Posted: 1/22/2005 8:06:58 AM EDT
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"Kites have played an interesting role in many lands and societies for thousands of years. Kites have been used as: cultural symbols and canvases for artistic expression, instruments of science, technology and war, pastimes and amusements for young and old alike, a pursuit for serious hobbyists. All of these applications have made the kite an enduring item all around the world throughout recorded history This site is intended to provide interesting information and materials that will help you to understand why kites are fascinating to so many people. In addition, you will learn about kite flight, kite design, kite history, and modern kite flying. Perhaps you will have your curiousity aroused and build a kite for yourself or for a child. At the very least, find a spot where kite flyers gather and gaze upon the spectacle in the sky! Kiters are always pleased to talk with you about their kites!" I had no idea there was a large culture of kite hobbyists out there. You learn something everyday. |
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My fiancee was pretty big into stunt kites (dual-line kites) when I met her. We both fly them now, when we get the chance. They are really fun, and pretty easy to learn how to control. If you're interested, check out the webpage of Prism - one of the great manufacturers out there. www.prismkites.com Warning - this can become a very expensive hobby as well. She has several kites that are in the $300 - $400 range 
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Thanks, DK-Prof. I'll check it out. 
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You're about as funny as genital warts.  I've got an agenda today. It just doesn't start until this afternoon.
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I can personally vouch for some of those kites. The fiancee and I have their Fanatic, Illusion and Micron models, as well as their Total Eclipse model (which used to be their flagship kite, but they no longer make). If anyone is thinking of buying a sport kite, then this place is a pretty good store: www.windpowersports.com/ You can get some kits (that include everything you need - kite, lines, handles, books, etc) that are not too expensive. (be aware that at some point you'll break the kite, and you'll have to buy some replacement spars, or fix a rip in the sail, or replace some small parts - easy stuff, but be prepared for it to happen). |
+1 on that. Between my guns (got a Yugo m59 sks yesterday) Jeep (just spent $750 on tires) FJ40 Landcruiser (putting in a new tranny and transfercase and painting) 56 Willys pickup (don't know why I got it) I have not time or money for another hobby. Not to mention my wife and three boys. |
Thanks for the link DK-Prof my 10 y/o daughter loves them, and she can fly the hell out of em too
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But But FUN I'm right there with you in that boat man.  Chris |
My third most fave thing to do besides guns and reenactment is kite flying- making, sewing and flying big, honkin' man-lifters, single-line kites, such as Cody kites (my all time faves). I've had a train of them up about 1000' altitude before, until the local po-po told me to bring them down to 600' (FAA rules within 10 miles of airports). Oops!  Cody kite Not my Cody kites, but much like them....pics taken in Holland.    The originals were designed about 100 years ago to lift British Army artillery spotters in gondolas using long trains of these kites.     Originals being launched about 1904 for the British Army. Sometimes I put things like American and British flags on the lines, held down so they flap indentifiably by a small bag of weight on a line hanging down at the bottom of each flag- looks cool!  The inventor of the Cody kite, SF Cody- later, the first man to build and fly an airplane in Great Britain- and he was American! He contributed so much to British aviation, that when he died in a plane crash in 1913, 50,000 people attended his funeral. Some more pics of Cody kites   ETA: Here are some crazy Dutchmen who have their own Cody kite manlifter project!!!!!! 
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