Kiting Magazine - Fall 2017

Fall 2017 Volume 39, Issue 3 $4.95 A Romance with Kites Flying the Big Stuff Should You Buy a 3D Printer? FALL 2017 1

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Fall 2017, Volume 39, Issue 3 Pg 15 FEATURES MARK BAKER 9 Kite Plans for a Jalbert Barn Door Kite DEB LENZEN By Margaret Greger LINDSEY JOHNSON Read about the late Margaret Greger on page 46 or enjoy Pg 30 these plans first published in 1992. DEPARTMENTS 12 Flying the Big Stuff (Safely) By Roger Kenkel Tips and suggestions on how to buy and fly big kites. 4 AKA Directory 5 Letter from the President 15 Hey Brother…We Did It! By Mark Baker 6 People, Places, and Things They called it the “Megafoil” and it took decades to make it fly. 8 Empty Spaces in the Sky 35 Regional Reports 17 Faces in the Sky, A Progression In and Out 44 Directory of Merchant Members of Focus By David Wagner 46 Voices Fron the Vault Margaret Greger Exploring the world of art, kites, faces and more, Wagner shares his journey and passion in kitemaking. 22 A Romance with Kites Interviews with Deb Lenzen and Mike Shaw Two of the most influential kitemakers in America today, Lenzen and Shaw, talk about design, storytelling and how to share a house with kites. 30 The Magic of 3D Printing By Lindsey Johnson Is there a future for 3D printing in kitemaking? Johnson says, “Yes.” Pg 22 ON THE COVER: “Loons” made and photographed by Deb Lenzen. Copyright 2017 by American Kitefliers Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Not responsible for unsolicited material. FALL 2017 3

1 yr. 2 yrs. 3 yrs. Amount $116 ____________ $146 ____________ $146 ____________ $375 ____________ ____________ ____________ Referred by ____________________________________________________________________________ Local kite club __________________________________________________________________________ Send this form with your payment to: American Kitefliers Association • PO Box 699 • Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 AKA Directory American Kitefliers AKA Committees Association Web/Internet Outreach Nic O’Neill 706-267-8808 Daniel Prentice, Executive Director Education Fred Taylor Mailing: PO Box 699, Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 Additional family members in same household (Per person add $6/year) Additional donation dedicated to the Thank You Charlie Program Festivals / Competitions Phone/Fax: 609-755-KITE (5483) $250 Web: www.kite.org E-mail: xd@aka.kite.org $40 $78 $50 $98 $50 $98 (Kiting via 1st class mail, includes tax deductible contribution) Please remit in US$(Sorry we cannot accept Canadian cheques) Officers and Fighter Kites Andy Selzer 856-728-8870 Executive Committee Kitemaking Jon Burkhardt For information call 609/755-KITE (5483) Sport Kites Scott Davis 253-732-5743 Jim Powers 610-659-2094 Kite Aerial Photography $125 Nic O’Neill, President Organization / Public Service Anacortes, WA 706-267-8808 president@aka.kite.org Membership Dues Individual (Kiting via 3rd class mail) (Kiting via 1st class mail) Canada, Mexico and Overseas Join online at www.kite.org Phillip Whitaker, First Vice President Ways & Means Cel Dallmer 215-722-4092 Enid, OK Contract Services Gayle Woodul 830-598-24 Safety & Insurance Paul Koepke 580-402-2102 vp1@aka.kite.org By-laws Ted Manekin 301-464-1757 Archives & Records Daniel Prentice 609-755-KITE Brett Morris, Second Vice President Elections Gayle Woodul 830-598-2414 Medford, OR Thank You Charlie Program Marla Miller 253-752-7051 Nominations Kathy Brinnehl 630-271-0765 541-944-5588 vp2@aka.kite.org Cel Dallmer, Treasurer Administration Philadelphia, PA Sponsor 215-722-4092 treasurer@aka.kite.org Membership Marla Miller 253-752-7051 Renewal and Retention Daniel Prentice 609-755-KITE Gayle Woodul, Secretary International Linda Sanders (+61) 88556 2681 Marble Falls, TX Industry Liaison Daniel Prentice 609-755-KITE Club Liaison Mike Dallmer 215-722-4092 830-598-2414 secretary@aka.kite.org Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________ State_______________ Zip_________________________ Home Phone _____________________________________ Cell Phone __________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________________________________ URL ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Other family members joining __________________________________________________________________________ Visa/MC/Discover/AMEX # _______________________________________________________________________________ Signature _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Scott Davis, Director at Large Annual Meeting Puyallup, WA Annual Meeting Phillip Whitaker 580-402-2102 253-732-5743 dal3@aka.kite.org Kelly Mayhew-Nunes, Director at Large Clearwater, FL 727-710-3112 dal4@aka.kite.org Lindsey Johnson, Director at Large Lincoln City, OR 541-994-7556 dal5@aka.kite.org Reinstatement Spence Watson, Director at Large Bellevue, WA 206-617-8272 dal6@aka.kite.org Membership Application Renewal Do not publish my name in the Directory KITING Magazine Kiting is published quarterly by the American Kitefliers Editor Association and distributed free to members. Please New Member Exp. ____________ contact the editor for information on submissions, Daniel Prentice advertising, and deadlines. 609-755-5483 E-mail: kitepub@gmail.com on the Web at www.kite.org on Twitter at @AKAKiters Art & Design on facebook at facebook.com/akasocial Ellen Baxter Autumn issue deadline: July 15 Copy Editor Winter issue deadline: October 15 Spring issue deadline: January 15 Susan Gabrielle Summer issue deadline: April 15 Send address changes to: UpdateAKA@aka.kite.org Founded in 1964 by Robert M. Ingraham, the American Kitefliers Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public in the art, history, technology, and practice of building and flying kites. 4 KITING

It’s time for the big celebration! You know the one: the big one, the 40th Annual AKA Convention in Ocean City, Maryland. This year we are returning to the same beach where it all began when some AKA members decided to host an annual convention. It has been going strong ever since. This year’s line-up of presenters, workshop coordinators, and classes is looking to be one of the best ones yet! Hopefully, we will see one another there and get a chance to sit down on the beach together and enjoy the moment fully. With this being the 40th, I have spent the past few months looking over Kiting magazines, photo albums, and videos from previous conventions so we can present something special to the members at this year’s convention. It is interesting to see from where our organization has come, how it has weathered various storms, and how the intentions and perceptions have changed over the years. The heart has stayed the same, but the call for change has been sounded. Some of have been hearing that bell ringing loudly, and have decided to take action. What is needed now is an all-hands-on-deck approach to help bring the AKA into the new millennium. We don’t need to change who we are at the core, we just need to change the way we are doing it. Take one look at the new breed of kite festivals (such as the revamped Detroit Kite Festival or Makers’ Faires) to get a glimpse of how millennials and the “new generation” is hosting events. Their reach is significant not only because of the large turnout of people, but also their online contacts. There are some critical lessons to be learned. Perhaps you have had some ideas in the past that didn’t gain traction, or you have some new ideas now. This very moment is the perfect time to bring them up. There will be many opportunities at the Convention to share your ideas in roundtable discussions, interviews, and meetings. For those who will not be able to attend, don’t worry; we will be doing live-feed broadcasts and specialized videos of various parts of the Convention. You will be able to see them on our home page (kite.org) or on our Facebook page (facebook. com/akasocial). In some of these broadcasts, we will be seeking input from the members at home, so make sure to keep checking back and adding your voice to the mix. While a big part of the Convention is about the experience of being there, it is also about celebrating our organization and all of its members. So please raise your voice and share the journey online with your fellow kiteflyers. On a final note, I want to thank every single one of you for being a member. There is a saying: “All you need is a strong WHY. Then you can easily figure out the HOW.” Right now, we have over 1,600 members who are strong “whys.” It is a powerful reason to keep my kite high and keep charging ahead, spending my time working towards a better organization. We fly higher together. Nic O’Neill FALL 2017 5

Cheap Green Over the last few years we have reported secure anchors raised a red flag for the many times about Google’s parent authorities because they realized the pull company Alphabet, and their investment involved, hence the “safety concerns.” in trying to generate electricity using kites. “It’s not about someone having a picnic In the last few months, they’ve run into an with their family and flying a Sponge Bob unexpected tangle just as they completed Square Pants kite,” said bylaw officer the technology to actually launch full- Derek Hannan. “It’s the use of space.” scale models—cheaper green energy. It’s Kites over Instanbul recently been announced that in light of dropping costs from existing clean energy The 5th Istanbul International Kite sources, support from Alphabet has fallen Festival was a colorful scene with 42 off, and staff has been cut significantly. invited kiteflyers from 15 countries. Organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Sponge Bob is OK Municipality and the Istanbul Kitefliers Members of the Toronto Kitefliers Club Association, the festival was held on May were recently asked to remove their 20-21, 2017 near the Bosphorus coast. kites from the Ajax waterfront because Two days before, the festival Museum, Cambodia Kite Museum, the they were taking up too much space and participants from 12 countries joined in Thai Kite Heritage conservation group, authorities cited “safety concerns.” “I a panel to discuss the history of the kites and other interested kite agencies were think they were overzealous,” said club and the effects of the kites on the cultures, among the participants. For more member Gary Mark. “In our minds, it’s a which was very productive. Guests who information, contact Istanbul Kitefliers harmless activity.” visited Istanbul Kite Museum, which is Association www.ucurtmadunyasi.com or mehmetnaciakoz@ucurtmadunyasi.com. Mark did acknowledge that the show the first and only kite museum of Turkey, Tangled Kiteline—an kites are large, but noted that they were stated that they were very impressed by Existential Crisis for the enjoyment of the public. Seeing the museum and the collection. Australian electronic artist and producer, Danny Harley, performs by the name the kites tethered to trees and other A meeting was held to try to establish “Kite String Tangle” which is a curious moniker. Tangle describes his debut the “World Kite album as follows: “It’s a dynamic album that I hope shows many sides to the music Museum Association” I make and what I’m trying to do, which is essentially to reach people and hopefully (WKMA) project, provide a soundtrack for their own existential crisis.” which was organized Where have all the by Mehmet Naci Hippies gone? Aköz, Chairman of After a break of many years, Belle Isle was once again the site of organized flying Istanbul Kitefliers with the inaugural Detroit Kite Festival, Association and the founder of Istanbul Kite Museum. Istanbul Kite Museum, Weifang Kite Museum, Pasir Gudang International flyers in Istanbul consider a World Kite Museum Kite Museum, Association. Kelantan Kite 6 KITING

Tony Jetland’s Chinese Dragon at the Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival. sponsored by the Detroit Institute of “For the benefit of Mr. Kite, Horse dances the waltz,’” he said. “The Arts, Techshop Detroit, and the Detroit there will be a show song just wrote itself.” Public Library. The festival kicked off with tonight…” performances by 11-year-old poet King Bigger than a School Bus Moore and the Motor City Street Dance Ever wonder where John Lennon and Academy, followed by kitemaking and Paul McCartney came up with the lyrics From Sis Vogel: The call went out, “Bring competitions. The crowds were estimated we so often here being repeated when we your family, friends and kites for the at about 1,000. mention kiteflying? Well, it turns out that 11th annual Frontier Kite Fly Festival in Lennon found a vintage poster from 1843 Naperville (Illinois)!” …and the crowds Local flyer, Gary Maynard, has been advertising Pable Fanque’s Circus Royal came. There was enough sun to cause flying at this park with the Windjammers which was performing “for the benefit of some red noses, and the good winds since the early 1980s. “We’ve had festivals Mr. Kite” and featured “Mr. J. Henderson, allowed all sizes and shapes of kites to out here in the past,” Maynard said. “We the Celebrated Somerset Thrower” along be flown. Along with the oohs and ahs, used to have one with the Free Press. The with other equally-obscure performers. there were shouts of “Amazing!” “How do Kaleidoscope (a kite festival started in The lyrics edited versions of the phrases they do that?” “Look at all those strings!” 1979) was huge.” from the poster. “How big is that octopus?” Kiteflyers are accustomed to such comments, but no Sabrina Nelson, a studio assistant for In a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, matter how often they’re heard, they are the Detroit Institute of Arts, remembered Paul McCartney stated he assisted with still appreciated. coming to Belle Isle to fly kites in the the lyrics. “He happened to have a poster summer of 1977 with her “hippie” mother. in his living room at home. I was out at his David Zavell of Chicago Kite organizes house, and we just got this idea, because the festival with Samantha Walden, “This is what Belle Isle looked like in the poster said, ‘Being for the Benefit of special events coordinator for the the 1970s, except people were dressed Mr. Kite’ —and then we put in, you know, Naperville Park District. “This is a huge differently,” the 50-year-old Detroit native ‘there will be a show tonight,’ and then it event,” said Walden. “Most come out to said. “These are the kids of the original was like, ‘of course,’ then it had ‘Henry the see the extremely large kites. The octopus Detroit kiteflyers.” is bigger than a school bus!” FALL 2017 7

Ines Elvira Uribe After a long illness, Elvira Uribe now sleeps peacefully. Anyone who had the chance to meet Ines even once could not help but to be drawn to her. She was full of joy and was dedicated to filling our environment with positive feelings through our common hobby of kiteflying. With Ines, Colombia loses one of the country’s biggest kite ambassadors, while the kiteworld mourns for a great friend and a great mate. From her husband, Jairo Uribe Medellin, Colombia Walt Thompson Walt Thompson was not just a kiteflyer. He was a part of kite history. Walt was a key element of the San Diego Kite Club for its 25 years of existence. He was a consistent board member and held many positions as staff, all the way to Club President. He was always eager to teach people how to fly, how to make kites, and how to share with kid-sized kiteflyers. The local annual fun fly with visually-impaired students was always one of his favorite events. Walt was also an AKA Region 12 Director. He fully supported the mission of the American Kitefliers Association. He participated in many activities at the AKA Grand Nationals, as well as Annual Conventions. Walt flew everything, coordinated everything, and judged everything. His flying skills encompassed every kite genre from fighter kites, dualies, quads, foils, and even miniatures. He was truly an ambassador of kiting. He will be missed. “Good Winds” to you, friend. David Corning San Diego, California 8 KITING

Jalbert Barn Door Kite with Keel By Margaret Greger ith delta and sled kite designs and such “modern” materials and white glue are good adhesives. Readily available dowels make as plastic, tape and dowels, today’s kitemakers are almost the frame. If wooden sticks are used, they should be about ¼” guaranteed a kite which flies. When I first began making kites thick and 3/8” wide. fifty years ago [referring to 1942], this was not true. Our two- stick kites were covered with heavy brown wrapping paper from A flat kite needs a tail for stability. Even this relatively small mail-order packages, framed with willow poles or sticks split from kite pulls hard and can carry a lot of tail in a strong wind. I use orange crates, and glued with flour and water paste. We were a traditional tail—torn strips of an old sheet knotted together. inexperienced, had no models and success was rare. Surveyor’s flagging tape could be used. Keep adding to the tail until the kite is stable. I attach the tail through the loop with the A Three-stick kite pattern from an old Boys Life magazine traditional safety pin. Precision and careful workmanship are vital. proved to be a winner for my brother and myself. Many older kitemakers remember the Three-stick with affection as a solid, Materials: stable, forgiving kite which could stand up to strong winds. The irony is that as I began teaching kitemaking to children 20 Lightweight wrapping paper years ago, the Three-stick, our “easy one,” seemed to difficult for classroom use. I would like to see it return to the kitemaker’s Framing string: approx. 15 ½ feet repertoire. The late Dom Jalbert, inventor of the parafoil kite, said, “My favorite kite since I was a little boy was the Three-stick Dowels: ¼” dia., two approx. 30” and one approx. 24 ½” which I now call Barn Door.” In this version, Dom replaced the conventional six-point bridle with a keel. This is a design for the Tail: about 12 yards of torn sheet experienced young kitemaker or a parent-child team. It introduces traditional kitemaking techniques and materials, in which the edges Gluestick or white glue of a paper-covered kite are outlined with a glued hem enclosing a framed string. The flat wooden sticks might have been whittled by Tape: ¾” wide strapping (filament) tape for reinforcing the kitemaker. Tools: A word about materials: Any lightweight, tough paper will do. I like the appearance of brown wrapping paper in the sky. Cotton sting or Cardboard for patterns, pencil, scissors, yardstick, small crochet cord, “store string” we called it, would have been used for the frame. hook, coping or hacksaw for notching sticks, and sandpaper. I like buttonhole thread or a piece of kite flying line will do. Gluestick The kite could be drafted directly on the paper. I make patterns because I expect to use them for more than one kite. Either way, outline the kite on the paper, including the hems and the keel fold line. If your paper has a right and wrong side, be sure to place the patterns so both halves of the finished kite face right side out. Finished Kite Pattern Glue areas are shaded and 1” wide 9 Fold on dotted lines FALL 2017

www.Kitekits.com Quality Kite Kits 1. Fold the two keel hems. Reinforce the tip with strapping tape inside the fold. Refold and Fun to make - fun to fly! snip about ¼” off the tip. Cut the 48” string and Schools, workshops, parties tie a loop about 27” from the end. Glue the keel one hem at a time, with the loop emerging from ~Your event~ the hole at the tip, the string in the fold, and a Teaching just got easier! short length of string exposed at each end. 405-624-6231 2. Fold the keel towards the front and place the kite, keel down, on the table. Apply glue on the long straight edge of the right kite face. Join as shown, with the exposed ends of the keel string folded into the glued seam. 3. Fold the outside hems towards the back of the kite. Reinforce the corners with strapping tape as you did on the keel. Refold and snip about ¼” off each corner. Cut a 90” string, find the center and place it at the top center of the kite. Begin gluing at the top, keeping the string on the fold line and pulling it about ¼” out of the hole on each corner. Do not tie loops in the framing string. The final hem is at the base of the kite. Tie the ends of the framing string together. Cut a 41” string for the tail harness and tie the ends together. Tie a loop about 2” above this knot. Find the center opposite the loop. Match the kite center and glue the hem over both strings as shown. Let the glue dry. 4. Measure the sticks to the kite. Allow for the notches (see below). The sticks should hold the cover taut. Insert the cross stick first, slipping the string through the notches. Tie the sticks together with a short length of string. Wrap strapping tape over the edge of the keel and just below the cross stick on both sides. This keeps the wind from tearing the string out of the hem. The tail fastens through the harness loop and the flying string ties through the loop on the keel. Before launching, arrange the tail on the ground in front of the kite. Notching dowel ends: If a vise is available, clamp the dowel with an inch exposed. If no vise is available, hold the dowel against a solid object for good support. Using a thin, fine-toothed blade (hacksaw, coping saw, etc.), saw a slot about ¼” deep. Center the cut and line up the notches on the two ends. Round the ends by sanding. This article is reprinted from American Kite magazine, Summer 1992. For more information about Margaret Greger see page 46. 10 KITING

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By Roger Kenkel wouldn’t break the bank or land me in the dog house with my spouse. When I began hether you’re at a big kite festival, wandering online, or acquiring my first few pieces of show kites reading this magazine, it seems that everywhere you look and laundry, I was very concerned about you see people flying big show kites in virtually every conceivable color matching. I blame my mother— shape and size. As a person who flies these kites, I’m often asked the the interior-designer—for this, but was predictable questions: “Where do you get these?” “How can you fly encouraged that a sky full of multiple them?” “How do you get them down?” And others… bright colors is more appealing than my simple favorite flying colors of red, black, In my early years of kiteflying, a well- be reading here came from him and his and white. known kiteflyer by the name of David writings over the years. Gomberg was gracious enough to guide Check your local kite store if you me through the process. I have to give Where to start? For me the first have one (see page 44 for a list of AKA him credit because most of what you’ll question was how to create a budget- Merchant Members who offer AKA friendly collection of show kites that members a 10% discount). Buying local 12 KITING is important for many reasons. Kite store

owners can offer you the expert advice not It will suit your needs for almost anything only about the kite, but also about local you will need to lift now and in the future, flying fields and safety considerations. as more pieces are acquired for your show Ultimately, their recommendations can display. If you can afford to spend a bit help you avoid bad purchasing decisions. more on the first one, it will save money Plus, by keeping your dollars in your in the long term by not having to buy a community, you’re helping to keep that second lifter right away. It doesn’t take store in business for many years to come, long to outgrow a smaller kite. The rule which will benefit you in the process. For of thumb for lifter kites is bigger is better. those who don’t have a local kite store, The larger sizes measure between 75 find an online store that will offer full- and 100 square feet. The price for these service advice and the ability to get you great all-purpose lifters starts at under what you need. $200 for the 75-foot sizes. The price goes up from there depending on size and A good lifter kite is essential. For the complexity of sail pattern. They also fit money, the best value is a larger sled kite. FALL 2017 13

remarkably well into a kite bag with other to say that your imagination is the only In grassy areas, the best options are a car, truck, or van. It has been a long-held sticked kites. Most of them are designed limitation to what kind of character or belief that metal stakes are the most dangerous. I agree with this 100%. There with tail attachment points to add a animal you want to hang under your kite. is nothing worse than a kite breaking free and dragging a heavy metal ground stake visually stunning appearance in the sky. Readily available options include cats, through a crowd of parents and kids. So what do you do when your vehicle just I personally own several sleds that have dogs, octopi, whales, aliens, Sponge Bob, cannot be used as an anchor? The next best option is to find a sturdy tree, fence served extremely well over the years. fish of all varieties, spiked balls, spinners post, or structure to tie off to. Heavy webbing straps and heavy-duty carabiners Very large deltas can also be used as and twisters, just to name a few. Aquatic are ideal for this. lifters. My recommendation is to go with animals are a favorite because the natural one larger than 12 feet. With anything motion of the object in the air simulates As a last resort I will use an anchor smaller, the lifting ability is limited to the animal’s natural swimming motion. stake, but never just one. In this scenario, overkill is your best friend. For heavy several 6-foot windsocks and/or other Whatever you choose, stay within a pulling kite trains or large kites, doubling up is the minimum way to go. Drive the small laundry pieces. That said, there are budget and like it—like it A LOT! I have stake parallel to the flight angle of the lifter kite. Double larks head the main many situations where always held the belief flying line to that stake. Drive another stake behind the first stake and securely I don’t want to hoist that this is one of the connect the stakes together with the main flying line. Make absolutely sure the kite serious line laundry; most important aspects line is taut between the two stakes so if the lead stake starts to loosen even a little, the in that case, deltas of a large kite display, second stake prevents it from loosening any further. Check stakes often, and stay with tails give me second only to safety. close by at all times in case immediate attention is needed. Remember, the wind the best bang for What you put on your can change speeds quickly, particularly at higher altitudes, and you may need to the buck. line will be seen and bring the kite down in a hurry. Educate yourself about how to do that before going Not into sticked remembered much out to test fly a new kite. This is why it is kites? The alternatives more than the lifter important to buy the kite from a full- are parafoils or used to hoist it all service dealer; if they can’t educate you, go inflatable wings. These in the air. Lots of to someone who can. Have a safety plan kites are offered in small pieces can in place. If you need advice, ask other many shapes, sizes, create a stunning kiteflyers, or contact the AKA at www. and even custom color impact, maybe not Kite.org. configurations. You can design these to fit to the same degree Finally, build a collection of big kites personal taste from a as a Maxi Peter over time and be picky. There are no rules variety of sources. Prices Lynn Bear or a that say it must be done all at once. Stick start at under $200 for Rolf Zimmerman with something you know will stand the the smaller sizes, and Dragon, but as test of time. A generic fish is sometimes they will serve you well a beginner, on a better than a here-today, gone-tomorrow for many years. They have cartoon character from a movie or TV several advantages over budget, it is a good show. Because everyone’s perspective and sticked kites: they take up way to get started. taste is different make sure your collection less space both in a vehicle I’ve seen great reflects what brings you joy, and soon and in airlines baggage looking pieces as you’ll be out flying and answering these allowances when flying low as $40 that same questions for someone else. make quite the impact in the sky. to a festival. They also Coming have better lifting capacity up with a safe per square foot than sleds method of do. Pound-for-pound, anchoring a large my experience says that kite display can parafoils and Flowforms get vary depending the job done in the widest on terrain, wind range. available space, The second step is and other factors. For the purchasing line laundry. beach, it’s hard to beat a sand These days there are a anchor when multitude of manufacturers Tesmthaebkbeeedssdatersdetaibnkeettstheearrgtehropauenrnomdna[etn.oepn]tlaynd two vehicles are who offer line laundry ranging not allowed. from just a few feet to over 100 feet. It isn’t an exaggeration 14 KITING

Photos and Story by Mark Baker My brothers and I made numerous kites as kids, and over time, built them bigger and bigger. In 1979, we finally decided to build After the “failed” flight attempt in the The Megafoil (above) now flies regularly something really big. Our idea was to spring, the kite was stuffed into its canvas in Berkeley, but the Baker brothers’ other make a medium-aspect-ratio parafoil kite bag and stored in the rafters of my kites from the 1970s (below) flew with based on the Jalbert parafoil design found parent’s garage, and time flew by. For varying degrees of success. in David Pelham’s kite book. Mixing this the next 20 years or so, life happened. idea together with my mom’s old Singer School, jobs, relationships, and various ground, but it was flying! Since that sewing machine, miles of sewing thread, moves put our kiting hobby on the back spring, the Megafoil has been a work-in- and hundreds of yards of ripstop nylon, burner. Sadly, I began losing contact with progress. the “Megafoil” was born. my brother, Jeff, during this time, too. Fortunately, after countless re-bridles, The Megafoil’s first real launch attempt Then, in the spring of 2007, my folks design alterations, and other tweaks to was at Mission Bay Park in San Diego, were cleaning out their garage and the flying system, the Megafoil has finally California during the spring of 1988. The asked if I had any interest in keeping the achieved “stable” flight characteristics. kite was originally crown-rigged with Megafoil kite; I picked it up on my next The power it generates is amazing. The short bridles and straps. As we soon visit. Even though 20 years had passed, kite has lifted me (200 lbs.) off the ground learned, the rigging and angle-of-attack I was still bound and determined to get without a problem, and I originally had a was better suited to an actual parachute the Megafoil airborne like Jeff and I had team of four people to launch and land the than a ground-based kite. During its envisioned so many years ago. kite. While I’ve perfected launching and inaugural launch, the kite never rose more landing with less people, I recommend than a couple feet off the ground or stayed After a few basic alterations, the that anyone flying a large kite always airborne more than a few seconds, so it Megafoil actually flew for the first time have help and understand the safety was back to the drawing board! in April, 2007. The kite was wild in the precautions necessary for safe flying. air and quite dangerous to those on the FALL 2017 15

Megafoil Stats and Info: In its first “launch” in 1988, the Megafoil barely got off the ground for a few seconds at a time and then went into storage for about 20 years. The Megafoil was created by Jeff and Mark Baker. The Megafoil’s home field is Cesar perspective changes of the long bridles in Chavez Park in Berkeley, California. the air can be quite hypnotic. Build start date—1979 The flying field’s large open area and close proximity to the San Francisco Bay Unfortunately, over the years, my family Build finish date—mid-1980s winds make for a great kiteflying location and I have been unable to reconnect with year-round. At the park, the kite is either my brother, Jeff. He has never seen the Initial launch date—Spring, 1988 anchored to a thick metal post cemented Megafoil actually fly. However, every time deep into the ground or secured under a Size—36’ x 20’ (720 sq. ft.). There are bolder using a series of three-foot-long 48 individual bridles, averaging 112 solid metal circus-tent spikes. ft. in length. If connected end to end, the total length of the bridles would In 2010, the Megafoil returned to its be over a mile. These 48 bridles are original launch site of Mission Bay in San then attached to a cascading bridle Diego, California, and flew beautifully. system that help keep the Megafoil’s The kite has flown at the annual Berkeley in-flight shape uniform during wind Kite Festival for the past six years. speed changes and angle-of-attack adjustments. I love watching this kite in flight. Its movements are slow and graceful as it Kite fabric—The kite material consists of roams the sky. Viewing the constant green, red, and blue ripstop nylon from the 1970s. Due to the ripstop’s uncoated, stretchy, and slightly porous nature, the Megafoil will soak up moisture during flights when the humidity is high. The water retention significantly increases the in-flight weight of the kite, and alters its flying characteristics. Kite weight—The Megafoil weighs around 40 pounds. Flying line—The base rope and main flying rope are rated at over 6,000 lbs. breaking strength. Power—The maximum estimated pull/lift is somewhere between 500-1,000 lbs. Steady as she goes with a solid anchor point. the Megafoil takes to the sky, a little part of me wonders if he might be passing by in the distance, looking up, taking pause, and watching our creation majestically roam the sky. I’m sure that would bring a smile to his face. The thought of it brings a smile to mine. 16 KITING

Story and Photos by David Wagner I have been building kites all Art of the Japanese Kite. has resulted in a number of Inspired by the traditional my life. As a kid, I loved the Like many artists working series I have developed over Japanese Shirone “Peach Boy” dramatic printed imagery on in kites at the time, this the last 20 years. (below), Wagner worked with some of the old Hi Flier paper created a profound shift in appliqué on “Brute” (top) and diamond kites, and always my perspective. Kites could In the late 1990s, I was a combination of appliqué, found the later solid color feature complex hand-applied presented with a large Shirone paint and printed ripstop on nylon kites to be uninteresting images and be regarded kite from a group of Japanese “Amerikan Boy” (center). by comparison. During art as both static and kinetic kitemakers brought to the school in the 1970s, I tried art. Tal’s book and his later U.S. for a big kite festival we framing and bridling some work made it clear that both organized in San Francisco. of my silkscreen prints—and the wall and the sky could The “Peach Boy” painted on flew them—but didn’t feel they serve as a legitimate canvas that kite was a classic subject were successful. My fellow and backdrop for properly from Japanese folklore and designed aerial art. Twenty I kept it on my studio wall students made it quite clear years later, I met Tal and we for years. I flew it often and that they were not successful became good friends, working studied its effect in the room because they were kites. together on a number of and in the air carefully. The Then I discovered Tal sculptural and aerial projects. powerful color, dramatic pose, Streeter’s seminal book The He became an important and associated imagery still mentor, and 10 years ago I has a significant effect on me. moved to Santa Fe to be closer to him and continue This kite also established our work. the shape I have used for almost all of the aerial pieces THE FACE I’ve created in the last two decades. It is the Japanese The Japanese kites that Edo planform. I chose this most impressed me featured design and layout because it enormous faces glaring fiercely has the classic dimensions of down from the sky. I thought a portrait, which serves the of them as aerial gods, and felt imagery. The Edo is simple they fitted in perfectly with to build, has tremendous both Asian and Western visual effective sail area, and when storytelling. This inspired a properly bridled is a very direction in kite imagery that stable and efficient flyer. In FALL 2017 17

addition, the simple framing I had a lot of fun with their different designs form in the sky. and tensioning system results design and fabrication. in a smooth, taut surface One series, Amerikan Flag, for the applied artwork. It This series also employed exclusively red, requires minimal bowing demonstrated the effectiveness white, and blue colors, along and there is almost no sail of flying a number of these with more complex printed distortion in flight. I settled on portraits in a formation. imagery and text. Some of the a size of 2 x 3 meters, and have The Edo is so stable that I kites in this series, along with used this proportion almost found I could fly four or six of the following Frustrated Flight exclusively in my kites since. these kites in closely-spaced series, became so detailed that With so much sail area, these configurations in the steady much of the imagery was only kites will fly in surprisingly low winds. In higher winds, “Lei Kwai,” from the opera mask series. there is a certain moment of Using dye-sublimation printing excitement during the launch onshore breezes at California’s accessible when viewed nearby to create evocative sectional and climb, but they quickly Berkeley Marina. I would on a wall. I briefly considered portraits in the air. find their space on top of the launch and stake them in the wall as the final destination breeze and the pull is easily place to form lines, squares, or for these pieces, but felt that 18 KITING handled. I usually stake the other formations—all of this a more significant balance line and launch them myself. by myself. At kite festivals, between the room and sky I separated the top two and could be struck. My next goal In my initial sets of series, lower three sets of rigging into was to produce work that was I worked with simple, two lines with padded handles effective when experienced up stylized face images crafted so they could be maneuvered close, as well as far away in the in appliqué with some paint. very easily up and down in the sky, and still produce a feeling These images were usually air by individual flyers, who of intimacy and detail. emotive and glaring; I was are eager and easy to find at emulating the feel of the these events. I would hand My early work in printing wild Japanese warriors, but out 10 of the kites and watch for this next stage of series in a more contemporary, was made possible by Ken almost graffiti approach. I occasionally experimented with the Rokkaku and other shapes, but always returned to the rectangular Edo configuration. One earlier digression, The Opera Mask series, came from almost a decade of living in Southeast Asia. For years, my architectural glass work there was influenced by Chinese textile and ornamental motifs, and I had always enjoyed Chinese opera with its visual emphasis on extremely stylized makeup and hair styles. The Opera Mask series used these powerful colors and exotic features to great effect, and

Conrad of Great Winds Kites, printed sails made up of a very good friend of mine, enlarged pixels—each ball of and a master craftsman and information consisted of 76 innovator. His research and differently shaded squares. The control of the dye-sublimation effect was an intriguing, mildly- printing process gradually toned abstract composition made a lot of my appliqué with undulating waves of dark and painting techniques and light areas. unnecessary. I began to work closely with Ken in In the air, these compositions the development of the last revealed themselves as sensual two series. His dedication to floating slices of a woman’s perfection in his printing is face and hair. I felt them impressive and recognized by a to be soft and evocative number of kite artists who also work with him. EDIE EDOS My friend Edie has a Pixelation patterns as seen up remarkable face with some close (left) and in the sky on interesting structural one of the “Edie” series kites moments. Several years ago, I (above). took a number of photographs of her which I cropped and sectional portraits that were of my earlier series. With enlarged. Ken and I modified more interesting to me than several of them in the air at the pixelation patterns with the strikingly colorful pieces once, the effect is mysterious the goal to produce large and understated. This feel has directed my work since. “Birthface” and one of “Edie” series, as wall art. FALL 2017 19

As well as I know my only child, more of his personality becomes private and somewhat hidden from me as he gets older. My first look into his face at birth seemed to reveal everything to me. THE KID AN INVITATION Wagner with The most current series Professionally, I work his son, Tiger developed out of a printing primarily in public art. Most (above), whose prototype from the Edie series. of my pieces are large in face is portrayed It was a partial view of my son, scale, and architecturally on kites. Tiger’s, face at birth in 2007. integrated, usually in glass I produced a limited series for and steel. Still, I always strive 20 KITING a museum show in Las Cruces to include depth and content last spring that I titled the in my pieces, and appreciate Birthface series. it in the work of others. I feel that even large conceptual As well as I know my only works should include detail child, more of his personality that rewards patient and becomes private and closer examination. Kites somewhat hidden from me that function as a single as he gets older. My first look brushstroke are often effective; into his face at birth seemed however, our craft could to reveal everything to me. benefit from the perception Now, he changes and grows of kitemaking as a form of every day, and I feel I have just artistic expression, drawing glimpses into his thoughts. from approaches that I’ve attempted to portray this include a deeper and more experience in the Birthface carefully-planned intent. This series. perception inspires my work, and I would encourage other The three kites depict designers working in this Tiger’s face at birth, and at exceptional medium to take ages five and eight. The show advantage of the great range was well received—viewers of available possibilities. Fine were encouraged to view quality printing on ripstop the abstract layouts with the fabric is an example of a recent camera function of their smart opportunity that significantly phones, which easily replicated increases the range of the look of the kites in the air expression while reducing the and revealed the true image. fabrication workload, allowing I feel I have some ways to go in designers and builders to this direction, and have found it spend more time planning and a very rewarding progression in experimenting. Let’s take our focus both in visual art and life. kitework seriously. Our time and skills deserve it.

I have been asked many times how I am able to produce bridle attachment points through the comb and to a single a large number of big kites with their complex bridles, so I carabiner attached to my bicycle, which is on its side on the thought I would make a brief mention here. There are four court 100 feet away. (I ride my bike to the court). I run factors: the lines two at a time—two lines to the kite, attach—then 1. All of the kites are the same size, so spars, sails, and attach two more lines and walk them reinforcement pieces are cut more or less in bulk at one time back to the comb and secure them to for a series. If you can hem a tablecloth, you can sew up an the carabiner. The lines run right off Edo kite. the spool as I walk. This takes about 25 minutes. 2. Ken and I buy ¾ oz. ripstop polyester in 1000-yard lots. He and Suzanne at Great Winds also source and provide all of The next process slowly brings each pair of opposing lines the spars for my kites. to a center point on the kite, walking this equalized distance back to the comb and securing them to a secondary bridle 3. Find a good source of coarse- line. There are five of these: two top sets and three bottom braided Dacron line. A single sets, and each to a single, main bridle line (really just a Edo bridle requires 1700 loop). feet of 110 lb. and 100 feet of 320 lb. line, so Final adjusting at the field is done with the kite in the air, this is no small issue. gripping the five secondary lines and adjusting the overall flying angle. You shouldn’t need to touch the horizontal 4. I can bridle sequence. Secure the adjustments to the main bridle line and one of these you’re done. If there is a high or gusty wind on the first day, I kites in an hour sometimes attach long clothesline rope at the bottom corners and 45 minutes, including set to keep the kite more stable during adjustments. up and clean up. On a The bridle may seem unwieldy and easily good Monday tangled, but with practice you will never morning, I can tangle them, and the whole pile can be do a pair of them braided up quickly. The result is a very at the local tennis stable kite and there is nothing as court well before pretty as 17 white lines cascading lunch. down tightly from a big kite. The Edo is the only kite I’ve seen The method consists of in which the bridle is a beautiful arriving at the tennis court part of the visual experience, in the morning, assembling the without detracting from the kite and securing it upside down sail imagery at all. to the chain link fence. This will work at any public tennis court, and I have bridled Edos at courts in These big Edos are so Oakland, Singapore, and Santa Fe. They provide a clean, stable that we started building smooth, and level surface to work. 14 footers of white ripstop, flying them at night, and There are 17 lines to an Edo bridle, each one 100 feet projecting films on them from long. I make a firm plastic rectangular line organizer, the ground. It was easy to keep or comb, with 17 holes in the same arrangement as the the image on the kite, but the Aerial points on the kite. I run the lines back and forth from the Cinema is another story. 1700 feet of bridle line is a beautiful addition to an Edo. FALL 2017 21

with Kites By Daniel Prentice Photos by Deb Lenzen and Mike Shaw Mike and Deb flying in Seaside, Oregon, 2016. What was your early Did you fly kites as a kid? family life? Deb: We flew kites as wo of the most influential children. Dad would love to kitemakers in America today—Deb Deb: I was born in Portland, fly box kites, Mom would fly Lenzen and Mike Shaw—have Oregon. My mother grew up in diamonds and we did that mesmerized the kiteworld for over North Dakota and when I was most summers. Obviously in 20 years with their distinct kite a year old she thought North North Dakota, there wasn’t designs, their event organizing, Dakota would be a better a lot of winter flying, but we and their soft-spoken kindness. As choice to raise a family than would get out and enjoy the a couple, their synergy makes it Oregon. Dad always said that spring and summer winds. easy to see them as a duo, but their “it was going to be easier for My dad owned the Conoco individual stories are each worthy of me to be a big fish in that little gas station on the outskirts of its own feature story. For this article pond.” I was educated pretty Underwood and my uncle had Deb and Mike were interviewed wonderfully and had the basic a field next to that gas station, separately over two week in July middle class values: enjoy life, so we could go out into that 2017. Neither heard the responses work hard, watch the parents field and fly kites. That would of the other, and their answers to work hard. I have one sister be my first memory…with dad similar questions are as enchanting and she is three years younger and his box kite and see how as are their kites… than I am and we are best far we could let it go. I was friends, still to this day. Her probably in the third grade. name is Kathy and she’s just Mike: I remember flying a spectacular. I’m very lucky to little and building a little, have her. probably junior high school age is the earliest I can Mike: I was born in southeastern Wisconsin about Deb’s “Loons” from 2009. 45 miles from Milwaukee, oldest of three siblings. I grew up with working parents. Being the oldest kid, I ended up being the leader of the pack at home and school. Somehow I’ve always ended up at the front of the room even though I always felt I was an introvert and had to work hard at it. With kiting I still do that—I want people to look at the kite and not look at me. 22 KITING

remember. I built a winged the beach behind a 3-stack of box kite, and even then I Hawaiians, and that was my tended to build kites bigger introduction to kites as an than me, using bed sheets and adult. I bought a Trlby and big sticks. We probably went a 6-foot rainbow by Spectra down the lumber yard and and brought those back to the bought the biggest, hardest North Dakota prairie and that dowels we could find, probably began my love-affair with broom stick quality (chuckle). kites again. Like all boys, I let lots of line out, watched it break and What kind of work were fly away. you doing at the time? Did you continue to fly Mike: In my work life, I was kites or did you take as a data-processing manager, a break? very much in the line of fire on the production side. I Mike: I didn’t fly kites again would carry a pager 24/7 until the late 70s. I bought a and my family life was often house and my brother gave interrupted by work calling at me a housewarming gift of 2 a.m. or on Saturdays. There a single line rainbow delta. I was a lot of work. I stayed in flew that a few times and then that career all my life until I it went into a closet. In the late retired. I got further up the 80s, we took a trip to Oregon management ladder, so the and saw the kiteflying beach pager went off less, but at the experience. I came home with end I was the manager of a a Skynasaur and my son who large data center in Colorado, was 7 learned with me to fly so there were still 24-hour that. Reza [Ragheb] had a kite days on occasion. shop two miles down the road where I bought a Hawaiian Deb: In college I studied Team kite. Very exciting. My education, and after I little son learned to fly the graduated was a school teacher Hawaiian Team by having in Strasbourg, North Dakota. several of his friends hold I brought kites into the him down by the waist. My classroom and started making daughter never got interested. sled kites with second-graders as part of our drug-free Deb: There was that time curriculum. It was “Fly High for about eight years between with Kites, not Drugs.” So high school and college that every second grader who came I didn’t fly. I actually found through the school would kites again in 1985 on a trip to Lincoln City, Oregon. I was Mike’s “Off-Kilter Chicken” staying at the Sea Gypsy motel (above) with the piece of and opened the curtain and a pottery that inspired it (inset), 90-foot spinsock was spinning and Deb’s rok “Journey” right outside the window! I’d (below); both won honors never seen one before. There in Seaside, 2016. was also a kid kite skiing down FALL 2017 23

Contrasting styles as seen make newspaper kites. Then in 1992, I thought (above from left) Deb’s “Desert a kite and which I glued I should bring kites to North Delta,” Mike’s “Stallion’s we’d go fly them for a to the frame. After it flew, Dakota, so I started a kite Sunset,” their cooperative kite day. After five years, I decided I started making the fabric festival in Garrison where I “Shards of Gold,” and Mike’s I wanted more than being a for it. It’s the worse kite to was working as a counselor. “Bushidou Train.” history teacher, and worked assemble I’ve ever made and Garrison is on the north shore on getting my Master’s in still is. That kite was followed of Lake Sakakawea, so I called 24 KITING counseling and became a by a sled kite. My third kite the festival called “Sky Dance school counselor. was a Hopi Octagon that I flew at Sakakawea.” [Sakakawea at WSIKF. It made the cover of was the name of the Indian How did you get into the winter issue of American guide of Lewis and Clark.] kitemaking? Kite in 1996. The first year we had Mike: I kept looking at Reza’s Shortly after that, the nine people show up. At the work and finally succumbed following spring was the Avi height, we had upwards of to buying a Reza Rok and then kite festival. There was no 1,000 people coming to the a 16-foot genki right off his wind and we were setting up festival. I did the kite festival sewing table. He made a bag kites and leaning them against for 20 years. On its eighth for it, and I put it together trees and everybody was anniversary, Mike showed up in my basement. I said to looking at the kites. With mine at that festival and that was my wife, “I have to learn to there was so much laughter my first real interaction with make these because if I keep with disgust that something a kitemaker. At the end of buying them, I won’t be able that was sewn so poorly could that festival, Mike said, “You to send my kids to college.” So ever make the cover. That’s should make a kite.” I borrowed my wife’s sewing where I learned from Scott machine and asked if it came Skinner about the 50 foot rule. My first project was a hex. with a book, then I looked at It’s how they look up in the air Mike had given me a small one Reza’s kites, got Pelham’s book that matters. My stitches were because I needed something of kites, and away I went. all over the place, with ragged edges from the appliqué. No My largest first kite, to finished edges on the kite at learn as much as I could, was all, horrible pockets. I had a double butterfly with 42 never been to a class. foot of sparring in it. I first tied the rods down in the Deb: After ‘85, I really fell in shape I wanted and then used love with Lincoln City, and I’d go back every other year and buy a better selection of

American Kite. I knew of him Deb’s “Native Totem” (below). but did not know him. When to work from. That was an Wait, we’re skipping over he showed up at the kite opportunity to take something the best part…how was festival in 2000, that was my that I knew would fly and I your first meeting? first real interaction with a kite scaled it up. It went from an maker—first chance to see how 18-inch to a 36-inch. I had a Mike: She tells a little bit kites go together. design that had been given more glamorous story than I to me by Tracy Manywounds do, which always make me a Were there fireworks? from the Standing Rock Indian little embarrassed but makes Reservation. The design was me feel good. Deb: (laughter) I will admit, actually for a beadwork belt honestly, I was smitten. I but I took the design and put Deb: In 2000, I got an had been out at my kite field it on a sail in Native American email from Mike Shaw saying, decorating for the event colors. From the start, I always “Looking for a kite festival. and this van pulled up. This wanted to be respectful and Can I come to your event?” I gentleman got out of the honor a tradition that I was thought that was like Michael van and I felt the butterflies. representing. I can’t own it Jordan asking if he could Mike was oblivious I think myself because I don’t have come play at our high school to anything other than flying any Native American blood in basketball tournament. So I kites. I don’t know if that’s me so I really want honor the said, “Yes, of course. Please a guy thing or not. He was culture I’m trying to represent. bring your kites.” He’d already living in Denver and I was in So that was the first kite. been to France flying kites. North Dakota, so there wasn’t He’d had a front cover on going to be much chance of anything. I was so happy to have him at the festival. His kites were so unlike anything that I’d had at the festival before, so it was a real shot in the arm for the festival. So even though there might have been feelings that I really liked FALL 2017 25

this guy, it all became about bow-tie Edo came from that me over time, and she’ll kites and a nice opportunity time. probably tell you she’s not to get to know someone who very successful at it, but she’s was an interesting person. For It was my immersion a master of colors, the art the next 10 years, we met at activity. It was the one place side of things. I try and be a festivals. And Mike became a where I felt I could really little more artful than I used regular at my festival. succeed and feel really good to be. John Pollock would about myself. For me, there’s probably disagree with that Mike: Deb and I stayed enjoyment in the creation of (laughter). But Deb has added friends for the following years. the kite, the actual building, to my kitemaking colors, the We would get together at kite making the thing from the raw prettiness of my presentation. festivals and maintained a materials. I took a Jose Sainz For me, I try to get her to kite friendship. We would class at Junction, I started think outside the box and try email and I was sometimes paying attention to trimming, different kinds of framing. suffering in my post-divorce and I started using zigzag She’s so wonderfully focused depressions and she was my stitches and started finishing on the art side and I so enjoy counselor from afar with edges. In my work world, the creative architect side that her compassionate side. We we were paid for service but we kind of stay in our same maintained that relationship the other state agencies were box, but if we do something until 2007 when I retired and forced to use us so there were together, we get something moved to Bismarck to be not any customers, which like “Shards.” with her. made it a pretty “thankless” job. With the kites I could How did Shards come So back to the make something that could be together? kitemaking… seen and enjoyed by others. Mike: We moved to Arizona Deb: I spent a year trying to How did you influence in August of 2013 and decided make my first hex kite. Then each other’s kitemaking? to go to the convention. We I got an opportunity to go both liked competing, and we the festival in Long Beach, Deb: As a kitemaker, I start With two kitemakers in the Washington, and they had with color. I find a palette that house, rooms have multiple a category for “trains,” so I touches me at that time and uses. Mike’s “Pueblo Eagle” added two more in the Native as a platform I will try to see (right). American theme, took those how I can move those colors three kites, and went to WSIKF into a different platform. In 26 KITING in 2001. When I was flying the current, my desert color those kites Scott Skinner--who scheme, how many different I had not met yet but knew as platforms can I find? I’m a kite god--came up behind me real traditional in using kite and said, “Make two more and designs that have been made take them to Billings [site of previously that I know will the 2001 AKA Convention] and fly. I like to be able to look at that’s how “Native Tribute” the Pelham book or Margaret was born. Greger’s book. I am jealous of Mike who can take an image Mike: While holed up in my and say, “Oh, I can frame that first little one-room apartment and I can make that fly.” I in the late 1990s, I was pretty don’t have that gift, so I need rambunctious with my sewing. to find things that are tried Some of my kites came from and true. that period, like the stallion sunset, the big Saruga. The Mike: Her influence on

Mike flying his “Bow-tie Edo” from the late 1990s. Deb flying her “Dakota Diamond” from 2005 (right). decided to do a “co-operative kite craft. We talk about ideas history where their treatment kite,” thinking we might have but when it comes to the actual was horrible. My best friend time to do one if we worked work, he’s got his stuff and in high school was Native together. She had become I’ve got my stuff. We have American. My roommates in enamored with Southwest art to coordinate who’s going to college were Native American. and wanted to work with that, use the overhead projector, I’ve had this rich opportunity so I said give me a big square who gets the bedroom wall to have it be a part of my life and I’ll do a big Ho-dako. I at this point, who gets the for such a long time, and I love had done a little one once and floor the next couple of days, being able to share even the and be willing to say that if least little piece of what I’ve I really liked the way someone comes to visit they’re come to know as a great group it presented in the going to see a messy house of people who honor sky. In very little time and you have to be okay with the earth. she completed that that. (laughter) I think when sail and gave it to me, we bought this house we fell When it comes to using their and I started building in love with it for so many art, I really want people to reinforcements, reasons and then realized understand that it’s not mine. ordering spars and there really isn’t any good craft I own several pieces of original edges. We got strings room, so you make-do. We art and will use some pieces off on it as we were have to be creative and flexible of that. When you look at any going out the door to and it works! of us as a people, who we are go to convention. The and what we create deserves first time it flew was How has Native American to be honored. For me to take the morning of the art influenced your a piece of someone else’s art competition. work? and change is not respectful, besides copyright laws and Deb: Shards is the Deb: It is art that speaks all that. only kite that Mike to me most clearly in my and I have worked admiration for a people Mike: The fabric on my on together, so who are still vibrant, still Kachina kite is mostly hand- we are very much appreciating their culture in dyed, and that was very independent in our spite of a time period in our important because I wanted FALL 2017 27

Above from left: Mike’s “Snow to use the colors of the Hopi framework is completely that is telling a story of what Kachina” is made with hand- mesas. I’ve been honored original, somewhat like a losing somebody important dyed fabric, but no sacred as a white guy to get to see a three-spine noodle. For the to you means. I think that’s symbols. Deb’s “Desert Noodle” couple of Kachina dances; they Chicken, I saw a piece of one example of storytelling at from 2016 exploring colors paint their bodies with a paste pottery in South Carolina and I its finest. I love that we have of the Southwest. Her hex from the colors of the ground. said that’s going to be my next an opportunity—whether it’s train,“Native Tribute,” was her So that’s why I was after the kite. I wanted to get various fantasy or real or honoring first AKA competition kite in browns in that kite. grays and that was my first someone—that kitemakers as 2001, followed by “Native attempt at Ron Bohart’s dying storytellers is what we do. North Star” in 2002. Kachinas are very sacred to techniques. After a couple of the Hopi and I honor that with tries, it works, it turns out. You were invited to fly 28 KITING every breath I have. Only Hopi That kite is sewn off-center, your kites in Cervia, Italy. people can make Kachinas. non-parallel lines because I How was that? So this is Kachina-like. It is wanted it to match the crazy representative of the snow chicken look of the face. Mike: Absolute grand Kachina but there are no exact experience. We were fortunate replicas of sacred symbols on Deb: The story I’m trying that 8 of the 11 days were near my kite. It is very important to to tell is an important part perfect for flying. Getting to me that people know that. of any kite I design. When fly with my kites mixed in with people look at it I hope they’re the wonderful European kites Can you talk about your going to say something more was a grand experience. I’d design process? than, “Ahhh, what a pretty walk around and take pictures kite.” Currently, there is a of their kites and then come Mike: The Kachina and the Kitebuilders Against Cancer back to my little edge of the OKC (Off Kilter Chicken)— project to raise money by field and they’d be there taking both are kind of a log cabin having each person make a kite pictures of my kites. That quilting technique, but the

was exciting. Every picture of for 11 days, and not ever get kitemakers who have been Deb during that trip has an bored and not ever want to so special in my life—JoAnn ear-to-ear grin that was on stop. To be able to be on a Weber, Barb Meyer, Alexa her face 24/7. 35 countries field with individuals I’ve King, Sharon Musto, Mary represented. No politics, all admired for so many years Gabby, and others. They’re all just flying. was astounding! inspiring. I’m very proud to be a part of this wonderful hobby. One of the neat little There was this I try to never lose track of the moments was when they had amazing moment when I fact that I play with a toy—that their special entertainers was flying one of my trains what I do is just a toy, so I on stage; it turned out to be and Shula Shavit from Israel can’t be too serious about it. Native American dancing with came over and started taking a some folks with bloodlines to pictures of my kite! I couldn’t Mike: That’s a good question. Arizona. We checked with the believe it. In my heart, I’m I like it, I love it, it’s a lot of performers to see if it was okay still this little girl from North fun, but no part of my life with them that while they did Dakota who loved kites and depends on it whatsoever. dancing we did some Native had this magical opportunity It’s what I do for an enjoyable American kiteflying behind the to see the world because of a hobby. I also like to be out on stage. There we were in Italy kite. It’s such a fairytale when a motorcycle. I like to sample with our Arizona friends. you think about it, and I’m from my Scotch collection. I so lucky to live this part of it. like travelling the country with Deb: Oh my god. It was I do feel so blessed every Deb. I like all those things the most amazing, most single day. and kiting is just extremely wonderful. It was such a gift enjoyable, but what is to be there. I did not know Can you talk about the important is Deb. Kites, not that I could happily fly kites importance of kites in so much. your life? Deb: The wonderful surprise of all of kiting is how wonderful everyone is. They share everything they know, they’re so supportive, so wonderful. I especially want to mention the women FALL 2017 29

The Magic of Printing Story and Photos by Lindsey Johnson You might have seen short PhantomStarKites.com in About 10 years ago, I got videos of 3D printers quickly 2004. We produce workshop interested in 3D printing. The building objects one layer at kite kits of various styles for a small desktop printers that a time, but have you ever broad range of ages and abili- were available at that time considered whether 3D printing ties. We also design and make were very experimental and has a future in kiting? My other kite-related products. not quite “there” yet. Waiting answer to this question is yes, Tametomo made by absolutely. Chris Hanson in 2016, using 3D printed parts. In this article I will discuss how I have, over the past couple Detail of a custom part printed of years, used 3D printing by Hanson for a box kite. in the design and construc- 30 KITING tion of kites that utilize kite fittings designed from scratch, or those I have been given permission to copy. I will also cover a wide variety of plastics suitable for kitemak- ing. The subject is too large to cover in one article, so it won’t be a “how-to” as much as a “how-I-do-it.” I hope that by sharing some of the things I’ve learned, you will be inspired to pursue 3D printing on your own. I have been a maker of things my entire life. My mother was a seamstress, and when I was young she taught me how to lay out patterns, cut fabric, and sew. As I grew older, I built model cars, moved on to building and racing my own cars, and then owned and operated a cabinet shop for over thirty years. My wife, Ronda Brewer, and I started

was tough. By 2014, the of Bath in England. The first discouraging, understand Top three photos show the machines had advanced RepRap printer was made from that it will take some time to anatomy of a printhead from enough to be taken a little parts printed on a commercial learn. Both of these options which molten plastic is “drawn” more seriously. So off to printer. In September 2006, are produced by Autodesk, and onto a print bed building Kickstarter I went and tossed the very first part made by Tinkercad’s terminology trans- the part layer by layer as my 400 bucks into the ring. a RepRap was printed. The lates fairly well to Fusion 360. illustrated in the graphic below. After several months, my baby RepRap project grew rapidly There are other programs out Micro3D showed up. It was a around the world. In 2009, there, but these two work the bit of a toy, but it worked and Bre Pettis and a couple of best for producing models that got me into the process. Two other MIT students founded years ago, I purchased my MakerBot and the desktop 3D print with the fewest errors. current machine; it now has printer craze was underway. One of the best parts of this a younger brother that is a bit They developed low-cost kits journey is that there are many more robust and smarter. and started shipping them online resources available, in 2009. MakerBot has since specifically on YouTube. The term 3D printing, or released six generations of 3D Next, let’s talk about print- additive manufacturing, refers printers and was purchased by ers and getting that idea out to the processes used to create Stratasys in 2013. See https:// of the computer and into your a three-dimensional object. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maker- hand. Most 3D printers use These processes are a combi- Bot for further information. onboard computers to read the nation of digital data created data from the slicing software to in computer software that will Here are the basics of 3D build your part layer-by-layer. be explained later in the article. printing. The first thing needed This type of printer uses an There are many different to print an object is a digital XYZ coordinate system to methods and materials used in model of that object. You can move the print head around printing an object. I will focus design and build one in a 3D to deposit molten plastic onto on FDM—Filament Deposition modeling software program, a build plate. There is at least Modeling—also known as FFF you could have someone build one “stepper” motor for each or Fused Filament Fabrication. a model for you, or you could axis. The motors are driven download one from one of the 3D printing has been online design repositories. around for a few decades. The most popular of these is In 1983, Chuck Hall of 3D Thingiverse.com. Systems filed a patent for his stereolithography manufacturing But wait a minute. How many system; in 1988, S. Scott Crump kite fittings are on these sites? developed fused deposition The truth is, not very many. So modeling and formed his that means that it’s time to go company Stratasys. During the back to school and learn to use 1980s and 90s, many other a digital design program. Don’t types of additive manufacturing despair. It’s not that hard. processes were developed that use a variety of materials There are a number of easy- including plastics and metals. to-learn programs and they are You can learn more about free. There is Tinkercad; it has the backgound of 3D printing a somewhat shallow learning at https://en.wikipedia.org/ curve. The next option, which wiki/3D_printing I use, is Fusion 360, and you’ll need some climbing gear if In 2005, the RepRap project this is your first adventure into was founded at the University 3D modeling. Without being FALL 2017 31

Two of the steps designing the via commands called G-code, manufacturer either by phone, good things to look for in your nose fitting for the Tametomo made up of the XYZ coordi- email, or online chat. If you search. Most manufacturers kite using design program Fu- nates created by the slicing have a hard time communi- are working on user-friendly sion 360 include the sketch (top) software. The printer’s “drivers” cating with them, move on. printers closer to plug-n-play. in real world dimensions and send signals that rotate the What sold me on the Original Just remember: I said, closer. then converting the sketch into shaft of the motor in very small Prusa i3 by Josef Prusa, based a 3D model (middle) where one steps. The plastic comes in the in Prague, Czech Republic, Whether choosing a kit or can edit features. The machine form of a filament, with a di- was that they responded to my an assembled machine, make is capable of making precise ameter of 1.75 to 3mm, wound online chat inquiry at 10 p.m. sure it has a heated bed. This threads (bottom) that will fit a onto a spool. The filament their time. The kit I purchased is the print surface onto which store-bought screw. is driven by a stepper motor cost $600 and was shipped via the plastic is extruded. With- into what’s called a hot end, a UPS in three days for under out a heated bed, you will be 32 KITING kind of sophisticated hot melt $80. One thing to note is that severely limited in the type of glue gun. The hot end heats if your printer is shipped from plastic that you can print. This the filament to a temperature a foreign country you will have will also influence how strong of up to 280℃ or 536℉. It is to pay duties for amounts over the parts will be. I would extruded through a nozzle with $800. A number of foreign also recommend purchasing an orifice typically .4mm in manufactures now have dis- a printer that uses 1.75mm diameter. The molten plastic, tributors that import them to filament. There are greater se- at this point, is “drawn” onto avoid the extra costs. lections of plastics available in the print bed and builds the this diameter. Keep in mind, if object layer-by-layer until Another consideration is you are not a tinkerer at heart completed. The typical how “open” the machine is. then an assembled machine thickness of each layer is 200 When selecting a printer, that uses proprietary software microns or .2mm—roughly the I look for one that can use and plastic may be just what is thickness of a business card. If any brand of plastic filament needed to get started. you have ever seen a topo- and any third-party slicing graphical map or an architec- software. There are machines Having given some thought tural model (see photo page using proprietary filament to the design software and 31), this will give you an idea. loaded onto spools that have choice of printers, it’s time to electronic chips read by the discuss the type of plastic to The printer design, mechan- printer. Some also restrict be used. ically speaking, hasn’t changed the use of their own slicing much over the past few years software. Not my cup of tea. PLA—Poly Lactic Acid is the and probably won’t for a while. The leaders in the “open most common. PLA filament There are the originals out source” slicer arena are Cura is inexpensive, easy to print, there, their clones, and clones and Slic3r, and both are free. relatively strong, safe to use, of clones available. The prices Personally, I use Simplified 3D and the best choice while range from $200 to $3000 because of its robust features, learning. It is made from plant and up for what appear to be and the cost for a two-comput- starch, mainly corn. It is bio- the same machine. Most are er license $150. degradable and compostable, kits, but some are assembled. so you can print to your heart’s Needless to say, it can be Technology is growing at content and not feel guilty confusing. My first recom- a rapid pace, and it’s hard to about throwing away failed mendation is to decide if you keep up with all of the new prints, which may be many. want to build a printer from a printers coming to market. With regard to kite fittings, it kit, which can usually be done When shopping for and com- is not the best option. It is too over a weekend, or purchase paring printers keep an eye brittle, affected by heat, and an assembled machine. Next, open for terms like mesh-bed will degrade with exposure to I would attempt to contact the leveling, self-leveling, and au- sun and moisture. tomatic z-zeroing. These are all ABS—Acrylonitrile Butadiene

Styrene has been considered moisture, but I haven’t found is the best source. a good option for strength this to be an issue. On the plus and cost. Most plastic objects side, nylon parts can be dyed Time to explore the concept we use are made from ABS. to match the color of a kite by and design process. Under- However, it is not a good boiling them in Rit fabric dye. stand there is a considerable choice because it is difficult to amount of time from the idea use with the types of printers TPU—ThermoPlastic Poly- stage to a well-engineered, under discussion. It is tem- urethane. There are a number strong, and functional part. perature sensitive and affected of filament suppliers offering During the learning process, by ambient temperature and different tensile strengths and you may want to start by re- drafts. durometers, the measure of verse engineering a fitting that hardness and flexibility. This already exists. Having said PETG—Polyethylene Tere- is an amazing plastic. It pretty that, my philosophy is if I can phthalate Glycol-modified. easy to print, and produces buy one already made, why This is my go-to filament. It parts that are almost inde- reinvent the wheel? This is is inexpensive, strong, easy to structible. I use it when I want the basic workflow I try to print, light, and not affected by strong and flexible parts. adhere to: sun and moisture—think soda pop bottles. It is available in It can’t be emphasized enough: 1) Concept many colors. The only negative do your homework and use the is that it is fairly brittle. Engi- vast resources available online. 2) Design/Engineering neered correctly, though, it is YouTube is my go-to service usually not a problem. for reviews regarding printers 3) Proof of Concept and plastics, and to stay cur- 4) Execution/Build/Production A Sea Gull kite made with custom 3D parts (shown at right). Top two photos show standard My choice of design store-bought parts compared to Nylon—Taulman Alloy 910. rent on 3D printing trends and software, Fusion 360, is a 3D printed parts (bottom three) This is an excellent engineer- uses. Tutorials are offered by a parametric solid modeling pro- that are custom built to slide, ing plastic: very strong, some slew of presenters. Not all are gram. PC Magazine explained grip or fold-over to match the flexibility, and high tensile professional and polished, but it this way, “in a parametric specific needs of the Sea Gull strength. Nylon is hygroscopic, still informative. If you decide building modeler, if the pitch kite. which means it will absorb to learn Fusion 360, Autodesk of the roof is changed, the walls automatically follow the revised roof line. A parametric mechanical modeler would ensure that two holes are always one inch apart or that one hole is always offset two inches from the edge or that one element is always half the size of another.” This gives tremendous control over the design of parts. It allows the ability to design a part then easily modify, say, a different angle, or a hole size of a different diameter, without redrawing the entire model. I also discovered that the 3D printer is quite precise and very repeatable. I can design a leading edge connector and FALL 2017 33

Tametomo kite built with adjust the size of the hole that The leading edge connectors rough dimension, the use of a Ronda Brewer. All the fittings the spar runs through to make were next, and here’s the template and jig system, and are 3D printed as shown in it loose or tight. Using the TPU “magic” bit. The part of the the snap-on 3D printed lon- photo below. plastic, I no longer have to connector on the leading edge geron and cross spar pockets, glue on stops to keep it from has just enough grip to hold it these kites can be built in a There will be a workshop at the sliding. With the combination in place, but was loose enough one-day class. AKA Convention where these of the CAD and Slicing soft- to slide during assembly. The The challenge for those who “Falenas” will be made using 3D ware, I can create designs with other part that the cross spar are new to this technology is printed parts as shown. different internal structures goes into has more grip so it to get their heads around the to increase strength. They can won’t come out without some concept, and understand how 34 KITING be made lighter, to change the effort. The cross spars stay rapidly parts can be modi- flight characteristics, or more in place, and because of the flexible, so they can be folded TPU’s flexibility, they can be The printer will run by itself for storage. folded to store flat against the but it’s fun to watch. Ask Simon leading edge. The dihedral Crafts. A number of years ago Ed is sized so that it won’t slide Grys, AKA Region 6 Direc- during flight, and the cross fied and tuned. Sure, some tor, approached me to see if I spars can be easily removed parts may take upwards of 30 would be interested in taking a when disassembling the kite minutes to print, but most of sewn seagull kite he had built for storage. Another thing that the fittings in this kite only using soft Tyvek®, and con- happened that wasn’t planned: took 10 to 20 minutes, with a vert it into a no-sew version. because of the flexible nature cost of under 50 cents each. I accomplished the task and of the NinjaFlex, it gave the One thing I have learned over both of us have used it in a wings some movement that the the years is the value of my number of workshops. I used a rigid fittings didn’t allow. The time and how much time these Cochranes dihedral, modified kite now looks more lifelike machines save. Remember, vinyl end caps and fiberglass in flight and has extended its while the machine is making tubing and rods to frame the wind range by allowing the the part, you can be working first kite. It worked well. With wings to flex back. on something else, like sewing my second printer, the Origi- your kite—or not. As kitemak- nal Prusa i3, I wanted to make Ronda and I were asked to er, Simon Crafts, discovered, some improvements to the design and build a collection of the process is mesmerizing to fittings. My first piece was the four white memorial kites. We witness, almost like magic. dihedral, which was printed based the design on a Japanese using a TPU from NinjaFlex. Tametomo with the addition of That’s when I discovered the long streaming tails. The main ability to size the parts to fit sail is seven feet tall with a to- the rods and tubing to the tal length of approximately 20 exact needs. feet. As we designed the kite, we took our time sorting out as many details as possible. From the beginning of the design process we were committed to make the modified Tametomo as a part sewn/part no-sew workshop kite with snap-on 3D printed fittings. Hence the name, “So-Sew Tameto- mo.” Because students bring a pre-appliqued sail cut to a

Region 1: New England (CT-NH-MA-ME-RI-VT-NY) Maggie Engvall, Cranston, RI 401-942-3603 RD1@aka.kite.org End of term: 2019 Region 1 has had Caption a busy summer in spite of the heat and cooperate. Brief gusts of ‘sucker winds’ event was organized by Wind Wolves and rain. Our region’s would show up for short periods of time. friends. It was a great way to start off the clubs have had flys Kevin Reynolds flew his low-wind kite and summer for local and visiting kiteflyers. at Bug Light in entertained the children with bubbles. South Portland, ME, Dave Tuttle tried several low-wind kites Other kite events included Kites at Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda, NY, that he made. Don Tuff tried flying from a the Pier at Long Branch, NJ. The South Harkness State Park in Waterford, CT, golf cart. Jersey Kite Flyers along with Wind Wolves Colt State Park in Bristol, RI, and at Pope helped to entertain folks at Chester County John Paul II Park in Dorchester, MA, Upcoming events: East Meets West Balloon Festival. With the political turmoil just to name a few. Check with a local kite Kite and Cultural Festival, Pope John in NJ, all state parks and beaches were club or the AKA calendar for good places Paul II Park, Dorcester, MA, August 26- closed, putting Fourth of July celebrations to fly kites near you. 27. Capriccio Festival of Kites, Ogunquit in jeopardy. It was not until a budget was Beach, Ogunquit, ME. September 9. Don’t signed at the last minute that Wind Wolves Marblehead Festival of Arts Kite Day forget the AKA Convention in Ocean and friends were able to put on an amazing took place July 1-4, on Devereux Beach, City, MD, October 9-14. Please list your display at Liberty State Park and save the Marblehead, MA. It was founded in 1963 upcoming events on the AKA Calendar at day’s festivities. Please contact me with any and subtracting for a few years without a www.kite.org kite events in Region 2, so I can include festival, this was their 50th. them in my reports. I hope to see many of Region 2: Northeast you at Ocean City AKA Convention. Newport Kite Festival took place (NJ-PA & lower NY) July 8-9 at Breton Point State Park in Kurtis Jones, Hackensack, NJ Upcoming events: Newport, RI. This festival has been 201-921-5518 held for over 30 years and is one of RD2@aka.kite.org October 1: (1st Sunday) South Jersey Kite the top festivals in this area. It always End of term: 2017 Flyers 23nd Anniversary attracts large crowds. For the last few years the festival has been hosted by Region 2 has seen October 6-9: 3rd Annual Long Beach Ron Kitt of Kitts Kites. This year, kites a busy summer of Island Kite Festival large and small dotted the sky. AKA kite events. The big Edeiken Award recipient Archie Stewart kickoff was Memorial October 9-14: 40th Annual American organized all the kiters on the demo field, Day weekend with Kitefliers Convention, Ocean City, MD including the dual-line and quadline the iconic Wildwood flyers. There was also a demo by Gary International Kite October 22: 4th Annual Belmar Kite Engvall and crew on how to fly large Festival in Wildwood, NJ. This event is Festival kites. He used a Peter Lynn Trilobite. organized by Sky Festival Productions and The traction kiters also gave demos draws flyers from all over. November 5: The 32nd Annual Olan and on buggies. Master of Ceremonies and Bernice Turner International Invitational Region 2 Director, Kurtis Jones, gave a Up at the north end of New Jersey, there Open Peanut Butter Cookie Kite Fly and running commentary on the microphone was the debut of the Sky Art Kite Festival, Bake Off about what was happening on the field. at Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ. This December 3: SJKF’s Annual Holiday Edgewood Mountain Kite Festival Party, Randi’s Restaurant and Bar, from took place July 22-23 at the Edgewood 12-3 PM. Location: Grant Plaza II, 1619 Golf Course in Laurens, NY, near Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115 Cooperstown, NY. This was the fourth year for this festival. We were on top Contact Cel Dallmer cdallmer@verizon.net of a mountain overlooking the valley. or 215-722-4092 Unfortunately, the winds did not FALL 2017 35

Doug Stout flying at Liberty State Park, has an opportunity. Other WOW members and Joyce King) somewhere to showcase New Jersey, on Memorial Day weekend. have been flying at Sandy Point State Park, our talent. And a special thank you to The MD, over the summer. Joyce and Jeff King King and Queen of Corolla for getting us Region 3: Mid-Atlantic ventured north of the border for the Saint- cleaned, fed, relaxed, and on our trip north (DC-DE-MD-VA-WV) Honoré dans l’Vent Kite Festival in Quebec, with clear heads. Cheers to good winds, Donald Jacobs, Copper Hill, VA Canada. So, while things have been slow in great friends, and an amazing life! 540-293-1325 or our area of the country our members have email RD3@aka.kite.org been venturing to other places for flying From Alan Pritchard: I have been flying End of term: 2019 opportunities. kites with students ever since I started working with the Georgetown County As of this writing, Several Region 3 members attended the School District in the mid-1990s, but I had it has been a bit of Wright Brother’s Fly in Kitty Hawk, NC. never flown kites with students having a slow summer in There was a good bit of rain during the special needs until I worked at Waccamaw our part of Region 3. festival, but they still managed to put on a High School on Pawleys Island, SC. There This will soon change show. In August, the Got Wind Kite Club is a new joy to kite flying with these with the upcoming had a unique opportunity to support a local students that lingers long after the kites fall festivals and, of event called Cirque Du Floyd—think old- are put away. Their smiles and enthusiasm course, the 40th annual AKA Convention. time circus event like those in the movies. just make your day, bringing a new joy to If you have not already registered, we The club decorated in the form of banners an old pastime. Please consider visiting a hope you will do so soon, and come join and ground displays, as well as flying special needs group; you will have a kiting us in Ocean City, MD. The convention gliders and making bubbles before the experience unlike any you have had before. committee has been working hard to make main event. Before you know it, you’ll be promising to this one of the best conventions yet. This come back to fly kites again, having had the year there will be sewing workshops in September will have a few favorite festivals most fun possible. addition to the usual workshops, so make including the Mile High Kite Festival preparations to bring your sewing machine. in Beech Mountain, NC, on Labor Day Many thanks to all the Waccamaw High If you have any kites you would like to get weekend and Sunfest in Ocean City, MD, School teachers and Paraeducators: Mrs. rid of, please consider donating them to the later in the month. Both of these are fun Mary Tester, Mrs. Sharon Patula, Mr. auction or one of the bag raffles. Also, don’t festivals to attend, so make plans for a late Mackey Altman, Mr. Bob Nettles, Mr. Eric forget your cash so you can go home with summer weekend flying kites. Sparkman, Mrs. Jo Welsh, Mrs. Cathy some new kites and accessories. McGee, abd Mrs. Leona Miller. Most of all, Check out the AKA website and a big thank you to Mrs. Tester’s students The Richmond Air Force (RAF) is getting Facebook page, along with the Regional for making kite flying such fun. back into the swing of First Sunday flies Facebook pages, for updates. Again, we at Dory Park; contact any member of the hope that many of you will be able to From the Central Florida Kite Club: RAF for details. There have been some attend the 40th Annual Convention in early We’re proud to introduce our next club live Facebook feeds from James ‘Fletch’ October. building project: It’s a twofer! We will be Fletcher of Wings over Washington building a transition tail and a delta kite to (WOW) flying whenever and wherever he Region 4: Southeast fly it on. Does it get any better? Why, yes (AL-FL-GA-KY-MS-PR-NC-SC-TN) it does. We will be partnering with IBEX 36 KITING John Layton, Ft. Walton Bch., FL Puppetry and the Big Potato Foundation 850-803-7513 or for this build on August 19, starting at 10 email RD4@aka.kite.org AM. We will be at the IBEX workshop, 66 End of term: 2019 Station St, Apopka, FL, until we finish. To cover costs, there will be a $30 fee due by There’s been a lot August 1 (cash, checks, or money orders) going on in Region 4 mailed to Pat Mozier, 14272 Southern Red as reported below: Maple Dr, Orlando, FL, 32828. If you have a sewing machine, you’ll want to bring that From James along; if you don’t have one, let us know Fletcher: The and we’ll arrange one to use. This is going Kitty Hawk Kites to be a fun-filled event for one and all, but 39th Annual Wright Kite Festival was a there are only 10 slots, so don’t be left out. great weekend. It was held at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil From Kewl Kites: The monthly fun Hills, NC. Thank you to Kitty Hawk Kites flys on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are for the hospitality, Kelsey Hammell for the continuing with average attendance use of the beach house, John Harris for ranging from 20 to 60. We are currently giving us (Will Smoot, Jim Cosca, Marc working on themes for each month as an Conklin, Glenn Davison, Jeff King, added bonus, with prizes for the kiteflyer who, in some way or another, best portrays the theme. We’ve had a lot more rain than

Region 5: Great Lakes (MI-OH) John Graves, West Chester, OH 513-777-2228 or email RD5@aka.kite.org End of term: 2017 What a glorious summer it has been here in Region 5! The Great Lakes Kite Festival in Grand Haven, MI, attracted a myriad of kiteflyers and spectators, as has happened in the past. My wife, Bridget, and I spent 10 days there, including the festival. Of course, I traveled back to Cincinnati with what seemed like half the beach spread between the camper, the truck, and all the kites. From the Carolina Kite Club: line laundry to celebrate the upcoming Two weeks later, it was the Breeze holiday. It looked like a small festival at on the Bay, possibly the area’s smallest normal this year, but rainy days and days Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, kite festival. Jerry McGuire, Dave Bush, that have been too hot have been well spent NC.  Many visitors, in town for the holiday, Jack Quinn, and I provided kiteflying in the store building kites. We also have came down to the beach to see the kites and entertainment on the beach in East Tawas. some new show kites that are currently add their kites of various colors to the skies. Then it was down the state of Michigan to being made for us in China! Lyon Township. Yet another day in the sun. Check out the AKA Region 4 for a Looking forward to fall, we are excited constantly updated list of events. Travel was in the offing again, as the about participating in the Ascension hot air PIGS traveled to Boone County, Kentucky, balloon festival coming up September 22- September 9-10: Outer Banks Stunt Kite for the annual kite fly in Boone County 23, and the Great Mississippi River Balloon Competition, The Soundside Event Site, NC Park. The wind was disappointing, but fun Race in Natchez, MS, on October 20-22. was had by PIGS and kids alike. But then, Thanks to Emerald Coast kiteflyers and the September 17-18: Flying High on the aren’t we all big kids at heart? local Long Beach, MS, community for all Harbor Kite Festival, Okaloosa Island their support. Boardwalk, Fort Walton Beach, FL Bridget and I took a break the next weekend while the rest of the PIGS went From the Carolina Kite Club: Our club October 7: Sculptures in the Sky Kite to Kenton, OH, for a good windy day on a was invited to put up a kite show for the Festival, Sculpture Fields of Montague great field. I was told that I missed a great Annual Maritime Day at Gallants Channel Park, Chattanooga, TN time, but sometimes things should happen location in Beaufort, NC. The Friends of on the home front. Being an amateur the Maritime Museum in Beaufort sponsor Oct 28-29: 30th Anniversary of the radio operator, I participated in Field the old-fashioned family-oriented picnic Carolina Kite Fest hosted by Kites Day, testing the set-up of operations for to celebrate the maritime industry and Unlimited and Bird Stuff, Atlantic Beach, emergency situations, just so you know I the benefits it brings to the area. It was a NC, http://www.kitesandbirds.com did stay busy. relaxing time of food, music, games, and education about ships, seafaring, and the November 4-5: 12th Annual Cape Fear As I write this, I am recovering from activities of the Maritime Museum. The Kite Festival, Fort Fisher State Recreation three days of kiteflying in Northwest Ohio kite club put on a colorful sky show that Area,Kure Beach, NC and Southeast Michigan. On July 14-15, could be seen for miles, and displayed a Bridget and I were in Oregon, OH, outside wide variety of kites. Members of the kite November 11-12: Veterans Day Fall Toledo, at the Maumee Bay State Park club talked with attendees about kites and Fly, Treasure Island Beach behind the Kite Weekend hosted by the Black Swamp kiteflying, and encouraged them to give it a Thunderbird Resort, Treasure Island, FL Airforce. Several kiters from Michigan, try at the weekly community kite fly.   Indiana, and Ohio were there, and November 18-19: New Smyrna Beach celebrated the lack of wind with wonderful The Carolina Kite Club themed its Festival, New Smyrna Beach, FL conversation both days. On July 16, we weekly community kite fly on July 2 as traveled to Michigan to the home of the Red-White-Blue Day. Members put up a November 25: Kites with Lights, Jockey’s Wind Jammers, Belle Isle State Park, just variety of red, white, and blue kites and Ridge Crossing, NC outside downtown Detroit for the first Detroit Kite Festival. Good strong winds FALL 2017 37

ruled the day, and my all the best; Keep Looking Up and Hold Peter Lynn pig was one on Tight! of the first things one could see crossing the Region 7: Great Plains bridge to the island. (CO-KS-MO-ND-NE-SD-UT-WY) This has to be one of t Roger Kenkel, Gibbon, NE he best park setting 308-240-9266 venues I have ever seen. or email RD7@aka.kite.org End of term: 2017 With a few weeks’ I can’t speak for lull in the activities, everyone, but I for one am glad the we await the North intense summer heat is now behind Coast Championship us. Not that I am looking forward to the sportkite competition, ultra cold temps that are just around the corner, but that is the time of year I usually in conjunction with the start on kite repair and maintenance for anything that may have gotten damaged Cleveland International during the spring and summer. Being the type of person who doesn’t know the first Kite Festival, August thing about how to use a sewing machine, my repairs usually involve ripstop tape and 19-20. It would be a hot glue gun. Anything beyond that and I enlist professional help. There is not a lot interesting to fly a kite Green Bay, Wisconsin, police officer wins the Running of the one can do with the limited skill set that I have. If your kite inventory is in need of during a very short Bols at Fly A Kite Fest, June, 2017. repair don’t be afraid to seek out help. night-like period, so The Wisconsin Kiters Kite Club has been This will be my last report as your good thing the great eclipse is coming up. active with other flys as well, including Regional Director. My tenure is up and I have chosen not to run for a second Remember the AKA Convention in Canal Days in Portage, the Family Kite term. My replacement will be named at the annual business meeting at the AKA October in Ocean City, MD. There will be Festival in Milwaukee, the Seafood Fly in National Convention. For the record, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving many things to see and do, and some of Two Rivers, the Green Bay Kite Fest, July as your RD. I have met a lot of fine people in the last three years from kitemakers them will even involve kiting. Bridget and 4th Joe McCaughy Memorial Fly in Grafton, to the Board of Directors of the AKA. I’d like to extend a hearty thank you to all the I have registered, have our hotel room and the Wausau Balloon Rally in Wausau. festival organizers who have allowed me to be a part of their festivals and put in my booked, and are getting excited about going. The largest of these events was the Green two cents’ worth from time to time. I have had a blast traveling around the region In the meantime, support your local kite Bay “Fly a Kite Fest,” where over 400 kids to festivals in Leoti, KS, Canon City, CO, Callaway, NE, Fort Collins, CO, Salina, KS, dealer(s) and your local kite club(s). Let made kites. The weather was good and the Jamestown, ND, Omaha, NE and Aurora, CO—just to name a few. me know of anything happening in your field was expanded by a factor of two from I’ve made lots of great friends on this area, and I’ll see you in Maryland. last year. Flyers from all over the Midwest journey, and it is my sincere goal to spread the joy of kiteflying to many more people attended and helped raise funds for Family in as many areas as I can. I will continue to travel around and help all those that reach and Childcare Resources of Northeast out and ask for a hand or bit of advice. My inbox is always open roger.sskites@gmail. Region 6: Midwest Wisconsin. This event continues to grow com for any and all questions, concerns, (IA-IL-IN-MN-WI) each year with help from Unique Flying Ed Grys, Shawano, WI Objects and the Wisconsin Kiters Kite Club. 715-526-9399 Dale Bowden hosted his annual or email RD6@aka.kite.org hometown Phun Phly in Pittsville. WI. A End of term: 2017 small but eclectic group of flyers surprised Dale and came to enjoy the day. It has been a nice Coming up September 2-3 will be the summer for flying 12th annual Kites Over Lake Michigan kites in the Midwest. festival, one of the largest gatherings The season began with of kiteflyers in the country. Later in the the spring fly called month on September 9, the 15th annual “Kite Komotion” in Prairie Winds Fly will be held in Jackson, Shipshewana, IN. MN. The following day, on Sunday The weather was not perfect, but everyone September 10, the DeKalb Fly will be enjoyed getting kites in the air and helping celebrating its 12th anniversary. over a hundred kids make kites. It is also worth mentioning that The “Fair in the Air” fly at Fair Oaks U-MAKE 2018 will be held March 2-4, Farms, IN, had a good turnout with light 2018. So far they have announced some winds in the morning and better flying of the teachers—Linda Sanders, Dan conditions in the afternoon. One kite Kurahashi, Ken McNeill, and Barb Meyer. escaped almost unnoticed by the kiteflyers, Others will be announced soon. but was spotted by the Fair Oaks staff and recovered. This will probably be my last article as Regional Director. I wish the new director 38 KITING

invitations, and any other items of interest you may have. Events coming up in the Region include the annual Callaway Kite Flight in Callaway, NE, as well as a new festival in Pine Bluff, WY, on September 30. As always please send your kiting information to rd7@aka.kite.org for inclusion in Kiting magazine and the regional report.    Region 8: South Central (AR-LA-NM-OK-TX) Jason McCaleb, Tulsa, OK 785-383-5157 or email RD8@aka.kite.org End of term: 2017 One of the things The 10,000+ square foot Mega Flag Kite, owned by Gomberg Kite Productions I love most about International, flew at the Grants Pass Balloon and Kite Festival. being part of the AKA is the diversity of the Edmond, OK, for over 20 years, and I could being hosted, and the venue is spectacular. kiteflyers!  When you sense he was proud of his accomplishment, say “kite” to someone as was I.  I could not pass up the   As soon as this heat wave passes, there who does not fly, they opportunity to fly a kite on KiteFest Lane, will be some amazing events on the all imagine the same diamond-shaped or so I attended LibertyFest this year. Terry calendar for the fall.  Please stay tuned and delta-shaped kite.  To a kiteflyer though, told me they put up the street signs just in thank you for being a part of Region 8! you never know what “kite” might mean or time for this year’s festival. He also let me what another might enjoy.  It is always fun know I was the third person he called when Region 9: Intermountain to see those who have mastered one kite try he found out about the street naming. (ID-MT-OR) one they know nothing about. I can’t express how good it feels to Brett Morris, Medford, OR represent such an amazing group of people 541-944-5588 For example, did you know some people with such remarkable achievements. or email RD9@aka.kite.org fly kites indoors? Mike and Peggy Swaim   Have you made your reservations for End of term: 2018 of Conroe, Texas, do!  With temperatures the AKA Convention?  I will not be able to in Region 8 staying in the hundreds on attend this year, but I encourage everyone Visualize going to a regular basis, many of the region’s kite to attend.  There are some great workshops the coast and finding clubs are taking kiteflying indoors. the beach lined with Ed Davis of Oklahoma City setting up some “No Trespassing”   The Swaims belong to the South Houston shade on KiteFest Lane. signs posted on Area Recreational Kiters. They recently fences blocking your hosted an indoor fly. Several people way to the ocean. attended to make an indoor kite and give This is not the situation in Oregon. The it a try.  Gary Moss of Sulphur, LA, is a state of Oregon has unrestricted public kitemaker of some very large foils. Gary access to all of the state’s beaches. In 1967, tried his hand at making an indoor kite at legislation was passed called the “Beach their event, but I have a feeling he is going Bill”, which guaranteed public access to all to stick with making foils!  of Oregon’s 362 miles of ocean beach. On July 8, 2017, my wife, Diane, and I, along   There are several active clubs around the with Rod Thrall, Lindsey Johnson, and region. If you are looking for a group to fly Deb Cooley were invited to participate in with, let us know. We can connect you with the 50th anniversary of the “Beach Bill” ways to beat the heat and still fly a kite. at the State Capitol in Salem, OR. Oregon State Representative David Gomberg was   In other news, here’s what makes Region on hand to greet the crowd, as was his 8 so great. Long-time AKA member Terry wife, Susan. We had a great time with kids’ Officer of Edmond, OK, recently reached out and told me his city council had approved the naming of one of their public city streets, “KiteFest Lane.”  Terry has been organizing LibertyFest KiteFest in FALL 2017 39

Genki by Tim Feld of the Wisconsin Kiters Club showing the Algoma, Wisconsin, shoreline. some. This year we will also have the bonus of the eclipse kitemaking, banners, and loads of color in Terry Lee and Drake Smith from being nearby, and hope to be the different ground displays. I even got Montana were busy this summer traveling able to view it at 90% or so. some time in on short-line quad flying. Rod around the West with the Flying Buffalo was able to air up his 40 ft. whale shark Project Kites. Three new, original pieces September 30–October enough that kids could crawl into it. What of art created by three Native American 1 is the Lincoln City Fall a great family event to remind us of such artists have been added to their collection Festival. Bring your super an important bill passed fifty years ago. this year. Good crowds turned out at the hero costumes to join in We are thankful for the foresight in 1967 Madison Buffalo Jump to watch the big the fun. to make Oregon beaches state parks, and kites fly and to make their own.  There accessible to all. were drummers and singers and a plant October 9-14 is the 40th walk, with blessings given at the start of Annual AKA Convention in A vision, a farm, hot air balloons, and the day by an honored medicine man.  Ocean City, Maryland. Don’t kites made up the first Grants Pass Balloon The First People’s Buffalo Jump also had forget to make your plans, and Kite Festival in June. When the winds singers and dancers in attendance while as this is one convention you were too strong for the balloons, the kites the kites flew above them. They also went don’t want to miss. Go to filled the skies. It was a great first-time to Browning during Native American Days www.kite.org and to the left family event that even showcased the and had classes and demonstrations for just below the first photo is 10,000+ sq. ft. Mega Flag kite in the air two days. This year was their 6th annual the registration/information five different times. visit to the Vore Buffalo Jump in Wyoming. button. This was where the Terry also was a guest speaker for the first AKA convention took Rockaway Beach Kite Festival was Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail place forty years ago. I hope another popular event with lots of people Foundation’s Sunday breakfast meeting to see you there. awesome kites, and kiteflyers. Lincoln at the Doubletree in Billings. The Lewis City Summer Kite Festival was once again and Clark kites were on display above It continues to be an amazing event with thousands of the attendee’s heads in the ballroom, and another outstanding spectators gazing at all of the kites in the Terry told the stories of the making of the kiteflying season. Thank you to all who air. This summer was the 25th anniversary kites. Between traveling on weekends and help at each festival, knowing that it takes of the SOKF (Southern Oregon Kite doing local kite activities during the week, many hands to put on each event. If you Festival) in Brookings, OR, and it certainly Terry Lee and Drake Smith have had a full are not helping, you are truly missing out didn’t disappoint. We thoroughly enjoyed summer of kite activities. on getting to meet amazing people. Event connecting with kiteflyers from all over organizers know the helpers, and like to the west coast and beyond who are invited August 21-27 is the Washington State invite many of them as featured flyers. there to fly on such a tiny field. It was International Kite Festival (WSIKF). Remember these are family events where truly an amazing experience. Thanks to all This is a weeklong event that has almost who made this a wonderful community- everything for kite enthusiasts, and then sponsored event. 40 KITING

many children are watching and listening, Region 10. The Festival of Colors 2017, Region 11: N. California and thanks to those who understand that and its sponsor and organizer, Ocean (Northern CA-NV) smoking, drinking alcohol, and profanity Shores Kites, never disappoints. The event Tom McAlister, Richmond View, CA are not appropriate around the public. We never discriminates among any age, creed, 510-235-5483 all want to be positive role models for fun. color, invited, or not-invited, and was or email RD11@aka.kite.org truly a spectacular event. Kites of every End of term: 2018 Region 10: Northwest shape, size, and color adorned this coastal (AK-WA) community for nearly two miles. A job well In early July, I Pete Zweifel, Federal Way, WA done to Andy and his immediate family, attended a first- 206-718-3301 and to all those in attendance, for putting time festival at or email RD10@aka.kite.org on a spectacular show. the Coyote Point End of term: 2018 Recreation Area, a    From the community of Ocean Shores few miles south of Rest is not idleness, and its many tourist attractions, we headed San Francisco. Low and to lie on the to the small community of Grayland, WA. key family kiteflying, free kitemaking, and grass under the The Westport Windriders put on their a giant kite exhibition gave this event a trees on a summer’s annual kite festival in a grand fashion. nice balance, and it looks like the parks day, listening to the The amount of dedication that this small department may make it an annual event. I’ll murmur of the water, kite club exudes towards its kite festival is keep my fingers crossed and keep you posted. or watching the of an unparalleled nature. The same can clouds float across the sky, is by no means a be said for those kiteflyers that show up My life in August is largely about waste of time. And so it can also be said of to this event year-after-year. Great job by wrapping up July’s Berkeley Kite Festival, flying your favorite kites.  The peacefulness president Barry Crites and his small, merry and there is always plenty of work to be and serenity that kiteflying brings is band of kiteflying brothers and sisters. done. There is Chavez Park clean up, captivating, and is one of the many reasons signage removal, meetings, and packing we love kites and are passionate about them.   Never to be outdone and always away the many tools and materials that impressive are the Region 10 membership make the event possible. Just when I As is the case with any organized event, of the great state of Alaska. Neither rain, think I am finished, there are even more the success or failure of those events nor sleet, nor gloom of night or even cold meetings. After about a week or so, I begin depends on the dedication and heartfelt weather will stop these dedicated flyers to to catch up on all my other projects and desire of a select few to breathe life into the north from putting on a spectacular chores. it. This is the case with the events within show in and around Anchorage proper. Many years ago when I was a young Upcoming events: man, I would manage the BKF like it was a sprint, dashing from one task to the September 8-10: 25th Annual Up Your next. Now I see it as a marathon done in Winds Kite Festival, stages. This year’s marathon really got me Pacific Beach, WA, (360) to thinking about recycling, economy of 276-8377 resources, and even economy of energy. In order to conserve all of these things, I September 10: have learned that I must stay out of the BCKA September Fun way, trust my crew, and understand that Fly, Garry Point Park, they know what their jobs are and how to Richmond, BC do them. Maintaining the discipline to stay out of the way is something I continue to September 16-17: struggle with, but with each passing year it Whidbey Island Kite seems to get better. Festival, Camp Casey Conference Center, As fall approaches, I am looking forward Whidbey Island, WA to the Walker Kite Festival in Walker California, September 23-24, and after that September 16-17: our AKA Convention in Ocean City. I hope NWSKL Sport Kite to see many of you soon. Competition, Whidbey Island, WA September 23: Windriders Fun Fly, Grayland Beach, WA September 28: PCKA Meeting and Fun Fly, University Place, WA Memorial fly at the Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival. FALL 2017 41

awards of appreciation go to Syd “the sound guy” and my hardworking partner in festival crime, Susie Skinner.  In closing, I again ask all of you reading this to keep in mind the AKA receives requests for all types of kite-related support throughout the year, where your talents (in any form) may be needed. Please contact me if you are interested in helping in any fashion. Enjoy convention and I hope to fly with you sooner rather than later. Mega-flying at the Berkeley Kite Festival. Region 13: International (The rest of the world) Linda Sanders, Willunga, SA Australia +618-8556-2681 or email RD13@aka.kite.org End of term: 2018 Region 12: Southwest put just about anything in the right spot. Region 13 – we are (Southern CA-AZ-HI) The free fly area had a linear space of diverse, global and Glen Rothstein, San Pedro, CA about 460 feet. When the textbook winds full of fabulous kite 213-407-3515 came up, the Octopus slithered back into festivals. If your event or email RD12@aka.kite.org its bag and OUT CAME THE FUGU!!!  isn’t here, please End of term: 2018 That surprise was enjoyed by all due to become a contributor, Richard’s generosity. And just to prove and report – often? As we prepare for the that flying kites can get you so excited that 40th convention, here you make mistakes, I want to CORRECT NEW ZEALAND–Anne and Peter is a recap of other an error of mine from the last issue. Whitehead write, “Matariki is the Māori events that have been The Trillobyte flown at the Otis Festival name for the cluster of stars also known going on in our region. was Richard’s, not the Schultz family as as the Pleiades. It rises in mid-winter and originally reported. Ken and Arlene’s for many Māori, it heralds the start of a The Santa Maria family are becoming fixtures at a lot of our new year. Matariki literally means the ‘eyes Public Airport District came in with major events; they provide great color in the sky of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata support to make the 8th annual Santa and wonderful ground support to other fliers. riki).” Matariki Festival 2017 featured Maria Valley Discovery Museum’s Family kiteflying throughout New Zealand on Kite Festival a great success. While the The next weekend had us in Morro June 11. According to Auckland’s Council organizers had a few surprises in store Bay for Shaun Farmer’s 11th Annual spokesperson, “Other kites flying in the sky for the participants, one that was not Event. No treacherous tides or Berkeley above Ōrakei Marae on Sunday included expected was that local law enforcers winds invaded the beach this year. In a giant 30m-long Blue Whale from forced vendors to move their cars off the fact, Sunday’s temperature and winds Ashburton-based world-renowned kite grass. I do not bring this up as a complaint, were perfect for a day to just chill on the designer, Peter Lynn, who regularly travels but as information for planning future coast. We kept the demo field at the same the world with his kites and holds the 2005 events. Don’t forget about the parking and chill pace. The crowds truly appreciated Guinness World Record for one of his conveniences for the folks who assist in Penny, Joanna, Anthony, Mark Q, Miguel, special custom designs.” making your events prosper. Airzone (x4), Carol and Cass, and the Lummas family’s casual ballets. The flyers ISTANBUL–The 5th annual festival in One of the surprises we had planned enjoyed a well-deserved restful afternoon May was where the AKA was represented worked out perfectly. AKA Member of demos, as opposed to their normal fast- by USA’s Spencer Watson, Thailand’s Ron Richard DeLisio hauled out a 90-foot paced festival atmosphere they sometimes and Baew Spaulding, plus the Chairman Octopus with two anchors and wowed have to put up with. Of course, the show of Istanbul Kitefliers Association, Mehmet the crowd at Rotary Centennial Park. Yes, kite folks, Eric and Erica, Richard D., Mike Naci Aköz. Their new Turkish flag kite given enough of a safe zone allows you to North, Burnett, Sharon, and Gordon made was ably assisted by Will White of New sure co-organizer Brian Champie did not Zealand. The Istanbul Kite Museum, 42 KITING have to work too hard either. Two other Weifang Kite Museum, Pasir Gudang Kite Museum, Kelantan Kite Museum,

Cambodia Kite Museum and the Thai Kite the first time at this event; it was a hit. Checking the map, Kevin’s not far from Heritage conservation group were Knowlesville, where a kite festival was held all represented. DENMARK–Fanø’s main attraction is in May. Kevin believes kiteflying to be the the beach; it’s 15 km long and 1 km wide, most friendly activity, and says he has yet ITALY–AKA members enjoying the and the ideal place for the “Biggest Kite to meet any kiteflyer who is other than a Cervia Kite Festival this year included Flyers Meeting in the World.” Kiteflyers great person. Hello to Len Froebe, new France’s Loik Lamalle, Australia’s Robert gather in June each year from all parts of member from Steinbach, Manitoba, who Brasington and Trevor Reeves, plus the globe. Many fantastic YouTube videos says his local park, known as “Abe’s Hill,” Germany’s Katja and Markus Flender. As to watch, including this one from Akiyoshi is a great place to fly his kites. always, a great event, fabulous location— Odagawa - https://www.youtube.com/ every artist’s paradise. watch?v=MG0oxGANAaM AUSTRALIA – The Port Douglas Carnivale Beach Day was a hit once more FRANCE–Festivals were held in June in Markus and Katja Flender (Germany) in sunny North Queensland. No rain this Cayeux sur Mer and also Fécamp on the witnessed three generations of “Invader” time! Queensland doesn’t really have a French Channel coast, not far from Dieppe. kites flying together—an original from Jilly winter, and with an azure blue ocean as Loik Lamalle attended both and spent time Pelham, a group made by Werner Ahlgrim, our backdrop, husband Kevin, Robert with all his new-found kite friends. Oh, and and one most recently made by Robert Brasington, Michael Richards, and I filled occasionally flying a kite or two. Brasington. Finn Andersen of Denmark 8-Mile Beach. Robert was ecstatic—he was joined by his family and grandchildren totally emptied his kite bag! PORTUGAL–At the 15th International who thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition of Kite Festival in Alcochete, Israelis, Eli, and old Japanese kites. “Simply the best day!” Which festival will you travel to next? Shula reported “great little festival with he said. E-mail me with “where and why” of your good winds, good food, good organization, favourite event(s) to region13@aka.kite.org friendly people and a good atmosphere.” CANADA–Kevin Boucher of Hanwell, What more could anyone ask for!? Shula’s New Brunswick, considers the Dieppe Until next time, less talk… more fly! new log-cabin patchwork Geo-pointer (plus International Kite Festival in New guidance from Jon Trennepohl) flew for Brunswick his favourite kite festival. “Invaders” kites spanning three generations in Shula and Eli Shavit’s Geo Pointer in Log Cabin patchwork, flying Fano, Denmark. in Portugal. FALL 2017 43

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Voices from the Vault Margaret Greger By Patti Gibbons A beloved pioneer in the kiting world, author and kitemaker In 1977, Margaret published Blown Sky High, the first of four Margaret Greger discovered a talent for writing transparently clear kitemaking instructions that helped generations of instructional kitemaking books. “Self published all the way,” newcomers, day flyers, and expert kitemakers alike get their handiwork up and soaring. Margaret “worked with a small local press to get it into shape.” Born in the 1920s in Nebraska, Margaret saw her first kite at Starting with a modest 500-book print run, the title sold out, age thirteen, and soon afterward learned to make two-stick kites from brown packing paper and willow poles under the guidance and the feedback she received was excellent. “What happens, to of a boy who moved to their town. “We didn’t know much about what we were doing,” but as Margaret recalled, at the edge of the my surprise, when you publish a book is that other people who dust bowl, “we had wind” that kept even imperfect kites aloft. have kites in the same genre will write to you and say ‘You might Bright, with a can-do spirit, Margaret was the valedictorian of her high school class and studied journalism at the University of like to know about this one.’” Gathering plans and ideas Nebraska. There, she met George Greger, and the couple married in 1947. A few years later, when George got a job on the nuclear for other kitemaking projects, Margaret tested and perfected Hanford Project, the couple relocated to western Washington and set down roots, raising seven kids, and championing social instructions for new kite styles in her classes. Rather than causes and civil rights activities. Margaret was a teacher, writer, and later volunteered as the librarian for her local chapter of the reprint Blown Sky High, Margaret gathered new instructions Audubon Society. and published Kites for Everyone. With a non-stop circuit of Kites reentered Margaret’s life when she enrolled her children in summer camp and went looking for a new craft activity to testing new ideas in workshops for children, teachers, adults, and teach them. The family had recently visited the Seattle World’s Fair and bought a snake kite. “I was so amazed at how it flew,” seasoned kitemakers, Margaret later went on to write More Kites she remembered. Later, at home, Margaret noticed her bamboo blinds and, in an aha moment, “realized I could make that kite” for Everyone and Simple Fabric Kites, leaving her mark as the and put up curtains instead. In the end, summertime camp activities kicked off the beginning of her informal kitemaking go-to person for kitemaking instructions. career and involvement with organized kiteflying. Margaret joined the AKA early on, and corresponded Teacher and den mother, Margaret’s lessons evolved into frequently with influential kiteflyers. As one of the club’s pillars, kitemaking workshops—thousands of them, and later Margaret Margaret helped take the frustration out of kitemaking and partnered with educators who could teach kitemaking to children ensured that flyers found fun. “I have come to enjoy watching in their classrooms. As her workshop classes grew, Margaret other people fly and make kites, and helping them with their began writing instructions for her students, which also helped kites is almost more fun than flying them myself.” In 1996, her build tool and material lists. “These instructions have been American Kite magazine named her their person of the year, and vetted by many, many people who didn’t know anything when the World Kite Museum inducted her into Kiting’s Hall of Fame they started out and were able to succeed.” Class after class, in 2002. Sadly, Margaret passed away in 2009, but her books Margaret observed where students got stuck and she polished remain the definitive source for kitemaking instructions. and refined her instructions to make learning seamless. “After a few years of that, I realized I was halfway through a book Voices from the Vault articles are based on interviews recorded for the of instructions.” World Kite Museum’s Oral History Project. Want to share your story? Please contact the World Kite Museum at info@worldkitemuseum.com. 46 KITING

Hardwood Spools & Winders Made in America Lifetime Guarantee Available from your kite supplier www.shantikites.com 530-470-8884 Kiteflyers making quality kite products since 1974. Join the effort to preserve worldwide kite history! BECOME A MEMBER Membership Benefits FREE Admission to the Museum • Previews of New Exhibits 10% Discount in Museum Store “Members Only” Special Events MEMBERSHIP SPONSORSHIP Bronze..................... $ 35 Box Kite................... $250 Silver........................ $ 50 Diamond................. $500 Gold......................... $100 Rokkaku.................. $1,000+ More Information about Membership at: WORLDKITEMUSEUM.COM Post Office Box 964 Long Beach, WA 98631 (360) 642-4020 WORLD KITE MUSEUM & HALL of FAME HOME OF THE WASHINGTON STATE INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL FALL 2017 47

Tametomo kite by Ronda Brewer and Lindsey Johnson. FALL 2017 48