Untitled - KiteLife

ULTRALIGHTS . . .A WORDOFCAUTION,By CRIS BATDORFFSo you've just dished out $150 .00 for the newest kite of yourdreams, that ultralight that you've been thinking about for afew weeks, is finally safe in the kite bag . Off to the field with the silenthope in mind that today there won't be much wind so you can give it agood trial . The wind, however, isn't being very agreeable, and throws 15to 20 mph breezes your way . After a couple of disgruntled minutes sittingin your car with your new kite burning a hole through your thoughts, youunsleeve it . . . what the heck! A little extra wind won't make much of adifference and everyone knows that these top-name kitemakers alwaysunderrate their suggested windspeeds . . . why, I've heard of plenty ofguys flying these light jobs in fairly heavy winds . Good Lord, top fliers do itall the time, right?Ten minutes later, you leave the flying field with several broken piecesof fiberglass and a hunk of torn .75 ounce ripstop . Your days flying hasjust cost you $15 per minute and you're gonna kill something . . .Before directing your illustrative thoughts of great bodily damage at ahapless manufacturer or an innocent shop-owner, consider the vehiclethat you're driving as you head off in his direction . Sure it'll go fast butwill it survive a 60 mph crash into a building? Nope . And if you try to testout the proposition to prove the obvious, will you then take it back to thedealer or write a letter of complaint to the manufacturer? Nope .The plain fact is that most kite manufacturers know exactly whatthey're talking about when they say "recommended wind speed 8--10mph ." Sure you can drive it faster, but at that point the responsibilitybecomes that of the pilot . The kite, in most cases will fly, and again, inmost cases . . . well . But it won't necessarily (and won't a lot less as thewind speed goes further up) survive that spectacular, unplanned groundbash that folks have a nasty habit of perpetrating in a high wind situation. No way .The better the flier, the better chance of avoiding the crash . But eventhat theory breaks down occasionally . Don't believe it? Ask some ofthem at the next fly. But don't verbally beat-up on the guy who madethe thing or sold it to you . . . unless it was one of those "you can fly thiskite in a hurricane," salespeople . Those who make absurd pitches likethat shouldn't be in the business, anyway . The manufacturer, in a lot ofcases has designed the spars to give way under great amounts of pressurelike those encountered in high wind situations . The reason? Simple . . .it's a lot less costly to replace a broken spar for a couple of bucks than atorn sail for, generally, about $40 . Look, these guys aren't in business tomake kites that break, They're in business to make money from increasedsales . And when a kite doesn't hold up, that means that theword will get around and the sales stand a good chance of tailing off abit. The manufacturers are on our side, not on that of planned productdestruction,The best solution? Fly the kite that's both right for the wind and commensuratewith the ability of the person doing the flying . . . that way noone and nothing gets hurt .But suppose you take that ultralight out in those bigger than recommendedwinds and beat the odds . . . you're probably getting a smuglook on your face as these words file past your eyes . Consider this : mostlight-wind designed products are made of very light materials . . . in mostcases, the least obvious one is the sail . Don't be real surprised if next timethe wind is down where it should be for these bantamweights, yoursdoesn't perform quite as well as it used to . The lightweight compositionof these sails gets stretched out of shape more easily than conventionalmaterials and the actual price paid for high wind usage may not actuallysurface until later .Again, before exercising your kites in the sky, exercise your mind on theground and that new light-wind kite will be around for a good long timeto come .

FALL, 1988VOL . 1 NO . 21 ULTRA LIGHTSA word of caution!13 MIDWEST NOVICE PRECISION COMPETITIONRESULTS14 NORTH COAST STUNT KITE GAMES -Suppose they gave a contest andno one played!15 THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY -A nifty selection for your next event,16 WASHINGTON STATE INTERNATIONALNew kites and who won .22 SECOND ANNUAL WEST COAST NATIONALSThey were all there - and so were the surprises!26 WINDY CITY AKA -Eight pages of coverage of the granddaddyof them all .34 OUTER BANKSNew event at Nags Head, N .C .36 BLACK SHIPS '88 - RESULTS37 NOVICE PRECISION (SUGGESTED) RULES -All you need to host a competitionin your area!3 LETTERS! -The readers speak out.6 SHORT LINES -Associate Editor All Hargus tells all on thesubject of stacking .8 THE STUNTER'S NEWS -Mix McGraw sets a new world's record . . .twice!12 AD INDEX18 THE SEDGWICK TAPES -More words of wisdom from the tape deck . . .This month, 'SOLO FLYING ."20 THE BOOK OF ALThe second of three Installments - fromthe "No Secrets" Handbook .40 FLIGHT TESTS -SKQ test flies the Action's Fire Dart, Flexifoil's"Hot Shot," Turning Point's Windjammer, andCrystal's Raven .44 STUNT LIBRARY -Five new ones,46 EVENT CALENDARWhat's coming up!Copyright © 1988 by CRIS H . BATDORFF. Allrights reserved .Reproduction in any form, in whole or inpart, is strictly prohibited without prior writtenpermission of the publisher.Stunt Kite Quarterly is the only magazine inAmerica devoted solely to the sport ofstunt kite flying . Editorial offices arelocated at 356 River Street, Manistee, MI49660, telephone: (616) 723-4344 . StuntKite Quarterly's mailing address is : P.O . Box468, Manistee, MI 49660 .Editor and Publisher : Cris H . BatdorffAssociate Editor : Al Hargus IIIComputer/Ancillary Services : Harlan LinkeGraphic Design : Dale KirchenbergPhotographic Consultancy Services : RonMuszynsklEditorial Advisory Board:Al Hargus IIIFran GramkowskIEric WolffJohn PerusseJudy NeugerRoger ChewningSubscriptions to Stunt Kite Quarterly:$12 .00 for one year (U .S .A . and possessions); $16 .00 for one year (all othercountries) . Foreign drafts must be in U .S .dollars payable through a U .S . bank or thepost office. Single copies of current orback issues are available for $3.50 eachfrom listed distributors or Stunt Kite Quarterly'seditorial offices .Change of Address:Attach or copy mailing label in a letter,giving new address . If mailing label iswrong, please correct it .Advertising:Closing Dates Rates and information sheets are availableupon request .Non-solicited Contributions:Editorial contributions, including, but notlimited to articles and photographs arealways encouraged . Notification is requiredif contribution is submitted to anyother publication . Return of materials mustbe requested along with a self-addressedenvelope with adequate return postage .Stunt Kite Quarterly reserves first publicationrights in published materials unlessotherwise specified . Guidelines for submissionsare available upon request . Accuracyof contents rests with the individualcontributor, Stunt Kite Quarterly being heldharmless in the event of inaccurate copy .The views presented in Stunt Kite Quarterlyare not necessarily those of the editor,staff, or editorial advisory board .47 DIRECTORY OF OUTLETSON THE COVER : Robbie Sugarman solo flying in theInnovative - West Coast '88 .Advertising : eight weeks prior to publicationdate .Editorial : six weeks prior to publicationdate .

Dear SKQ,We got your first issue at theWashington State InternationalKite Fly . What a great magazine!And just in time to get a fewautographed pictures, i .e ., SueTaft Looking forward to your nextissue .Sincerely,Greg and Sue ClarkNaches, WADear SKQ,Your mag is terrific! Enclosed is amoney order for a subscription .Are you going to have competitiontapes available down theroad? How about a poster of Suefrom your 1st issue! The kite reviewsare the best yet, too!!Wayne MastelLincoln, NDThanks for the great comments,Wayne . The competition tapeidea is interesting . . . we'd like tohear more about what you'd liketo see! We talked to Sue aboutthe poster idea . . . negotiations arestill "up in the air'Dear SKQ,Love your magazine! Picked upmy copy at Jim and Kay Buesing'sLong Beach Kites, Long Beach,Washington . We don't get muchstunt quality air here in Idaho, sowe're depending on you for muchmore than pleasant reading . Howabout some in-depth info onquad-line rigging? Lee Sedgwickwas the ONLY pilot flying on quadsat the WIKF in Long Beach .David BogieKite Group of Boise, IDThanks, Dave! I had the pleasureof trying some of those Idahobreezes on the way back from theWest Coast Nationals . . . didn'tthink that they were all THAT bad!Lee (who is famous for maybenever having written a real-life letterbut using tapes instead) isgoing to inform us on solo flyingthis issue but take heart . . . thequads are coming! Best regards tothe rest of the kite group!Dear SKQ,Add my name to your subscriptionlist - the premier issue is great- excellent photos, informativearticles - I agree with your standregarding the organization of astunt kite association as a separategroup from AKA - as popularas stunt kites have and will continueto be - it's a natural progression- it will be an interesting AKAconvention in Chicago in October.Perhaps we'll be seeing the"groundwork" for the ideas evolveinto something that will benefit forthe future American Stunt KitingOrganization .Keep it up!Lee ToyScottsdale, AZIt was a pleasure to see youagain in the Windy City, Lee!Developments there are coveredin the Stunter's News section andin the Windy City write-up . You'llalso want to check out the niftybanners shown in the West Coastarticle . . . nice workmanship!Dear SKQ,I love your new magazine . . . it'sgreat . I've always wanted a kitemagazine about just stunt kites . Ilike your stunt kite reviews . I alsoliked your stunt diary and yourselection of rumors . I also liked Al'sShort Lines . I guess I just liked thewhole magazine!Your fellow stunt kite flier,Matt WeidenHey, Matt! It's always great tohear from a fellow Michigander.Glad you liked the first issue . Wemissed seeing you in Chicago .(Matt is one of the younger, andnewer members of the Experiencedclass. After winning theNovice class at the MackinawCity, MI, fly this summer, he'sdecided to make the jump up .)Hope that issue two meets withyour expectations!SKQ,Good for you, good for us . SKQis just what I am looking for in akite magazine . I am interested inall areas of kiting, but dual lines iswhere it's at for me . Being able toread current articles that dealspecifically with this area of kitingis great . Your new product selectionis a good idea, but too glossyfor me . Get out of the middle ofthe road, let's hear about goodpoints and bad points, notredeeming features . Anyway, I'veread the first issue cover to coverand look forward to the next issue .Good job,Henry Meacham, Tako KichiLopez Is ., WAI appreciate the comments,Henry! Thanks for keeping me onmy toes! I guess that 1 was startingto sound like my old, maternalgrandmother ("If you can't saysomething nice . . . ") . I'II be happyto slide off to one side of the centerline as soon as someone sendsme a kite that doesn't belongthere!SKQ,Congratulations on a great firstissue . Especially liked thenumerous tips and practical advice- and the flight tests . Nothinglike them in any other publication. I appreciate reading honestevaluations of products .I hope that you plan to coversingle-line stunt kites, too . Fighterkites are the original stunters, andthe same new technologies thathave revolutionized two-line kitinghave done the same for the oldAsian designs . They've alwaysbeen challenging to fly and satisfyingin a way that no other kite is,but now they're also durable andflyable in a wider range of winds .Lots of us who fly fighters also flytwo-line stunters because theycomplement each other (if it'sover 20, up goes my Flexi orSkydart) . For folks who live wherewinds are off en too light for two-

line buzz-bombs, a fighter or two inthe trunk of the car can be just thething .Keep up the great work,Ernest MurphyHonolulu, HIHow about it, folks? I think thatErnest has a real good point here. . . after all, the fighters had thecontrollable field, first . Let's put itto a poll . . . let us know what youthink, and we'll act accordingly!SKQGentlefolk :Zowie! I just got the first issue ofSKQ in the mail yesterday and Iam impressed . Yesterday morningat work was completely taken upwith reading and re-reading themagazine from cover to cover,over and over. Your "massage"about the trade deficit notwithstanding,it's significant thatstunting (what an ugly term!) hasreached a size and significancewhere someone else feels theycan make an attempt at publishingan honest-to-God magazine .('ja realize that there's never been- to my knowledge - even astunt kite newsletter before this?)So much for the kudos ; now forthe nits . How about an advertiser'sindex, so when I think, "Where'sthe ad for Stanton Hobby?", I canfind it easier?No suggestion on what toreplace them with, but after awhile the "bun shots" (backsides)of fliers gets tiring. The photos inthe ECSKC article are good in thisregards -- side and front shotsmixed in with the rears .This leads into the photos ingeneral : the color ones are gorgeous,very nice composition ingeneral and striking reproduction .The black-and-whites suffergreatly in comparison - most ofthem seem muddy . l don't know ifthis is because they are originallycolor, or the halftone screen is toofine, or if it's something else .Being, part of the ECSKC team, Iwas pleased with the article youwrote and the photos . Wow!However, I was disturbed thatthere was no mention of theprotest that was filed during theInnovative competition . After PhilCastillo had flown his performance,and during LeeSedgwick's flight, Phil filed aprotest regarding the use of multiplekites during a performance :the ECSKC Rules and Proceduresbooklet specifically states that aflier may not change kites duringan event ; it also says that for Innovative,anything goes . The MeetCoordinators ruled on the protest,disallowing it . Phil then wrote apetition that was signed by about10 other fliers (I think) that restatedthe protest and submitted that tothe coordinators . This, too, wasdisallowed . It's important that thewarts in a meet be reported on aswell as the pleasant things - ifonly to alert other organizers to apotential problem spot . Last yearthe ECSKC put the protest functioninto place, to isolate the judgingstaff from non-judging disturbances; it has worked, for which I ampleased, but does point up theneed to continually revise andrefine our rules and procedures .It'd be nice for the next installmentof "The Book of Al" if you'dinclude information about orderingthe book .I like the New Product Reviewsection (hell, I like the whole damnmagazine!) . Please include thenames of your testers (a laKitelines), so we know who toblame - er, thank - and publishthe sail area with the "Configuration"data . The side-by-sidephotos of the NoNaMe and22000C show almost the samekite; it's amazing who's "borrowing"whose design . SKQ will certainlypoint this up over the comingissues, if only by publishingphotos of the products - maybethis will bring some accountabilityto the manufacturing side of stunting.For the Stunt Library, why not askthe submitters to includerationales for their designdecisions? For example, in theShip's Bottle, why is it "no fair flyingit backwards?" Why the extraclimb in the middle? You shouldalso explicitly release (and requirethe release) of copyright on thefigures if you intend that they beused in future competitions .Well, that's the nits (seems like alot, doesn't it!) . But truthfully, I likeSKQ a lot and am excited aboutthe future . One of the problemsstunt flying has had as it's grown isthat "pockets" or cliques form,and information and techniquesdon't seem to leave the areas .A national magazine has thepotential to bring both cohesionto the stunt flying community (butnever "one happy family" - howwhite breadish!) and diversificationof its ideas . Ideas . That's whatii's about right now, and SKQ canspread those around .Why not national rankings? Youhave the power to do it (if maybenot the hardware and software) :obviously you'll know most - if notall - of the results of competitions,and you have the computers (Ithink; it looks like SKQ is laser printed). Some ranking system, likeAmerican Kite's, could beemployed . A published nationalranking may be the kick neededto force the formation of a nationalorganization . Better watchout or you'll get the job!I'm excited! I've never written aletter like this to a magazinebefore, so you can be sure you'vestruck a chord . I have edited anewsletter before, and write somelectures for my work, so I have abasic (!) idea of what goes intothe publication of something likeSKQ ; thanks for the effort .Keep going! I'm already inwithdrawal, waiting for the next issue.Good Winds!Mike CarrollSkillman, NJZounds! Now this is a letter! Andsome darned good ideas, too .Wish I'd thought of them first! OXlet's see, advertisers' index onpage 12, check .The infamous "bun shots"while some of the shots are admittedlytighter than others, by andlarge, we agree . Solo flying andInnovative routines are able tohelp us get a new "perspective"on the situation. We'll certainly tryto put more of the best side forwardin future issues .

4ftrs. blines) . Make sure that the lines areexactly the same length . Makeand fit small loops by wrappingaround the frame of the kite andpulling the knotted end throughthe loop . Position in the properplace and tape into position (Seefig . #3) .With your fingers, double loopthe noose on the end of the linkline (See fig . #4)TRAINS, AND BOATS, AND PLANESIn every stunt kite flier's career,they fly (or at least try to fly) astack or train of stunt kites . Moreoften then not, the train linesbreak or the connectors and clipsused come apart . I'd like to offera few short lines from two of thebest train kite fliers I know .FROM RAY MERRY ON STACKING'FOILSFlexifoils can be linked togetherby the use of equal length lineswith loops tied to each end .Simply pass the loop through thering on each end and larks headto the tip of the spar . This methodworks quite well for up to four six--foot 'foils (Ray says to make thelines 2-3 ft . for the Hot Shot 4ftr . 4 ft .for the Stacker six footer and 6ft .for the Super ten footer) .After a certain number of 'foilsand in higher winds there is adanger of breaking train lines atthe knots or even shearing the tipsof the spars off the lower kites inthe stack because of the extremeforces at this point .One method to prevent linebreakage is to make a continuousset of train lines . Just measure alength of line and form a bow-lineloop for the top kite . (See fig . #1)and in-line loops for each 'foil (Seefig . #2) .Take care to make each loopequal size, Ray says about 2" andthe distance between the loopsshould also be equal . Theseprepared lines can be attachedto the kites in the usual manner .Another method made famousby the world's record "ChicagoHook and Ladder" stunt kite train(85 six foot Flexifoils) is to measuretwo lengths of line and mark thedistance between kites on theline . Then tie a smaller line directlyto the main train line . (CSL used asimple overhand knot and applieda drop of super glue tosecure the knot.) Attach thissmaller line to the kite in the normalmanner. Main stress is takenup by the continuous line andnone is applied to each individualkite . (CSL tried to fly 15 6ft . 'foilswith this method . The lead kitewas stock . Unfortunately the4000# test flying lines broke, noloops broke nor were any kitesdamaged .)FROM BILL BAKER ON RIGGINGPETER POWELL STUNT KITE TRAINSMake link lines with loops ateach end (Similar to the 'foil trainSlip the noose of the link lineover the knotted loop attached tothe kite frame and pull tight .(Note : To disconnect, just pullback on the double loop .) See fig .#5 .Slide up to the stopper knot .Repeat with all lines . Connectlead bridles in the same way . Younow have a quick, easy and verystrong link line system for yourPeter Powell stunt kites . Bill Bakerrecommends that the link lines fore62" and link lines for 3ftrsbe 30" . (Note : This system can beused for any framed stunt kite . LeeSedgwick uses it to stack hisSpectrum Darts .)Several general notes that I'dlike to add about stacking stuntkites . When you make up the trainlines using either of the describedmethods, remember that theknots are the weakest points .(They reduce the line strength by35-40%) . So make those linesstrong . Ray Merry says at least 50#test per kite in the stack (I .E ., 6 foot'foils = 300# test train lines) . Billrecommends at least 25# test foreach kite in the stack .Don't forget too that the pull isnot only exerted on the train lines,but on the pilot as well . (Might beto your advantage to read the articleon Power flying by LeeSedgwick in SKQ #1 .) Also stacks

and trains will fly slower than asingle kite, so be prepared to dealwith that power for longer periodsof time . (A stack can slow your kitedown for use in Musical kite ballet,to a slower piece of music, too!)So, Gang, the next time youwant greater pulling power orwant to create an aerial spectacle,remember Trains (I fibbedabout the boats and planes in thetitle!!)Many thanks to Ray Merry ofFlexifoil Power Kites and Bill Bakerof Peter Powell Stunt Kites for theiradvice and permission to use thediagrams in this article .Don't forget, if you have a ShortLine, interesting or informative thatyou want to share, send it to me,Al Hargus % SKQ .Thanks and Good Winds to youall, and may you never suffer thecurse of the million wraps .John McDowellDies at 57On October 18, Kitty Hawk Kiteslost a very endeared friend andassociate, John McDowell . John,a young 57, was out enjoyingwindsurfing when we believe hesuffered from heart failure and collapsed.John had a penchant forwindsports . He regularly participatedin windsurfing, hand gliding,and his true love, kite flying .His enthusiasm for kite flying iswhat brought John to us threeyears ago . We discovered him outon Jockey's Ridge flying a train ofhyperkites and hired him on thespot to manage our growing kitestore .Under John's guidance, KittyHawk Kites prospered and expanded. John, a retired chemist, wasa great planner and analyst, inaddition to being a wonderful kiteenthusiast . Our Nags Head storewas enlarged and we openedtwo more stores in Duck, N .C ., andNorfolk, Va. John was very instrumentalin supporting the growingkite industry by his efforts andenthusiasm,John Robert McDowell, as anexemplary example that age hasno bearing on what one can accomplish. Active in kite-flying,hang gliding, and windsurfing, nochallenge was too large for John,and these sports were very endearedby him . We are fortunateto have known John .Sincerely,John M . HarrisPresidentKitty Hawk Kites, Inc .

WINDWHEEL MAKERS OBSERVE GAMESHenry Ringer is 93 years old, anda craftsman of renown in Canton,Ohio. His "Wind Wheels" powercarved creatures and objectsranging from a flying Nun to a pairof stunt kites. Henry had neverseen stunt in action until hewas brought, along with his craftingpartner Bill Ferree, to theCleveland Flexi-Fool competition,but his expertise had already wonOSEK a First Place trophy for aground display at the Sixth AnnualWright-Patterson Air ForceMuseum Kite Festival .Henry began his intricatelydesigned gearworks systems manyyears ago, but developed thetechnique to operate withwindwheels just seven years ago,after his wife passed away . Needinga hobby to fill some emptytime, his friend Bill Ferree suggestedthe wonderful wood charmers.Henry says Bill challengeshim . Beginning with such movingitems as antique autos, huntersand critters being hunted, amodel of a working steam engine,and such, he branched out to docustom ideas for others . The largestwindwheel he has producedis a covered bridge with carpenterssawing and pounding . Itweighs 300 pounds .The stunt kite windwheel wasbuilt at the request of LarryLoutzenheiser, whose personna isthe figure flying the kites on theplatform . Bill carved Larry, Larrycarved the kites, and Henry didthe wheel, platform and gearing .It made its first appearance inCanton for the pleasure of folkswho turned out to watch a kitedemonstration and hot air balloonshow at the Football Hall of Fame .FLEXI'S HAVE THEIR DAY IN CLEVELANDFour times more competitorsand ten times more fun wasachieved on September 11th inCleveland for the 2nd AnnualFlexi-Fool & Dale's Birthday PartyCompetition. Dan Buxton andDale Shirer put together a day offlying and food that sparked theenthusiasm of some folks who hadnever thrilled at the pull of a Flexibefore, and one who had neverheld a pair of stunt kite handles inher life!The Flexis used were Dan's own- a black six-footer and a yellow10 footer. Competitors had achoice for the first event, but allused the six foot kite for all theother events . By providing thesame kite, line and handles foreverybody, it was felt that all contendershad an equal chance atthe prizes, given variables in skill,luck and that always present ficklewind stuff .Anthony Somerville was a clearwinner in the overall points systemdevised for the games . In theBirthday Party Pot-Luck event,Glenna Mattiuz's bean casserolecleaned the bowl . Free-fliers onstatic lines filled the remainingpark skies, some tied to trees andposts so their owners could competein the Flexi events .Three games comprised the fullcompetition :1 . Knock the Pumpkin Off thePolePoor pole! The plastic pumpkinsurvived the t-ball effort by the 17contenders, with Anthony and TedKarl whacking the target 12 timesfor a lead in the games .

2 . Blind Man Diveor, so you think you know wherethe ground is. Just because onehad the chance to do it once witheyes-on capability, judging howclose you are to the groundbefore pulling up again was adifficult task for most . Steve Wexbergsinged the worms, howeverfor the win in this event . Mostothers averaged 10 to 35 feetfrom the ground before pulling outof the dive. Nobody crashed!3 . Cleveland Slide(no relation to the Ohio rightturn) Slipping the six-foot Flexi underthe 16 foot high line andwhipping it out again without hittingthe end poles was the challengerof the day for the' novicesand the deciding factor for thetop contenders . A fickle wind blewwith variable intensity, providingan "x" factor to deal with (usuallypulling the kite higher than theline) . Getting the range andsweep back and forth lacked thewindshield wiper consistency oneneeded to rack up points, but Anthonycleaned up a 13 point totalfor this event .Prize donors included the KiteKompany, Stunt Kite Quarterly,Shanti Kite Lines, Larry Flandera,and numberless members of OSEKwho pitched coins into a pot tomake up the various 3) cents andother odd cash prizes given out .Anyone interested in knowing howmany birthdays Dale Shirer hashad can call him at (216) 333-5425, or they can plan to attendthe THIRD annual Flexi event nextSeptember . . . make that thesecond Sunday .FINAL RESULTS1st Place : Anthony Somerville, a4' glow-in-dark Flexi with line andhandles . (Donated by Kite Kompany)2nd Place : Tom Schickler, stuntline and handles (donated byShanti Kite Lines)3rd Place : Steve Wexberg,stained glass Flexi (donated byRobert Schroyer)4th Place : Brian Fyfe, Stunt KiteQuarterly subscription (donatedby SKQ)5th Place : Ted Karle, same as4th (donated by SKQ)6th Place : Robert Schroyer,same as 4th (donated by SKQ)7th Place : "Mr. X" (Pete Di-Giacomo) ; 8th Place, Paul Turner ;9th Place, Matt Porter ; 10th Place,"Lanky Lou" (Esther Chaney) ; 11thPlace, Bruce Somerville ; 12thPlace, Bill Kessel ; 13th Place,George Wilcox; 14th Place,"Mona Lisa" (Mona Kessel) ; 15thPlace, Harry Gregory (winner ofthe 1st Annual Flexi event . . . didn'tpractice this year!) ; 16th Place,"LC Shorebird" ; and last in line(she didn't compete in all threeevents) the Mad Babuska Bomber(otherwise known as MadameDictator for Life Connie Pederson) .World Kite MuseumANNOUNCES LOGO COMPETITIONThe recently formed World KiteMuseum and Hall of Fame in LongBeach, Washington, has announcedthat they will be conductinga competition to designtheir logo. Those with a benttoward creative and artistic endeavorsmay express themselvesby designing an official symbol forthe organization which will appearat all Society affiliated functions,and on all Society correspondence. Those interested in a list ofcompetition rules and guidelinesshould write to : Logo ContestCommittee, World Kite Museumand Hall of Fame, P.O . Box 964,Long Beach, Washington 98631 .The contest closing date isDecember 31 of this year.Look interesting? The kite was built by Masato Horikiri and is named LEDELTAFOIL from original plans taken from Le Nouveau Cervoliste Belge,no. 24, dated Mai-Juin, 1986 . The rods used are from the SkynasaurAerobat . Photo taken on Kamakura Beach, Japan, shows RyootaHorikiri . Original design for the kite is by Rene Wautier .Photo by Masato Horikiri

"Best non-event of year"MONSOON REIGNS ATMONTEREY VINEYARD'S KITE FESTIVALSaturday, July 16 . . . itseemed like a good day for a kitefly . We were in Shaumburg, Ill ., atthe famous Ned Brown Woods,one of the favored spots for activitiesof the ChicagolandSkyliners. The event on this datewas the Monterey Vineyard KiteFestival . The sky was significantlyovercast, but what the heck, therewere some real nice breezes comingin from the west and there wasplenty of time for free flying beforethe "official" opening ceremonyat noon . We stunters were alloweddemonstration time later in theday and the morning appeared agood time to get in a little practice.The event organizers, KiteCaravan and Monterey Vineyard,were busying themselves settingup speaker systems and a coupleof large striped tents for the afternoon'sfestivities . Lee Toy placed anumber of beautiful banners whileKathy Goodwind and Cherie Mc-Fadden were putting their organizationalabilities to good use .The Monterey Vineyard folks beginunloading enough wine and assortedgoodies to float, at least, aPT boat and feed the crew for aweek . It even appeared that theweather was going to turn outnicely . . . for a while .Let's see . . . a few things WEREgotten out of the way . . . the openingceremony replete with red,white, and blue kites in the air andappropriate music for the occasionwas quite patriotic . The largekites were spectacular, particularlya huge windsock in the shape of(what else?) a champagne bottle .Things were going along, in fact,rather smoothly and then . . . "Thesky is falling! The sky is falling!"And fall it did! For the durationof the afternoon the festival wasravaged by a downpour of biblicalproportions . Well, what do allgood kitefliers do when it starts torain? They go home, right? Not thisgroup . . . read on .Putting into practice the oldadage that when life gives youlemons, you make lemonade, thisbunch of stalwarts took to thesituation like, well . . . ducks towater. Credit must be given to theorganizers of this event . It takes anextraordinary combination of folksto turn a situation like a(completely) rained-out kite festivalinto a memorable experience. We seem to recall a linefrom the past . . . "the wind blew,and the drinks flew, and it rainedfor forty days and forty nights . . .'Now, we'd never been to anhonest-to-gosh, wine-and-kiteparty, so we didn't know how toreact right off, but some of thesefolks were apparently old hands atthis . Friendships were both madeand renewed . Kites, designs forkites, performances with kites,stories about kites, all mixed quitenicely with discussions of piquancy,the nose of the winebeing tasted, color, texture, andlengthy roundtable talks aboutvarietals . As it turns out, kites andwine go very nicely together. Welike Chardonay and Super Darts,personally .It was an afternoon well spent,and, without the monsoon,probably one that would neverhave happened . A lot of thoserules discussions would probablyhave would up being handled ina stuffy annual meeting or someother equally unpleasant setting .Hats off to the MontereyVineyard and Kite Caravan andthe Chicagoland Skyliners! Thiswas easily the best "non-event" ofthe year!Another new kite! Previewed at Long Beach . during the WashingtonState International Kite Festival, this one's called the Cyborg . The wordmeans "half-alive" and, according to Mike Sterling of Cal Skate andSport, who will make the kite available, that's exactly what it behaveslike in the air. The Cyborg will be available in 4, 6, and 8 foot sites . . . sailsare being produced by Action Kite of San Diego .SKQ photo by Dave Gomberg

New high at 253MIX McGRAWSTACKS UPBACK-TO-BACKWORLD RECORDSMix McGraw's love affair withvery large stacks started back in1982 when he flew a group of 52Rainbows for what was then aworld's record . Steve Edieken,then president of Rainbow Kiteswas of the opinion that it couldn'tbe done. We know now what,perhaps, was not known backthen . . . Mix is a very determinedindividual ."You've got to have confidencein yourself and faith in your kites,"Mix said when interviewed by SKQ .That confidence showed up twicethis year : once at the West CoastNationals when he set a newworld's record flying a stack of 224HyperKites that were custom-builtby Randy Tom, and again inOcean City, Maryland, where, onOctober 8th, Mix broke his ownworld's record by flying 253 ."After 150, the biggest problemwith these large stacks is the 'snaking,'"Mix explained . "This particularbunch had initial problemswith always turning to the left ."The problems were obviously solvedby the time San Francisco rolledaround as Mix made it lookeasy for the excited crowd . Thesecret is smooth flying and dealingwith all possible circumstancesbefore they happen, according tothe world's record holder .Both stacks were flown on 5001b .Spectra line with matching bridlesand link lines and were flown aftera month or two to get the stacksset up properly. What's next . . .300? No word yet, but we knowthat Mix is thinking about it!Mix makes it look easy . . . 224 for hisfirst record of the summer. WestCoast Nationals '88 .SKQ Photos by Cris Batdorff

5 ACTION KITES7 INTO THE WIND12 SKYROD12 TURNING POINT KITE CO .12 FLEXI FOIL POWER KITES13 STANTON HOBBY SHOP INC .34 FLY BY NIGHT35 THE WORLD KITE MUSEUM& HALL OF FAME36 UP IN THE AIR PRODUCTIONS39 KITE BAG46 BALLOON FACTORY & KITES46 KITE LIGHT/WIND PILOTB .I .C. SKQ MAGAZINEB .C .TOP OF THE LINE KITES

RESULTS OF MIDWEST NOVICE PRECISION STUNT KITECOMPETITIONS - FALL 1988(NOTE : The following report on stunt kite competitions took place over aperiod of four weeks in Region #6&7 of the American Kitefliers Association.The competitions were run in accordance with current NationalStunt kite procedure and the 1988 A .K .A . National Competition rules . Fourcompulsories were flown with a two-minute free style . The events werecoordinated by John Karel and Al Hargus . With sponsorship by theChicagoland Sky Liners, The Central Ohio Kite Association, and the KiteSociety of Wisconsin . There were five judges at each event and thescores were calculated according to national procedure . Over fiftynovice and experienced stunt kite fliers participated in these events . As aresult of these contests, the beginning stunt kite fliers of the Midwestgained much needed experience in the methods, skill, art and fun ofstunt kite competitions .)Novice Precision Stunt kite competitions - Schaumburg, II . Aug . 27, 1988JUDGES : Eric and Dorothy Wolff, Jim Miller, Cris Batdorff, and FrankFieselerField Director : John KarelPit Boss : Denis PowersNovice Class (240 possible)1st Place - Dave Molly; Schaumburg, II . 176 points2nd Place - Rick DeYoung ; Lynwood, II .161 points3rd Place - Randy Schmidt; Milwaukee, Wi .155 pointsDayton Precision Stunt kite competitions - Dayton, Ohio Sept . 4, 1988JUDGES : Fred Bell, Bruce Jarve, Pam Holbrook, Dave Budress and Phil OsgoodField Director: AI HargusPit Boss : Steve WebberNovice Class (210 possible)1st Place - Gary Maynard ; Detroit, Mi .157 points2nd Place - Mike Steele ; Chicago, II .140 points3rd Place - Rich Bashore; Lexington, Ky . 130 pointsExperienced Class (210 possible)1st Place - Duane Deardorff ; Chicago, II .2nd Place - Nate Williams; Detroit, Mi .3rd Place - Brian Keating ; Columbus, OhioMots Festival Stunt kite competitions - Milwaukee, Wi . Sept . 17, 1988Judges : John Karel, Vicky Nelson and Chuck McMillinField Director : Al HargusPit Boss: Randy Schmidt, Steve ShapsonNovice Class (300 possible)1st Place - Susan Mayer; Chicago, II .2nd Place - Phil Hudson; Wisconsin3rd Place - Mike Steele ; Aurora, II .177 points166 points166 points228 points227 points222 pointsThe events were so popular with the contestants, judges, and events'coordinators, that a series of novice precision contests are already beingplanned for the 1989 flying season by the sponsoring kite clubs .For further information on how to host a novice type precision stunt kitecompetition in your area, contact :Mike Keating1988 AKA Stunt KiteCoordinator2283 Bristol RoadColumbus, Ohio 43210orSKQ Associate EditorAl Hargus % SKQ

In this year of the OlympicGames, national point winners,and world's record competition, itseems somehow fitting that thestunt kite circuit has its "games" aswell . This year's North Coast StuntKite Games, as always, a productionof the Black Swamp Air Forceand AKA Region 6 and 7, broughttogether some of the Midwest'sfinest fliers in what was highlytouted as a weekend of fun and"nonserious" competition . Onceagain, the NCSKG lived up to theirreputation . . . and then some! Infact, the fliers had such a goodtime enjoying each other's companyand the fantastic weather,that they forgot about the competitionsall together!This is not to say that therewasn't some excellent performances:there were, but theywent largely unnoticed if youweren't really looking . GaryCounts of Erie, PA, ran through hisentire ballet routine, Lee Sedgwickand Sue Taft, also of Erie, flew theirpairs exhibition . Beautiful performanceswere turned in by Danand Lorna Buxton, Eric Wolff flew aquad-line exhibition, and Pam Kirkpolished a wonderful balletroutine . Jim Poy of Ontario,Canada, flew a stunning two-kiteprogram . The list goes on and on. . . Vern and Sue Balodis, MikeDennis, Al Hargus, Pam Holbrook,Pete Dijacomo, Matt Porter . . .There was one highpoint atwhich a group of, if we areremembering correctly, eight fliersformed a "megateam" eachflying a three-stack of Flexifoils .byCris BatdorffTeam members consisted of,Dorothy and Eric Wolff, Dan andLorna Buxton, Lee Sedgwick, GaryCounts, AI Hargus, and Cris Batdorff.Everything was going alongfairly well until Captain Wolff said,"Let's get fancy," and proceededto call a team starburst . Of course,each maneuver should havesome sort of ending and this onewas certainly not the noted exception. . . what a mess! No oneknew where to go, so we went tothe ground . . . some in more directfashion than others .Prizes for the games were distributedon Sunday night by AlHargus with the winners beingdetermined by having their namesThe start of the mega-team!Ontario's Jim Poy . . . two kites at once .drawn from a hat . Donations rangedfrom Flexifoils to kazoos . Alcommented that because of theease of running the prize distributionin this fashion, he might considersuggesting it as a possibleway to run the nationals inChicago .Those who were unable to attendthis, the year's most laidbackevent, are reminded to bethere next year or Godzilla (of"Revenge" fame) may show up tovisit his wrath upon the cities of themissing pilots . As usual, a heartythanks to the Maumee Bay StatePark and head Ranger Jim Brownfor putting up with this year'sbatch of 55 Sky Hogs .

THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY???Don't like "competitions" but dolike to test your skill with a stuntkite? Then the North Coast StuntKite Games are for you! Held annuallyat the beautiful MaumeeBay State Park just east of Toledo,Ohio, over the Fourth of JulyWeekend, these games are jointlyhosted by the Black Swamp AirForce and AKA Regions 6 and 7 .The North Coast Games representthe de-evolution of the kite festivalat its peak (or, rather, its valley) .Participants think up the contests,set the activities, and handle thescheduling . It's Sky Hog Heaven!Competitions are a designateddirty word . "We play games andhave fun," state all the campers(the NCSKG is a three day camp -out event as well) . And what sortof games do these people play?Well, here's a short compilation . . .PARTNERS EVENT : One partnerholds the left handle and theother holds the right connected tothe stunt kite of their choice . Theteam must do a loop to the leftand to the right . They cannottouch and, furthermore, mustremain at least five feet apart . (Trythis one in light winds while youboth have to back up!)BLIND FLYING : The flier has toperform a set of maneuvers with apaper bag over their head . (Greatfor curing hiccups, too!)LEMANS KITE RALLY : All of theparticipants line up at the startingpoint and at the "GO" signal, raceto completely disassembled kites .(Trlbys are a good choice for thisevent.) Kites must be assembled,lines deployed, and left and rightloops performed . The first onedone is the winner. (No assistanceis allowed.)RELAY RACE : All fliers presentare divided into two teams . Onthe "GO" signal, the first flier ineach line launches a kite anddoes a loop left and a loop right .The handles are then passed on tothe next person who repeats themaneuvers and so on until oneteam finishes the winner . (Thisgame was attempted in Toledoone year ago with NO WIND andten-foot Flexifoils . . . it turned into aground race as well!)By Al Hargus.LIMBO ELIMINATOR : This onewas invented by Ray Merry whosays : "Use a six-foot Flexi ." Two 15--foot high poles are set up on thefield 150 feet apart . Across the topa line is stretched in tightropefashion . The object is to maneuveryour kite under the line as manytimes as possible in three minutes .Participants stand under thetightrope . Anything goes . . . unassistedre-launches, line hits,whatever, as long as you pass thekite under the line . (World recordfor this event is 56 passes in threeminutes by Eric Wolff of Chicago,but Ray Merry reminds us that Ericused as Spin-off.)GODZILLA'S REVENGE : (At thispoint, I'd like to give a short historyof the big, green, guy.) The KiteSociety of Wisconsin has had anevent for years called "WilliamTell" in which a store mannequinwas used with an apple on hishead for the target. The ChicagoAL HARGUSand friend . . .(Al's the oneon the left)Sky Liners wanted to duplicate theevent in Chicago but couldn't locatea dummy (the store variety!) .Instead, they substituted an inflatableGodzilla . . . he's the oneon the right in the photo .Participants may use a kite oftheir choice to knock an apple ora hat off the monster with eitherkite or line in a certain number ofpasses (traditionally, ten) . If youknock Godzilla over, you lose thatpass, and receive no points . Additionally,Godzilla gets very angry!Several alternatives to the big,green guy can be used . . . a cupon a stick, a balloon on a rod, atripod with a tennis ball on top .Sounds easy, right? It is fun, but at150 feet that apple looks like amarble! A word of caution . . . givethe helper a chance to replacethe apple before you make yournext pass or you may score a hiton the wrong dummy!When people get together to flystunt kites, any one of thesegames can be played . Or, betterstill, invent a game of your ownand write to SKQ about it .

An estimated 100,000+ peopleturned out for this year's annualWashington State InternationalKite Festival held in Long Beach .The annual event, now in itsseventh edition, has become oneof the more popular events on theWest Coast, this year drawing participantsfrom as far away asJapan and England .The WSIKF attempted, over thefestival, to break their own WesternHemisphere record for 2,009kites flown simultaneously, but thewind proved to be uncooperativeand when the count was talliedthe record was some 280 kitesshort .In stunt-related activities, theWSIKF played host to theNorthwest Regional Stunt KiteCompetitions, which were held onAugust 19 . Competition tookplace in three categories : novice,intermediate, and experienced .The experienced category issimilar to the Open class in mostnational events with the exceptionthat sponsored individual andteams were not included . This wasdone to retain the amateur statusof the class . Professional fliers werenot discouraged but invited toperform in demonstration events .It was Michael Barclay winningthe novice Precision from the fieldof 51 entrants . In the Intermediate,Jason Loo came out on top . TheExperienced title was captured byDarrin Skinner. In the IntermediateBallet, Robery Riley walked awaywith the top spot with Darrin Skinneradding another win .Intermediate Team Precisionwent to Ron and Missy Romerowith the Stunts "R" Us team of RodYarger and Roy Willson taking boththe Experienced Team Precisionand Team Ballet titles .Demonstration flying was doneby the Peter Powell Team, RobertLoera, Sue Taft, Lee Sedgwick,and the Top of the Line Team .One of the more interestingsights was watching Dixon andJeremy Schwenk of Belleview,Washington . They flew stacks ofFlexifoils while tethered to ananchored ground pole . There wassome tremendous amount of liftencountered!Photos courtesy of David Gomberg. . . below, More new kites . . .The "Boomers," short forboomerang, from Canada . Atright, a tremendous Trlby stack ;below right, flying high on the Flexi"rig ."

LONG BEACH NORTHWEST REGIONAL August 19, 1988NOVICE INDIVIDUAL PRECISION (40 pts, possible)1 . Michael Barclay 36 .172. Rod Guyette 34 .733 . Tom Daniels 33 .30INTERMEDIATE INDIVIDUAL PRECISION (40 pts . possible)1 . Jason Loo 35 .272 . Michael Allen 35 .083 . Don Giovanni 34 .87EXPERIENCED INDIVIDUAL PRECISION (40 pts . possible)1 . Darrin Skinner 34 .132. Michael Pederson 32 .373 . Ron Romero 31 .83INTERMEDIATE INDIVIDUAL BALLET1 . Robert Riley 50 .002 . Maureen Christensen 49 .003 . Don Giovanni 48 .33EXPERIENCED INDIVIDUAL BALLET1 . Darrin Skinner 67 .202 . Rod Yarger 66 .703 . Roy Willson 51 .00INTERMEDIATE TEAM PRECISION (100 pts . possible)1 . Ron & Missy Romero 73 .302 . Robin Ward/Jason Loo 70 .003 . Rod Guyette/Michael Barclay 50 .00EXPERIENCED TEAM PRECISION (100 pts . possible)1 . Stunts 'R' Us (Rod Yarger/Roy Willson) 90 .00TEAM BALLET1 . Stunts 'R' Us 79 .502 . Jason & Jim Loo 65 .003. Ron & Missy Romero 46 .25

Lee Sedgwick is from Erie, Pa., andflies both individually and as amember of Team High Fly . He isgenerally credited with being thefirst to perfect the style termed"solo flying" (i.e ., flying through aground stake). Lee is a highly innovativeflier whose credits include: ECSKC II, 1st in IndividualBallet - . 1987 AKA National, 2nd IndividualBallet; and most recently,ECSKC Ill, 1st Innovative FreeFlight; 2nd in Individual Ballet; and1st (along with team member SueTaft) Open Team Ballet.Solo flying is the practice offlying a stunt kite with the lineslooped around a stake in theground or, basically, any type offlying in which the lines are loopedaround an object enabling theflier to remain downfield with hiskite(s) . It has become an integralpart, of late, of many of the morepopular innovative flying routines .This particular method of stuntflying has been in practice forsome time with estimates varyingas to the technique's origin . Someclaim that it began in Hawaii,others claim Australia, while stillothers point to Southern Californiaas the spot of beginning . Regardlessof the precise location of thestyle, it is generally consideredthat it began as a way to take offand land within a confined area .Lee first used the solo techniqueto take off in a small space, withthe idea being then to let outlines, then fly with the lines at fulllength . Upon completion of the fly,he planned to re-hook the linesthrough the stake, again beingable to land in a small space . Inworking where large crowds werepresent, it seemed like it wasEric Wolff solo flying a three-stack, West Coast Nationals 1988 .going to prove to be an excellentway to be able to launch withouthaving to fly in an unsafe manner .Lee remembers that he got abouthalfway out with the lines throughthe stake and the kites began tocome towards him . Before theend of the day, he wound updownfield with the kites and hissolo flying experience began . Itwas not much longer before Leewould begin to use the maneuverin national competition events .There are some inherent difficultieswith solo work that the fliermust overcome if he is to becomeproficient at the method . Perhapsat the top of the list is the mostobvious . . . the flier's position relativeto the kite changes substantially.As the lines run from the flierto the stake . . . upwind, and thenback to the kite, the most popularposition is for the flier to face upwind. This perspective will make allof the conventional flying terminologyreversed . From thisviewpoint, one must pull left to goright, and so on . Some solo fliersclaim that the answer to this reversalproblem can be solved byswitching the handles to reversethe controls.This is not to say that the flierMUST face upwind to fly in soloSOLO FLYINGfashion . Others approach the exerciseby facing the kite as if flyingconventionally and work the linesto either side of their bodies . Thiswill solve the reversal process butcan be limiting as far asmaneuvers possible . There aregood arguments to be made foreither approach .There are other problems thatrelate to equipment wear andsafety considerations . Line has theobvious tendency to wear outmuch more quickly when runaround a stake than with conventionalmethods of flying . This canbe lessened, to a degree, by acouple of different practices .Lines can be treated with aSilicone-based spray which isavailable from most hardwarestores . They can also be trimmedfrequently to move the wear pointas it rubs against the stake . Agreat contributor to line wear isthe stake itself . Time should betaken to obtain a stake that ismore rounded than angular. Itshould also be smoothed toremove any burrs . The handle ofthe stake should be openedslightly to make easier the slippingthrough of the lines . The ring onthe stake should also be removed .Time spent in equipment prepara-

tion will pay off later in reduced wing kites flown on Spectra line solo flying . These are usually theexpense for replacement apparatus.combination of kite and line . Line and a couple additional spares on(usually 1351b .) provide the best first casualties of serious crashesIt is very easy to get turned lengths vary from 150 to 70 feet hand can save the afternoon'saround when solo flying so when but, generally, longer ones are flying session .you're making your initial start at more often used, and should be Nearly anything can be used aslearning how, it's best to use an the choice of beginning fliers . a potential source through whichold kite . . . chances are that it will About 6 to 8 months of use can be to run your flying lines . A sparecrash several times until you get gotten from a set of lines .carabiner clip will open up severalused to the perspective change . Larger kites will be found to be possible sites . A loop of strong lineBeginning solo fliers may also slower than smaller ones and with a clip to run lines through willwish to stand somewhat off the therefore, generally preferable for enable the flier to use railings, carwind, at least initially . It is very easy solo flying . Because of the larger bumpers, and nearly anything elseto get "attacked" by your kite, turning radius of large kites, longer as potential tie-off points for soloand in high wind this can be a lines will have to be employed routines .painful experience, indeed Lee when flying them . Remember, that Solo flying is one of the "newer"suggests the wearing of sunglasses you're halving the total length of methods of flying dual or quadlinekites . In addition to being aif for no other reason than to affordsome degree of protection to stake. Much the same problem very enjoyable way to improveyour lines when you fly through athe eyes . Those spars hold a very can be experienced in flying the "rapport" with your kite, youdamaging potential for the startingsolo flier. Don't take unneces-impressive, are more difficult to fly, your reflexes when flying in thestacks, which, while being more will find that it will also sharpensary chances!as well .conventional manner. If you'veThere is a lot of practice re As a note on possible field yet to try this method of stuntquired to learn this new mode of repairs, it's a good idea to take a flying, give it a shot . . . it's wellflying . . . estimates have run as high couple of extra spars with you worth the time and effort . Evenas 20 hours, but for those willing to during the first few attempts at more . . . it's great fun!stick with it, solo flying can prove tobe a very rewarding experience .Certainly, it is a totally differentmethod of flying . Although most ofthe traditional moves can bemade (squares, figure 8's, etc .),there are some other non-traditionaladvantages to solo flying .Self-launching is a big plus . . . asyou're out there with the kite, youcan walk to it when it's downedwith your lines in hand . Solo is alsoa nice way to launch and then fly"out" of the stake . For instance,many have trouble self-launchingFlexifoils . . . this can be done moreeasily through a stake . The fliercan then walk the lines out of thestake and fly in a conventionalmanner. Adjustment of bridle settingsis also easier to perform,again because the kite is moreeasily accessible .The most exciting thing,however, is that solo flight gives anew personality to the kite andthe performer as a unit . No longeris the kite tethered at the end of along set of lines while the flierstands far away controlling it . Theflier and the kite become "linked"when solo flying . The potential forinteraction between kite and flierwill become apparent veryquickly after your first flight . Kiteand flier seem to fly together .Although solo flying can bedone with any kite and any line, itseems to be holding true that rigid Lee Sedgwick, flying solo quad-line, West Coast Nationals 1988 .

By Al Hargus IIIIntroduction by Cris BatdorffSome years ago, shortly after I hadtaken my first tentative steps intothe area of dual-line stunt flying, Iwas approached by a significantlymore advanced flier who thrustinto my hand a small booklet,saying, "I think that the Dragonwould like you to have this ." It wasentitled, The Easy "No Secrets"Handbook for Dual Line StuntKites, by Al Hargus III and dis--tributed by Stanton Hobby Shop ofChicago . No, I didn't study it for sixmonths and go on to win a nationaltitle . . . what I did pick upwere a whole bunch of good tipsand simple explanations of thingsthat were, at the time . . and areoccasionally still, quite befuddling .It was good information backthen, and with more and morestunters in the air today, it's betterinformation now .TUNINGSingle kites are more sensitive tochanges in wind strength anddirection than are stacks .PRE-FLIGHT CHECK (General)- Check to see that the kite isassembled according to thedirections supplied .- Check to see that all spars arefirmly attached .- Check that the bridle is attachedcorrectly, is free oftangles, and is adjusted for theprevailing winds . Most kiteshave a mark on the bridle lineswhich should provide a goodplace to start .

upside- Clips must be even (the samedistance from the nose) or thekite will turn differently left fromright .- Check to see that the fly linesare of the same length . Theymay stretch unevenly duringinitial use .- Check to see that the right flyline is attached to the rightside of the kite and the left tothe left side as you face thekite. Marking the ends of oneline will provide an easyreference point .ADJUSTMENTS- Wind speed, flying line used,and personal preference canall affect the kite setting . Experimentin order to find thesetting that works best for you .- Move both clips about 1/8" to1/4" at a time, then fly to observethe effect on the kite'sperformance . It is notgenerally wise to move theclips more than 1/4" at a timewhen experimenting, althoughthe total adjustment rangemay be much longer. Don'tbe afraid to try adjusting - if itdoesn't work, you can alwaysput it back the way it was .STRONGER WINDS - Adjust back(generally), moving the clips back(i .e ., heavier, down, toward thewing tips)- INCREASES TURNING PER-FORMANCE - the kite makessharper turns and is moresensitive to control, butDECREASES DRIVE (lift) of thekite and the kite needs morewind to fly effectively .- Increases the "pull" of thekite (generally) .LIGHTER WINDS - Adjust forward(generally)- Moving the clips forward (i .e .,lighter, up, towards the nose)- DECREASES TURNING PER-FORMANCE - the kite makeswider turns and is less sensitiveto control, but INCREASESTHE DRIVE (lift) of the kite -the kite needs less wind to flyand will climb higher and flyfarther to the sides of thewind .BASIC FLIGHT CONTROLREADY POSITION - Pre-flight .SELF LAUNCH- Select a site with plenty ofroom to the front and sides ofthe pilot (remember that thekite can fly nearly 90 degreesto each side of the wind) .- Site should be as clear as possiblefrom obstructions upwind(trees, buildings, etc .) as thesewill disturb the air flow .- Check the wind speed anddirection .- Connect one end of the flightlines to the kite bridle (Note :left to left and right to right) .- Unroll the flying lines completely,walking up wind untilyou get to the handles. Linesand kite should form an angleof less than 30 degrees to thewind direction .- Check to see that BOTH LINESARE THE SAME LENGTH ANDNOT CROSSED - adjust asnecessary .- Stake the handles to theground .- Stand the kite up on its bottomtips (works for Team Hawaiians,Spinoffs, Super Darts, andother kites of similar wingdesign) . Make sure that theslack is out of the lines and thekite is leaning back about 30degrees so it will not take offon its own . For Peter Powells,Trlbys and other diamondshapedkites, lean-down on one leading edge,so that the kite is pointed intothe ground and about 30 degreesback .- Watch that people don't tripon your lines .LAUNCH- With your kite in the readyposition, gently pull on bothlines (winged kites) as the sailfills, steer the kite off theground - DON'T OVERSTEER- the first few seconds oflaunch are critical . Fordiamond-shaped stunters -pull the high flying line first . . .that is the line on top of the invertedkite . This will pull thenose into the air and allow thekite to lift off .- In light winds, stepping backwardsa few feet will add windspeed and make the launcheasier .NORMAL FLIGHTYou are in control at all times .Dual line stunt kites are not liketraditional kites in that theyhave no tendency to keepthemselves airborne . Left to itself,it will not go "up"automatically . You must steer itconstantly to keep it airborne .- Start with your hands side-byside,about chest high .- STRAIGHT LINE- maintain equal tension on both fly lines(hands even) and the kite willfly in a straight line inwhatever direction it is already traveling- straight up,straight down, straight across,or at an angle are all examples of straight line flight .- TURNING - A hand isbrought towards the body .This causes that wing to stalland lose speed . The otherwing flys around the stalledwing .- Pull harder on the left handleand the kite will turn left(counterclockwise) ; the kite willcontinue to turn left as long asyou pull to the left . Pull harder onthe right to make a right turn .- The arc of the turn is maintainedas long as your hands remainunequal .- As the difference between yourhands increases, the arc of theturn increases (the turn becomessharper) .- A slight pull will produce a wideturn - a harder pull a sharperone .NOTE : A 360-degree turn or loopwill make a twist in the flyingline . The kite will continue tofly and control exactly thesame way since the line willslide through the twist . About15-20 twists can be made(depending upon the type ofline used) before control isseriously affected . To removethe twists, loop in the oppositedirection .LANDING- Fly your kite to the edge of thewind until it stops . This is ahover and it can be done atany height . When the kite isabout one foot off the ground,quickly walk towards the kiteand it will settle to a gracefullanding .- ADVANCED LANDING TECH-NIQUE - When your kite isabout one foot off the ground,start a downwind turn . As thetip of the kite's wing clears theground, step forward . This willtake the wind pressure off thekite, allowing it to land in theready position .

The banners of Lee ToyWest Coast Team Precision Champs ; the Chicago Fire ; Eric Wolff,' Dorothy Wolff, and Frank Fieseler .

Brian Fyfe, Team What's Up.San Francisco . . . the MarinaGreen . . . the preliminaries are over. . . the final round of competitionhas begun . . . next up, Cris Batdorff(!?!) . Who? What's this putz doingout there with the Tabors, Wolffs,Sedgwicks, Tafts, Buxtons, Reichs,Sugarmans, and all other worldkiting luminaries? The performanceis swift and the answer obvious. . . losing, that's what! Butwhat a thrill! After traipsing aroundto different events for a year or sowith camera and tape machine inhand, it was worth the price extractedby a last place finish tostand on the same field of competitionwith these folks .In all, 64 entries were receivedfor this, the second running of theWest Coast Nationals . The MarinaGreen, a narrow strip of grass atthe north end of San Franciscowhich looks out on Alcatraz to theright and the Golden Gate to theleft is reminiscent of a Medievaljousting field. this appearance wasenhanced over the Labor Dayweekend as the assembled fliersset up their ground displays andthe competition got into full swing .The prize . . . $10,000 . . . not exactlya king's ransom, but in the fledglingsport of stunt flying, the nextbest thing .The West Coast Nationals became,last year, the first event inthe United States to offer cashawards and the effect has beenobvious: the best of the best werethere . The performances were excellentand, on occasion, brilliant .In many cases, there were repeatsof great Wildwood or Hawaii Challengeroutines ; in others, totallynew .Actual competition began onSaturday, September 3rd, withpreliminary heats in both the IndividualPrecision and the IndividualBallet categories . This wasthe "elimination" round for manyof the hopefuls . Winners andsecond place finishers advancedinto the final rounds for a shot atthe bucks . Scores for the advancedfliers were erased so all competitorswent into the finals on anequal level . At the end of roundGenny Forsberg, official nice person!!one, however, Pam Kirk had cardedthe high score in Precision,with Sue Taft heading up the fieldin Choreographed . There weresome stellar performances in theindividual heats which did notshow up as such in the overallstandings because there weresome judging changes betweenheats . I was particularly impressedwith Vern Balodis' choreographedroutine flown to the music ofFrankenstein . It was gorgeousmusically and aesthetically aswell. Dan Buxton, who "Left hisHeart in San Francisco' (but tooksome prize money home), flewsuperbly . Who could not have enjoyedthe performance of MissyRomero, who, at age 12 is alreadygoing toe-to-foe with the heavyhitters in the open class? Or howabout Jason Loo, at age 13?(Jason, incidentally, made it to thefinal round in the Individual Precision.)Both of these young, butseasoned competitors fly for TeamRome .There have been comments, oflate, that precision events are"dull ." After attending severalevents around the country, I can

conclude only that such remarksare made by those who lack themental discipline to handle theprecise rendering of figures in thesky . The precision event at theWest Coast Nationals was one ofthe more difficult that I have encountered.Not only were thefigures difficult, but the degree offinesse needed to fly them washeightened by a number ofvariables . In the first case, therewere pylons used as groundmarkers to give the judges a set ofreference points by which thefigure's precision could bemonitored flier by flier. Secondly,the flying space at Marina Greenis very narrow, necessitating, inmany cases the use of noticeablyshorter lines than usual . Thirdly, althoughthe event was generallyblessed by good winds, they wereerratic, very powerful, and "dirty"at various points in the competitions. All of that notwithstanding,there was some very nicefigures flown . The freestyle portionsof some performances couldhave easily been set to musiccomprising short ballet routines .Sunday saw the conclusion ofthe Individual events and the runningof the Team events . As wasthe case on each day, the windsbegan around noon and builtduring the afternoon . Big wind e-quipment became a necessity tocompete on even ground . Individualprecision was won by Topof the Line's Don Tabor in a closebattle . Less than 3 pointsseparated first and fifth places . IndividualChoreographed was wonby Ron Reich with, once again, alittle over three points separatingfirst and fifth .Then came the Team Precisionevent . . . I remember that the afternoonhad became unusuallychilly as the fog began to roll in offthe Pacific . The judges were fightingto keep warm as the order ofcompetition wore on . The Top ofthe Line team of Don Tabor, RonReich, and Eric Streed had flownanother beautifully precise routine.., it was beginning to look likeanother carbon-copy win. Thevideo crew, feeling the effects ofmany hours spent looking throughthe viewfinder, was anxious to beon their way . . . "Better stickaround for a while," was the overheadcomment from one official-turned-temporary-spectator, "thisteam from Chicago is supposedto be pretty hot ." Prophetic words. . . the Chicago Fire team of Ericand Dorothy Wolff, and FrankFieseler had been practicing overtime.When they took the field,they flew nearly impeccably . Afterthe final results had beentabulated, they had become thefirst team ever to unseat the Top ofLine team in competition . As TOLteam member Ron Reich was toput it some weeks later at theWindy City AKA Nationals, "Foryears we thought we were goingto be a dynasty - for at least fiveor six years . . . . But look what happenedto us in San Francisco . . .we're not invincible . . .. That pumpedup a lot of other guys to say :'These guys are beatable,' andthat's what we want . We're notthat good . . . with practice, anygiven team can win on any givenday." Ever the gentlemen, teamTOL was among the first to extendcongratulations to the new winners,amid a throng of wellwishers.Monday, Labor Day, saw therunning of the Individual Innovativeand Team Ballet . Top of theLine, with Ron Reich and DonTabor at the controls flew to a narrowvictory over Team High Fly(Lee Sedgwick and Sue Taft) . Thewinning margin was .74 points . Inthe innovative, it was Mal Moorewith a repeat of his brilliant HawaiiWatching the competitions!Gary Counts takin' five .Challenge performance ; a routinewhich involved flying four kites totell a love story of Olympic defection. The performance was a lovestory in more ways than one,however: the crowd was plainlyoverwhelmed by the routine .The awards banquet, held Sundaynight was an event in itself .The theme was "A Night inMorocco," complete with mideasternfood (is baklava reallyMoroccan?) and real live bellydancersas after-dinner entertainment.The usual kiting high-jinx

prevailed as the award.; were passedout to the victors . A specialaward was presented to TOL teammember, Eric Streed for his instrumentalhelp with the organizationalwork in the creation of theWest Coast Championships .What was particularly impressiveabout the West Coast Championshipswas the high degree ofcompetitiveness . There are, doubtlessthose who will point to therather substantial prize money andsay, "well, sure, and that's why,"but it doesn't really seem to bethe whole story . The scores in allevents were exceedingly close, aphenomena that has been observablefor some time . . . andthey're getting closer. The races ineach area of competition arebeginning to tighten . There were,even in the preliminaries, very fewperformances that could bedescribed as under par for anopen-classed event . This points toeven better competitions downthe road .Events which encompass the -scope of the West Coast Championshipsare similarly hard to appraisewith an overview . . . thereseem to be a great number ofthings happening at the sametime. The thought of trying tostage a large event of this type isenough to boggle the minds ofmany. If one chooses to listen toall the voices, there are usually asmany things that happen wrongas those that happen right . Thatthe Marina Green is a difficult fieldon which to fly is fact . . . but only ifyou're accustomed to flying longlines . the use of pylons as markersin the precision was a new wrinklefor many of the fliers and judgesas well . . . and was a problem forsome of each . . . but in the interestsof consistency in judgingseemed to be a step in the rightdirection . There were those whofelt that the two scores of thepreliminary and final heats shouldhave been averaged for the finaltally instead of wiping the slateclean between the performances. As always, some felt that a"hometown advantage" favoredthe "local" fliers . That some, or allof the comments are justifiable onan individual circumstance situationis, perhaps, arguable . To beobjective, however, many of thecomments are those that havebeen heard before about othercompetitions . The harder one triesto define problems, the less importantin relation to the event theyseem to become .What is important, in the eyes ofthis occasionally less-than-casualobserver, is that a group of peopledecided that there should be anational-class event here andhave made good on their dream .In a situation where, as yet, thereare no hard-and-fast rules, thereare bound to be exceptions takento decisions, that, for the sake ofexpediency, must be madequickly by meet organizers . Theproducers of the West CoastChampionships, Kite Caravan(Mike and Cherie McFadden, LeeToy, Kathy Goodwind, and RobertLoera) have every reason to beproud of their event .All of the fliers that should havebeen there, were . The flying, afterall, is what the people came tosee . . . and they sure got plenty ofthat! The trip from this reporter'sfront door was 5700 miles . . . alldriven . I would not have missed it. . . I'll be back .1988 WEST COAST NATIONALSA total of 64 entries were received . Several entered as teams only andnot as individual flyers . This accounts for less individual entrants than totalentrants .INDIVIDUAL CHOREOGRAPHED 45 EntrantsPoints1st - Ron Reich 93 .382nd - Sue Taft 93 .063rd - Robbie Sugarman 91 .814th - Don Tabor 91 .335th - Dan Buxton 90 .33INDIVIDUAL PRECISION 50 Entrants1st - Don Tabor 89 .672nd - Pam Kirk 88 .333rd - Robbie Sugarman 87 .674th - Randy Tom 87 .535th - Frank Feiseler 86 .71TEAM CHOREOGRAPHED 11 Teams Entered1st - Top of The Line 92 .772nd - Team High Fly 92 .033rd - Chicago Fire 91 .33TEAM PRECISION 8 Teams Entered1st - Chicago Fire 85 .472nd - Top of The Line 84 .773rd - Team Rome I 83 .47INNOVATIVE DIVISION 10 Entrants1st - Malcolm Moore 91 .912nd - Eric Wolff 82 .773rd - Lee Sedgwick 81 .43

THE NYLON JUNGLETHE HAWAIIAN DOUBLE THREAT . . . Standing, the Elite Team, Hawaii, (I--r) Rick Roberts, Ray Miller, Malcolm Moore, and Romeo Collado .Kneeling, The High Performance Team (I-r) Brian Hirose, ScottAugenbaugh, Kenny Fredricks, and Alan Nagao .RON REICH in the innovative .

Clockwisefrom upper left :The Blitz from England :Martin Lester,Tony Cartwright,Andy King, andPaul Jobin . Lee SedgwickIn the "Innovative"??Malcolm Moore in theInnovative . Eric Wolff inthe Innovative .By CRIS BATDORFF

Gary Counts . . . man in motion .Shaumburg, IL . . . Another AKANational Convention is in therecord books! What a competition!What a festival! What a party!This, the 11th official gathering ofKite Krazys (in the modern era) willtruly be one for the memorybanks. The weather was alternatelybeautiful and terrible,changing with a quickness thatonly those from the Midwest cantruly understand . There's an oldsaying hereabouts : "Don't like theweather? Wait five minutes ." Fromthe vantage point of one who hasspent 40+ years enduring autumnalconditions that see-sawroughly between 35 and 75 degrees,it was both a comfort and awry meteorological comment thatmade this event feel as if it werebeing held in my own back yard .As Al Hargus was to tell me aweek later when he made the treknorth to hole up for a couple ofdays to help with the productionof this particular edition :"Everyone took home something. . . most, at least, caught colds . . ."This is not to say that Mother Naturewas uncooperative, quite theopposite: it's just that she wasbeing predictably unpredictable. . . all of which served to make thedual-line competitions even moreof a challenge . Wind conditionsvaried from event to event and, inmany cases from flier to flier . Butthis group was no ordinary batchof Sunday afternoon sky pilots . . .At some point in every flier's competitivecareer, he is met with therealization that there are somethings that can be changed andothers that can not . It is preciselythat element of unpredictabilitythat throws the one necessaryjoker into the deck. Seems youcan always tell the class of thefield on days like that . They're theones who walk out onto a windlessfield, give it all that they can muster,perhaps knowing even thenthat it's not going to be enough,and shrug the entire performanceoff if it happens to go badly . . .there'll be another day .There were a lot of such performancesduring the three days ofstunt competition . . . class performancesby classier people .Through it all, event coordinatorMike Keating kept things flowing ."One of the most well-organizedevents I've been to," were thewords from Sue Taft who walkedonto the field on Thursday andflew away with the Open Class IndividualPrecision title . Ron Reich,the perennial favorite in the precisioncountered by sweeping bothother Open Class individualevents, the Ballet and the Innovative. Keating and crew were largelyresponsible, in fact , for thecomments from every flier towhom I talked . This was certainlyone of the better-organizedevents of the last couple of years .The vast open space aroundthe Unocal Corporation providedmore than enough flying space forany number of fliers . There wasabsolutely no lack of room . Therewere, by and large no delays thatwere not weather-related. Anumber of fliers told me on severaldifferent occasions that theyhad made inquiries as to whathelp they might be to the event'sorganizers, only to be told that"things were under control ." Consideringthe tremendous amountof manpower needed to host anevent of this size, that statement isa mouthful . This group ofChicagoland Skyliners is definitelygoing to be a hard act to follow in .future events . Lest anyone be unawareof the signs of the times, letme be quick to add thatCoordinator Keating didn't do thejob alone, or even solely with thehelp of several male friends . . .these are liberated times! This isnot made as a tongue-in-cheekcomment . . . not only were there agood number of women acting asjudges but the nationals alsomarked what I believe is the firsttime that we've seen a woman inthe role of pit boss . Thus theNationals chalk up still anotherapplaudable first .Pit Boss, Pam Holbrook .

While on the subject of firsts, theWindy City Competitions alsomarked the first time that I'd gottento see the full routine flown byRon Reich in the innovative . Ron'sroutine, which met with failure atthe West Coast Nationals a fewweeks ago, went off without ahitch in Chicago . For those whohave not had the opportunity tosee it, it is indeed something tobehold . Ron initially launches twolikes, which are connected by along tail . With Tchaikovsky'sArabian Dance providing themusical background, these twoweave patterns in the sky . . . theyare the "snake charmers" in thesong . At about the midpoint of theroutine, a third kite, which istethered to the ground, islaunched . . . this kite represents the"snake" in the story . The simultaneousflying of all three is somethingwhich requires intense con--centration and it's a pleasure tosee it done with such finesse . Theeffect was hypnotic and quiteenough to garner a first placefinish .In the Experienced Class, BrianFyfe of the What's Up Team, wasan easy winner in the Precisionevent . Brian is one of the manyup-and-coming fliers that is goingto be a force to be reckoned within the next couple of years . Flyingin his second national event, Brianalso took second in the Balletevent . Winner in the ExperiencedBallet was Jim Henry, of CoonRapids, MN, who carded verygood numbers with a 91 .3 .Grand Haven, Michigan's RoaringFlamingos (Steve Negen, RodTanis, and Steve Blanchard) tookhome wins in both sections of theExperienced Team division . Thenumber of experienced teamswas one of the disappointmentsof the Windy City Nationals,however. There were only fourteams registered for the precisionevent and the ballet was awalkover with only one team participating. "A lot of people aretrying to compete in the openclass when they really should be inthe experienced," saidCoordinator Keating . "It's not tosay that they're not good, but thelevel is so high in the open, theywould be much more competitivein the experienced ."Team Ballet in the Open divisionsaw the renewal of a rivalry thathas been ongoing since this lastsummer's East Coast Nationalswhere Team High Fly (LeeSedgwick and Sue Taft) beat outthe Top of the Line Team of RonReich and Don Tabor. TOL evenedthe score last month in San Franciscoand the showdown was setfor the Nationals . Both teams flewbrilliant performances, and whenthe smoke cleared . . . identicalscores of 93 .3 . An appropriate endingfor two fine seasons .In the Open Team Precision, theChicago Fire Team of Eric andDorothy Wolff and Frank Fieseler,fresh from a first place finish in SanFrancisco, looked for a repeatedperformance before a hometownaudience . It was not to be,however, as they were one of theteams frustrated by a wind lull .The Hawaiian Punch Team in the Precision . . . Mike Dennis, Sue Balodis, Pam Kirk, Vern Balodis .

are to be commended in keepingthis event on that level to whichthe fliers, themselves, haveelevated it . . . no great prizes, nocash awards : just the recognitionof a bunch of folks that you considerfriends and from whom acknowledgementbecomes a trulymeaningful expression . It'sprecisely what the Nationalsshould be . . . fellowship and fun ...Oh, the perils of flying too many Flexi's! Dennis "Long Arms" Kucmerowski of BocaRaton, Florida .Conditions looked ripe for the Top First place in the Fighter Kiteof the Line Team, flying with third competitions went to still anotherteam member, Eric Steed, to Hawaiian resident, Robert Loera .regain their recently lost number Richard Roberts of San Diegoone position . . .. Then came the finished in second, with RichardHawaiians . The High Performance (ZZ) Van Mechelen also of SanTeam flew a spectacular and intenseDiego, showing third .routine which included, at At this point in stunt kiting's rela-one point, a maneuver called a tively youthful competitive state,"radical wrap ." If I am rememberingcorrectly the four-man team something of a beacon . When allthe AKA Nationals still stand likefirst executes a wrap maneuver, is said and done, it is still the mostthen, in the middle, it splits into prestigious event of the year andtwo parts . These two pairs then do to be a part of the competition iswraps on their own and rejoin to a noteworthy experience . It is onecomplete the team wrap . Untwistingthis braid is a reversal of the with some sense of realism, expectof the few places where one can,process . Very nice flying, indeed to see a total gathering of all ofThere must have been a lot of the "names" in the sport, bothheavy-duty line untangling done foreign and American . Hopefully,in perfecting this move! It was a this is an anchor that will remain awell-deserved first place finish . The familiar site as other "circuit"Elite Flight Team of Hawaii was the events pursue the lure of ever-increasingmonetary prizes neededsecond of the 50th state teamsand they turned in still another to attract the larger name fliers . Tonifty routine which netted them a volunteer to host such an event issecond place finish in the event to a true commitment . . not only toadd to their third place showing in the sport of stunt kiting, but to thethe Ballet . With the 12th Annual love of kite flying at- its very base .AKA Convention scheduled in The nationals aren't just anotherHawaii next Fall, the stage is alreadyset for the next round of that which the sport/hobby is allgroup of competitions, they arecompetition .about. The Chicagoland SkylinersPERSONAL IMPRESSIONS OF THE1988 A .K .A. STUNT KITE COM-PETITIONS AT WINDY CITY '88 9/28-9/30 FROM THE BEST SEAT IN THEHOUSEBy Field Director - Al HargusI was very pleased and honoredthis year to be asked to be FieldDirector for most of the teamevents in Experienced and Openclass. I also had the best seat inthe house as F.D . in the IndividualInnovative competitions .The Field Director's job isprimarily to direct the teams andindividuals on and off the field, totime the entire flight, and to timeany crashes for the judges . TheF.D . also has to help the fliers to beaware of the limits of the flyingfield in case they get into a jamwith low winds or other problems .For the experienced classes andthe novices this is a very importantjob, but with this year's Open classmy job was mainly to direct fieldset-up and take down betweenroutines .Open class Team Ballet was abeautiful sight to behold . EliteFlight Team from Hawaii came inthird place with 92 .0 pts . with anincredible flying display with fourfliers and four stacks of customkites . Thursday winds were light (5-8 mph) and constantly shifting, butthe battle for first came betweenthe Top of the Line team of DonTabor and Ron Reich from SanDiego and Team High Fly, LeeSedgwick and Sue Taft . The Battlewas so tight that equal scores of93 .3 resulted . An amazing notefrom my view from ten feet awaywas that both top teams neversaid much of anything to eachother in the way of vocal commandsduring the entire fiveminutes of flight only an occasional"now" or "break" was spoken . Testamentto the long hours of practiceby these teams .

Because of light winds andpressing schedules the Team ExperiencedPrecision competitionswere announced with most teamsThe roaring flamingos!not ready. The Windjammers' ArronHarris, Nate Williams, and GaryMaynard of Detroit came to thefield with Hawaiian Team kites withno sunglasses and little pre-flightpractice . The WindJammers madea great showing despite the conditionsand most importantly theseguys had a great time on the field .It's nice to be on the field andwatch a group of fliers smile andlaugh in the face of adversity . TheWindJammers finished with 37 .8pts . and a third place .Dan and Lorna Buxton, andBrian Fyfe of the What's Up teamflew an outstanding Display withthree ten-foot flexifoils, despite thelight winds coming in second with43 .3 pts . Winners in the event wentto the Roaring Flamingos Teamfrom Michigan Steve Negen,Steve Blanchard and Rod Tannisflew the precision compulsoriesand free flight with a flair andfinesse that gave them 61 .8 pts . Iknow these three fellows well and Iknow that they started the teamjust for fun about a year ago . Theydo have a great time flyingtogether and now the scores showthat fun and skill can go hand inhand .One word of note on the lastteam in Experienced Precision theFlexers were formed the day ofthe event with Brian Keating ofOhio joining the team of DaveBarresi and George Baskette .Precision must be practiced so theFlexers and their ten foot flexi foilsdidn't score high, but they scoredVERY high in excitement when atthe end of their free flight they fewthree counter opposed 360 degreecircles . George and Davegoing Clockwise, and Brian goingcounter clockwise . (This was theone time the Field Director wasNOT happy about his ten footaway view, lines and 'foils wereeverywhere - what a show!)They always say that the bestshould be saved for last and thisyear's Nationals was no exception. Individual innovative openclass is fairly new in national competitions,being only about a yearold . Twelve contestants flew someof the most exciting and innovativestunt kite routines I have everseen . The judges' criteria for thisevent is the new or innovativestyles of flying, ground dancingand theatrics of the flier arejudged and props, hardware andchanging of kites are allowed .Literally anything goes and it did .Eric Wolff of Chicago flew three

The requisite crowd shot . . . Let's see, isn't that Uncle Ed way over there? . . .different stacks of kites both normallyand through a dog stake topieces excellently blended fromMussorgsky's - Pictures at an Exhibition. I had the pleasure ofwatching Eric practice this routinefor several weeks before thenationals, though I never heardthe music (Eric would practicewith a personal walkmantape player) . I really enjoyed thecombination of flight and musicand so did the judges who awardedEric 86 .8 pts . and third place .Second place in innovativewent to Lee Sedgwick with 92 .2pts . Lee is from Erie, Pa ., and is oneof the fliers most responsible forthe inventing of the innovativeclass of competition . Lee flewseveral different kinds and stacksof kites . His routine was entitled"Evolution" and referred to his personalevolution in stunt kite flying .He started his routine and flyingcareer with Flexifoils . Flew a singleSpectrum Dart through a dogstake . (A technique he inventedand calls Solo flying) and flewboth single and stacks of kites witha method employing four lines orquadline flying . Four lines allowLee to change the angle of attackof the kite(s) to suit the musicand the conditions .Any discussion about innovativekite flying must include the nameof Ron Reich from San Diego, Ca .,and member of the Top of theLine stunt kite team. Ron amazedeveryone on the field with a displaythat incorporated three separatestunt kites . The routine flownto Tchaikovsky's "Arabian Nights ."Two Spin-off stunt kites flown fromhis hands and waist were connectedto a common 60 ft . tail . Thecontrol and concentration wereamazing . (Take it from me, at 10 ft .I saw the trance Ron seemed toenter into during the flight .) At onepoint in the routine Ron thenlaunched a third spin-off flownfrom his hips, which was connectedto the ground by a 40 ft . tail .The first two kites seemed to capturethe third "snake" as Ron calledthe third kite . Amazing, beautiful,and innovative . Ron received93 .6 pts . and first place .Two other contestants I want tomention because they were outstandingto me were MalcolmMoore of Honolulu, Hawaii, whoflew a beautiful routine which toldthe story of love between a Russianand an American (Mal used spinoffswith American and Russiandesigns .) The grace of the routineand Neil Diamond's music broughta tear to my eye . Truly a lovelyroutine . When you talk of the joyof victory, you also must mentionthe agony of defeat . Phil Costelloof Florida had pulled a leg muscleweeks prior to the nationals . Hisdesire was so great to competethat Phil flew a dance routine andagain damaged his leg during theperformance . You must give theman points for desire and effort .Phil finished sixth out of twelve .Being Field Director is a lot ofwork (seven hours a day on thefield) but I want to thank eventcoordinator Mike KEating forgiving me the opportunity to helpwith the event and especially forMike giving me the best seat inthe house .

WINDY CITY '88NATIONAL COMPETITION RESULTSDual Line WinnersIndividual PrecisionExperienced1 . Brian Fyfe 73 .62 . Cris Batdorff 67 .473 . Mark Glick 67 .04 . George Baskette 66 .335 . Jim Poy 63 .936 . Brian Keating 63 .4Open1 . Sue Taft 83 .432 . Ron Reich 82 .53 . Vern Balodis 80 .934 . Don Tabor 79 .575 . AI Hargus 79 .46. Randy Tom 79 .37Individual BalletExperienced1 . Jim Henry 91 .32 . Brian Fyfe 82 .3 . Lorna Buxton 79 .34 . Suzanne Edison 78 .65 . Vince Bobrosky 78 .6 . Sue Gindlesperger 75.3Open1 . Ron Reich 95 .32 . Don Tabor 92 .63 . Vern Balodis 88 .64. Richard Gareau 87 .3Frank Fieseler 87 .35 . Sue Taft 86 .66 . Sue Balodis andMix McGraw 85 .3Fighter Kites :1 . Robert Loera2 . Richard Roberts3. Richard VanMechelenTeam PrecisionExperienced1 . Roaring Flamingos 61 .82 . What's Up 43 .33 . Wend Jammers 37 .84 . Flexers 33 .8Open1 . High Performance 752 . Elite Flight Team 74 .83 . Top Of The Line 73 .14 . Chicago Fire 68 .15 . Hawaiian Punch 67 .16. Team Rome 66 .8Team BalletExperienced1 . Roaring Flamingos 68Open1 . Team High Fly andTop Of The Line 93 .33 . Elite Flight Team Hawaii 92 .04 . Chicago Fire 88 .05 . Elite Flight Team San Diego 82 .6 . High Performance 80 .6Individual Innovative1 . Ron Reich 93 .62 . Lee Sedgwick 92 .23 . Eric Wolff 86 .84 . Gary Counts 86.255 . Sue Taft 85 .56 . Phil Costello 85 .4

OUTER BANKSSTUNT KITE COMPETITIONTAKES OFF AT JOCKEY'S RIDGEThe first annual Outer BanksStunt Kite Competition, heldSaturday, Sept . 17 at Jockey'sRidge State Park, could bedescribed as no less than a high--flying success . Hosted by KittyHawk Kites, the event attractedkite fliers from across NorthCarolina, as well as neighboringSouth Carolina, Virginia andMaryland . Over 27 kite fliers, 150+spectators, and quite a number ofkite stores convened at Jockey'sRidge State Park on the OuterBanks for the event .Kitty Hawk Kites combined theofficial format sanctioned by theAmerican Kite Association (AKA)with the beauty and excellentwind conditions of NorthCarolina's coast .The scene of the event wasJockey's Ridge State Park, the largestsand dune on the East Coast .For ten days prior to the competition,the winds were northeast at asteady 18-25 m .p .h . But as luckwould have it, the morning's windleft something to be desired .The competitors, however, werenot discouraged . They unpackedtheir light wind kites and took thebreeze to its greatest potential .From novice to open, the performanceswere of such high caliberthat scoring the competition wasno easy task . John Harris, presidentof Kitty Hawk Kites, and one of thejudges, commented, "The degreeof expertise was extraordinaryconsidering it was a first event forus. But you could also observethat even though they were herefor a serious competition, theywere here to have a lot of fun ."In addition to Harris, judging forthe competition were Kelly Ryan,Valerie McDaniel, and Marc Conklin. Mary Ames of "Kite Kingdom"in Nag's Head, also fended herexpertise as a judge . And emceeingthe event was Mike Storm, withMelissa Kroetsch acting as FieldDirector, both of Kitty Hawk Kites .The wind was blowingsoutheasterly up to 10 m .ph ., lightfor this time of year. A temporarydelay in the schedule did occur,with the lightest wind flown in at 5m .p .h. And among the kites usedwere Spin-off's, Mirages,Hawaiians, Ultra-Light's, and anew up and coming design, byRobert Crowell, known as the"Accelerator," which looks promisingfor competition . The Acceleratoris a small delta designwhich may be flown singularly or instacks . It performs extremely wellin winds as light as 3-5 m .p .h ., witha range up to 40 m .p .h .Anne McCarter manager of theKite store at Kitty Hawk Kites wasoptimistic about the day's events ."We're open to suggestions asways to make the competition apart of the currently forming circuit.We'd like to hear fromanyone interested in promotingthe sport in the Southeast . This wasa tremendous learning experienceas well as a lot of fun foreveryone involved . This will definitelybecome an annual event ."And with the help of its supporters,including the Richmond Air Force,the competition will become ananxiously awaited East Coastevent as well .Novice Precision winners of thecompetition were : (1) CarterStickney, (2) Laura Stonestreet,and (3) Aughtley Ayers . ExperiencedPrecision winners included: (1) Charles Stonestreet, (2)Gregory Johnson, and (3) ChristieSeigler. Awards from the TeamPrecision division went to : (1) DaveStanton and Stan Ramsey, (2)Mike Jones and Erik Adamusko,and (3) Chris Schultz and CarterStickney . Winners of the PrecisionOpen division were : (1) MikeJones, and (2) Robert Crowell .In the Experienced Ballet division,winners included : (1) CharlesStonestreet, (2) Christie Seigler,and (3) Pat Parker. And in theOpen Ballet division, (1) MikeJones, and (2) Robert Crowellwalked away with prizes .The trophies and prizes wereawarded at the day's end . Culminatingthe festivities was a deckparty across the street at KittyHawk Kites, complete with 60pounds of Nag's Head spicedshrimp .Kiting enthusiasts can look forwardto the annual SeptemberOuter Banks Stunt Kite Competitionon North Carolina's OuterBanks .

Stunt kites shared the air on theweekend of July 30-31 with singleline kites at the 1988 version of theBlack Ships Festival in Newport, RI .Sponsored by the Japan-AmericaSociety of Rhode Island, the festivalannually draws thousands ofviewers to the area to witness thespectacle of kiting along with thenumerous workshops held in conjunctionwith this week-longcelebration ."It was stunt kite heaven!" saidDan Wheeler of Outermost Kites,and member of the OutermostFlight Team . "There's never reallyany bad winds at Newport . . .we've got ultralights, but rarelyget a chance to fly them . Thisweekend, with winds running from12-15 (mph) was no exception ." Inwhat was described by Dan as a"fairly close competition," it wasJohn Tavolacci coming out on topin the Beginner Individual Precisionand Ron Lapointe in the Experienceddivision . Individual Balletwas won by Suzanne Edison . Inthe team events, it was Suzanneflying with husband Bill as the"Windborne" team sweeping boththe Precision and the Ballet .In all, stunters competed for$1750 worth of prizes donated byseveral East Coast kite shops .Demonstrations were flown by LeeSedgwick and Sue Taft of Erie, PA,as well as by the Outermost FlightTeam of Dan Wheeler, Tom Mc-Cabe, and Ron LaPointe . Judgingfor the events was done by FranGramkowski of High Fly Kites, LeeSedgwick and Sue Taft of TeamHigh Fly, Dan Wheeler of OutermostKites, Tom McCabe, andDan Fraser,INDIVIDUAL PRECISION - Beginner: 1 - John Tavolacci ; 2 - MalcolmThurlo; 3 - Clyde Pratt (10 entrants)INDIVIDUAL PRECISION - Experienced : 1 - Ron Lapointe ; 2 -George Baskette ; 3 - Brad Ruud . (20 entrants)INDIVIDUAL BALLET : 1 - Suzanne Edison ; 2 - Terry Fenton ; 3 - RonLapointe . (12 entrants)TEAM PRECISION : 1 - "Windborne" - Bill and Suzanne Edison ; 2 -"Sue and Steve" - Sue and Steve Santos ; 3 - "Breeze Boys" - DavidBarresi, George Baskette and Carter Cobb . (5 teams entered)TEAM BALLET : 1 - "Windborne" - Bill and Suzanne Edison ; 2 - "ValleyWind Socks" - Terry Fenton and Jonathan Wottrich ; 3 - "Sue andSteve" - Sue and Steve Santos . (5 teams entered)

NOVICE PRECISION COMPETITIONSAs large national scopeevents continue to grow inboth size and popularity, itbecomes increasinglydifficult for them to maintainthe novice class as acategory of competition .Because the group,nationwide, is by far the largestclass of competitors, itwould not seem unusual tosee 150 fliers register in thiscategory alone; somethingthat would over-tax eventhe most competent eventorganizer. Yet, the novicecategory flier cannot beoverlooked or passed overfor a couple of very goodreasons : first, they are thebackbone of the sport, andsecond; they are the openclass fliers of the future.The solution to theproblem of these greatnumbers of novice class fliersseems to lie in regionalevents hosted by local fliersand run exclusively for thenovice and intermediatestunt kite flier. From the experiencegained at the localor regional level, the participantsshould acquire thenecessary skills to make themove into the larger circuits .From the experiencegained in the running ofrecently-held novice competitionsin the Midwest, wehave compiled a list of proceduresand suggestions tohelp the local stunt kite fliershost small events in their ownareas. True, at this point instuntkiting there are no setrules, but the procedureshave become somewhatstandard. We would not riskthe uproar that publishingrules would cause, but wedon't think that anyone willhave cause for alarm if wesuggest to event hosts somebasic methods that haveproven helpful in the runningof a precision stunt kitecompetition . Please notethat these are proceduralguidelines only, in keepingwith current national proceduresbut not "written instone. - They are simple,easy, and require minimummanpower to run while,providing maximum satisfactionto both the event organizersand the novice fliersinvolved.NOVICE PRECISION STUNT KITE COMPETITIONS(SUGGESTED) RULES AND PROCEDURESObviously the first thing you need to host a stunt kite event is a flyingfield . (You ultimately need three of them, stunt kites do consume space .)You'll need a Stage-in Field this is the field where the contestant willprepare for his competition, set up his kite(s), make final adjustments, andbe ready to launch . The Pit Boss is in charge here . His job is to see thatthere are several competitors ready and waiting to compete . He shouldhave the next contestant ready to fly in the competition field when called. The Pit Boss' primary job is to make sure that the judges never haveto wait for a contestant . Stunt competitions are time consuming so BEREADY (With 4-5 compulsories and a two minute free style, it takes on theaverage 10-15 minutes per contestant, with good winds) .The Competition Field should be at a minimum 300 ft . x 300 ft . orientedso that the largest part of the field is down wind. (This is difficult whenwinds are shifting or gusting .) In the center of this field and in charge hereis the Field Director . He is in charge of the operation of the contest . Hisjob is to call to the Pit Boss and give approximately two minutes warningso that the Pit Boss can ready the next contestant . The Field Director willtell the contestant when the judges are ready for each of the compulsoryfigures or free style . He will show the contestant a copy of eachfigure . He will keep track of the time that is left during the free style, andwill give any time notification that the contestant requests . After the freeflight, the Field Director will ask the competitor to move to the Stage-outarea . This area should be adjacent to the competition field, but on theopposite side of the stage-in area . This area need not be very large . It iswhere the contestant will land and wrap up line and kite . (This should notbe done on the competition field, for the sake of time efficiency .)You will need at least three Judges (five is better) . Judges should bechosen with great care, as their stunt flying experience is what willdetermine how fairly, efficiently, and competently the contestants feelthe contest is being run . The judges should be at least of one level of experiencehigher than the contestants they are judging . (For example,Novice competitions should have at least Experienced class fliers asjudges .) The judges need not have previously been competitors, but ithelps. A judge should have well-rounded experience in several types ofstunt kites and know what the flying characteristics of several types are .When the contestant is ready to fly, the head judge will inform the FieldDirector that they are ready to observe the maneuver . They should havethe courtesy to pay strict attention to each flight (I .E ., Difficult after observing25-30 of the same figure) . The judges should not comment on thefigure so loudly that the contestant can hear . The judges should be fullyaware of the penalty system that is incorporated into each competition .(This is one of the items that can, and has, been varied from event toevent nationally, this will be discussed later in the article .) The judges

should have a copy of the compulsory maneuvers so they can comparethem to the actual flight . Each judge should have a score sheet . (This willalso be discussed later in the article.) After the compulsory maneuvershave been performed, the head judge will inform the Field Director thatthe Free flight can begin . After the free flight, the individual judges shouldtake the time to add the scores up . This will make final score tabulationeasier for the scorekeeper or event coordinator .A Scorekeeper is not absolutely essential for a small event, but for thesake of speed and efficiency it is helpful . (We used no scorekeeper ateither Chicago or Dayton . The Event coordinator tabulated the scores atthe end of the event . This process did take an extra 1/z hour or so at theend of the event .) If a scorekeeper is available, they can add thejudges' scores after one or several contestants have flown . They canthen post the score on a main score sheet for the contestants to view .Scoring Methods vary from event to event . The method that was usedin the Midwest competitions was relatively simple . Each judge awards apoint spread of 0-10 for each compulsory maneuver . A set amount ofpoints is then awarded for the free flight . Mike Keating of the AKA competitioncommittee suggests that the free flight score be divided into twoparts, 1/2 for Maneuvers-(variety and difficulty) and '/2 for Execution -(precision and timing) . The judges record each score on the score sheetfor the sake of fairness, the high and low judges' scores are thrown out .All the remaining scores are then added together to give the total foreach contestant . Again, several methods have been used . For example,the high and low judges' scores for each compulsory were thrown out .Or the high and the low of the totals can be thrown out . (Both methodsarrive at the same winners, so use the easiest method .)Judging Criteria are the most difficult aspects of competitions to keepconsistent from event to event . Each judge may feel a square is more orless square than another judge and will arbitrarily award a different numberof points for each . (This problem will eventually be resolved nationallyby the use of judges' seminars and workshops .) To give the beginningNovice Precision judges something to start with, we will quote directlyfrom the AKA 1988 Nationals Guidelines for Judging Criteria : "Compulsoryfigures are designed to test the contestants' technical flying ability . Theirscore should depend on how closely their figure matches the idealfigure . The size of the maneuvers should be as large as possible withouttouching the ground . More credit should be given to those that exhibittechnical skill by making full use of the 'wind window .' The speed of eachmaneuver should remain constant throughout the figure . In the free stylethe contestant demonstrates their ability in precision flying of a stunt kite .Their choice and use of maneuvers is entirely at their discretion and theyshould program this time to impress the judges with their expertise .Judges will look at the variety and difficulty of the maneuvers, and theperfection with which they are executed ." A point to add is that the freeflight is a performance and as such should have a definite pattern or"flow ." It should have a beginning and an ending . Not just a group of disjointedmaneuvers .Penalties can and do vary from event to event nationally . For the sakeof simplicity and efficiency of running a Novice event we will explain thepenalty system used at the Midwest competitions . If the contestantcrashes during a compulsory, (whether they can relaunch or not) theyget a zero for that figure . If they crash before the minimum time set forthe free style (contestants at Midwest had to fly more than one minute,but not longer than two minutes) they will receive a zero for the free flightscore .Ground touches are one of the areas that has been a matter of greatdiscussion in national stunt kite circles . By a ground touch we mean alanding, walking the kite, or wing tip touch . If these types of maneuversare allowed in the free flight, a larger and more complicated set ofpenalties will apply . These types of maneuvers truly show the class and

expertise of the competitor. We allowed touches at the Midwest Novicecompetitions . As Novices, and with that skill level, none of the contestantscalled any touches . (Most were not capable of them .) For easeand simplicity of running a novice event, these types of maneuversshould be excluded . This does not mean that they are or will be in nationalevents . Simplicity in hosting an event is the purpose of this articleand procedures are the primary discussion . The subject of penalties,ground touches, landings and judging criteria enters the realm of rulesand we have no wish to open that Pandora's box at this time .As was stated in the beginning of this article, we do not wish to makeor enforce any rules, regulations or criteria . The thrust of this article is togive the Novice Coordinators of events a general procedure that is consistentwith all nationally-run stunt kite competitions . This procedure will allowa novice to gain experience in "What they will have to do" at anystunt kite event, be it East, West, or the Nationals competitions . Efficientand informed novices make the best fliers . The most difficult thing for nationalcoordinators to deal with is a novice that wanders about the field,ignorant of the general procedures of the event, both for the . sake of eff iciency and also for safetyIf you are interested in the process that is at this very moment takingplace in the country : if you have suggestions, ideas or input for the standardizationof stunt kite rules or if you want to learn more about what thecurrent rules are for any of the national stunt kite competitions, we havelisted below names and addresses of the head coordinators of the largestof these competitions . Any and all of these individuals and committeeswill be glad (anxious) for your input, and will be glad to snare their informationwith you. Just remember that we are on the threshold of thebeginnings of a true "sport," the sport of Stunt Kites .

We've been waiting for a commercially-madeFire Dart eversince we had the chance to flyone of the Chicago Fire's teamkites . We were impressed with itsabilities then but we were unsureabout the subtle changes thatmight be made as the handmadeoriginal underwent thetransformation to production kite .Happily, this joint venture betweenthe Chicago Fire Stunt Kite Teamand Action Kites has gone verywell . The kite is a beautiful flier anda faithful rendering of the originals .Those familiar with the flyingcharacteristics of Action's SuperSky Dart will find much that isfamiliar with this new model . Themost startling difference, however,is in the amount of pull generated .MODEL : FIRE DARTFABRIC WEIGHT: .75 oz . ripstop nylonKITE WEIGHT: 340 GR .COLORS AVAILABLE : variedWIND RANGE : 3 to 15 mphCONFIGURATION : delta-type 99 inches (wingtip to wingtip)MFG.'S SUGGESTED RETAIL : $150 .00MANUFACTURER : ACTION KITESThe Fire Dart is more precise inmany maneuvers with much lessarm being needed to producethe end result .The Fire Dart flies well at allspeeds within the wind range butit seems to really get on target inthe 7-12 mph zone . Not to takeanything away from the really lowwind performances . The Fire Darthandled 3-5 mph with ease . Isuspect that, without a lot ofmanipulation, it could fly in less .On the high end, the kite's performanceis exceptional .We tried to put the Fire Dartthrough everything that we couldthink of . . . and it handled it all . Inplacespins, decreasing squares,acute angle turns, stalls, floats,wing-tip landings, and yes evencrashes . . . this is one very nice kite .There was no bridle adjustmentneeded at any point .When the wind crept up to16mph or so, we found ourselvesnot wanting to put the kite backinto the bag but, thankfully, oursense of reason finally prevailed .The Fire Dart is an ultra-light designedfor winds of a less than strongnature . Flying in high wind can doirreparable damage to theselightweights from either a crash orsail-stretching standpoint .There was an ever-so-slight bit ofover-steer experienced during thefirst few minutes of flying, particularlyas we were not used toflying a little higher aspect thanunusual kite. We found that thiswas our getting used to the kiterather than something that wasexperienced by everyone whotook the lines for a trial flight . Infact, when we took our test modeloff the field for the day, we hadseveral offers from those who

. They-down position flipwanted to buy it out of our hands .The design of the kite is verymuch like the rest of Actions SkyDart series. The departure is in theuse of "standoffs" (the small sparswhich connect from the lowerspreader spars to the sail) . Althoughthese small spars haveshown up on nearly every brandof delta-shaped stunter around,they have been generally, homemodified . Exactly what these smallspars do is keep the sail taut andhelp create an airfoil effect of thetrailing edge of the kite . . . both ofwhich are very helpful in low-windsituations . The other, less technicalthing that they do is makerelaunching a breeze! The kitecan be launched from a layingon-its-backposition virtually everytime .Sails, as we understand at thistime, will be in the three-dimensional checkerboard patternbe available in a variety ofwillcolors . This should make the FireDart a strong contender in theteam kite market .Action Kites and the ChicagoFire Stunt Kite Team have come upwith a real contender here. Wedon't have a favorite kite in ourold kite bag . For years we'vegone along with the old adagethat our favorite kite was the lastone that we acquired . The FireDart might just be able to alter ouropinion .C .B .MODEL: HOT SHOTFABRIC WEIGHT : .75 oz . ripstop nylonKITE WEIGHT: 145 GR.COLORS AVAILABLE : variedWIND RANGE : 5 mph and upCONFIGURATION : ram-air aerofoilMFG's SUGGESTED RETAIL : $75.00MANUFACTURER : FLEXIFOIL POWER KITESAfter looking at a number of imitators,we finally had our chanceto pick up a genuine, honest-to--gosh, four-foot Flexi last spring atWildwood . After all is said anddone, there's nothing like thegenuine article . This kite fliesbeautifully . . . like all of the otherFlexifoils .The new four-foot "Hot Shot" isthe latest and smallest size in theline which now includes 4, 6, 10,and 16 foot widths . The Hot Shot issomething quite apart from all ofthe others . It has been designedto fly on short lines (75 feet arerecommended) and produce arelatively small amount of pull . Thisis a departure from the stackedsixes, multiple 10's, and the notfor-the-faint-of-heart16 . Here is aFlexifoil that one can feel verycomfortable about handing to ayoungster without having to worryabout what country he may endup in when the ride is over .We were able to fly the Hot Shotcomfortably down to the low 4mph range and noticed very littlechange, other than the speed ofthe kite, when we took it out in 20+mph . The kite's performing abilitiesare a mirror of its bigger brothers . . .very smooth . And for those whomight wish a little better test oftheir abilities, take this little guy outin about 25 mph with an old set ofline ends . That's right, ends . . .about 35 feet long . Be preparedto have your reaction time put tothe test because the kite will benothing but a blur. It's fun and withthe kite's ability to survive crashes,usually safe fun . In heavy windsituations, or if you like to jerk thekite around in the sky in attemptingto get even more from it, theonly "modification" that we mightsuggest is to tape the spar endsinto the ferrule .The Hot Shot is fun to fly by itself,and it's even more so to fly instacks . We tested out three withsuper results. We were able toland right-side up and relaunchoffwind nearly at will . We found, aswell, with a little practice, that wecould accomplish wing-tiptouches and even stands with fairaccuracy . In the larger sizeFlexifoils, while definitely able tobe accomplished, the maneuveris considerably more difficult . Wealso found that we could launchthe stack from the usual upside-using themaneuver described in theowner's manual .The more that one flies Flexifoils,the more one is made aware ofthe tether points that can be usedon the spar. This is very important ifyou want optimum performancefrom your kite . Be careful not to attachyour flying lines too near theend of the spar. This will pull the"envelope" too taut on the sparand not allow it to inflate properly .

We find it advantageous, onceagain, to carry a roll ofelectrician's tape to make ourown "stops" on the spar for varyingwind conditions .As the Flexifoil is the current holderof the world's record for kitespeed, we were not about to trytesting this kite beyond its limits .We are sure that at some point itwould give up the ghost, but notMODEL: WINDJAMMER #5FABRIC WEIGHT :KITE WEIGHT: 215 GR,.75 oz. ripstop nylonCOLORS AVAILABLE : 15 (two color sail)WIND RANGE : 5 to 35With all of the new kitemanufacturers cropping up in thelast year we initially viewed theWindjammer #5 with the eye of atrained skeptic . That, after all, issupposed to be our job . . . separatingthe good from the bad in anobjective fashion . Happily, the #5winds up decidedly in the goodcolumn . So good, in fact, that itmay well be at the head of theclass .The Windjammer #5 has beenprimarily available on the WestCoast . This is something that isbound to change . . . the kite is toogood to be kept a regional secret .There are a number of small,delta-configuration kites on themarket and we found the #5 tobe as good as any of them andbetter than most .In our first experience with thekite, we flew it at the low end ofthe stated wind range (4-7 mph)and found that in spite of its smallsize, the #5 handled things verywell . At one point, we were invitedto fly the squeeze position in athree-man team and slipped rightin between two Spinoff Ultralights .We found ourselves constantlychecking to make sure that ourlittle kite hadn't "grown up" whileit was airborne . It certainlyhandled like a larger one . Therewas no slurring on takeoff, landingsand relaunches were noproblem, and the #5 proves to benothing less than a delight to fly .The kite has surprisingly little pull,even in high winds, but wesuspect that a stack of three ormore could give a real wrestlingin any sort of wind that we'd wishto be out in!We encountered no problemswith the new Hot Shot. It is adelight to fly, as are all of theFlexifoil products that we own . InventorRay Merry, has set out tomake a kite that can be flown bythe flier that likes the feel and performancecharacteristics of theFlexifoil design but may wish a tadCONFIGURATION : delta-type, 61 inches (wingtip to wingtip)MFG'S SUGGESTED RETAIL : $69 .95MANUFACTURER : TURNING POINT KITESmatch . Although our tests wererun on 135 lb . lines, lighter onescould have obviously been used,probably to greater advantage .True to company promises, the#5 flew right out of the bag, withno bridle adjustments having tobe made at any point during anytest . It was when the wind pickedup on the second day of testing to13 .5 to 17 .8 mph that the kitereally began to show its truepotential . It had performed so wellat lower speeds that we wonderedif the inverse might be true. . . the #5 makes use of the usuallighter sparring in the spreadersthat we have been accustomedto seeing in light wind kites . . .maybe this was a small ultralight .Nevertheless, the company literaturesaid the high wind range was35 mph so out we went with the#5 in hand .less in the muscle category .He has done precisely that andin the bargain come up with aproduct that is purely fun to fly .We're going to see a lot of theselittle Hot Shots in the air and we'llbet that it won't be long beforethey, like their big brothers, startshowing up in competitions, aswell .C .B .As if to complement its earlierperformance, the kite turned inmore great numbers . It wastremendously fast but very controllableby just finger movement .Particularly impressive was theprecision of which this little fellowwas capable. There were nowobbles, no oversteering on theturns (no matter how sharp), nounannounced stalls, and nodumping of air at the edges of thewind . The sense of confidencethat occasionally is lost whenflying a small kite never leaves theflier with the #5 . And, yes, it doesmake noise . . . lots of it . If that'syour particular gauge for a stunter,you won't be disappointed withthe #5 . . . it roars!As in a number of other testswith kites of small sail areas andadaptable to higher winds, wewere unable to test The kite at

and beyond its highest advertisedspeed . Winds of 30 mph plus aresomething of a rarity in theseparts . We believe, however, that inthis setting it might be helpful tosubstitute heavier spars for thespreaders . This, however, is suppositionon our part and shouldnot be construed as manufacturer'sadvice .We found the workmanship onthe #5 to be very good . After atotal or nearly six hours in the air inthe hands of at least a dozen fliersMODEL: RAVENFABRIC WEIGHT : .75 ripstop nylonKITE WEIGHT: 430 GR .COLORS AVAILABLE : BLACKWIND RANGE : 10 to 35CONFIGURATION : delta-type, cut-away nose,99 inches (wingtip to wingtip)MFG'S SUGGESTED RETAIL : $110 .MANUFACTURER: CRYSTAL KITE CO .The Crystal Kite Companymakes some neat kites. Readerswill remember the "Caution menat-play"kite that appeared in theWildwood section of SKQ #1 . Oneof their newer models is an 8 footsomewhat abbreviated deltatypestunter called the Raven . Atfirst glance this is an unusual kite . . .the sail area just behind the nosehas been cut away on each sideand the trailing edge ismoderately scalloped .Additionally, the Raven sports aspecial heavy duty nose-piece . Itis covered in a leather-likematerial giving it the appearanceof a boxer's glove . . . really quitesturdy . It was that particular partof the kite that we tested firstduring the low-wind tests . . . andwe gave it a real work out .Attempting to fly the Raven inlow winds is somewhat like tryingto parallel-park a very large truck. . . it can be done but not withouteffort and practice . We werereally stretching it down furtherthan we had a right to in 5 mph .The Raven is designed as amoderate-to-high wind kite andonce we managed to hit the lowend of the manufacturer's operatingwind range, performancepicked up nicely . The best situationshowed up, as expected, inthe 13-18 mph section . The sailwas a bit too tight for our personalpreferences but the kite did proveto be airworthy and performed asadvertised . Turning ability was abit sharper than we had anticipatedwhich is always a niceplus . There was a bit of oversteercoming out of tight spins .The Raven is a heavy-duty kite inall respects . Weightwise, it has thehighest kite weight of any that wehave in the bag compared tooverall size . While this weight isnoticeable in the air, it does notseem to greatly impair theRaven's flying ability . In higherwind situations, in fact (20 mph +),the additional heftiness provideda very nice stabilizing factor .Whatever the aerodynamics ofthe design do for the Raven, itcannot be more than they do forit aesthetically . The appliqué worknotwithstanding, for those flierswho don't have a particular interestin birds of prey, Crystal Kite hasproduced a product that is uniquein appearance . Personally,we feel that the outline of the kiteis enough to carry it without thegraphics, but that is largely a personalpreference . We'd also like tosee models in other plain colors,and, perhaps a lighter version .We found the Raven to be indestructible . This by our standardswas due to, in large agree, theof varying skill levels, there is littleevidence that the kite has everbeen taken out of the bag .We found the #5 to be a consistentlyprecise flier and, at a suggestedretail of $69 .95, this kiteshould be a hot item .C .B .nosepiece . We crashed it time aftertime in an attempt to wear itout . . . and couldn't . This is not tosay that it will absorb a direct hitfrom, say, a large-bore huntingrifle, but it sure can take a punch!When all is said and done, theRaven is a visually attractive kitethat flies well, particularly inmoderate-to-high wind conditions .We would not call it a beginner'skite, for there is an amount of skillrequired to fly a flatter-sailed kitethan one with more billow . It is aheavy kite, which holds advantagesof stability for those who willtake the time to learn them . It willtake a "grounding," perhaps betterthan any kite that we have yetflown and that's got to be a bigplus in anyone's book . If you'relooking for that particular kitewhich will be noticed in the skyamong all of the familiar-lookingdelta-type stunters, the Raven isdefinitely the kite to go into the air!

Well, you should all have mastered the group of kite benders from last issueand just when you thought it was safe to go back to the old flyingfield . . . here's another batch . Thanks to Darrin Skinner of San Jose, CA,for the Heartsclamation figure : it's tough!Just a word to all the rest of you line twisters : send us your moves andbe a part of this little bit of history . You may even become a legend inyour own time!DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER -An unsubtle variation of the oldtriple box figure, this one presentssome interesting problems as theflier tries to keep things symmetrical. Don't discount the exit turn!Some fliers have a tendency tosay "whew!" after coming out ofthe last diamond and forget thatthey're heading towards good oldTerra Firma!STACKED TRIANGLES - (Alsoknown as 495) - Basically threestacked triangles, though itdoesn't seem like that to the flier .Larger kites will have trouble withthe last "suicide" turn, particularlyin heavier winds . To avoid any"unplanned ground maneuvers,"practice this figure at heightsbefore showing off by bringing itclose to the ground .

MORE OR LESS -Either increas--ingly large or small linked circles .This figure is able to be flown eithertop to bottom or the reverse .Whatever the choice, there's apenalty to pay: Too little wind tocomplete the snap circles at thetop, or too little space to completethe large ones at the bottom. Bear in mind that the figure issymmetrical and that each succeedingpair of circles is one-halfthe diameter (or twice if beingflown backwards) of the pairbefore it . Good luck!HEARTSCLAMATION - This isone of the more difficult movesthat we've ever flown . It is basicallyan increasing radius turn inphase one, a pivot (or at least avery tight radius circle) to reversedirection in phase two, and adecreasing radius turn in phasethree . Very hard to keep symmetrical!Submitted by : DarrinSkinner of San Jose, CA .DOUBLE TRIANGLES - (Move #3- 2nd West Coast Nationals) - Thisone was such a bear to fly that wecouldn't help but include it in theold library . Larger wings will havetrouble with the first and last turns .Again, a figure well worth practicingat heights before bringing itdown close to the ground for thejudges .

JANUARY 11-14, KTA Conventionand Trade Show . San Diego,CA. Kona Kai Beach and TennisResort . Contact : Mike Mc-Fadden, 590 Chestnut Street,San Francisco, CA 94133 . Telephone: 415-956-3181 .2nd weekend in FEBRUARY, 4thAnnual Ice & Snow Fly, Erie, PA .Stunt Kite Flying on Presque IsleBay . Kites, cold, and plenty offun with Spectrum flight. Contact: Lee Sedgwick at 814-864-3261 or Sue Taft at 814-864-0511 .MARCH 11-12-13, 6th AnnualHawaii Challenge, KapiolaniPark, Honolulu, HI . All classes,single and dual line . . . 3-daycarnival . Contact : RobertLoera, % Kite Fantasy, 2863Kalakaua Ave ., Honolulu, HI96815 . Telephone : 808-922-5483 .MARCH 18-19, Reno InternationalKite Festival . Single & Dual linecompetitions . $1,000 prize forbest stunt kite team ballet .Workshops and demonstrations .Telephone : 702-827-7636 .MAY, Great Lakes Stunt KiteChampionships . All classes .Location to be announced .Contact : Mackinaw Kite Co .,301 N . Harbor, Grand Haven, Mi .49417, 616-846-7501 ;Sandcastle, 356 River St ., Manistee,MI 49660, 616-723-4344,Grand Bay Kite Co ., 121 E . FrontSt ., Traverse City, MI 49684, 616-929-0607 .JULY 1-2, The North Coast StuntKite Games, Toledo, OH . Campoutand stunt kite fun fly hostedby the Black Swamp Air Force .Contact : Uncle Wilbert, 1951Potomac Drive, Toledo, OH43607 . Telephone : 419-537-7036 .JUNE 24-25, Midwest Novice StuntKite Competitions, Schaumburg,IL . Novice and ExperiencedClass PrecisionCompetition. Contact : Al Hargus: 312-545-9572 .MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, 4th AnnualEast Coast Stunt KiteChampionships, Wildwood, N .J .Pre-registration required . Contact:Fran Gramkowski, 80 WestEnd Ave., Haddon Field, NJ08033 . Telephone : 609-429-6260 .Got an upcoming stunt event thatyou'd like to tell folks about? Justdrop a line to SKQ with the detailsand we'll do the rest!