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Lots of new kites were introduced for 2009. They were previewed at the KTAI Convention at San Dustin, FL. Lets look at a few single line kites, first.

NEW TECH KITES only brought new products. Of those, three were new single line kites by Xilhu “Tiger” Lee, including a green and yellow Pterodactyl, and a 3D Eagle, and Toucan. All are 92” wingspan. These winged wonders are beautiful and well made. Another flying machine is the new 3D Tactical Fighter, which is a very well detailed and authentic looking military design.

Among the Cellular Kites, is a 48” Shooting Star and 36” Snowflake, both multi faceted on the order of Kathy Goodwind’s Starflake. In the designer series by Robert Brasington is the Angel kite, at 45 inches wide by 102 “ long. It is a dodging kite with multiple flowing tails.

HQ KITES has introduced the Paint by number kites, new for 2009. They are creative and novel. They add extra fun and sense of pride and accomplishment. These 18 X 28 inch Traditional Diamonds come complete with paint, brushes, instructions, kite and kite line. (more…)

Highlights of the 2008 KTAI Trade Show and new products

The 2008 Kite Trade Assoc. Intl. Convention and Trade Show was held in Portland, OR Jan 7 to 11. Over a hundred of the movers and shakers of the kite world attended. Kite store Dealers from all over the country and Vendor/Exhibitors and Kite Designers came together for the annual meeting to exchange ideas, see new products and celebrate and award their most influential and noted contributing members. The Revolution kite flying team I-Quad received the award for the best Kite Promotion. Emphasis here is on promoting the sport. Past years the award was for best marketing effort, catalog, etc. George Emmons, of Into the Wind, got the Checkley Lifetime achievement award. All the nominees were deserving.

The Trade Show was set in the Ballroom of the Red Lion Jantzen Beach Hotel on the banks of the mighty Columbia River separating OR and WA State. The huge wall of windows overlooking the river gave a spectacular look to the kite displays, even if sunlight was in short supply. Some new products (but not all) that caught our eye were Premier Kites new Spider line of stunt kites by Jon Trennepohl & Wayne Brunjes. Notably the Wolf and the Widow are huge steps forward for Premier. Jon’s previous kites flew well, but became design dated. The new Spider series has a velcro T at the spine base, allowing the addition of a spine weight. (more…)

Zephyr [zef-er]

1. a gentle, mild breeze
2. (initial capital letter ) Literary. the west wind.
3. any of various things of fine, light quality, as fabric, yarn, etc.
4. The Greek and Roman god of the west wind, considered the most pleasant of the winds.

After playing in a steady 5-8 mph Twilight Breeze (coming form the West no doubt) you’ll agree that these 4 definitions describe the Zephyr aptly.

The Zephyr flies like a dream.  It feels smooth and steady, even in variable wind.  It will try and go in any direction it’s guided.  If the kite’s angle changes a little bit, it will gracefully flip over and still float, or crash trying.

After filling up the sail with wind (and designating one of many wind directions), a few “tugs” is all it takes to make this baby climb.  Done incorrectly, the kite feels surprisingly heavy; if you fight the kite, it will barely get off the ground in lighter winds.  Change the kite’s angle a little and lessen your movements, and the kite’s weight all but disappears [even in the lightest wind.] (more…)