Centers and Chamber of Commerce offices to make people aware of kiting activities in the area. You might be surprised at the help that’s available if you just ask. Remember, kiting is a family friendly, non- polluting, healthy educational, outdoor oriented and fun activity. Don’t forget to e-mail [email protected] to register the receipt of your Proclamation. You may e-mail a file copy of the proclamation to enter the contest and then at the completion of your activities submit the original for use in the display at the National Convention. The Original Proclamations may be returned after the convention if requested.

SPRING ’07 | KITING 9 FlySpotsFlySpots Lynn Shores and Nahant Beach by Gregg Mazzotta An expansive This new column takes a quick look seascape can be at your favorite places to fly. If viewed from over you’d like to submit a Flyspot, four miles of contact Phil Broder at public water- [email protected] or front. A prom- 609/465-6575 for details. enade extends along the two- If you are into kiteboarding, mile length of the buggying, kite skateboarding and two reservations kiteflying then make a trip to the Lynn at the edge of Shores and Nahant Beach, not far from Nahant Bay and is Boston, Massachusetts. Three con- available year nected beaches are open year round, round for activi- dawn to dusk, with public swimming at ties such as Long Beach. There is a $3 parking fee. walking, jogging, rollerblading and bicycling. What makes this place so special for kite buggying and kite skateboarding is the long and wide vast areas of smooth hard-packed sand exposed at low tide. Buggiers and skateboarders can quickly reach high speeds. Kitefliers benefit from unobstructed winds from all directions. After Labor Day the beach is deserted, giving kite flyers access to the whole beach! For more information on Lynn Shores and Nahant Beach Reservation go to www.mass.gov/dcr/ parks/metroboston/ lynnshores.htm.

Online Forums, continued Code, HTML and all that scary stuff window. It is done differently on are many friendly and talented people Okay, you’ve been reading the different Forums. there of all skill levels who are more posts on some of the Forums and it’s Forums are a lot like kite flying. If than happy to help people of all skill apparent that sometimes people quote everyone knew how easy and fun it levels. Near the top right of the Wel- just part of someone’s post to show was, everyone would be doing it. Like come page of the Kitebuilder Forum is a what they are answering. Or some kite flying, getting in there and getting button to click on to Register. people include pictures in their post, or your hands dirty is the best way to set up links to other pages. The first experience everything it has to offer. In Gone With the Wind Forum thing to know is that you can post a short article, it isn’t easy to include In the GWTW Forum, clicking on perfectly well and you can get good use all the ‘ins and outs’ that make using a “Do I have to Register?” takes you out of any Forum without knowing code Forum easy and fun. There is a web directly to the FAQ! It is frequented or HTML. But, if you want to know how page at: http://members.cox.net/ mostly by multi-line sport kite builders to use it to enhance your posts, it is kiter/forum.shtml that covers these and flyers. This is a great place to there in the FAQ. For the most part, topics in more detail. There are also discuss the latest trick, or how to quoting posts and using links is as easy links there to take you directly to the accomplish a certain trick. as clicking on a button in the Compose Forums when you click on them.

10 KITING | SPRING ’07 AKAAKA NewsNews Your Own Cover Photo fields and the host hotel are within the same time as the magazine is Would you like to see your kite, or your walking distance of one another. The delivered. face — or your kids, grandkids, pets’ Shilo Inn Suites will host our lodging, Keep tuned to the AKA website, faces — or whatever you choose on the Pre-Registration, Welcome Reception, where we will be adding new details, cover of Kiting? Now you can, with new Bag Raffle (though you KNOW Marla will including RV Park information, tourism- Custom Covers. be everywhere!), Workshops related sites and additional information All you need is a and our newest event, the on travel from Seattle or Portland. digital photo at Evening Meet and Greet! All • www.shiloinns.com/Washington/ least 9” x 12” the other programs including ocean_Shores.html and $30, and the Onsite Registration, Auction, • www.oceanshoresconventioncenter.com Fly Mart, Kite Gallery, Indoor AKA can create a /floorplans.aspx one-of-a-kind Fly, Business Meeting, Auction and Awards Banquet will be held framed color Way Cool Workshops magazine cover at the new Ocean Shores Please consider sharing your for you. It will Convention Center. expertise at the convention by teaching feature the Competitions will be on a workshop session. Perhaps you are Kiting masthead the beautiful beaches of Ocean skilled at festival organization or over your photo, Shores. You can even see some festival fundraising. Maybe public as well as any of the fields from the Shilo Inn relations is your forte. Do you have text you choose. Suites! skills that you can share in fighter kite, Need to surprise The next issue of Kiting sport kite, or single line flying? Do you someone on their birthday? Make a nice will have your convention registration know someone who would be perfect to award for someone in your club? A form and complete details on the teach a session? Contact Deb Lenzen at Christmas present they’ll never forget? event. For those of you who love the [email protected] with your Contact Mel Hickman at ease and convenience of registering ideas. [email protected] or 800/252-2550 to online, internet registration will open place your order today.

Convention Turns 30 Make your plans today to attend the What was the hottest kiting event of the year: AKA’s 30th Annual Grand National Competition Aerial Inquiry first kite you flew and Convention, October 1-6. For AI those of you already thinking of au- this spring? tumn, you may want to visit some of the websites for our convention in E-mail your answer (25 words or less, please) to [email protected] by Ocean Shores, Washington. May 1. We’ll feature your answers in the next issue and on the KiteTalk All convention programs, flying Forum, and ask a new question.

$35 $68 $101

$5 $10 $15 $8 $15 $22

$100 $200 $300

SPRING ’07 | KITING 11 Blowing Your Own Horn by Arnold Stellema Announcing a kite festival is a bit and drowning in ribbons and trophies. are tedious and hard to announce. Two like juggling cats: even if you know When it comes to handcrafted kites or three highlights convey the scale of how to juggle, the cats have a mind of and kitemakers, very few travel with a accomplishments much better. List their own. At any typical moment, bio. As a result the announcer makes retreats you have taught; this gives the you’re cueing music, thanking spon- things up and offers brilliant announcer a chance to plug the sors, and rearranging the schedule, all observations like, “Great use of color, kitemaking workshops happening in while trying to say something interest- that kite really stands out in the your area. If you travel, be sure to ing about each of the kites and sky!” We can do better. I have spent include a list of countries you have fliers. People walk up constantly and enough time sitting in bars with been invited to fly in. Spectators often ask questions (sometimes while you kitemakers to know we are not quiet have no idea how developed the world are talking on the mic!) and you direct and unopinionated. We are passionate kite community is and finding out you them to kids kitemaking, tell them about what we do and most of us were invited to France or Malaysia, or the candy drop is scheduled for 2:00, or believe that we bring something to the that you spent a week in Denmark, or reassure them that yes indeed the creative process that makes our kites went on a kitemakers tour of Japan is teams will fly once more this afternoon. unique. We are only too happy to bend both impressive and interesting. You get handed scraps of paper that say your ear for an hour or two about our Write bios for your kites. If things like “don’t forget to creations. Yet possible, print a thumbnail of the kite plug the raffle/AKA/t-shirt on the festival to help the announcer recognize it. sales.” By halfway through field Keep in mind that depending on wind the day you have CDs piled we put our and the field layout sometimes the everywhere, notes kites in the air announcer is on the side of the field scribbled on anything that and let them and all they can see is the edge of your won’t blow away, and speak for kite. Again, bullet points are best: several clipboards holding themselves. name of the kite, year it was made, the really important things Meanwhile awards it won, inspiration for the like sponsor lists and the the announcer design. Now, add some gee-whiz stuff schedule. As such, at any is desperately for the audience. How many layers of given time most announc- trying to find fabric in the applique? How many ers are only half paying things to say! hours of sewing? How many feet of attention to the words bridle on the edo? How many coming out of their mouth. hundreds of dollars of spars in Frightening, isn’t it? the big cellular? These facts It’s true, we are often bring the kite to life for the winging it, making up audience and help them whatever comes to mind in order to So understand what a labor of talk long enough for the CD to cue and write your love this is to the flyer to start. own bio. you. Mary Gabby once told Sometimes it’s easy. If you know First me there were “seven the flyer well, most announcers can do things football fields of thread” in a great job of emphasizing the diffi- first: lose just one kite — that’s a fun culty of what the public is seeing and the first fact. Your kite has a story to touting the accomplishments of the person. I tell, and you can help the kiter. Often, however, the only thing know it announcer tell it. You don’t the announcer knows about the flier is seems need to feel like you’re her name. This leads to wonderfully strange to bragging, the announcer will informative commentaries like, “And it write about yourself in third person, but brag for you! All you need to do is spend appears Mary is flying a Prism Kite. you won’t be reading it. Keep the a few minutes at home putting a Those kites are made in the USA, right paragraphs of text to a minimum; most handful of facts together. Then when up in Seattle.” Experienced sport kite announcers prefer to talk as opposed to the announcer builds you up as the fliers who travel to many festivals are reading. Bullet points with facts and world’s greatest kitemaker all you need practiced at this and provide a bio that accomplishments work much better. to do is put on your best “awww highlights their experiences in kiting, The announcer can pick and choose schucks” expression. competitive accomplishments and weaving a story in their own voice. Plus You spend hundreds of hours sponsors. A quick read-through and the when you come out again later in the making kites, shouldn’t you spend a announcer has the tools to help the day they can choose different facts and little time making sure everyone truly audience recognize what a privilege it keep the commentary interesting to appreciates them? The first step to is to be able to watch this flier, those who watch the whole day. being famous is to declare yourself because if they weren’t here, they For those who are very accom- famous, then tell everyone who will would be somewhere else competing plished, long lists of years and awards listen.

12 KITING | SPRING ’07 K-FK-FK-FILESILESILES JACQUES LETOURNEAU

Surrealism on painted nylon: the colorful work of Quebec’s Jacques Letourneau.

als with interesting mask patterns, like feathers and lace, are also used. The paint I am using is I did not have any experience transparent Pebeo’s setacolor. in the world of kites, but it was a The light can be seen through great pleasure for me to discover it, so I have to work on a light this world. I am an art teacher, and table to see the thickness of the when I retired I was looking for a paint I apply. The shadings are new medium. I live near a very made with different thicknesses good “kite boutique,” so I thought of color. Colors need to be built I could paint kites. After research- up in successive layers to get ing, I discovered a technique to paint on nylon, with appropriate matériels. I have been doing this 2. Conception of the design in for five years and it became my favor- a small size that I enlarge with ite hobby. a projector. My favorite subjects are the 3. For a single line kite, I build seasons, time, figures and an atmo- the kite, then I paint it. sphere of surrealism. I like that my 4. For the stunt kites I partially drawings can suggest different meaning build them, then paint them, for the people who look at them. The and at last I do the finishing. form of the kite inspires the design. The fabric is ¾ ounce My way of working is: ripstop chirkara nylon, and 1. Choose the kite: rokkaku, eddy, or some time icarex ½ ounce, stunt kite. washed with acetone to clean off dirt the desired level of saturation. and oil. Each color must be heat set before I like very much to mix the next layer is applied. You need the techniques for the color hottest temperature you can get application. I use brushes, without melting the nylon. To fix the sponges, airbrush, and color I cook them in the oven at 290° - fingers. I also use an ink 325° for five minutes. “resist,” similar to batik. I The next step for me will be to paint the areas I want to create my own form of kite. remain uncoated with a hot wax, then apply paint. Finally, I melt the wax to leave unaltered areas. Sometimes I’ve used masking tape or gum arabic on areas that I want to keep from being altered by the next layer of color. Like rubber cement, you can peel if off when you’re done. A variety of materi-

SPRING ’07 | KITING 13 For club information or to update your club, contact [email protected] or 800/252-2550. For specific information about AAAAFFILIATEDFFILIATED CC LUBSLUBSLUBS club activities, please contact each club directly. Alabama Chicagoland Sky Liners [email protected] www.whidbeykiteclub.org Field Of Strings Chicago, IL Missouri Baileyton, AL Charlie Sotich 773/735-7353 Kansas City Kite Club Oregon Lavender Winds 35019 http://thebigkiteguy.com/ Blue Springs, MO Lady Kiteflyers Ocean Park, WA Sandy Smith 256/796-9069 skyliners/index.html Linda Larkey Eugene, OR Brian Bradley 360/665-2538 [email protected] [email protected] Miriam Schafler 541/344-2113 [email protected] Indiana www.kckiteclub.org [email protected] http://members.aol.com/ California Hoosier Kitefliers Society kitebear Candy And Kites Kite Club Russiaville, IN Gateway Kite Club Associated Oregon Kitefliers Bodega Bay, CA Dick Claycomb 765/348-3711 Washington, MO Portland, OR North Coast Sky Painters David Love 707/875-3777 [email protected] Donna Houchins Deb Cooley 541/996-4627 Ocean Shores, WA [email protected] www.hoosierkite.org [email protected] [email protected] Monica Barber 360/289-4889 http://groups.yahoo.com/ [email protected] N. American Fighter Kite Assn. group/gkc-stl/ Rogue Valley Windchasers Kansas Northwest Sport Kite League Granada Hills, CA Rogue River, OR Topeka Kite Fliers Ocean Shores, WA Gina Hsiung 818/366-4852 Randy Fabich 541/582-4220 Topeka, KS North Carolina Jim Landers 509/679-3444 [email protected] [email protected] Bob Homan Wings Across Carolina Kiting [email protected] www.fighterkites.org www.windchasers.org [email protected] And Okra Society www.nwskl.org Up Up And Away Kite Club www.crosswinds.net/~tkf/ Charlotte, NC Los Alamitos, CA Jim Martin 704/535-4696 Pennsylvania Westport Windriders Janis Sabic 562/431-1746 Kentucky [email protected] Fly Pittsburgh Kite Club Olympia, WA [email protected] Kitefliers In Central Kentucky www.wackos.org Baden, PA Bary Crites 360/491-8605 Winchester, KY Con Engels 724/869-4488 [email protected] Bay Area Sport Kite League Byron Bell 859/987-3563 North Dakota [email protected] www.westportwindriders.org Martinez, CA [email protected] Wings On Strings Kite Club www.windstarkites.com/ Tracy Erzin Jamestown, ND FlyPghKiteClub.htm Pierce County Kiteflyers Assn. [email protected] Louisiana Mike Gee Puyallup, WA www.baskl.org [email protected] Keystone Kiters Scott Davis 253/847-8201 Red Stick Kiters Camp Hill, PA [email protected] Zachary, LA www.wingsonstrings.org San Diego Kite Club Todd Little 717/975-2852 www.pcka.org Joseph Meaux 225/654-5180 San Diego, CA [email protected] [email protected] Nebraska Bill Pietrusza 619/466-2219 www.keystonekiters.com Ben Franklin Kite Society www.redstickkiters.com Midwest Winds Kitefliers Club [email protected] Richland, WA Omaha, NE www.sandiegokiteclub.com Lehigh Valley Kite Society Larry Zilar 509627-6751 Massachusetts Bruce Kenkel Lehigh Valley, PA [email protected] [email protected] Northern California Kite Club Kites Over New England Paul Keeler 610/865-0375 www.midwestwindskitefliers.org San Ramon, CA Billerica, MA [email protected] Washington Kitefliers Assn. Brian Champie 925/829-0683 Susanne Boyle 978/256-8205 www.lehighvalleykitesociety.org Seattle, WA [email protected] [email protected] New Jersey Sylvia Bernauer 425/822-4605 www.kitefart.com/nckc/ www.kone.org South Jersey Kite Flyers Texas www.WKA-Kiteflyers.org index.htm Collingswood, NJ Wind Weavers Maryland Mike Dallmer 215/722-4092 Abilene, TX Lilac City Wind Chasers Spokane, WA Colorado Wings Over Washington [email protected] Judy Kingery 915/692-5927 Bill Cox 509/327-7974 Foothills Kite Club Germantown, MD www.geocities.com/sjkf.geo [email protected] [email protected] Denver, CO Barbara Birnman 301/972- Kathy Wolfe 303/477-4157 9289 Liberty High Spirits Of 14B S. Padre Island Kite Enthusiasts River City Fliers [email protected] [email protected] Rochelle Park, NJ Harlingen, TX Vancouver, WA www.foothillskiteclub.com www.wowkiteclub.com Kurtis Jones 201/489-7186 Jeff McCown [email protected] [email protected] Scott Ralston 360/624-2266 [email protected] Connecticut Maryland Kite Society http://groups.yahoo.com/ www.pirates.dwebz.net Connectikiters Potomac, MD group/lhso14b Ansonia, CT Jon Burkhardt 301/424-6976 Central Texas Cloud Chasers Wisconsin Dave Lombard 203/732-5243 [email protected] New York Marble Falls, TX Wisconsin Kiters [email protected] www.mdkites.org Great Lakes Kitefliers Society Gayle Woodul Greenfield, WI www.connectikiters.org/ Buffalo, NY [email protected] Bob Rymaszewski 414/329-9825 Michigan Russell Kelly 716/649-5364 [email protected] Harkness Stuntkiters South Houston Area www.wisconsinkitersclub.com Mid-Michigan String Stretchers [email protected] Uncasville, CT Recreational Kiters Ada, MI www.flyglks.com James Stuhler Pearland, TX Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois Ken Blain 616/676-5980 [email protected] Spence Wikel 281/992-9291 Milwaukee, WI [email protected] New York Kite Enthusiasts East Berne, NY [email protected] Jeffrey Kataoka 414/277-9121 Florida Jeremy Johannesen 518/872- www.kiteshark.org [email protected] Sunset Flyers Tri-State Windriders Coldwater, MI 0990 Clearwater, FL Coastal Bend Sky Pirates John Arnold [email protected] Argentina Steve Pigeon 727/461-6689 Rockport, TX [email protected] www.nyke.org Barriletes A Toda Costa [email protected] Dano Wright 361/790-0011 www.tristatewindriders.com Buenos Aires [email protected] Gustavo Sonzogni Treasure Island Sport Kite Klub Ohio www.skypiratesonline.org [email protected] Dade City, FL Kazoo Stringfellows PIGS Aloft Kalamazoo, MI Cincinnati, OH www.batoco.org Gary Resnick 352/588-4202 Dallas Area Kitefliers John Cosby 269/345-5432 Jerry McGuire 513/831-8379 [email protected] Organization [email protected] [email protected] www.kites.org/tiskk Rowlett, TX Canada Trung Tran 972/412-1273 British Columbia Kitefliers Assn. 4 Seasons Kite Club Black Swamp Air Force St. Augustine Sport Kite Club [email protected] Vancouver, BC Walled Lake, MI Perrysburg, OH Saint Augustine, FL www.dako.us Jeremy Perceval 604/594-3155 Rob Autrey Lynn Gipson 248/505-6212 Kevin Kilgoar [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Virginia www.bcka.bc.ca www.saskc.net www.4skc.com www.bsaf.org Richmond Air Force Niagara Windriders Kite Club Richmond, VA Central Florida Cloud Chasers Minnesota Ohio Society for the Port Colborne, ON Charles Stonestreet 804/271- The Villages, FL Minnesota Kite Society Elevation of Kites Bob N. White 905/834-9325 4433 Barbara Hall 352/259-9768 Minneapolis, MN Poland, OH [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ken Wilkowski 763/536-8552 Tom Kear 330/757-2568 www.windriders.niagara.com/ www.richmondairforce.com [email protected] [email protected] Illinois www.mnkites.org/ www.osekcleveland.org Indonesia Illinois Kite Enthusiasts Washington Jakarta Kitefliers Association Champaign, IL Oklahoma Whidbey Island Kite Flyers North Jakarta [email protected] Tulsa WindRiders Coupeville, WA James A. Kekenusa www.ikeclub.org Tulsa, OK Lisa Root 360/678-7052 [email protected] Larry Stiles 918/630-9334 [email protected]

14 KITING | SPRING ’07 United Kingdom AKA sanctioned events are listed in BOLD White Horse Kite Flyers EEEEVENTVENTVENT CC ALENDARALENDAR Swindon Dave Robinson April 7 April 21-22 Kite Day In The Park May 25-28 [email protected] www.whkf.org.uk Roseville Kite Festival Great N. TX Kite Fest Louise Moore Park Skydance Sakakawea Buljan Park Valley Ridge Park Easton, PA Kite Festival March 24 Roseville, CA Cedar Hill, TX Paul Keeler Ft. Stevenson Park Indoor Kite Fly Bob Bell Gloria Harmon 610/865-0375 Garrison, ND Nat’l Air & Space Mus. 916/722-2922 972/880-0520 Deb Lenzen Washington, DC [email protected] [email protected] May 5-6 701/463-2661 Margo Brown Kites Over Lake Storey [email protected] 301/890-1178 April 14 April 27-29 Galesburg, IL Arvada Kite Day Morro Bay Kite Festival Mary Turnquist Wildwoods Int’l Kite Fest March 31 Ferrufino Park Morro Bay, CA 309/345-3604 and East Coast SKC Smithsonian Kite Fest Arvada, CO Shaun Farmer www.ci.galesburg.il.us.com Wildwood, NJ Washington Monument Mike Shaw 805/772-0113 Beatrix Pelton Washington, DC 303/232-0950 Northwest SKC 732/822 4884 Jon Burkhardt [email protected] MD Int’l Kite Expo and West Delta Park [email protected] 301/424-6976 Mid-Atlantic SKC Portland, OR www.kitefestival.org April 14-15 Ocean City, MD 360/695-9646 Junction Kitemaker’s Retreat Airwaves Kite Festival Beatrix Pelton [email protected] Texas Tech University March 31 – April 1 VOA Park 732/822 4884 Junction, TX Cloudbuster Kite Fest Cincinnati, OH [email protected] May 19 Judy Kingery Mitchell RV Park Jerry McGuire BASKL Competition 325/692-5927 Perrin, TX 513/703-1088 April 28 Crissy Field, GGNRA [email protected] Doris Reed [email protected] BASKL Fighter Comp. San Francisco, CA 940/798-4615 Caesar Chavez Park John Gillespie [email protected] April 21 Berkeley, CA 415/927 7430 June 2-3 Tawas Bay Kite Fest BASKL Competition John Gillespie [email protected] East Tawas, MI Kite Fest Louisiane’ Baylands Park 415/927 7430 Mike Modrzynski West Baton Rouge Sunnyvale, CA [email protected] May 20 989/362-8643 Soccer Complex John Gillespie GLKS Paint The Sky [email protected] Port Allen, LA 415/927 7430 May 5 LaSalle Park Leslie Davis [email protected] Kites Over Grinnell Buffalo, NY 225/667-3911 Grinnell, IA Russell W. Kelly [email protected] Dick and Sis Vogel 716/649-5364 641/990-0801 [email protected] Lincoln City Indoor Fest [email protected] Taft High School Lincoln City, OR 800/452-2151 [email protected] Check the event calendars at www.aka.kite.org and www.nationalkitemonth.org for updated info!

AKA sanctioning is available for kite events within the United States and Canada. AKA sanctioning means that AKA members are involved in the administration 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.

SPRING ’07 | KITING 15 TTTTHEHEHE SS PORTINGPORTINGPORTING LL IFEIFEIFE Hi, I’m Jim Barber from Team Cutting Edge, 2005 and 2006 World Champions. I’ve recently been assigned the position of Chairperson of the AKA Sport Kite Committee, and along with the position came the request that I submit occasional articles to one of my favorite magazines, AKA’s Kiting. As I ponder over what I should write about, it became clear that it is going to have to be competi- tive kite flying, and mostly pairs/team competitive flying, as that is where my level of expertise lies. I have taught several classes on pairs/team flying, some at AKA Conventions, some for the North West Sport Kite League. I have also worked with several pairs and teams on the beach helping them to take that next step to be more competitive. When I first started out in 1994 with Team Don’t Panic!, it was customary for other competitors not to share their knowledge and that you learned by your mistakes, some of which you just kept making over and over again. It took a lot longer then for competi- tors to get better at their craft, as there was no videos available, few books, and little help from fellow competitors. Then I met Brian Champie at Berkeley, and oh my gosh, he was showing other fliers how to do things like wing tip landings, axles, and other tricks just coming into the arena. He spent some time showing me how to do the Black Hole, an impressive name for a wing tip landing done with a lot of authority. I then showed the rest of the team how to do it, and it completely changed how we wrote our routines, and how we approached them, now knowing we could land at any time and anywhere in the window. We became more competitive overnight, and flew with a lot more confidence. I was so impressed with the way that Brian helped us that I have carried on the tradition ever since, I am very hopeful that I have made as much of an impact for other fliers as Brian made for me. One of the first questions I often get asked in my classes is if I was putting together a team, how would I pick the other members? Lots of people are surprised when I say I don’t really look at flying ability, or for past experience in team flying. The person will need good solid basic flying technique, but more important, the willing- ness to learn. What I do look for is commitment, personality, and shared likeness of goals. The first decision made is “what are the goals for this team? Are we working to do demos, or experienced level regional competi- tions with an eye on possibly going to the AKA Grand Nationals, or

Jim Barber flanked by teammates Rick Wolcott and Jerry Cannon.

16 KITING | SPRING ’07 going all out in Masters with the hope of winning the AKAGN and going to the World Championships. Starting with the same goal for the team removes a lot of chance for possible clashes later. Once this decision is made, I can look for people that have the same goal. Next is personality. Am I putting people together in a pressure cooker (believe me, in large arenas such as Berck-sur-mer, France, where there are 200,000 people or more, television cameras, and other media all watching you, it is a pressure cooker) that under stress are going to explode at each other? I have seen huge argu- ments on the field during competitions, some bad enough that the fliers refused to fly with each other again. So, I look at the person- alities, spend a lot of time talking with the people and trying to get a feel for how they approach stressful situations, and I watch them while they are on the competition field so I can see how they react when things go wrong (and believe me, for a team, things are always just waiting to go wrong). Third is commitment. Does the flier have the time and willing- ness to make the commitment to whatever goal the team opts for. They need to take their time with this one, checking with family members, spouses, and pets to make sure that the practice schedule needed to reach the teams goal will be acceptable. It can be very frustrating to spend months together working on timing, spacing, speed control and other team skills to have a flier tell you that they are getting a lot of flack at home and will either have to practice less, or quit the team. It’s best to cover as much of this as possible before practices begin. Team flying can be one of the most rewarding things a flier can do. You work very hard together, and you share the failures and successes as a team. Once it all starts to gel, when the hours put in start to show with good results you will often be shaking hands and hugging each other. Sharing a big victory with team members has always been much more fulfilling then the victories I achieved solo flying. Your team members all know how much hard work and time went into the victory, you don’t need to try to explain it, they all have the same feeling. Team Cutting Edge also had a simple rule: if there was a mistake that cost us a position, the team made the mistake, not an indi- vidual flier, and when there was a success, the team succeeded, not an individual flier. In team flying, catastrophes are always just waiting to happen, there are so many more lurking problems than when you are flying solo, so it is good for all the personalities to shoulder blame and success together. No yelling at someone for not being where they were supposed to during a performance, or kites crashing into each other because someones brain took a momentary vacation at the wrong time. It was the team, not the person. This is just something that worked well for us, kept a lot of slouching shoulders from happening. Now, if someone is often not where they are supposed to be, then you need to address that, I’m talking about the occasional “oops” during competitions. Hopefully with lots of solid practices, these become less and less. Now, there’s lots of things we can talk about from here. • How to have good quality practices? • How to choose kites? • Flying staggered or the same length lines, and how long should they be? • How to decide who flies in what position, and who calls. • How to call, how to develop timing so everyone is turning at the same time. There are many more areas that we can talk about in future articles. I’d like to do is have you, the readers, send any questions you may have, and we can cover them as a large group so more people may benefit from the discussion. E-mail your questions to [email protected], and we’ll answer them in the next issue.

SPRING ’07 | KITING 17 MMMEMBEREMBEREMBER MM ERCHANTSERCHANTS Stores in BOLD sell Kiting! ALASKAALASKAALASKA Wind Wizard Stuff 4 U MARYLAND Windpower Sports 771 Myrna Drive 993 NW 106th Avenue Circle 3111 S. Valley View #A-1116 The Kite Loft Northwind Kites Port Hueneme, CA 93041 Miami, FL 33172 Las Vegas, NV 89102 511 Boardwalk 320 W. Fifth Ave, #156 805/271-4747 786/325-7390 702/220-4340 Ocean City, MD 21842 Anchorage, AK 99501 www.windwizard.com http://stores.ebay.com/Stuff-x-U www.windpowersports.com 888/291-4386 410/289-7855 www.kiteloft.com www.alaskites.com Wonders of the Wind GEORGIA NEW JERSEY 14821 Cheyenne Road Coastal Wind Sports Cape May Beach and Kite Shop Apple Valley, CA 92307 MASSACHUSETTS ARIZONA 247 Wellington Place 1218 Route 109 760/617-8293 Fun with Wind Two Links Enterprises Brunswick, GA 31523 Cape May, NJ 08204 www.wondersofthewind.com 360 Merrimack Street 5630 East Roundup Street 912/265-1149 609/898-2022 BLD #9, 2nd Floor Apache Jnct., AZ 85219 www.coastalwindsports.com www.capemaykites.com Lawrence, MA 01843 480/390-7461 COLORADO 866/37K-ITES [email protected] Into The Wind Cobra Kites GUAMGUAM www.funwithwind.com 1408 Pearl Street GUAMGUAMGUAM 2608 Rt. 37E Boulder, CO 80302 Chill Out Toms River, NJ 08753 ARKANSAS Sea Side Kites 800/541-0314 Unit 36 Chamorro Village 732/270-2112 KaleidoKites 293 Nantasket Avenue www.intothewind.com Agana, GU 96932 www.cobrakites.com 1-C Spring Street 671/472-4867 Hull, MA 02045 781/925-3277 Eureka Springs, AR 72632 www.chillout-guam.com Lighten Up Kites CONNECTICUT www.SeaSideKites.com 888/836-6251 238 96th Street Coriolis Kites [email protected] Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 59 Route 148 IDAHOIDAHOIDAHO MICHIGAN 800/679-5747 Killingsworth, CT 06419 Sunrise Kites CALIFORNIA Air-Fun Kites www.lightenuponline.com 860/575-5745 460 Cleveland Street Candy & Kites 167 S. Hancock Street www.coriolis.cc Idaho Falls, ID 83401 1415 Coast Highway 208/524-5551 Pentwater, MI 49449 NEW MEXICO 888/AIR-FUN1 PO Box 8, [email protected] Katika's Casa DELAWARE www.air-fun.com Bodega Bay, CA 94923 1919 Old Town Road, NW Rehoboth Sport & Kite Co. 707/875-3777 Albuquerque, NM 87104 23 Bellevue Street ILLINOIS Kiteman Jack's www.candyandkites.com 505/242-2111 Dewey Beach, DE 19971 Air Time Kites Newman Street at The Pier www.katikascasa.com Candy Strike 800/250-5483 1719A Worden Avenue East Tawas, MI 48730 492 Main Street Alton, IL 62002 989/362-4615 Placerville, CA 95667 Rehoboth Sport & Kite Co. 618/465-3448 [email protected] NEW YORK www.candystrike.com 67 Rehoboth Avenue [email protected] Wonder Works Rehoboth, DE 19971 Kites & Fun Things 711 Harvest Drive Coastalkites.com 800/250-5483 Chicago Kite/Kite Harbor 1049 S. Main Street Rochester, NY 14626 877/544-KITE 109 N. Marion Plymouth, MI 48170 585/227-5497 www.coastalkites.com Rehoboth Sport & Kite Co. Oak Park, IL 60301 734/454-3760 www.goodthingsfly.com 708/848-4907 1 Virginia Avenue www.skyburner.com Farmer's Kites Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 www.chicagokite.com NORTH CAROLINA 1108 Front Street 800/250-5483 Tropical Treasures Blowing In The Wind Morro Bay, CA 93442 Windfall Farm www.rehoboth.kite.com 34190 S. Gratiot 312 Nutt Street 805/772-0133 6370 US Hwy 20 West Clinton Township, MI 48035 Wilmington, NC 28401 [email protected] Galena, IL 61036-6041 FLORIDA 586/791-6595 910/763-1730 FLORIDA 815/776-9075 [email protected] Gone With the Wind Kites Air Master Kites www.velocity-sports.com Blowing In The Wind 530/894-2064 10935 Bristol Bay Dr., #224 222 Causeway Drive www.gwtw-kites.com Bradenton, FL 34209 MISSOURI INDIANAINDIANAINDIANA Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 941/794-8817 Flying High With Charon Play With The Wind 910/509-9989 Highline Kites Of Berkeley 5633 Carlton Drive 17933 Williamsburg Drive www.blowinginthewind.com 6809 Del Monte Avenue Grasping The Wind St. Louis, MO 63049 Granger, IN 46530 Richmond View, CA 94805 819-1 E. Strawbridge Avenue 636/376-6055 574/315-6231 Cape Fear Kiteboarding 510/235-5483 Melbourne, FL 32901 [email protected] www.HighLineKites.com 321/676-6926 [email protected] 6402 E. Oak Island Drive www.graspingthewind.com Wind Wizards Oak Island, NC 28465 Into The Blue IOWAIOWAIOWA 673 State Hwy 165 910/201-4002 Hawaiian Kiteworks www.capefearkiteboarding.com 11101 S.R. 1 Midwest Kites Building #30, Suite 4 5250 International Drive, Pt. Reyes Station, CA 94956 3566 Heatherton Drive South Branson, MO 65616 Box 1046 Kites Unlimited - Atlantic Beach 415/663-1147 Davenport, IA 52804 417/334-4463 Orlando, FL 32819 Atlantic Station Shopping Center www.into-theblue.com 563/823-8337 www.windwizards.com 407/363-9050 PO Box 2278 www.midwestkites.com Kite Flite Of San Diego www.hawaiiankiteworks.com MONTANA Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 Seaport Village 252/247-7011 Kites Incorporated KANSASKANSASKANSAS Wagntale Kites www.kitesunlimitednc.com San Diego, CA 92101 P. O. Box 365 619/234-KITE 611 Ponte Vedra Lakes Bl. #2001 Kansas Kite Connection th Choteau, MT 59422 www.kiteflitesd.com Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 1806 16 Street Kitty Hawk Kites 904/280-2226 Great Bend, KS 67530-4110 408/466-5483 PO Box 1839 www.wagntalekites.com Lou Lassabatere – www.kitesinc.com 316/792-6549 Nags Head, NC 27959 Kiting Accessories 800/334-4777 73-315 Country Club Dr. #193 Kitesville USA Wind Heaven NEBRASKA www.kittyhawk.com Palm Desert, CA 92260 405 Gulf Boulevard 10939 East Harry Breeze Chasers Online Kites 760/776-5807 Indian Rocks Beach, FL 34635 Wichita, KS 67207 402/477-0794 OHIOOHIOOHIO 800/445-6902 877/604-WIND www.breezechasers.com Amoka Windsurfing Kites www.kitesville.com Second Wind www.windheaven.com 4703 Lose Road 1805 Hwy 1 Picture Pretty Kites Monclova, OH 43542 Kite World th Bodega Bay, CA, 94923 Wind Wizards 6512 N. 44 Street 419/878-6009 109 S. Miramar Ave., Hwy A1A rd 707/875-WIND 33525 W. 143 Street Omaha, NE 68112 www.amoka.com Indialantic, FL 32903 [email protected] Gardner, KS 66030 877/453-4970 800/431-5170 913/856-5177 www.pictureprettykites.com Coolest Toys On Earth www.kiteworld.com Sport Kites International www.windwizards.com 314 Main Street 20505 Yorba Linda Blvd. #800 NEVADANEVADANEVADA Milford, OH 45150 Kitty Hawk Kites of Florida Yorba Linda, CA 92886 MAINEMAINEMAINE 513/831-8697 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy #101 A Wind Of Change 714/970-2833 www.coolesttoysonearth.com Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Cricket’s Corner 3870 West Russell Road [email protected] 850/796-0102 41 Shore Road Las Vegas, NV 89118 Flaggs U.S.A. [email protected] Ogunquit, ME 03907 702/736-1476 Up, Up, & Away Kites 207/646-2261 www.awindofchange.com 2088 Raeburn Avenue 1391/2 Main Street [email protected] Cincinnati, OH 45014 Seal Beach, CA 90740 513/939-3524 562/596-7661 [email protected] www.upupandawaykites.com

18 KITING | SPRING ’07 Just Add Wind Kites PENNSYLVANIA Pat ‘n Eddie’z Four Winds Kite Shop 10019 Washington Church Rd. 8804 Colonial Drive 1911 Broadway AUSTRALIA Air Affairs Miamisburg, OH 45342 Austin, TX 78758 Everett, WA 98201 Kitepower Australia 107 Chelsea Road 937/572-3252 512/837-4371 425/339-9334 126 Beach Street Hatboro, PA 19040 [email protected] www.patneddiez.com www.fourwindskites.com Coogee, Sydney NSW 2034 215/672-1470 293 157894 The Potter House Rainbows 4 Sail Gasworks Park Kite Shop www.kitepower.com.au B and C Creations 108 South Main Street 980 Gibb Rd. 3420 Stone Way North 215 Kerrick Road Celina, OH 45822 Waxahachie, Texas 75167 Seattle, WA 98103 Kitepower Australia Shillington, PA 19607 [email protected] 972/923-0119 206/633-4780 302 Grand Parade 610/796-1830 www.rainbows4sailkites.com www.goodwindkites.com Sans Souci www.bandccreations.com What's Up Sydney, NSW 2219 4500 Chagrin River Road Windchasers Kites Great Winds Kite Company +61 02-95296894 Burlesque Kites Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 102 E. Swordfish 312 N. 83rd Street 1670 Limeport Pike 440/247-4222 South Padre Island, TX 78597 Seattle, WA 98103 Kitepower Australia Coopersberg, PA 18036 [email protected] 956/761-7028 www.greatwinds.com 386 La Trobe Tce 610/965-0867 www.kiteshop.com Geelong VIC 3220 www.kitesonconsignment.com OKLAHOMA Hi-Flyers +61 03-52295899 WindSong Entertainments 55 Main Street Kinetic Kites Celtic Winds 114 North Austin St Pacific Beach, WA 98571 Kite Lady 6313 Willow Ridge 36 W. North Street #1 Rockport Heritage District 360/276-8377 P. O. Box 758, Bethany, OK 73008 Bethlehem, PA 18018 Rockport, TX 78382 [email protected] Willunga, SA 5172 405/722-KITE [email protected] 361/790-0011 885-562681 www.kinetickites.com www.windsongkite.com Mariah Kites Windsports & www.kitelady.com.au KitesRUs Hobbies 1482 River Road OREGON World Wind Kites 41 NE Midway Blvd #107 New Hope, PA 18938 CANADA Catch The Wind – Lincoln City 7208 McNeil Drive #204 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 215/862-6272 Boreal Kites/Gothic Design 240 SE Highway 101 Austin, TX 78729 360/240-8601 www.kitesrus.com RR #4, St Thomas, ON PO Box 973 (800) 648-8680 www.mariahkites.com N5P 3S8 Canada Lincoln City, OR 97367 512/279-8454 Kite Studio 519/775-2527 541/994-9500 www.ikite.com Ocean Kites 5555 Hamilton Blvd. [email protected] www.catchthewind.com 511 Pacific Avenue South Wescosville, PA 18106 Long Beach, WA 98631 610/395-3560 VIRGINIA Boutique au Gre du Vent Columbia River Kites 360/642-2229 www.kitebuilder.com Hang-em High Fabrics Place du Marche, LaCote 270 NE 2nd www.kitealog.com 1420 Yale Avenue L’Etang-du-Nord Irrigon, OR 97844 SETI Kites Richmond, VA 23224 Iles de la Madelaine, QC G4T 2W1 541/922-5739 Pizazz Kiteworks 21 Shirley Road 804/233-6155 418/986-5069 P. O. Box 266 Narberth, PA 19072 www.citystar.com/ www.greduvent.com Elmer's Flag & Banner, Coupeville, WA 98239 610/745-9484 hang-em-high Kites Too! 360/678-6266 www.setikites.com Boutiques Coriolis 1332 NE Broadway www.pizazzkites.com 2021 Narie-Victorin Portland, OR 97232 HQ Kites and Designs USA Windstar Kites (formerly Nova Designs) Varennes, QC J3X 1R3 800/547-8795 The Kite Shoppe 203 Ridgeway Drive 317 Great Bridge Blvd, Suite C 514/827-3163 www.kitestoo.com 2727 E. Evergreen Blvd, #D Baden, PA 15005-2423 Chesapeake, VA 23320 www.coriolis.cc Vancouver, WA 98661 724/869-4488 757/819-7951 Gomberg Kite Productions Int’l. 866/ROK-KAKU www.windstarkites.com www.hq-kites-usa.com Canadian Wind Rider P.O. Box 113 www.thekiteshoppe.com 26 Elfindale Crescent Neotsu, OR 97364 North York, ON M2J 1B5 541/996-3083 SOUTH CAROLINA Jackite, Inc. 2868 W. Landing Rd. WISCONSIN 416/497-9463 www.gombergkites.com Kites Fly’n Hi Virginia Beach, VA 23456 Aerial Stunt Kites www.canadianwindrider.com The Rainbow Market 877522-5483 121 Wrigley Drive Inland Kites 40 N. Market Street www.jackite.com Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Great Canadian Kite Company 499 Willamette Street Charleston, SC 29401 262/249-0631 4517 Harvest Green Grants Pass, OR 97526 843/577-3529 Life's A Breeze Kites www.askites.com Taber, AB T1G 1A1 541/476-8299 877/382-3956 [email protected] 2125 Staples Mill Road TENNESSEE Richmond, VA 23230 Fish Creek Kite Company www.canadiankitecompany.com East Tennessee Kites 3903 Highway 42 kitelife.com 804/358-7665 206 Woodman Street Fish Creek, WI 54212 Le Gite Du Cerf Volant 1236 N. Killingsworth Street, #3 [email protected] Athens, TN 37303 920/868-3769 935 Rte De La Seigneurie Portland, OR 97217 423745-2688 www.fishcreekkites.com Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies 503/890-0280 Sky Jewels www.etkites.com PQ G0R 4E0 www.kitelife.com 2906 Hideaway Road Fairfax, VA 22031 Gift of Wings 418/354-2182 9955 W. St. Martins Road www.legiteducerfvolant.ca Ocean Kites TEXASTEXASTEXAS 703/280-5007 Franklin, WI 53132 300 Broadway B & S Kites 414/425-8002 Seaside, OR 97138 2812 Padre Blvd., Ste. B WASHINGTON JAPANJAPANJAPAN www.giftofwings.com 503/717-0796 South Padre Island, TX 78597 7 Feathers Kites AGAIN www.kitealog.com 956/761-1248 2504 E. 25th Street Joyfull Tsurumai 1F Gift of Wings - Veterans Park www.bskites.com Vancouver, WA 98661 3-14-16 Chiyoda Naka Ku 1500 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive Phantom Star Design 360/213-7245 Nagoya, Achi 460-0012 Milwaukee, WI 53202 2818 SE 23rd Drive #C-3 Buck-N-Blue Outdoors www.7featherskites.com 52-339-3830 414/273-5483 Lincoln City, OR 97367 PO Box 2121 www.agagas.co.jp/again 541/994-7556 Alvin, TX 77512-2121 Above It All Kites GuildWorks Studio www.phantomstardesign.com 713/393-1100 312 Pacific Avenue South 2322 Atwood Avenue NETHERLANDS www.jbrau.com/bnb-01.html Long Beach, WA 98631 Madison, WI 53704 Vliegersenco Wind Dancer Unlimited 360/642-3541 608/49-2725 veenweg 34-36 19 Broadway Eden Kites www.aboveitallkites.com www.guildworks.com Deventer OV 7416BC Seaside, OR 97138 417 Chestnut Lane (570) 607946 503/717-0138 Desoto, TX 75115 AKA Store Unique Flying Objects www.vliegersenco.nl www.kitealog.com 972/489-3706 P. O. Box 1614 2022 Washington Street www.edenkites.com Walla Walla, WA 99362 Two Rivers, WI 54241 Wind Dancer Unlimited 800/AKA-2550 SCOTLAND 866/UFO-4FUN 219 N. Hemlock #A Family Fun Kites [email protected] Gentles Limited www.uniqueflyingobjects.com Cannon Beach, OR 97110 1419 N. Plaza Drive 11 Corbiehill Avenue 503/436-8612 Granbury, TX 76049 Cutting Edge Kites Edinburgh, EH4 5DT 817/573-5483 676 Ocean Shores Bl. NW +44 131-3365472 Wind Dancer Unlimited www.familyfunkites.com Ocean Shores, WA 98569 [email protected] 3905 Hwy 101, #D-42 360/289-0667 Gearhart, OR 97138 Fly It Port A www.cuttingedgekites.com 503/738-5801 405 Cut Off Road Port Aransas, TX 78373 512/749-4190

SPRING ’07 | KITING 19 Fightin’ Words by Jay Bell e all like to see kites in the technic State University, San media whether it’s in a car Jose State University, and Wadvertisement on TV, in the plot of a California State University East book, or as part of the action in a Bay have assigned their incom-

movie. In addition, we are always ing freshmen to read the book Cal Poly University looking for “hooks” to get other people and join study groups to discuss interested in our sport. Well, a fairly it’s core messages. Through the recent book included kites as a major Drachen Foundation, I was part of the storyline and is affording a fortunate enough to be asked to great opportunity to further interest in present kite workshops to kites for the general public. coincide with these book stud- ies. My artist wife, Kathy, agreed to play a major role in the “make-it” part of the workshops. competitor to be the first to contact The schools pur- the top or bottom of the other flier’s chased 30 Fusion fighter line. In the workshop, participants were kites, relatively inex- then led through the steps of reinforc- pensive North American ing, bridling, and table tuning their style fighters, designed Fusion fighters. Following this, every- by Bruce Lambert and one went to a flying field to see a produced in India. The demonstration of how fighter kites are kites come unbridled flown and have a chance to fly their and benefit from some own. Other members of the student

Cal Poly University tape reinforcement. In body, staff, faculty, and the general the workshop, partici- public were also invited to watch the The book is The Kite Runner by pants learned about fighter kites and outdoor demonstration. Khaled Hosseini, an Afghani-American the related competitions worldwide and The Kite Runner gives us the who has included fighter kites in the were shown examples of fighters from opportunity to see kites in the media plot. Early chapters of the book tell of a wide variety of countries. They were and get others interested in our sport. Amir, a well-to-do young person in also told about competitions in other And it’s not over yet. San Jose State Afghanistan and his servant/friend, countries, which often includes flying University received permission to Hassan. One aspect of their relation- medium to large sized fighters on long produce a play based on the book, to be ship is Amir’s skill at cutting other glass-coated lines. The goal is to cut performed in late February and early fighter kites out of the sky in competi- the lines of the other fliers, until one’s March 2007. And Dreamworks is turning tion matched with Hassan’s skill at kite is the only one in the sky. It was the book into a movie to be released in running after the falling kites as then explained how fighter kites have November 2007, with considerable trophies for Amir. One fateful day, Amir morphed in North America to use technical advice from our kiting has won a contest and Hassan has run smaller kites, on shorter uncoated lines community’s own Basir Beria. Read the down the last fighter kite cut out of the against a single opponent at a time. book, see the movie, and use both to sky by Amir. At this point, Amir wit- The goal in North America is for each further our sport. nesses a confrontation between Hassan and some cruel boys. Amir is faced with deciding how to respond and, in doing so, discovers one of the book’s primary messages: “A decision at a fork in life’s road can have a lasting impact on a person’s life and the lives of others.” Based on the popularity of the book and it’s focus on a variety of social, political, and psychological aspects, some communities and colleges have chosen to employ it as a centerpiece for community-wide and/or campus-wide book studies. In central California, California Poly-

20 KITING | SPRING ’07 Kites In Afghanistan, Part 2 by Elizabeth Ames thought I had had a bad day. Things and women putting their had not gone well at work, and I lives on the line daily, in a Iarrived home completely drained and foreign land, taking the discouraged. Trying desperately to time to fly a flag for us, come up with something to fix for when all we had done was dinner and looking at the overflowing send a few kites their way. laundry basket, I paid little attention to Such a small thing we did, the package on the counter. The self- such a big thing that they study books I had ordered must have do, and they’re thanking us! arrived. Great, the last thing I wanted Talk about putting things in do was something else related to work. perspective. Strengthened I was in the back of the house when by their grateful attitude, I Harold asked if I remembered when we continued the rest of the had sent the kites to Afghanistan. It evening, humbled, thankful, was a couple of months ago. Oh no, I and renewed in my own thought. We must have addressed it courage. incorrectly and that package must be We, in turn, want to the returned kites just now getting thank Jim Hodges of Sky back to us. “You need to come open Jewels Kite Shop. When we this,” he said. Huh? Curious, I headed told him that we wanted to back to the kitchen. send kites to Afghanistan, The return label indicated a Scott he sold us the kites at his Sinclair and an APO address. Was that cost and sent a number of the same person to whom we had kites on his own. We mailed the kites? Opening the package, couldn’t have done it I was immediately overcome. An without him.

We salute those men and women whose character shines so brightly in the face of adversity. Should you like to send some kites, the address is: Chris R. Toner, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Commanding Department of the Army Task Force Catamount, 2-87 Infantry Forward Operating Base Orgun, Afghanistan APO, AE 09354

American flag, folded in crisp military manner, lay inside. Under- neath was a handwritten note from Captain Scott Sinclair on behalf of Lieutenant Colonel Chris R. Toner, Commanding Officer, and Com- mand Sergeant Major Jose Vega, thanking us for the kites we had sent. Along with the flag was the certificate indicating that the enclosed flag had flown over the Army base at Orgun-E, Afghani- stan, in our honor. Wow, I thought I had had a rough day. Here were these men

SPRING ’07 | KITING 21 KiteShip Gains Traction On Water photos courtesy of KiteShip Corp./ David Culp

record-seeking speed sailboat, to an English kite manufac- turer in 1978. Since then, he’s designed and built several high-speed sailboats that utilized kites instead of traditional spinnakers. Teaming up with kite traction pioneer Dean Jordan, the fledgling KiteShip Corporation’s efforts brought them to New Zealand in 2002. During practice for the Louis Vuitton Cup (the regatta used to select the challenger for the America’s Cup), Team Oracle shocked the staid yachting community by popping out a KiteShip-designed kitesail. Although it was more psychological warfare than anything (the kite was never used in actual racing), a corner had been turned. Yacht racers hardly blink at VLFFS anymore, and KiteShip’s brand of Outleader kites are now distributed worldwide for offshore racing. Along the way, the Califor- nia-based KiteShip bagged a pair of Guinness world records. On December 6, 2004, they used a 420 m2 (4521 ft2) kite to propel an 18,740 pound yacht near Sydney, Australia, f you could cut 30% off of what you pay at the pump every the largest kite I year, would you? Would you shave a third off your biggest ever used to pull utility bill each month? And would you be willing to fly a kite a vehicle of any to do it? kind. Two years Dave Culp is. Only he’s flying Very Large Free Flying Sails previous, they (VLFFS), and he’s trying to do it from gas-guzzlers like oil were recognized tankers, cargo ships, and cruise liners. The UC-Davis and for pulling the Dean Jordan, Kiteship’s Vice Stanford-educated engineer and boatbuilder recognized that largest vessel of President and chief technician commercial shipping companies spend a small fortune on fuel any kind with a costs, and that the high-sulphur fuel they burn is some of the kite, when a 70 dirtiest on the planet. A University of Delaware study found m2 (750 ft2) kite the world’s trade fleet uses 280 million tons of fuel annually, pulled a 55,115 double the amount used by all of Germany. The answer, Culp pound America’s thinks, lies with a clean, time-tested solution: kite power. Cup class yacht at Powering ships with wind is nothing new, of course. a speed of seven Englishman George Pocock was powering carriages in 1826, knots for 45 and Samuel Cody kitesailed the English Channel in 1903. But minutes at traditional sailing ships are limited by simple physics: it’s Auckland, New impossible to build a mast tall enough to take advantage of Zealand. More stronger winds higher up. Sailing ships also have high labor recently, KiteShip costs, and their masts make dockside unloading by crane took first prize in challenging. Internal combustion’s consistency let ships run the Transporta- on tighter schedules at higher speeds, unplagued by dol- tion category of drums, storms, and shortages of mast-height trees. the California So what makes windpower attractive again? Besides the Clean Tech Open, rising cost of petroleum, and tighter governmental pollution an entrepreneur- regulations, modern materials have allowed the creation of ial competition jumbo kites that can fly high above boats. for new environ- Culp sold his first design effort, a 30' kite-powered world mentally-friendly

22 KITING | SPRING ‘07 technologies. The next step was to go really big. Culp and the Navy-educated Jordan began looking at ways to power larger vessels. Kites had obvious financial advantages. First, they can be used in tandem with engines, creating a sort of nautical Prius that uses between 10 and 35 percent less fuel. But they can also be easily retrofitted onto existing ships. There’s no need to build new kite-powered ships, or even to attach masts to old ones; KiteShip’s sails can be attached to older ships with minimum cost. A German company, SkySails, is now actively testing kites of 80 to 160 m2 aboard an 800 ton buoy tender, the MS Beaufort. The test vessel has reached speeds of 5 knots under kite power alone. With financial backing from the German government and SkySails European Union, SkySails is aiming for the European-dominated commercial cargo shipping market. KiteShip has a different idea: cruise ships. As soon as this summer, KiteShip and Adventurer Cruise Ships will use an 8000 ft2 kite to power the 187-foot-long, 924 ton Adventurer 2. And the two companies are already looking at the flagship, the 650’ Big Red Boat II, all 38,000 tons of her. But why stop at just Planet Earth? Culp would like to move from big red boats to small red planets. KiteShip is exploring ways to power remote-operated vehicles on the surface of Mars. Tethered flight could give scientists better oppor- tunities to expand the range of a The German company SkySails Mars Rover. And from there it’s a tests a kite on the 800 ton MS small step to using solar sails to Beaufort in the North Sea. make the leap to interstellar travel. Alexa King

SPRING ’07 | KITING 23 Q&A with KiteShip’s Dave Culp

Kiting: Why wind power? It hasn’t been practical since the know each other well, and found that we shared not only days of the Cutty Sark, right? similarly twisted senses of humor, but also an unshakable Dave Culp, President, KiteShip Corporation: Wind has moved belief in the future of large traction kiting. Dean came cargo for humanity for more than 5000 years. Sure there’s aboard KiteShip Corporation full-time in 2002, is now full been a 100-year hiatus while oil was cheap, but those days partner and a major shareholder in the organization. may be ending. Surprisingly, the “age of sail” did not end because wind ships were slow, or labor intensive. The difference was scheduling; a clipper ship might arrive at market weeks earlier than her powered counterpart, but she also might arrive later. It was punctuality, the ability to sail to a rigid schedule, where powered ships drove wind ships to extinction. Modern vessels carry engines and sails both, and use their sails when they can, throttling back to save enough fuel to more than pay for the sailing rig.

Were you a sailor first, or a kiteflier? And when did you put the two together? My background is sailing; the first kite I flew as an adult was designed to pull an early amphibious kite buggy. My educa- Dave Culp, President of KiteShip tion and early interest was in sail craft design and construc- tion. Early on I got interested in high speed, high powered sailboats. I saw kites as a clever way to make sailing rigs Is working with Oracle on the Louis Vuitton Cup your non-heeling, thus potentially more powerful than “regular” biggest venture into kitesailing so far? sails. I literally had an “ah-ha!” moment at a boat show, We were honored to land the contract from Oracle — to when I realized the comprehensive advantages kites have invent a race-legal spinnaker sail which was also a free-flying over sails as regards their potential power, lack of weight kite. The sail not only had to be legally a “spinnaker,” it also and simplicity. That there was an entire sport of stunt kiting had to be a true kite, flying free of the boat on multiple lines was of little interest to me, beyond that it provided ready- with complete control. Oh, and it had to beat anything its made kites suitable for pulling boats! size in any waters, despite more than 150 years of continual development of conventional spinnakers, by the best and Dean Jordan has a long and colorful history in kiting and highest paid sailmakers on the planet. We had eight weeks the AKA. What’s his role in this project? to do this. We eventually built a kite capable of full stunting I met Dean through intermediaries, Andrew Beattie and Cory control, plus major depower, plus a simplified method of Jensen. I was working with an investor to develop bigger and launch and recovery, unassisted in deep water during a major bigger kites for sail boats and needed a kite designer/builder sailboat race. In two-boat testing against professional sailors to build a 30 m2 foil kite. Dean had the combination of skill, aboard identical boats, we consistently beat them for boat knowledge and “can-do” attitude I was looking for, so we speed. Dean and I developed this new kite into a business hired him to build a kite. His only stipulation was that he be building and selling racing kites for conventional yacht included in the first testing of his kite. In this way, we got to racing. In the last 2½ years, we have sold more than $300,000 worth of racing kites through distributors all over the world, including a world record 420 m2 (4500 ft2) kite, the largest traction kite ever built. In a contract to investigate the potential for ancient kites being used for construction (on land), we also created what we believe may be the largest 100% silk kite ever built, at 980 ft2.

And how do you go from racing yachts to putting sails on cruise ships and cargo vessels? Racing yacht kites were always meant to be a bridge to ship- pulling. Oracle gave us the opportunity to move from 300 ft2 kites to 5000 ft2 kites at a single stroke, and building a business doing so helps to pay the bills. KiteShip has always planned to build 50,000 ft2 kites for ships. Our name is our mission statement. In the 1980s and early ‘90s the technol- ogy was there, but materials science largely wasn’t (these were the days of dacron flying lines and fiberglass spars, remember?). More to the point, a surge of interest in wind ships from the early 1980’s was dashed—with disastrous

24 KITING | SPRING ‘07 results to many businesses and investors — when the bottom dropped out of oil prices in 1982. As time passed and our “hobby” continued, it came to me that the last pieces were falling into place; kevlar and spectra lines and reinforcements, and carbon fiber spars and battens were bringing the potential for very large, strong and very lightweight structures into the realm of possibility. Computer power became affordable, and then dirt cheap. Exceedingly clever designers like Bruno Legaignoux and Peter Lynn were discovering simple and elegant control systems requiring less than tons of brute force to steer giant kites. All that needed to fall into place was a financial “business space”; an opportunity for wind power to become financially feasible against petroleum engines, and we’d have a chance to prove just how much stronger and cheaper kite power could be. It is apparent that these times are upon us. Today there is huge financial pressure to reduce the cost of sea transportation. Fuel purchases have become the largest portion of the operating costs for the 90,000 ships on the world’s oceans, topping more than 2 billion gallons in 2006.

5000 m2! You’re the anti-Sotich! How much power are we talking about? A 5,000 m2 kite will cover an American football field. It is nearly ten times the wing area of a 747 airliner. A kite this size, in strong winds, will generate more than 100 tons of pull. We will use 2" diameter spectra mooring cables as flying line.

The German government has invested in the SkySails project. Do you see the American government helping in the development of kitepower? European and American governments work markedly differently in their support of new technology. We have had good success applying for—and winning—US Government contracts for R&D work; results of which we’ve readily repurpose to kite sailing. We’ve been invited to apply for more of the same. The US Navy, for instance, is determined to reduce its petro- leum use, and kite power for its vast fleet of support ships is one place they and Congress, are taking a hard look at even today.

The auto industry has used the racing world as a testing ground for new technologies that eventually find their way into production-model cars. The kinds of kites you’re building obviously require some special- ized, high strength materials. Do you foresee some trickle down from what you’re doing into the realm of everyday kiteflying? We are developing materials sciences and techniques for making very large kites light and strong. At the same time we are developing very large shapes which are self-supporting, without inflated chambers or other spars of any sort. Both these concepts may find use in smaller kites, but prob- ably not in their present form. We do expect a certain amount of ”filter down” to yacht-sized kites, and look forward to the day when yachts shed their old-fashioned masts and kites take their rightful place as sole power for nearly all sailboats. Greg Bethel’s guardian angel

Kites on Mars... what are your plans for kiting beyond this planet? Today we’re focusing on Earth ocean kiting, but we see kiting opportuni- ties in space as well. Mars is windy, and wind-powered exploration robots are already in the works. We want to build a robotic kite buggy, which could solve the twin problems of tipping over (hard to right a land sailer without people!) and of comprehensive course control. To this end we are designing new types of self-launching kites able to take the harsh realities of Martian deserts, and buggies which can continue on either right side up or upside down. KiteShip is also looking at “twin foil” kiting; using the different velocity of air (and other planetary atmosphere!) at different altitudes to connect two kites together with a very long tether, capable of sailing far above the ground. This technology has applications from maintaining the position of high-altitude radio and telephone transmission airshipsA unique to creationthe exploration by Russ of Faulk gas giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn.

SPRING ‘07 | KITING 25 KKKKITEITEITE HH ISTORYISTORYISTORY Giant Kites of Guatemala by Renea Nelson hile visiting the village of Sumpango, Guatemala, in W 2003, to investigate their Dia de los Santos kite tradition, the Drachen Foundation found a kitemaking culture steeped in tradition and pride, as the Mayan Indian culture continues their tradition in kiting. The giant kites of Guatemala, or barriletes gigantes, are a labor of the plight of the Indians. The tradition can be

tracked to the end of the 1400s, when they made and flew Jose Sainz - Drachen Foundation their kites to honor their ancestors and rid the area of evil spirits on All Saints’ Day. They now create and fly their kites to show pride in their Mayan Indian heritage and send a quiet protest to the government that regulates and neglects Indian culture, as the government imposes barriers on Indian language, religious practice, and tradition. Up to 40 feet in diameter, these circular kites are made of hand cut pieces of colored tissue paper, arranged and glued to “construct” a story. Each kite is composed of thousands of tissue papers and gallons of white glue, costing around four hundred dollars to construct. Villagers travel to the south coast of Guatemala to collect bamboo for spars; wire and rope hold the kites together. Groups of Sumpango residents collaborate to make each kite. The standard ten foot kite takes 15 people up to a month and a half to design, create, and assemble, depending on how complicated the design is. The designs show the importance of Mayan traditional life — a mother braiding her daughter’s hair, people working their land, women in traditional clothing as colorful as the kites. The words communicate their troubles, one exclaim- ing, “Respect our lives, it’s the basis of peace.” Others object to government atrocities. The pieces photographed here are among only about 1,000 kites that have been completed in Sumpango over the last 65 years. Most of these kites are still stored in homes throughout the village. After viewing the kite tradition in Sumpango in 2003, the Drachen Foundation wanted to incorporate some of these kites into their collection for the purpose of exhibition to educate others about the tradition and plight of the Mayans. Though this village does not typically sell their kite artifacts, as they are considered village property, the foundation was honored with three kites to incorpo- rate into its collection. After the kites reached DF offices, director Ali Fujino spent a number of hours devising a way to make these delicate treasures safe and capable of travel and display. A paper backing was applied to reinforce the kite sails for durability. In place of bamboo spars, wooden dowels were used as

Ali Fujino - Drachen Foundation a way to “break down” the sparring system for travel. In the past four years, these kites have been exhibited in the halls of many area community libraries, schools and museums, many times in conjunction with a lecture and Guatemalan children’s kite making work- shops. They are beginning to show wear, but the cultural awareness and appreciation for Mayan heritage that they supply far exceeds any desire to keep them pristine. In the fall of 2006, a team from the Drachen Foundation again traveled again to the village of Sumpango, this time to document the Day of the Saints celebration and the giant tissue paper kites. At a gathering of nearly 50,000 Indian residents (and a few foreigners,) Drachen was able to interview and visit with kitemakers about the celebrations. Even more apparent than the first visit was the use of these kites as a “billboard” of communication to the government, as these works of art and protest proudly proclaim, “the persecution of the Mayan Indian is not OK.” Detail of a kite. Endeavoring to maintain interest in these kites will ensure the con-

26 KITING | SPRING ’07 Sumpango kitemakers at work. Jose Sainz - Drachen Foundation Jose Sainz - Drachen Foundation

tinuance of the tradition of kite making in Guatemala, as Sumpango kitemakers strive for awareness. As one Guate- malan kitemaker expressed, “It’s the only thing I can think of that permits me to revisit my Indian culture, combining my mind and my soul and my skills.” In his article “Mayan Kite Fliers Send Aloft a Message of Pride,” Jerry Large of the Seattle Times wrote, “When kites fly in Sumpango, the people who make them soar, too.”

Maggie Vohs SPRING ’07 | KITING 27 VVVVOICESOICESOICES FF ROMROMROM TT HEHEHE VV AULTAULTAULT Bill Lockhart by Patti Gibbons he halls of academia are tradition- As a child, Bill occasionally found T ally dotted with some pomp, a little kite patterns in Boys’ Life magazine circumstance, splashes of ivy, along and amused himself with handmade with heavy doses of lab assignments kites. He preferred parafoils like the and long-winded lectures. Kite strings, Sutton flow form kite because the ripstop nylon, leading edges, and stick-less design was handy and readily handmade reels just don’t find a ready transportable. The neighborhood kids place in most visions of college life sometimes tired of simply sending kites and higher education —unless Bill up to zig zag across the sky and turned Lockhart is doing the grading. Studio to kite experimentation. At about age art and design professor emeriti Bill nine or ten, Bill built a barn door kite Lockhart nurtured many young minds complete with a long tail. They twisted and later found kite tutorials to be an kerosene-soaked cotton wads around ideal blackboard to convey his lessons. the tail and before the kite ascended After college, Bill taught elemen- out of reach, they lit the tail. tary art school classes. With solid Spellbinding perhaps, but recalling teaching experience under his belt, Bill this adventure with adult vision makes went off to grad school in Pennsylvania, Bill shudder and realize some lucky but his roots brought him home. He fortune watched over his juvenile joined the faculty at Texas Tech Univer- follies. Their small town of 250 didn’t sity and shared his love of art, sculp- have a fire department, and if that ture, and metalworking with the aerial fire ball had tumbled down Drachen Foundation generations of college students inter- it would have “…burned the whole darn he knew he wouldn’t invent a new kite ested in learning studio arts. Bill town down, but as a kid I never form, but with his art background he enjoyed his calling and “I thought I thought of a kite coming down.” knew he could make visually interesting would teach until I had to retire, but Bill grew out of childhood without objects. His direction wasn’t invention when I got involved with kites I decided incidents of mayhem and infernos and but rather creative exploration on a to retire early.” tucked kite memories in a sweet place new type of blank canvas. Bill didn’t disappear completely in his young heart. He didn’t think Something about the media suits from campus life once kitelines much about kite flying or building for Bill, and he’s managed to marry his love snagged him. Teaching, learning and many years until his granddaughter of aviation, building, and visual arts sharing are as much a part of him as was born. To broaden her childhood together to create unique and well-built creating and kite flying. Well into playtime adventures beyond the kites. “I want a kite that looks good, retirement, Bill continues to teach. For dollhouse, Bill bought her a kite. They has my mark or thumbprint on it. I years he lead the country’s only gradu- enjoyed flying together and soon the want a kite that flies exceptionally well ate level kitemaking course. Reflecting teacher in Bill pulled out the craft and looks great in the sky. I mean on his early retirement, “I don‘t think I supplies for an impromptu kite building that is what I try to do.” Bill enjoys ever left teaching…[in kiting] you are lesson. While she enjoyed their kiting creating kite “families” where each still working with people, you are still romps, kites lured Bill beyond recre- kite is different but shares a color, sharing what you know.” ational enjoyment and sparked a new pattern, or visual theme with those in chapter in his life. its group. These visual relatives please Bill, “I like this, it is sort of mine.” The Bill was windswept and after a only downside is, “Every time I build a stop in a kite shop in Houston, kite, the real problem comes when I he was officially agog with the think of a 100 others I could be build- Drachen Foundation technological advancements in ing. I think of variations and I some- modern kite building. Fiber- times have to force myself to finish glass rods and ripstop nylon this one.” boggled Bill and set his design As an artist Bill worked to promote wheels in motion. Excitedly, his art in galleries and exhibitions. he’d opened new doors and set With his kites, Bill hasn’t knocked out to learn all he could about himself out to get show billings. modern kitemaking. Initially Bill “Unless you are hanging it in the sky budgeted six months to learn all and it has air in it, it’s not worth a there is to know about kites. dang anywhere else. No matter how From the outset of his research great the kites are on the wall, they do

28 KITING | SPRING ’07 not show like they do when they are in Skinner as the consummate kite the sky. I guess I haven’t been overly coach, noting that he encourages concerned with the exhibition of kites newcomers, and “finds something as I have worried to fly the kites.” interesting in their kite, encour- Similar to his feelings for public ages them to keep building…I see adulation and display, Bill doesn’t so much of that [on the flying weigh kite competitions too heavily fields].” either. “Competition is great if you The warm feelings Bill kindled win but if you don’t, what the heck.” at AKA conventions soon encour- Bill’s ego is in check and he under- aged him to attend international stands that judging is subjective. kite events and he found that he Winning doesn’t excite him, but greatly enjoys meeting fliers from creating and having a place to bring around the world. “People I con- his creations to does. “I have one goal sider close friends live in China. I with my kites. I want to show up each don’t speak their language and they year with new and exciting kites. As don’t speak mine. The only lan- long as I do that I have had the kind of guage we talk is kites and we can exhibit exposure that I want.” appreciate each other’s kites and Kite building competitions lured appreciate flying together … Kiting Bill into organized kiting, but meeting has opened that kind of world. It is people and their kites tops the list of a fraternity, a family, there’s reasons Bill stays active in kiting. something about it that makes it “When I got into kites, I didn’t know really great.” there were a lot of people in kiting Globetrotting has brought Bill who never built kites, in fact I would friendship and warmed his heart, judge that serious kite builders were but it also lead to the creation of probably only 25%” of the AKA conven- the world’s greatest kite workshop. tion attendees. In Bill’s early trips to While on a trip to Malaysia with AKA conventions he focused on compe- Betty Street, overseas fliers wanted titions, but eventually began to look to get the two American fliers to forward to the conventions for social teach western kitemaking work- reasons. “There are a few people in shops. Betty suggested that inter- kiting that I wish did something else, ested parties make their way to but there’s still an awful lot of great Junction, Texas, for a comprehen- people in kiting that give a lot of sive workshop. The idea was a themselves not for political or other homerun. The first Junction gain, but because they enjoy giving to International Kite Retreat drew people.” The teacher in Bill naturally about 50 people and some of the enjoys seeing people taking time to subsequent retreats needed to limit show newcomers the ropes and is attendance to about 125 people. forever impressed with the open and For a decade, Bill and Betty led helpful spirit that surfaces on the kitemaking sessions and coached convention flying fields. “People take attendees on ways to tap time to help somebody they don’t their creative cores. Junction know, not because they are important attracted many repeat students, or because their kite is great.” Atop a perhaps because it “is a very long list of heroes, Bill points to Scott special place to work—isolated and a great place to fly.” For Bill, kite flying and this sort of outdoor serenity is essential to his emotional well-being. “Nature became a very important part of my life in the sense that I can be locked up in concrete for so long, but I know I have to be outdoors too. If I don’t, I lose what little sanity I’ve got.” For him, kiting is connective and transcendental. “When I fly my kite the earth, the sky and I are one.” Drachen Foundation

SPRING ’07 | KITING 29 Long Beach, WA Windless Kite Festival January 13-14, 2007

read all about it in the Region Nine report on Scott Davis page 47 Jennifer Brown

photos by Christopher Spence

Alan Cunningham

Wayne Turner

Wayne Turner Dick Curran

30 KITING | SPRING ’07 Sailwinds East by Jeff King Kelly Mayhew

Dennis Hawley adds to the menagerie.

scenic river. A berm between the sky — large, small, single-, double-,

Kelly Mayhew the flying areas provided a and quad-lines — punctuated by equally great place to set up some of colorful ground displays. The organizers the big ground displays and kites we did a nice job with this event. It’s a uite a few WOWsters and know and love. nice venue with clean facilities avail- Q RAFsters made it to Maryland’s No surprise, the octopoda were the able, a food vendor was on site all day, Eastern Shore on October 15th for the stars of the day. Kelly Mayhew and there was kite building for the kids, First Sailwinds East Kite Festival in Dennis Hawley were there with “Olo”, and they even provided a few trophies Cambridge. The Dorchester Office of and Jeff Burka had “Bob” in the air, for some informal competitions (most Tourism-sponsored festival was held at too. The two colorful octopus kites unique, longest kite, and stunt kite Sailwinds East Park on the Choptank flown one above the other were a flying). River, a small but lovely venue for spectacular sight and a big hit with The stunt kite flying competition flying. If you’ve ever driven east on everyone at the festival, as were the was very informal; just fly your kite for Route 50 to Ocean City, you’ve likely other big and colorful kites in the air. two minutes and have fun! Jeff King seen the park and the tell-tale sail-like Also a welcome addition to any won the competition, with Evelyn canopy for the Visitors Center as you kiting event, Jim Hodges and Barbara Rossbach and Charlie Mohr taking crossed the Choptank River Bridge. (Sky Jewels) had their booth set up to second and third, respectively. It was The winds were a bit up and down sell kites and had good sales for the an informal “competition”, to be sure, but the sun was out and the sky was day. Jim Cosca set up a large Premier but also quite fun! blue, making for a gorgeous and banner display and joined in the flying, The Tourism Office hopes this will enjoyable fall day to be outdoors flying putting a double delta conyne, as well be an annual event (so do we!). In fact, and taking in the beautiful views on the as a giant eel and alligator in the air. turn out was so good for this one that He also did quite a bit of sport next year they’re holding two events! kite flying, including some pairs flying with Sue

Lennon. Kelly Mayhew As with most any kite festival or fun fly, a variety of kites filled

Cecilia and Mike Dallmer Jeff Burka reels in an eel. Kelly Mayhew Sky Jewels is open for business!

SPRING ‘07 | KITING 31 KAPiCA/06 by David Deiderich s a relatively new KAPer, I was graphs indicated that the project was a A excited to attend the 2006 interna- great success. Next, Ron Klein displayed tional convention of kite aerial photog- his photograph, shot using an exact raphy. From October 29 to November replica of Lawrence’s 22" x 55" pan-

2, a group of 44 kite aerial photogra- oramic camera. Due to the size and Pierre Lesage phers from 15 states and eight coun- weight of the special single-shot tries gathered for KAPiCA/06. Orga- camera, it was determined that a KAP nized by Brooks Leffler and Peter Bults, system could not be used and a helicop- this year’s event was held at the ter was used instead. beautiful Asilomar Conference Center, Henry Jebe displayed a handbuilt in Pacific Grove, California. scaled down replica of the Lawrence Things kicked off with presenta- circuit camera. Everyone marveled tions detailing two approaches to over the craftsmanship and detail of recreating a famous kite aerial photo- the camera. Henry hoped to fly the graph, “San Francisco in Ruins.” The camera during the convention, but light photo, taken in 1906 by George winds prevented it. Lawrence, depicted San Francisco On the second day, Professor James shortly after the devastating earth- Aber from Emporia State University quake and fire. Scott Haefner provided presented his KAP studies of the details of his recreation of Lawrence’s Cheyenne Bottoms wetlands in central panorama using a custom-rigged 35mm Kansas and peat bogs in Estonia. His camera suspended from a rokkaku. KAP provided a new aerial perspective Working from a boat in the middle of that had not been previously seen by San Francisco Bay, Scott was able to local scientists. Professor Charles Henry Jebe’s historic replica successfully re-shoot the photograph Benton of the University of California using contemporary kite aerial photog- detailed his hidden ecologies research raphy techniques. A side by side com- project. This included vividly colored parison of the 1906 and 2006 photo- photographs of various salt evaporation Brooks Leffler

The KAPiCA/06 crew gathers in Asilomar.

ponds in San Francisco Bay. without alarming the whales. The variations in color and All of the attendees were in awe of texture were fascinating and the beautiful KAP shown by Pierre Brooks Leffler beautiful. Lesage. Pierre is fortunate enough to Oceanographer and whale live and work in some of the most photographer Oscar Frey beautiful locations like Tahiti and Bora presented his research on Bora, and he uses his KAP to promote humpback whale behavior in tourism to these destinations. the Mexican Pacific. Specifi- A slideshow of images by profes- cally, his interest was the sional photographer Michael Melford reactions of humpback whales included the first kite aerial photograph with boats conducting whale that will be published in National watch tours. His KAP provided Geographic. Michael also shared tips a unique aerial perspective to on photographic techniques and pro- study the interaction of whales cessing of image files. and tourists. Oscar com- The third day was devoted to KAP Dave Wheeler demonstrates his mented that KAP allowed him equipment. Peter Van Erkel shared his fashionable lime green KAP rig. Su-to take low level photographs extensive knowledge of battery types, san 32 KITINGand | David SPRING ’07 Gomberg inside the MegaFlag. power supplies and chargers. James up the kite line. Gentles used several picavet designs Not to be outdone by his and weights to demonstrate the advan- brother, Oliver Humez demon- Mike Jones tages and disadvantages of various strated an ambitious project design configurations. Next, Simon that he calls a “Web Server WIFI Harbord gave a brief history of Linux KAP Rig.” His complex rig autoKAP. Topics ranged from included full remote control and rubberband triggered rigs to electronic a video downlink that could be rigs. Simon also demonstrated pole controlled from any web-based aerial photography using a lightweight computer. Everyone in the room carbon fiber fishing pole. The pole was with a laptop logged on and a big hit with the crowd. started taking photos from his Brooks Leffler briefly discussed rig. Someday, it may be pos- various kite lines, handles, gloves and sible for anyone with access to tails. Peter Bults shared his knowledge the Internet to remotely control of KAP kites including modifying Sutton a KAP rig halfway around the Flowforms for KAP. Among the other world. Finally, Scott Armitage KAP kites highlighted were the rokakku exhibited his incredible rig, built and dopero. with extremely lightweight but strong carbon fiber/kevlar components. The computer-

Simon Harbord controlled rig was fully automated, including battery moni- Bonjour Pierre Lesage! tor, wind speed indicator and a video downlink. A modified Game Boy is used to control the rig. James Aber was awarded first place for the best kite aerial photograph taken during the event. His panorama photograph closely resembled another George Lawrence photograph of the Pacific Grove coastline. The final day of Pierre Lesage meetings included Art Haseltine sets up on the beach. severalErin films post-Scott As the day progressed, the com- Spencerprocessing flying discussions.the Rainbow plexity of the rig designs increased. stuntScott kites. Haefner described how David Wheeler demonstrated a very he makes bubble panora- cool, circular, lime green KAP rig. mas, Michael Melford David’s complex design incorporated a explained raw image microcomputer to take multi-shot processing and Carlo Didier panorama photos while automatically discussed working with keeping the rig level. While still under Photoshop CS. development, the rig has great poten- Overall KAPiCA/06 was a tial. huge success. The outstand- Jean Christophe Humez demon- ing images shown at the strated an ingenious design that was convention inspired us all to capable of locking the camera onto get outside and go KAPing. several targets. His tabletop demon- Our thanks go out to Brooks stration utilizing a toy house, car and Leffler and Peter Bults, and clown was amazing. His second design all the other folks who wasErin capable Edeiken of remotely models atriggering classic the organized this event. camerat-shirt shutter at the by auction. transmitting a sound Pierre Lesage’s view of Santa Cruz.

SPRING ’07 | K ITING 33 Oregon Kitemakers Retreat January brought the 14th Oregon Kitemakers Retreat to Rockaway Beach. Classes this year included Dave Butler’s miniature cellular kite, Brian Champie’s Sentinel, puppy chew toy line laundry by David Ellis, the Rockaway Bikini from John Freeman (look for the plan for this kite in a future issue of Kiting!), fish and frog windsocks by Larry and Cheryl Gleckner, Sonny Hamner’s indoor diamond, Sam Kings’s Tri-D delta, Sharon Musto’s dreamcatcher kite, the Korean wave train by Cliff Pennell, Barry Poulter’s Fire Star Hex, a lesson in basic kite building from Gerry Pennell, and the Nappo-Nuva (fea- tured in the Retreat’s logo) by Germany’s Holm Struck. Check www.kitemakersretreat.com for the scoop on 2008’s retreat. photos by Sharon Musto and Judy Brown

First-timers Jason Cross and Amy Doran did beautiful work on Sonny Hamner’ David Harper learned to s diamond. . build this Fire star Hex from Barry Poulter Scott Hartley with his dreamcatcher kite.

Sam King and his students, Marzlie and John Freeman.

Holm Struck taught Deb Cooley Brian Champie with his pupil to make a Nappo-Nuva. Amy Doran and her Sentinel. Wayne Pattison works on a Fire Star Hex. Gerry and Cliff Pennell made this Tri-D delta.

Arnold Stellema won a Barb Wright hapi coat.

34 KITING | SPRING ’07 Maryland Kite Building Retreat Kitemakers gathered in icy Frederick, MD, on Presidents Day weekend for the annual kitebuilding retreat of the Maryland Kite Society. A pair of former AKA Grand Champions topped the bill: John Pollock taught painting skills and built a small Ohashi-style kite, and Cliff Quinn helped everyone build a marconi. Jon Burkhardt and Drake Smith taught a pennant banner, Felix Cartagena added a no-sew project, and Karen Burkhardt set up a beading circle for a bracelet-making project.

Mearl Balmer Ralph Gore Adrianne Balmer

King Harold Ames Paul Keeler Paul LaMaster

Dave Ashworth

Cliff Quinn, master of the modern marconi

Paul Hines and Andy Burchfield cut wings.

Terry Lee

John Pollock Ed and Maria Charest get help from Cliff Quinn photos by Phil Broder assembling their marconi. Phil Broder’s marconi

SPRING ’07 | KITING 35 KAPKAPKAPTIONSTIONSTIONS DAVID WHEELER ome years ago I developed a panorama of Old Lyme Shores, CT, S and sold a few copies to people in the community. I was looking for a way to update that shot in 2005 when I heard about KAP. I thought that would be perfect; an aerial panorama would be far more interesting than the ground view and if more homes were in the shot, more homeowners would want to buy the picture. So I built myself a KAP rig to hold an old digital camera. The rig was designed to turn the camera at different angles and shoot a series of pictures I could stitch together later. When it was finished, the rig worked well but nothing else did. I knew nothing about flying kites or how to get good images from the air. So when my annual trip to Old Lyme Shores arrived, I couldn’t even get the kite to lift the rig. After that initial failure, I did some research on the web and found some outstanding sites with a wealth of information about KAP. A month later I was visiting the Outer Banks in North Carolina. This time I ––– was equipped with a proper kite and a better idea of how to handle it. It was incredibly exciting to watch the camera rig actually pulled skyward for the first time. And when it came back with pictures onboard, I couldn’t wait to see the results. Well, as exciting as it was to get the pictures, they weren’t quite what I expected. There were gaps in the coverage that prevented me from stitching together the wide-angle view I wanted. Still, a couple of the individual frames were kind of interesting. For the next near I continued to refine the rig’s design and study techniques others had developed for KAP. I found new stitching software that worked better, learned about better kites for KAP and practiced flying my kites and KAP rig as often as I could. By the summer of 2006 I was ready to return to Old Lyme Shores and put all this KAP experience to the test. It all came together one sunny afternoon with a silky smooth 5- knot breeze blowing across Long Island Sound. My Dopero ——— 104 kite, designed specifically for KAP, floated gracefully up

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36 KITING | SPRING ’07 1. “David Wheeler” by Lisa Wheeler ™™™ 2. “Tommy’s Girl” Autokap with Canon 300D camera and GentLED Auto trigger Dopero 104 kite on the wind and lifted the camera rig about 50 yards above 3. “Old Lyme Shores” the beach. It hung there, seemingly motionless, for about Composite from autokap rig with Pentax Optio 330 15 minutes as the camera captured the view from all direc- Dopero 104 kite tions. This time everything worked perfectly! And finally, 4. “Rowboats” thanks to KAP, I’ve got the stunning aerial beach panorama I Autokap with Pentax Optio 330 wanted. The best part, though, is when people see it and Dopero 104 kite ask me, “How did you do that?” 5. “Kite Invasion” Single-frame image from autokap rig with Pentax Optio 330 78" Rokkaku kite 6. “Pond” Autokap with Canon 300D and GentLED Auto Dopero 104 kite7.

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SPRING ‘07 | KITING 37 Pollock adds color, from light to dark, to reach the final design show on the next page. David Gomberg

Kite Plan, continued from page 5 the image is completed transfer it to one side, then move to the center of In addition to GAC 900, the other the fabric. To do the transfer, simply lay the opposite side, then one of the paint additive you’ll need is a clear the white fabric over the image, tape remaining sides and then its opposite polymer medium varnish (matte or in place to avoid movement and draw side. Continue by tacking about every gloss) to make the colors more trans- the image onto the fabric using a fine four to six inches from the center to parent and as a final varnish. point permanent marker. The marker the corners and by moving from one Other necessary materials or lines will remain when completing the side to the opposite side as described equipment: preparation of the fabric. with the first tacking. As this is done the fabric should be pulled snug but not • Artist canvas stretcher frames- four Preparation of Fabric tight. The fabric will shrink as it dries. are needed (two of each length) to Method One: Wash the fabric using Be careful not to stretch it too tight as make a rectangular frame (available at a strong detergent like Oxyclean or some fabrics do stretch and shrink quit art supply stores) other grease-removing agents. Run the a bit. • Acrylic paint brushes, your choice of fabric through four to six wash cycles The first coat of paint is going to size before letting the machine run through partially penetrate the surface of the • Palette or small plastic plates for the rinse cycle. I suggest that the fabric fabric. Stretching the fabric on a frame paint mixing be ran through the rinse cycle at least as described above will result in fewer • Palette knife or plastic spoon for two times to remove the soap. This will problems. If using method one of stirring paint remove not only any oils but also some preparing the fabric, the fabric may be • Containers for water- plastic cups, of the coating on the fabric. The stretched right after washing. If using etc. advantage of this method is that the method two, get the fabric wet and • Paper towel pores of the fabric have been opened wring it out with your hands. • Hair dryer and extension cord up and the first coating of paint will If the fabric is not going to be • Iron and ironing board permeate the fabric and create better stretched on a frame, the working • Staple gun or tacks adhesion. The disadvantage of this surface must be prepared for a mess. method is that the fabric will slightly As stated above, the first coat of paint Creating Your Image shrink and pucker. is going to partially penetrate the One of the beauties of painting on Method Two: In a well-ventilated fabric. This can result in paint going a kite is that one is not limited by the area, scrub the surface of the fabric onto the surface under the fabric. type of image that can be created. One using denatured alcohol. Allow this to Having the fabric on a glass surface can make an image that is nothing but dry. The advantage of this method is makes clean-up easier. Drying time is shapes and colors, one that is an that the fabric does not shrink and also longer if the fabric is resting on a abstracted form, one that is expres- retains its smooth flat surface. The surface. sionistic, or one that is more represen- disadvantage of this method is that the tational or realistic. Remember that the paint does not penetrate the surface of kite will be flying 100 to 300 feet away the material as much, and you must from you. Don’t get carried away with have a well-ventilated area to use the small objects or too much detail. alcohol. Think about composition when creating the image. Make sure that Stretching of Fabric your image has Unity, Dominance, Assemble the stretcher frames to Balance, Movement and Contrast. When make a rectangle frame and make sure painting the image be sure that you pay that the corners are square. Lay the attention to color harmony and value. slightly damp fabric on a stretcher bar Draw your image actual size on frame and start stapling or tacking the paper and make corrections and fabric to the outside edges of the Stretch your nylon onto a frame, then add your design. additions as the image develops. After frame. Do this by tacking the center of Phil Broder

38 KITING | SPRING ’07 Painting Suggestions Final Coating The first coat of paint will pen- When the image has been com- etrate the surface. If a more precise pleted, you may want to give the fabric painted look is desired, or if there are a final protective coating of a 50/50 problems in the colors bleeding, coat mixture of GAC 900 and Clear Polymer the fabric with a 50/50 mixture of GAC Medium/Varnish and allow it to dry. 900 and Clear Polymer Medium and This will add more weight to the kite allow it to dry. This will seal the surface skin, and you may want to do this only of the fabric. Colors may be thinned if the painted areas are very thin. Use and made more transparent either by only Polymer Varnishes for the final adding a little water or by adding a 50/ coating. Some other varnishes made 50 mixture of GAC 900 and Clear for acrylic paints appear to be less Polymer Medium. Each will have its own flexible and more brittle. look. The water results in the paint developing spots of color. The polymer Heat Setting medium results in a smoother gradation I recommend the use the heat of color. setting processes described in the Be sure to keep your layers of paint Golden Acrylic information, available at thin. Thick paint on the surface of the www.goldenpaints.com. They advise fabric would be less flexible and could using one of the heat setting methods crack or peel. Use paints thinly like if the fabric is to be washed. Although would be done with watercolors. The it might be unusual to wash a kite, a kite does go through a lot of abuse. I use a hot iron with a Teflon pad and iron directly on the back of the painted fabric. One should be aware of any hazards that could result in putting heat to this painted nylon surface. An iron David Gomberg that is too hot may melt the fabric. Golden Acrylics advises that the heat- setting process will release low levels of formaldehyde; therefore it is impera- tive that adequate ventilation be provided. You can also use a household clothes dryer, set on high, for 40-50 minutes.

After Painting The surface of the paint does remain somewhat tacky even when dry and wants to adhere to the table surface when face down during sewing. This is not too bad but it does help to hold the fabric up when it is going white of the fabric, like in watercolor, through the sewing machine. Sand also is the white used to make tints of the wants to stick to the surface of the color. To make a color lighter, paint it painting. Carry a large soft brush when on thinner. Adding white to the paint you are at the beach. Try to avoid the will result in making it more opaque surface of the painting scraping against and the color may get lost when the any abrasive surface. A Golden Acrylics kite is in the air. Paint from light to representative advised not to fly the dark. Painting one color over another kite in temperature below 50 degrees will make the first darker even if the as the painted surface would become second color is lighter. Pay attention to more brittle. I recommend that the contrasts as the image is painted. If painted surface only be used on a kite two connecting areas are different in that can be carefully rolled. A wrinkled color but the same in value, the image up skin when the kite is stored may will get lost. Step back and look at the result in damage to the image. image from a distance. Does the image stand out? If not, try increasing the contrast.

SPRING ’07 | KITING 39 Maximum Carry-On by Andrew Beattie Thursday: The Plan minimum weight within the regulation size and shape. They balloon out Recently, in response to the threat slightly beyond the regulation guide but that someone might blow up an aircraft with 8kg of kites inside you can squish with a mixture of contact lens solution them a bit to make them fit. and toothpaste, the British authorities restricted to size of hand baggage to a Friday: Carry-on Victory! paltry 45cm x 35cm x 15cm. We had loads of fun with the bags. I wrote to Samsonite asking if they First of all, you need to understand might build a case that fitted precisely that these bags do not look small. They within that measurement with no extra are bright red and as you can see in the fittings so that we could cary the picture with our anonymous model, they maximum amount in the allotted space. are more than sufficient to hide one’s They didn’t get the clue. They wrote modesty. back listing existing cases that are So, we get to Heathrow. We didn’t It fits! Take that, you terrorists! smaller than the limit. show the bags to check-in. We were But good news! At lunchtime today saving the fun for security. with customers who were irate about they announced that they will raise the There was a huge queue to get the rules and was slightly surprised arbritary limit to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. through security. It stretched all the when my first words were “take me to And we are off to fly kites in Austria way across the building. The first your guage.” She clearly expected that tomorrow evening. So we need to pack official wasn’t security at all. They the guage would prove that our luggage as many soft kites and lines as we can have “information” people in bright was too big and that she could then into that space. Everything is yellow sweatshirts with question marks. send us back. It was most satisfying to crushable, we just need to get the size Clearly, they were the “soft” end of the once again drop the bag into the guage and shape right. We decided to make process, to tell you what would and and then proceed to the departure our own luggage. wouldn’t be permitted further on. They lounge, undefeated. had a luggage guage. We were keen to check the bag and they were amused Monday: Back Home and surprised to see how neatly it fit. We had an great weekend flying on So we queued for another 20 an island in the middle of the Danube minutes or so. We were half-way as it passes through Vienna. through the zig-zag section when we The hand luggage included Neptune were singled out by security. They (shown below, bottom right), two small pulled us out of the queue and said that pilots, most of the lines, a 34m tubular the bags were too big. We dropped the tail and all our clothes. The bags did bag into their guage and they were exactly what we needed them to do. immediately satisfied. They apologised They carried a full 8kg of gear each and directed us down a side passage, without difficulty and passed the short-cutting the rest of the queue security restrictions at every challenge. where we showed our boarding cards In retrospect, it would have been nicer and passports. if they had handles, bigger openings Next we we put our gear on the with zips and were a colour other than conveyor for the x-ray. They immedi- “look-at-me red”. ately objected and refused to let us through. Having proved our legality only two minutes before (but round the corner), we protested, stating that the size was But we have a dilemma. Hard cases OK. The guy at the x-ray and boxes are heavy. Soft bags tend to machine said that the bags bulge towards a sphere shape when should go through the packed hard. So we took a page out of machine so that we didn’t Peter Lynn’s bridling book and built hold up the queue, but bags with internal bridling. They are as called a supervisor to deal light as possible and they are a bit with us. fiddly to pack round the internal lines, The supervisor had but they provide maximum capacity and clearly spent all day dealing

40 KITING | SPRING ’07 Kite Trade Association International Show and Convention

photos by Darrin Skinner, David Gomberg, and kitelife.com

SPRING ‘07 | KITING 41 RRRREGIONALEGIONALEGIONAL REPORTSREPORTS mention he always has something good for lunch. It’s just about time to break out any new kites you may have made over the winter and if you’re like me it’s time to shake out the kite bags and try to fix the ones you broke last year. I want to stress kite safety again this coming season, so please be careful. You all know the public often has no clue what kind of damage a kite line can do to a person. I’m sure most of Region 1 ~ New England you know a wet line is even more of a danger for those of you who are beach Region 2 ~ Northeast CT-NH-MA-ME-RI-VT-NY fliers. NJ-PA-(lower) NY Robert “Woody” Woods Keep a look out for the date for the P.O. Box 525 KONE Regional event. This is the place Todd Little North Dighton, MA 02764 for the new guys and gals to show 832 Meadow Lane 508/669-4114 off your stuff and learn from the pros. Camp Hill, PA 17011 [email protected] Look for this info and more at 717/975-2852 End of term: 2007 www.kone.org. [email protected] If I don’t see you soon I’ll be seeing End of term: 2007 Hello Region One. Let me start by you someplace in the future for sure. saying thank you for letting me serve Remember kites are cool so keep you and represent you. It’s been way looking up. SJKF held their annual holiday Party in too much fun flying kites and getting to early December. It was well attended know you all, even the folks I haven’t with 50 members showing up. In met. Some of you have called or e- Greetings and salutations, kiters! January, SJKF was in Stone Harbor mailed me over the last two years. Well, the weather finally turned building kites at the Wetlands Please feel free to call or drop me an e- cold, but we got in quite a bit of nice Institute’s Indoor Beach Party. mail anytime. It doesn’t always have to flying weather before winter really set The Keystone Kiters also had a be about kites. in. Here’s an update on some regional wonderful Holiday party in December, Don’t forget National Kite Month is activities during this slower time. with sushi and crab legs. Yummy! coming, so get out there and have SJKF had their annual elections and They’ve had their winter retreat by this some events. Our NKM poster was Mike Dallmer will be returning as time. A choice of sew or no-sew box designed by our very own Gregg President (although Phil Broder’s dog kites was being offered. Watch this Mazzotta again. Way to go Gregg, keep finished second). Joining the board this space for their plans on their popular up the good work my friend. I’m told year in his first elected position as a summer kite building retreat in August. there will be lots of prizes this year so Director at Large is Tom Morse. Andy New York filmmakers Marcia Bujold be sure to register your events at Selzer is taking over a VP position. and Michael Kellough continue to work www.nationalkitemonth.org. on “Wind Above, It’s been a funky winter to say the Earth Below”, the least. You all know it’s hard flying kites first comprehen- in New England in the winter. The folks sive who went to First Night Boston said documentary about they had a great time. Our friend Glenn the Chinese kite. Davison has been teaching kite building Thanks to a to kids all over our region this winter. production grant I’m not sure how many of you have from the even been up to the Blue Hills Observa- New York State tory. Glenn and Archie Stewart have Council on the given kite workshops up there, and let Arts, they were me tell you this place has a lot of kite able to return to history behind it. Plus it has a view of China in October Boston second to none. Don McCasland to research is the Program Director and Kite Kong Xiangze and Kong Lingmin Beijing kite Specialist up on the hill. Don’s a cool are featured in an upcoming film history. There, guy and knows more about kites than by New Yorkers Marcia Bujold they interviewed just about anyone I know. Not to and Michael Kellough. members of

42 KITING | SPRING ’07 the Kong family, well known for their 50 kites for the kids who came out and kite building expertise. Interviewed those kids had an absolute blast. It was were 87-year old Kong Xiangze, his son really great to see so many smiles on so Kong Lingmin and grandson Kong many little faces. WOW’s next fly is at Bingzhang. They also interviewed Ha the Polar Bear Plunge for Special Yiqi, who is documenting his family kite Olympics at Sandy Point, MD. It should designs. He showed the filmmakers be a fun day! Live bands, crafts, pig dozens of exquisite drawings and racing, lots of media coverage and now models he has been making. Ha Yiqi is they can add kites!! Afterwards is the writing a book about his famous family WOW holiday picnic. and plans to exhibit over 200 Richmond Air Force held their drawings in New York City. annual Too Darn Cold To Fly event on I hear that many Region Two New Years Day, and it became Too Darn members are taking part in the WET to Fly, with steady soaking rain KiteBuilder Online Forum train project. that keep most folks at home, although It should be interesting if they all get a few hearty die-hards came out and together and make one big train. showed their dedication by actually Stephen Millner resurrected the flying. . . but only for a short while. Polar Bear Kite Fly in Belmar, NJ, on the Region 3 ~ Mid-Atlantic March starts the BUSY spring event first Sunday in January. Don Pignolet DC-DE-MD-VA-WV season — how time flies! Check out the and Mike Petty hung out their fish and Norman “Doug” Charleville club calendars and other club news on their cat at 4th and Ocean Avenues. 1607 Longdale Drive their web sites: wowkiteclub.com and Glen Pedro arrived a few minutes later, Norfolk, VA 23518 www.richmondairforce.com. The 41st Ron Jakubowicz strolled over from his 757/852-3522 Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival will be nearby apartment and moments later, [email protected] Saturday, March 31st on the Washington Stephen Millner arrived from down the End of term: 2007 Monument grounds. This year’s theme beach. The band of SJKF kiters was is “Japan WOW!” The kite builder joined an hour later by Steve Brown and his folks at Blowing In The competition begins at ten and registra- Dellaportas flying a dual line traction Wind. No competition, but there was tion closes at noon. Lots of rules kite. (They noted that there are many plenty of flying, sport kite demos and changes this year, so check traction kiters along the New Jersey lessons and kite making. Jim Hodges www.kitefestival.org for details. There Shore who are not members of SJKF or (Sky Jewels) came down and did the will be a hot tricks competition and the AKA. Steve also reports that there music, and Kurt and Faye Lisk from Get rokkaku battle in the afternoon. Also, is a large group of kite surfers who In The Wind were there with their a week before this festival, the Na- gather at Sandy Hook NJ. Sign ‘em up, “Aire” and “Fyre” Elements banner tional Air and Space Museum is hosting guys!) Glen Pedro regaled the group sets. Those are something to see! an indoor fly. Who wouldn’t want to fly with stories from the North American There was a great turn out for the next to Lindbergh’s plane or an Apollo Buggy Expo, held at Ivanpah Dry Lake, first Sailwinds Kite Festival in Cam- capsule? CA, and showed pictures of an air jet bridge, MD. The event was held on the April is National Kite month. Check traction buggy from the UK. water and what a view! They had lots out www.nationalkitemonth.org and of kites of all shapes and sizes in the see how easy it is to have your city air. One highlight was when an Ameri- proclaim April as Nation Kite month. Hello Region Three. Seems that we can flag streamer when up, everyone Also be sure to register your events! stayed fairly busy this quarter. There cheered! They See you around the flying fields! was a good turnout of Region Three held fun kite competi- flyers at the 21st Outer Banks Sport Kite tions with trophies and Competition in October, hosted and ribbons. They had such sponsored by Kitty Hawk Kites. In a great turnout they’re addition to the competition, there was planning two events next a great display of big and little single year. line kites all around the competition The annual field. Thanks to John Harris and his Kensington Kite Festival crew for their dedication hosting this was held in October in great event. Kensington, MD. Val Several Region Three members Deale (Premier Kites) from WOW and RAF made the trek to organizes this event. the first Cape Fear Kite Festival held on There was little in the the beach at the Shell Island Resort in way of serious flying, but Wrightsville Beach, NC, in November. It the big reward for the was organized by Region Four Director day was when WOW Kris Smith straightens up and flies Wright at Mike Agner, with help from Hunter volunteers made around the Outer Banks Sport Kite Championships.

SPRING ’07 | KITING 43 a local festival, attended by A beautiful day at Wrightsville Beach. many of the North Carolina “WACKOS,” kites filled the sky with some giant displays by flyers Judy Agner from up and down the east coast. The names are too numerous to mention, but to each one of you we say a big “thank you”! Jim Martin of the WACKOS wants to remind you of: • Ft. Defiance Fly - April 18 www.fortdefiance.org • Blue Ridge Kite Festival, April 21 • Holden Beach Day at the Docks, April 28- 29. And Jessica Mayes says to Region 4 ~ Southeast remember the 6th annual AL-FL-GA-KY-MS-PR-NC-SC-TN Georgetown International Kite Mike Agner and Culture Festival will be held 4801 Deer Glade Court April 21-22 in central Kentucky. Wilmington, NC 28409 Gary Resnick says, “We just 910/790-5979 finished up the 10th annual [email protected] Treasure Island Kite Festival, and it was a real blast. The weather End of Term: 2007 was unbelievable and the people purchased the company in December were too. Some of this year’s goings-on I can’t start this article without and has relocated it from its former included fighter kite demos, bol races, thanking some folks, without whom, Massachusetts home. Should be fun to rok battles, para-critters, candy drops, the 1st Cape Fear Kite Festival would have lots of DynaKite stacks down here a mystery ballet, and sled building for not have been the success that it was. in the South. kids that filled the sky with the wonder- We all watched the weather forecast for Until next time, good winds, good ful little kites.” One of this year’s Wrightsville Beach, NC, as the tempera- friends and good times. highlights was a children’s rok battle. tures dipped into the 40’s in early Gary built 35 paper and bamboo roks November but knew we could “dress for and each day about 15 kids took them Hello Region Five kiters. I’m it.” Curt and Faye Lisk came from into battle. Once the kites were tuned writing this upon returning from a few Pensacola with two of their banner sets in the kids took the line while their weeks in Florida where we had great that, placed on the ocean side, were an parents held the kite ready. At the weather and were able to fly kites on amazing back-drop for both day’s sound of a whistle it was total rok several occasions. Since arriving back activities. Hunter and Meg Brown craziness. The first day the battle only in Cincinnati we have experienced shared their business “savvy” and lasted about a minute and a half. On unusually warm weather but it has displayed the patience of Job with the the second day it appeared some of the rained almost every day. And I am kids that thronged to make kites. Gary kids were watching the big kids’ battle experiencing symptoms of “kite flying Cane designed the website that preceded theirs. There were withdrawal”. I am sure that you know www.capefearkitefestivals.com and did definitely tactics at play. In the end all the feeling. By the time you read this I a lot of the design and printing of our of the kids had a great time and the hope you are seeing signs of spring and materials. Even though this started as kites were handed over have had a kite or two in the air. to Terry McPherson to So what’s happening in Region take to Michigan for a Five? Most of the AKA affiliated kite similar battle up there. clubs held their monthly flys through the The plan is to pass the winter months and plan to continue kites on to other throughout the spring. If you have not festivals and see how stopped by these events, I would far they can go. All in encourage you to do so. These informal all it was one of the activities provide a great opportunity most fun festivals to meet the fliers in your area and we’ve had. exchange knowledge and experiences. I also want to Feel free to contact the person listed on welcome DynaKite to the Clubs page of this issue for infor- Region 4. Larry Owens mation on club flys in your area. Some Region Four play. of Charleston, SC, Kevin Kilgoar, Commandant De

44 KITING | SPRING ’07 Facto of the Black Swamp Air Force, again this year in Richland, just east of reports that a good time was had by all Kalamazoo, is on tap for June 9-10. who attended the BSAF Christmas party Sport kite and fighter kite competitions on November 25. Charlie Sotich visited are scheduled for this event. Thanks to the Swamp to conduct a kite building Dave Bush and Mary Hoffman for workshop. I hear that folks who partici- taking over this event from John and pated built a very large (by Charlie’s Elaine Cosby. This is another Region 5 standards) mylar eddy (close to four festival that you should not miss. inches). The date for the 2007 edition of In early December, Marge and the North Coast Stunt Kite Games is Malcom Umbarger organized a kite fly July 20-22. As usual, the Games will be in Columbus in memory of Al Hargus. located at Maumee Bay State Park in Region 6 ~ Midwest The event was held on December 10 at Oregon, OH, on the shores of Lake IA-IL-IN-MN-WI Al’s favorite flying field, the Ohio Erie. This is a fun event where many Robert Rymaszewski School for the Blind, where he could kiters come several days early and 3266 S. 44th Street often be found hanging on to the end of camp at the park. Contact Kevin Kilgoar Greenfield, WI 53219 a couple kite lines. Several of Al’s for details. The Games is always a 414/329 9825 kiting buddies and flying partners spent [email protected] a beautiful cool winter afternoon Rick Agar and Jerry McGuire used End of term: 2008 reminiscing and honoring Al. WCMH- their winter to build new fish. NBC stopped by to record a video clip Hello from Region Six. The year has which was used as the introduction to begun with hope for colder weather for that evening’s news broadcast. upcoming kite flys held on ice. The As spring approaches, dates are Minnesota Kite Society hosted the being announced for 2007 kiting events Frosty Fingers Kite Fly on January 28th in Region Five. There have been and was represented at the Color the several requests for AKA sanctioning. Wind kite festival in Clear Lake, Iowa The earliest festival that I am aware of on February 17th. Larry and Kay Day of is the Airwaves Kite Fest scheduled for Clear Lake have annually gathered kite April 14-15 at VOA Park in West Chester fliers for one of the best winter time Township, just north of Cincinnati. sky shows since the untimely demise of WGUC is again sponsoring this event. Kites On Ice. Last year attendance was estimated at The third annual Kites Over the Bay close to 20,000. Don’t miss this one. took place in Fish Creek, Wisconsin on The Michigan Kite Fest, to be held February 10th and 11th. Last year in addition to the kites in the sky this relaxing, fun-filled event. event had a great kite display in the Kites Over Branch County will be local town hall. held July 27-29 at the Creal Soccer The Wisconsin Kiters club gathered Complex in Coldwater, MI. I was fortu- in Fond du Lac for their annual holiday nate to attend this AKA competition party and raffle. Featured on the club’s event last year and had a great time. calendar are a “complete your unfin- Suzette Arnold is chairing this festival. ished projects” workshop on March 24th A new festival, Tawas Bay Kite at the Muskego library, the Portage Festival, is planned for East Tawas, MI, County Kite Festival in Stevens Point on June 2-3. This will be a fun fly event on April 29th, and the Oz Krueger with open flying, show kites, team memorial fly in Beaver Dam on May 6th. demos, kiteboarding demos and night On January 1st, the Kite Society of flying. The festival location is on the Wisconsin and Illinois hosted their shore of Tawas Bay (Lake Huron). The annual Cool Fool Kite festival. Sunny Bay City Times and the Tawas Chamber skies and good though gusty winds of Commerce are sponsors. brought out both kit fliers and kite I just looked out the window and it Region 5 ~ Great Lakes watchers in good numbers. KSWI will is getting colder and still raining. MI-OH continue their “Tour de Kite 2007” with Maybe by the time you read this it will Jerry McGuire the Family Kite Festival at Veteran’s have stopped. I can’t wait until spring 5031 Mallet Hill Dr Park in Milwaukee on May 26th and 27th, when I hope to see you hanging on a Cincinnati, OH 45244 and the Outta Site Kite Flight on June kite line. Remember, its all about 2nd and 3rd at Kennedy Park in Kenosha. 513/ 831-8379 putting smiles on faces.... [email protected] End of term: 2008 continued on next page

SPRING ’07 | KITING 45 Region Six, continued down and join us for this fly. Weather The Hoosier Kite Society held a permitting, it is a very fun day on a Christmas dinner on December 2nd. great field. Upcoming events on the HKS calendar The 15th Skydance Sakakawea Kite include the Birds of Prey fly on April 21st Festival will be May 26-28 at Fort at Cliffy Falls State Park, the 10th Stevenson State Park near Garrison, annual Colonel Murray Memorial Kite ND. This event is a family-oriented fun Festival on May 4th and 5th at Sunset Hill fly coordinated by Deb Lenzen. Demon- Farms County Park, and the Ansel Toney strations, big kites, and art kites make Memorial Kite Festival on May 5th at the it a good event to attend so if you need AMA fields in Muncie. a beautiful place to fly over the Memo- Other upcoming events in our region rial Day weekend, put this event on include the annual Mayor Daley’s Kids your schedule. and Kites on May 5th at the Museum of Richard Keeney of Olathe, KS, Science and Industry in Chicago; Kites sends this: “I just renewed my AKA over Grinnell on May 5th in Iowa; Kites membership for 2007 after a year’s Over Lake Storey on May 5th and 6th in absence. Last year I spent all my Galesburg, IL; the Naperville Kite Region 7 ~ Great Plains recently gained retirement time Festival on June 2nd and 3rd in CO-KS-MO-ND-NE-SD-UT-WY volunteering with the Mid America Naperville, IL, and the Perry Farm Kite Donald Murphy Medical Reserve Corps and Olathe Festival on June 9th and 10th in 9104 Charles Street Kansas Fire Department CERT. Bourbonnais, IL. Omaha, NE 68114 “This activism was brought on by That’s all for now, have fun and 402/391-8503 my concern with the lack of Community keep looking up! [email protected] Preparedness following Hurricane Katrina. During a year of in-depth End of term: 2008 training a ‘LIGHT’ came on. One of the needs for Emergency Management was ing the annual “Color the Wind” factual Visual Data and Disaster Festival in Clear Lake, IA, on February Assessment that could be quickly th Margaret Murphy 17 . Organizer Larry Day has called to affected and passed electronic and assure us that there will be ice and digitally to Local, Regional and National wind galore for the day. Ok, Larry, but Incident emergency Commands. let’s hope we don’t have the -12° that “I began to read a great deal and we had last year! experiment with the civilian use of RC/ Our New Year’s resolution was to UAV Aircraft. While this was well and repair and reorganize our kite collec- good (but difficult to transport in tion. Well, maybe next month. There’s emergencies, expensive and sensitive still plenty of time, right? to weather conditions) something else Our local club, Midwest Winds tried and true came to mind: KAP. With Kiteflyers, recently had our annual the use of Para-Foils (or Delta Conynes) Christmas party. It was a well attended and Digital Camera Rigs, an on-site event, with door prizes and kite Community Emergency Response Team giveaways. The highlight of the evening could deliver near immediate Aerial Mary Becker, President of the was having the entire group gather at Disaster Assessment, downloaded and Neenah (WI) High School Kite our home, to watch a video of the transmitted via wireless PC within Club, and brother Andy Convention in Des Moines. We admitted minutes/ when minutes count. Becker, ring in the New Year. that we are a total group of kite geeks! “I have since shared this with But, we really enjoyed reminiscing over others such as the Director of UACT the wonderful week we had there. (United American Civil Task-force), a Launching the big Mega-flag was one of Ranking State CAP Officer and other It’s pretty hard to think about kite our favorite memories. CERT/ MRC Members. They all agree flying when here in good old Omaha it’s Be sure to check this link to the this appears to have tremendous merit a high 2° with about three inches of Kansas City Kite Club, http:// for Community Emergency Response. I snow on the ground. I know, it’s much kckiteclub.org/newsletters.htm. am now in the process of establishing a worse for those of you in Missouri and They have a growing group with lots Kansas KAP Flight. A little different up north in our region. We feel for you going on, and a really nice newsletter to from an AKA Club in the fact that our all, but remember. . . soon it will be share with you. flying purpose and ongoing develop- spring and we will be seeing you out on Our next big area event will be our ment will be for use in Emergency the kite field somewhere. Spring Fly on April 29, at the LaVista Services within the Region.” We have some events to look Soccer Complex. We would love to Enjoy the sky! forward to this year. We will be attend- invite any of you out there to come on

46 KITING | SPRING ’07 new friends and club members! and 2nd; Holly Beach, LA, is on the By the time this goes to print, we’ll schedule for the Cajun Riviera fest on have already done the the Great Texas June 9-10; plus the LifeNet festival in Kite Club Party in Rockport, the South Dallas on June 16th. Don’t skip the Padre Island fun fly in February, the LibertyFest in Edmond, OK,on June 30th Northwest Rec Center workshop in and July 1st! In addition to these larger Austin, and probably even the great events, there are a myriad of local Zilker Park Kite Festival in Austin. But festivals on the calendar! Bear in mind we’re just getting started! Take a that all this information is only what I minute to go get your calendars and jot have now, in mid January! Events are down these dates: Spiro Mounds in certain to be added or even changed as Oklahoma on the weekend of March the season kicks up! ALWAYS double 17th; Eureka Springs in Arkansas – check with the organizers and the AKA March 24th; on the weekend of March calendar prior to an event, just in case! 30th – April 1st, you’ll have to decide Which also means that organizers need between Kite Fest Louisiane in West to keep the calendar (and me!) updated Baton Rouge or the Cloud Busters with changes or additions! Troy Gunn festival in Perrin, TX. The next weekend has again collected the Conference Region 8 ~ South Central in April brings us the Portland Wind event dates for a calendar so be sure to AR-LA-NM-OK-TX Festival near Houston, the Cannon NM look for any last minute changes at: Gayle Woodul Kite Karnival, the Westlake festival in http://members.tripod.com/ 106 Main Street Lahom, OK: the Great North Texas Kite ~TKOGunn1/kitecalender.htm Marble Falls, TX 78654 Festival near Dallas is on for the week- As the season begins, I can’t pass 830/598-2414 end of April 21-22, with the Kyle festival up the opportunity to again say a big in Central Texas closing out the month “THANKS!!!” to all of the folks who [email protected] on April 28th! May 5-6 weekend is the organize, coordinate, mediate, negoti- End of term: 2008 New Mexico Wind Festival in Edgewood; ate, or decorate; plus to those all of As I write this, even South Central the 12th and 13th is the Tulsa Wind you out there who pound stakes, M/C, Texas is in the middle of an ice storm; Riders Festival of Kites; back to New cook lunch, entertain, secure so it’s a bit hard to get motivated to Mexico the following weekend for the inflatables to their vehicles, or even even step outside, much less go flying! Los Alamos fest on the 19th and 20th; just bring extra popcorn or iced tea! It Yes, I know; to the rest of the country, then, over Memorial Day weekend, all makes up components of the won- and even Region Eight, this sounds don’t even THINK about being too derful experiences we refer to as pretty wimpy because I KNOW you’ve pooped to come to the Junction kitefests. Know that your efforts are all had it much worse! I’ve lived in New Kitemakers Retreat in Central Texas! deeply appreciated! York, Omaha, Indianapolis, and Colum- Want to talk about June? Okay… Keep looking up! bus through winters, so I’ve done more Bentonville, AR, hosts the Aerosport than my share of “digging out”! But Balloon Festival (with kites) on the 1st it’s true that it only takes a short time Greetings from the chilly North- before your blood gets thinner and you New member Katy Gray in action. west... Aye, our region has seen a very no longer have a tolerance for the cold! cold winter but the kitefliers are But this weather will soon pass, and surviving! we’ll all be ready for kite season! The Oregon Kitemaker’s Retreat The South Padre Island Kite Enthu- just happened January 11-14 in siasts (SPIKE), are the only ones who Rockaway Beach. It was well attended have REALLY been continuously busy and featured some excellent workshops over the winter! They have the advan- by notable kite makers from all over tage of not only warmer weather but of the country. “Winter Texans”: an incredibly sup- Simultaneously, a little further portive group of folks who have north, I was attending the 6th annual temporarily relocated from the North. Windless Indoor Festival where fliers As we all know, it makes it a lot easier gathered from all over the northwest to to have a good festival when you have perform, compete and share ideas. Two such an appreciative audience! In featured guests made a particularly addition to SPIKE, the South Houston unique impact this year. Nelson Borelli Area Recreational Kiters (SHARK), the (who placed 3rd at the 2006 AKA Conven- Dallas Area Kitefliers Organization tion for Indoor) came all the way from (DAKO), the Sky Pirates near Corpus Illinois to show us his amazing floating Christi, and the Central Texas Cloud fighter, which was quickly adopted and Chasers kite clubs have all been conducting regular club flys and gaining continued on next page

SPRING ’07 | KITING 47 took home 1st place honors in Open Indoor Unlimited. Alan hosted his own event for the third year in a row, Up The River indoor festival, held a couple hours east of Portland in Arlington over the weekend of February 9-11. This event featured Paul DeBakker all the way from North Carolina, as well as other top indoor fliers from all over the Northwest including iQuad, making a return appearance indoors. For more informa- tion about this particular event, visit www.nwskl.org. Following the trend, and setting a few of their own, the Lincoln City Indoor Festival is coming back for what Region 10 ~ Northwest Region 9 ~ Intermountain will no doubt be another successful year. Lee and Debbie Park always come AK-WA ID-MT-OR to arrange a spectacular indoor show Marla Miller John Barresi utilizing most of the fliers in atten- 5440 North 49th Street 1236 N. Killingsworth Street, #3 dance, and you can also look forward to Tacoma, WA 98407 Portland, OR 97217 some tremendous performances by 253/752-7051 503/890-0280 Scott Weider, Lam Hoac, Scott Davis, [email protected] [email protected] Penny Lingenfelter and others! For End of term: 2009 End of term: 2009 more information, call 800/452-2151 or visit www.oregoncoast.org. home and be bored out of our minds Region Nine, continued Indeed, indoor events such as these over endless football replays. We used by many of the sport kite pilots, seem to be the saving grace during our loaded up a couple of kites and the AKA both in demonstration and competition. Northwest winters. One of the things I banner and off we went to participate Also, three members of iQuad always appreciate is that they bring all in a wonderful day. The rains held off, (www.iquad.us) assembled to put on an of our various facets into a single WKA cooked up some chili and hot dogs indoor team performance using Revolu- venue, and always encourage skill- and it was perfect menu for a grand day tion kites, which might be the first exchange and growth between those out. I even forced — I mean offered — time a team of three or more have who fly fighter kites, dual or quad-line people the opportunity to purchase a performed an indoor routine in North kites and single lines. More and more, raffle ticket for the chance to win America. On the competition front, we’re seeing fliers learning from and registration to AKA 2007 at Ocean Region Nine’s own Alan Cunningham using a wider variety of kites in their Shores in October. performances! During the day there were a few mishaps with the kite eating trees, but

OK! I will admit that I am a little compulsive. I have come to this conclu- Suzanne Sadow loses to the kite-

Glen LaFave sion after decorating our Christmas eating tree at the Protest The tree that is 10 feet tall. Not only does it Bowls fly. have 2900 lights on it (that’s Ron’s fault) it has a lot of ornaments. What does this have to do with kiting? Well, I counted the kite ornaments and the total is 33, including five windsocks (thank you Scott Spencer) and three tiny feathers. [Editor: we’ll feature holiday ornaments in a future issue. Send your pictures to [email protected]]. After all the fuss and stuff of the holidays what does one do? You head to Seattle’s Golden Gardens Park to an event that has taken place for 33 years. Scott Davis, fashion warrior, It is referred to as “Protest the Bowls,” flying Windless in Long Beach. for those of us who choose not sit at

48 KITING | SPRING ’07 never fear: a larger than life pole production. Same with the weather; appeared manned by Rick White, John complained “too bad about the Launny Herriges, Dick Curran and Ken grey skies today” and one of the crew Conrad. All were saved except for one said “doesn’t matter, we’ll make the Frustrationless Flyer that chose to stay sky blue digitally.” This is the first in the tree. Seeing good friends and movie with kites as a pivotal role in the watching a pair of eagles circling the story and should greatly increase the field made for a perfect way to start awareness of fighter kites and kiting in the year. No, it made for fantastic way general. to start the year. I hope that you will all Jim Strealy reports that the Merced put this on your calendar for next year. kite festival will be no more. He can’t Our thoughts are turning to Fort get enough community support and his Worden Kite Makers Conference. My job partner Vince McMillon is moving to will be the big raffle. I have good word Hawaii to open a kite store. Jim also that another Phil Scarfe Fort Worden gave up co-organizing the Paso Robles Logo kite is in the making. I am always event, which is changing to a 4-hour so amazed at what is donated. The Region 11 ~ N. California format on May 5th. They still plan on the talent is unreal. Our friends the Northern CA-NV killer BBQ for the fliers. Robinsons and the Baggetts from the UK Brian Champie There’s a new event coming to the along with Chicago’s Charlie Sotich will 7510 Corrinne St. town of Morro Bay. It’s happening the be arriving for their annual visit. I San Ramon, CA 94583 last weekend of April and will include used to think they came to see me, but 925/829-0683 vendors in the downtown area, a now I know it is to attend the best kite [email protected] parade of colors through town, kids kite conference going. Our AKA Region End of Term: 2009 stuff at a local school, and demos and Thirteen RD, Linda Sanders, is sending big kites on the ample beach north of her husband Kevin to teach a class. It more days, 300 movie and support the rock. Morro has a HUGE rock that is a small world. This should be another people swarmed the park with equip- divides the north and south beaches great year for the conference and a lot ment and trucks and huge tents filled with the south beach belonging to the of brilliant new kites will appear in the with food. Tom McAlister and John Kahn endangered plovers. This event prom- sky. Is this a good life or what? helped with teaching the kids while ises to be a stellar new event. The banner in my picture is a gift Basir Beria was the movie’s official kite BASKL announced their first ever from the White Horse Kite Flyers in the consultant. Tom’s sales truck was used single-discipline events this season. UK. David Robinson took the picture, in the film, but they got an actor to Fighters, dual-line, and quad-line Roy and Hayley Broadley from Kites Up play Tom! Also amusing was that after competitors will each have their own printed the picture on the fabric and teaching all these kids to fly fighters, events. This should make the day go sewed the banner. The “Ticket Chick” what they filmed were their body easier for the organizers and allow is the name that Jamie Alford (when postures, acting like they were flying more time to teach new fliers and have she was very young) gave to us when kites. They will add the kites in post- continued on next page running the raffle at Fort Worden. Jamie has now grown up and I am still the ticket chick. I want to thank the WHKF for such a great gift. Those are real raffle tickets on the banner, so if you’ve attended Fort Worden look for

your name on a ticket. om McAlister Until next time, check the calendar T for upcoming events and get out there and fly whenever you can.

Berkeley has always been known for great kiting but now will be known as the park in the movie “The Kite Run- ner.” Yep, they filmed the final scenes of the movie at Caesar Chavez Park. For three days they taught about 30 children to fly kites, and transformed the park by removing the chains between the bollards, and covering the BBQs and picnic tables with huge “I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille”; the Highline groupings of shrubs. Then for three Kites truck on the set of The Kite Runner.

SPRING ’07 | KITING 49 Region Eleven, continued First is Kites Mark Lummas, Joe Hadzicki, Ben Dantonio, more fun in general, all good things. Over Yucca Valley Jim Foster, and 16 strings. Find their full schedule at on March 10. I www.baskl.org. attended two The Berkeley Wranglers are headed years ago and had to Japan with their giant octopus. Tom a lot of fun, and if McAlister, John Kahn, Michael North and all goes well I’ll be Dave Hoggan are on their way in April there to play this to attend two famous events. Nice year. invitation guys. . . wonder how I can Second is the become a wrangler? North American It’s never too early to plan for Buggy Expo convention. It’s going to be a west (NABX) which is a coast location this year. Ocean Shores buggier’s dream is a great little town and the last time come true: lots of we were there I had a wonderful time. space, lots of good people, and when I You want to see more than just Most of us can drive and take all of our was there last year wind that was just U.S. coverage, right??!!! Yes, it’s the toys. Or it might be fun for a large great. This event starts on March 31st *American* Kitefliers Association but we group to charter a bus and party the and runs to April 9th and is great fun for all like to travel or dream about travel- entire way up and back AND take all. For more details on NABX check ling to events. I’ve heard from such a everything you own! And don’t forget www.nabx.net. lot of you in Region Thirteen, with there are raffle tickets to be had that Third, the Santa Barbara Kite messages flowing in from Arthur Dibble could win you a free registration for a Festival. This is a family event held in (UK), Barbara and Jeremy Perceval buck. And guess what? I have a few the great meadow on the campus of the (Canada), and Orlando Ongkingco tablets of the tickets if you want to try Santa Barbara City College, and from (Philippines). Then, there’s Don your luck. Start planning for the time my understanding this is a really nice to Baggett (UK), Doug and Marilyn off and how to get there for the fun. place to fly. The date for this fly is April Battaglia (Canada), Andrew Beattie and 15 and I will also try to make this event Rod Gant (both UK), Christopher this year. Chambers (Sweden) and James Fourth is the Morro Bay Festival. Kekenusa (Indonesia). This is also a place that has me wanting From Arthur Dibble: “For years now to go out and play, so yes I hope to large quantities of money have been make this event on April 27-29. dragged out of our English pockets by Also a reminder that the San Diego the infamous Marla Miller, all in the Kite Club meets the second Saturday of name of kiting events and I am sure each month and we are always looking that we are all very grateful. None more for more fliers to help fill the sky. so than those of us in White Horse Kite This is my first report and hopefully Flyers where she has helped support us I’ll get better at this as time goes on. If at our festivals, workshops and Annual I missed your event, keep me in the General Meeting.” (The WHKF made loop and as always I will do my best to Marla the banner shown with her keep all of you in the loop as well. If picture on page 48). Arthur also re- you want to know where I and my minds everyone that Swindon Festival Region 12 ~ Southwest employer, Revolution, will be next visit (UK) is on again in May 2007; he’d love Southern CA-AZ-HI www.revkites.com and you will know to see all of Region Thirteen there! Ben Dantonio where we can get together to play. Another headline, this time from 1320 Flamingo Place Drachen Foundation’s September 2006 newsletter, “Mikio Toki an International El Cajon, CA 92021 Star.” It seems that the Japanese 619/750-8770 Government recognise it too, and have [email protected] conferred the honour of national treasure status on him as a valued Hello everyone. For those that craftsman. Looks like he’ll be kept don’t know me, my name is Ben busy with the increased demands for Dantonio and I’ve been appointed your his time and work! Region Thirteen is acting regional director. I will do my proud of you, Toki-san! very best to keep you up to date on Region Thirteen can also lay claim events and things going on in the sport to the current AKA Grand National as a whole, but to do this I will need Champion, Mr. Chen Zhao Ji from Xi’an Jose Sainz’s City, China. He was recently inducted some help from all of you, so keep me psychedelic rok. informed. into the World Kite Museum. Mr. Chen

50 KITING | SPRING ’07 the art onkites.CarlosSimoestookpartin has retiredandnowenjoyspaintinghis LeT made somenewfriends.Jacques Martin Smithfrom W speaks noEnglish,IspeakChinese. years ago.P be hometothe dinosaurmillionsof me thatthisarea of BaT 7 –9(co-ordinatedwiththe helpof tional KiteFestivalheldon December fighting fanwithgoodstories totell? their homeground.”Isanyoneelsea them inMangaloreforsomeflyingon with return. have allthejuicydetailswhenI again, thisyear already arrangedtoattendIndia, expected tobe15-16September K from NeilEdwardsaboutthe (Or justaskme!) they oughttobeonthe Kite Festival;oncedetailsarefinalised, the challengeofpreparinganEaster August. ChalikCampbellinJamaicahas Dieppe InternationalKiteFestisonin R November 11whichwasrunbyIrving ite Festival.Staytuned,butit’ eid. JakeLeBlancremindsusthat e oughttodofineonakitefield! ourneau fromQuebectoldmehe oCo K T W Region 13~International I’ve foundanoldkitefriend, News infromP From BobCruikshanks,UK:“Ihad oronto K T illunga SA eam Mangaloreandthenjoin [email protected] Am alsoscheduledtomeetup End of ite Club).GustavoDiSitells (+61) 885-562696 Linda Sanders hotos takenby P P itefliers Chiliworkshopon . O.Box758 . W 5172 T And here’ ill hopefullyletyou erm: 2009 Australia, andI’ve atagonia’ Argentina used to AKA AUSTRALIA Calendar s acall olo s Interna- T oronto . s . P “husband”!) andJohnFreeman, Australia (alsoknownas bers: KevinSandersfrom these R one?) 2007willfeatureatleast ues...! didn’t behavesowellatalltheven- into thesong.I’vealsoheardkite then watchfor4minutes48seconds youtube.com/watch?v=i_e0tnMY3p8 Seeing isbelieving,sovisit concerts in walked offthestageduringhis the sameroom. with theteacherrighttherein learn techniques,especially Germany Maserski andHolmStruckfrom all fromCanada,withRalf R Baggett. (Anyoneelsefrom workshops todo,”saysDon having troublechoosingwhich (22 –25February)andIam W tion! Madueno hintatthisconnec- to giveacoupleofthemawaybecause huge heliumballoonsonitandwehad jumped upandcaughtit.Ithadthese were saying‘that’ goer ClaireK The kiteflewintothepathofconcert- the singingoftheirhitsingle“Kite”. Bono releasedabird-shapedkiteduring tour ofNewZealand,U2’ news wires: aul Horner egion orden K Did youhear?U2’ “W e aregoingtoFort Thirteen attendthis egion [ Editor . Whatbetterwayto itemakers Conference , andDanK Australia toflyakite! During theirrecentsell-out eam. Shesaid,“P Thirteen mem- : Thiswordfromthe s thekite’ s Bono urahashi, s frontman http:// andwe eople , Don’ a problem!T And youthought kite-chasingdogswere t missDieppein www √ www √ Britishkitecalendar– www √ www √ www √ select fewlinkstointerestingplaces... raising $1230forOxFamNewZealand.] kite, andinsteadauctioneditoff, Claire hasdecidedagainstkeepingthe remarkable displayofphilanthropy they weretoobigtofitinthecar Dieppe InternationalKiteFestival– Berck-sur-Mer Int’lKiteFestival– Cervia InternationalKiteFestival– News from For allInternet-users,herearea .cerf-volant-berck.com .artevento.com .cerf-volant.ca .kitecalendar .batoco.org/news/ ry flyinginPatagonia! Argentina - August! .co.uk S PRING ’07 | .” Ina K ITING

51 Polo Madueno Jake LeBlanc Kite Marriage, Part 1 Just before Christmas, word came in from John and Elaine Cosby — organizers of The Cosbys belly the Two Paws Kite up to the bar. Fest and Mid- American Sport Kite Champion- ships — that they were picking up and moving to Playa Shacks, Puerto Rico. Seems that long-together-but-only-married- recently couple bought a beachside bar at one of the world’s best kitesurfing spots. John is busy experimenting with kite aerial photography and mixing margaritas, while Elaine finishes her education in Michigan before heading south to join him soon. Check out their blog from the bar at http://ola-lolas.blogspot.com. Kite Marriage, Part 2 Quad-line wedding rings Art St. Pierre and Beth Bowen were married in a private ceremony in late December. When you see these two love birds be sure to look at their wedding rings.They had the quad-line beauties custom made. Now they’ll always have their Revs on hand. Kite Marriage, Part 3 Andrew and Kathleen Beattie send this announcement from England: “Some years ago, Andrew was invited to fly at the Wirral Kite Festival. He was busy putting his third kite in the air when Kathleen came over to offer a helping hand. Andrew was offended because he was perfectly capable of flying his own kites and told her to piss off. Thus started a relation- ship that was to blossom into a romance that would play out in kite fields round the world. “Since we would like to share the event with all our friends, we have chosen to get married at the very festival where it all started, in New Brighton Dips, Wirral, Merseyside, on June 30 and July 1. Dave Holt and Malcolm Goodman have teamed up with the local council to organise a spectacular international lineup for this year, bringing the best kitefliers in the world to Merseyside. The wedding will only be a small part of the whole weekend, so we would like to invite you to come and enjoy both. Please note: • There will be no valet parking. If someone offers to valet park your car, it will be Dean Jordan. Do not give him your keys. • We will be wearing t-shirts and shorts. You can wear whatever you like. Corey Jensen might be naked. • The ceremony will be short and fun. • There will be no formal dinner, no limousine, no head table, no printed invitations, no bridesmaids, no best man. • There will, of course, be lots of kiteflying.” Debunking Marconi More than a century after Guglielmo Marconi claimed he had used a kite and some copper wire on a Newfoundland hilltop to receive a trans-Atlantic radio signal, scientists are trying to debunk his claim to fame. “We’re essentially setting out to prove it wrong,” said Joe Craig, a physicist and director of the Marconi Radio Club. Craig and several other researchers are using a combination of modern computer technology and vintage equip- ment to determine whether the inventor actually heard three faint, electromagnetic clicks— the letter S in Morse code — that were transmitted from England. A station has been set up in the St. Johns, Newfoundland, using a 150-metre antenna attached to a receiver the size of a pocketbook. A transmitter station in England sent its call letters, GB3SSS, in Morse code at 15-minute intervals. The experiment, which ended in Guglielmo Marconi February, is being conducted at a time when sunspot activity is as low as it was when Marconi carried out his tests. “It’s an ideal time for this type of experiment,” Craig said. Marconi won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1909 and became known as the “father of radio.” “I had been absolutely right in my calculation,” Marconi wrote at the time. “The electric waves . . . had traversed the Atlantic, serenely ignoring the curvature of the Earth, which so many doubters considered would be a fatal obstacle.” But in recent years, a growing number of skeptics have come forward to question Marconi’s claim, saying it’s more likely that he heard static or distant lightning. “As far as I’m concerned, he never heard a damn thing on Signal Hill, but he imag- ined he did,” said John Belrose, a semi-retired radio scientist at the federal Communications Research Centre in Ottawa. “I’m not a Marconi guy. Sorry about that.” While the experiment is an attempt to settle the controversy, Zedel said questions surrounding the accomplishment will never go away. “Because he was the only who heard it, there’s a little bit of mystique involved there,” Zedel said, adding that he believes the Marconi’s place in history will remain intact, regardless of what the experiment uncovers.

52 KITING | SPRING ’07