PasirGudang Sunshine Coast Kite Festival

Besides kite festival Pasir Gudang we can also enjoy the festivals in Australia.

As you no doubt already know, the sun is already out in time for the Queensland Spring Vacation, and the truth is; there is simply no better place to spend the school holidays than the Sunshine Coast. Not only are there plenty of things to do and many places to see, but there is also ample Sunshine Coast accommodation available. However, with the famous Coolum Kite Festival scheduled to take place on the 3rd and 4th of October, visitors should make sure they book their Sunshine Coast accommodation well in advance in order to avoid disappointment.

Essentially, the Coolum Kite Festival showcases some of the most magnificent and most unusual kites you could ever imagine, and of course this year won't be any different, in that there is just so much happening during the festival weekend. Also, this year will see some of Australia's top kite surfers competing with each other for a position on the podium. Whatever you do; make sure you find your spot on the beach to witness this spectacular event.

If you've ever been under the impression that kites are small toys which young kids play with, you're sadly mistaken. Instead, you'll get to see small kites, giant kites, weird kites and funny kites. In fact, you'll see some which are quite literally a marvel in their own rights. Of course, over and above the kite festival, there is also so much else happening on the 3rd and 4th of October, which is why you should make a point of visiting the Sunshine Coast at this time. The great thing is that the kite festival is a perfect event which the whole family can enjoy. Let's face it; who wouldn't want to relax on the beach to watch the kite surfing competition in full swing. If kite surfing doesn't quite rock your boat, you could of course choose to chill out and listen to some great talented musicians instead.

Even though the kites will dominate the air for some period of time, that's not all you'll see in the heavens above. Instead, you should also make sure that you're there to see the Ramblers Skydivers in action. This crazy bunch of daredevils will perform a number of death defying stunts and displays during the course of the weekend. In fact, if you think you have what it takes, you can even book a tandem skydive with one of the Ramblers. Who could blame you if you feel you've had an amazing day, but be warned, because the night event is just as thrilling. In fact the night event is more often than not the most intense event of the weekend, and if rumors are anything to go by, this year's event will be like nothing before. All things considered, you need to book your Sunshine Coast accommodation now or else you may end up missing out.

If you'd rather not take part in a tandem sky dive, but instead, you'd like to try your hand at flying a kite, then you should consider booking a place for you and your family at the kite making workshop which is at the Kenilworth Community College on the 27th of September. For a fee of just $6, you can have an opportunity to build your very own kite which of course you can end up flying yourself. If you'd rather not build a kite, you can simply stand back and watch Tony rice, a master kite builder, at work.

It's not without reason that the Sunshine Coast has become so immensely popular between people looking for an ideal Spring vacation. Considering you'll be in the heart of a world famous kite festival, kite surfing championships, and even a spectacular skydiving event, there are not many other places apart from the Sunshine Coast which you need to be considering. The sun is shining, the ocean is shimmering, and some of the very best Sunshine Coast accommodation is awaiting you.

However kite flying festival Pasir Gudang become more sweet memories

Kite Flying Can Be Addictive

We've all seen them. We have all even thought about the fun the flyers seem to be having so lets join them.

There is no better way to enjoy flying a kite than to make your own and watch it fly for the first time. Get your kids involved as well as the fresh air and fun with your children are rewards on their own. The joy on your kids faces makes it all worth while so don't make excuses ... make a kite!

Kite making has been around for hundreds of years and the principles are the same today and not too hard to master. Making your own kite with your children then flying your creation is an experience all parents should try but as I said, it can become addictive.

The basic design we all know is the best starter and easiest to make. It is simply just a cross of sticks with supports and the whole covered in paper or very light material. To try to describe the methods of kite making without diagrams is not too easy so if you want to see instructions with diagrams take a look at my Outdoor Kids Fun site.

Using split bamboo canes for the ribs etc. makes life easy but ,PLEASE PARENTS, do the splitting for your kids and don't leave them with a knife to do it themselves. The backbone of the kite is best made from a piece of flat, straight grained wood not too thick as weight is very important here. Light weight paper or a fine silk like material is best as the material will outlast the paper especially if it gets wet.

Flying your new creation is the best part and great fun. Your children will have a great time, as will you, and as your kite gets higher your thoughts turn to the 'man thing' ... can I make it bigger and fly higher ... and even bigger still ....

Stunt kites are another name for sport kites

Sport kites attract more people and more
competition held in many countries.

Stunt kites are another name for sport kites. Stunt kites can be seen in kite competitions, where the scoring is similar to skating. Competitors are judged in performances that include ‘ballet’. Team flying is easily the most aesthetic and spectacular form of competition, with eight pilots and kites flying within inches of one another, all the while performing formations and figures in the air. There are several national and international competitions. There is even a yearly World Championship.

The American Kitefliers Association (AKA) is the top organization for sport kite competitions in the US. Competition winners from different states and regions assemble annually for the national championships.

The most common design for a sports kite is a somewhat triangular ""delta"" shape, with two lines used for control. Normally, these kites are made from lightweight nylon, with spars structured from carbon fiber tubing. The strings are prepared from braided Spectra which are extremely light, do not stretch and stay slick even when wrapped several times. For control, the pilot uses the right hand line to turn right and the left hand line to turn left. Using different combinations of pushes and pulls, intricate patterns can be flown. These include turns, landings and loops, and other spectacular maneuvers.

Some pilots fly ""quad-line"" kites, or four-line kites, that are controlled by a pair of handles. Each handle has two lines that are fastened and connected to the kite at the top and bottom. The pilot uses the lower line to control the kite’s direction. Expert use of these handles enables a quad-line kite to execute maneuvers that are impossible with two-line kites. Distinctive quad-line maneuvers include axis spins, reverse flight, hovers, etc.

Making simple stuntkite

introMini Indoor Stunt Kite Make.

A cheap (and I mean really cheap!!) Mini Indoor Stunt Kite.
Made from:

Drinking Straws (thin)
Plastic Bag (pedal-bin Liner, the thinner the better)
Cotton Thread (strong white, but any will do if its strong)
stick (balsa, or anything sticklike and even from tip to tip. no taper)

You will also need:

Glue (superglue works best)
Needle (for minor stitching)
Scissors/Craftknife (sharp)

Step 1Get your plans.

To begin with (other than getting the materials) you wil need to get a suitable plan from online. then print the falf image of the kite (as its going to be symetrical) onto an a4 sheet.

or if your great like me (nah only kidding ;) im poo :( ) you can make your own (see measurements pic in next step).

You will need these materials:

Drinking Straws (thin)
Plastic Bag (pedal-bin Liner, the thinner the better)
Cotton Thread (strong white, but any will do if its strong)
stick (balsa, or anything sticklike and even from tip to tip. no taper)

You will also need:

Glue (superglue works best)
Needle (for minor stitching)
Scissors/Craftknife (sharp)

Step 2Layout

If you prefer to design your own kite shape (like I did) then lay it out on a sheet of card (cerial box would be good).

or you can use the measurments from the image below..

The spine leangth - 230mm, and the LE leangth - 350mm (leading edge)are also the leangths the straws need to be fo those parts. But we'll get to that soon.

step 4Framework Gather your drinking straws.. You will probably have to extend one or two for the longer bits. The lengths are: 60mm x 2 for the two little thingys that go on the mainspar 230mm X 1 for the spine 350mm X 2 for the leading edge (both sides) 110mm X 1 for th small spar that goes near the tip 320mm X 1 for the mainspar (again I have no pictures of this part, refer to the given images) step 5Assembly Now you have everything.. Lay out the Kite surface and carefully glue the spine straw in place making sure its dead center all the way from tip to tail. then glue the LE straws along the edge making sure that they are aligned to the edge perfectly. It doesnt matter if the 3 straws dont meet at the tip.. they dont have to .. you can put a folded peace of straw across the tip slotted inside the LE straws as a reenforced tip and stitch it to them. On the surface at the point between the tail and the wingtips where the surface meets at a angle (the point marked at 115mm x 65mm onthe plan below) attach a small peace of tape to strengthen. then using thread attach the small 60mm straws to this point stitching a cross shape. repeat in symetry. Attach the mainspar to the spine 80mm from the tail (a small rubberband may work), and attach it to each LE 90mm from the end tips by stitching straw to straw. Then stich the small 60mm bits to the mainsparabout 70mm from the spine. this will raise the surface to the desired shape for flight. stitch the smaller 110mm spar in place where it fits snugly near the kite tip. You should now have your Kite :) but we're not there yet. step 6Bridle and control lines This is the fun bit :S You will need to make a bridle to attach the control lines to. This is done by tying a peace of thread to the points where the spars are stiched to the LE, and the mainspar crosses the spine.. You will have 3 peaces of thread on each side. They will need to be tied together at certain leangths to work properly. I used thiese lengths: from small spar/LE, 123mm (spar to knot) from mainspar/LE, 133mm (spar to knot) from spine/mainspar, 97mm (spine to knot) Thies are the same for both sides.. once knots are tied add a second knot 15mm further up before cutting off excess thread. This is for attaching the control lines. We now have the bridle set up.. Now get 2 equal lengths of thread (use the same stuff for all this build) about 6Ft each, tie a loop in one end of each and attach the other end to the stick at a distance of 130mm appart making sure the leangths are equal.. The Kite is now ready to fly :) (hopefully)

Bottle rocket

Do you dream of being a space pilot? Or are you interested in a more practical aeronautical adventure? If either of these describes you, follow these clear directions to build and launch your own bottle rocket.

Required Materials:

• 1 empty 2-Liter soda bottle a 1-inch hose clamp
• 1 bottle of rubber cement 2 2-inch long nails
• 1 2”x4”x12” piece of wood 1 6”x1/2”x18” piece of wood
• 1 can paint thinner 4 thin sheets balsa wood, 6”x4”
• 1 manilla folder 1 electrical knockout junction box
• 3” thin steel, 1/8” diameter 12” strong twine or string
• 1 roll masking tape electrical junction knockout box
• 5 wood screws, 1” long
• Test tube stopper, size #4, with a hole in the center
• Copper tubing, 12” in length, diameter small enough to fit into the rubber stopper

Required Tools:

• Hammer compass
• Drill scissors
• Air compressor sand paper
• Permanent marker angle
• Jigsaw
• Screwdriver (regular or Phillips, size will vary depending on your selection of wood screws.)

Instructions:

Make the rocket:

1. Rinse the soda bottle. Allow it to dry completely. Take off the label. Use paint thinner to remove every trace of remaining glue.
2. Using the angle, outline a 5”x3” right triangle on each piece of balsa wood. Cut the triangles out with a jigsaw. Sand the edges of the triangles until they are smooth. These are your rocket’s fins.
3. Mark the place on the bottle where each rocket fin will attach. The four fins should attach to the bottle at an equal distance from one another, with the 5” side of the triangle flush against the side of the soda bottle.
4. Attach each fin with rubber cement. Tape the fins in place with masking tape. The fins should be even and straight, so that the rocket appears symmetrical from all sides.
5. Using the compass, draw a circle 4” in diameter. Cut a straight line from the outer edge of the circle to the center. Fold the circle into a funnel with a small opening and glue the sides of the funnel together. Secure it with a small piece of tape.
6. Glue the funnel, point skyward, to the top of your soda bottle rocket. Tape it in place.
7. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly, overnight. Remove the tape after the glue has dried.

To Make the Launching Pad:

Build a kite yourself

How to build a kite and the basic part of kite if you want make it yourself.Simple and fun

to make,kites are easy enough for young beginners to learn and fly.

A Kite consists of eight basic parts. First is the Spine, the vertical stick in which the kite is built around. Second is the Spar, the support stick that is placed crossways with the spine. Third is the Frame, which is the assembled spine and spars that is considered the skeleton of the kite. Fourth is the Cover. This may be made up of plastic, paper or cloth. This is considered the skin of the kite. Fifth part is the Bridle, which are strings attached to the spine or spars. The bridle aids in controlling the kite. Sixth part is the flying line. This is the long string attached to the bridle and held to fly the kite. Seventh part is the tail. The tail is a long strip of paper or roll of ribbon that aids in balancing the kite. Eight part is the Reel. This is where the flying line is wound up.

The materials needed in making a kite are:

a. thin garden twine or butcher cord
b. glue or scotch tape
c. a sheet of strong 102cm x 102cm paper
d. two sticks of bamboo or wooden doweling with a length of 90cm and 102cm
e. markers, paint or crayons

First step is to assemble the two sticks. The longer stick is the spine while the shorter stick is the spar. The two sticks should make a cross. Tie the two sticks together and make sure that the angles form 90 degrees.

Second step is attaching strings to the frame so that the kite assumes a diamond shape. Cut notches on the end of the sticks. This will make sure that the strings are secure. Tie one long string on the edges the sticks starting from the top, right, bottom, left and going back to the top. Make sure that the lines are tight enough but not so tight that the sticks bend.

Third step is attaching the skin to the skeleton. Place the sheet of paper in a flat surface. Put the skeleton over the sheet of paper. Cut the sheet of paper to assume the shape of the diamond kite. Make sure that there is a two to three centimeter margin from the strings of the frame. Fold this margin over the strings using glue or tape.

Fourth step is attaching the bridle. A string with a length of 122 centimeters where one end is tied at the bottom of the spine and the other end tied just above the intersection of the spine and spar.

Fifth step is attaching the tail. Cut a ten-centimeter long ribbon and attach it at the bottom of the spine.

Last step is attaching the flying line. Tie one end of the flying line at the middle of the bridle. Make sure that it does not move up and down the bridle.

3D dragon affair

China is not the only one with a history of Kite Flying.

The Ancient Tradition of Taiwanese Wind Art is flooding the World with its Beautiful and Classic Kites. The skies are being filled with bright coloured, and often intimidating kites, held and maneuvered by 12 year old boys and girls.

Taiwanese Kites are good at soft-winged structure. The two goals in Taiwanese Wind Art is first, to replicate the shape of things found in nature and two, to simulate the movement of those things. The result is a beautiful kite flying experience.

Two that my wife and I came across recently are the Taiwanese Dancing Dragon and the Taiwanese 3D Dragon.

The Dancing Dragon is 38ft of Flying Wonder! It glides through the sky with its soft but imposing tail and sweeps high and low like a bird on the wing. The 3D Dragon is something else. It's intimidating. With a 2 metre wing span and its three dimensional body, it's both unexpected and beautiful.

For those who enjoy a fast and zippy kite there is, what turns out to be, one of the most popular of all kites available in Australia: "Bright Eyes". We understand the attraction, it's just plain beautiful, and yet so easy to fly. We have found these kites to be sturdy, yet the light weight fiberglass and carbon fiber used - and the Rip Stop Nylon - means you have a high quality kite.

Though many Kite manufacturers have tried to reproduce the style and structure of the Taiwanese Kite, none have really come close to the original. If you ever go to Taiwan, whip over to the International Taipai Kite festival and see kite flying at its most stunning.

However, if that's not possible, if you can find one, you should join the craze and buy one!

Kite Festival

Kite flying is an extremely popular sport in China, India, Japan, Thailand and several other countries. 'Kite fights' are held in numerous countries, where kite fighters try to cut competitors’ kites down or tear them if possible. Kite fighters pass their strings through an amalgam of glue and ground glass powder, making it more potent and liable to cut the strings of competing kites. This practice can be hazardous, since the strings also have the potency to injure people.

A kite competition is known as “Gudiparan Bazi” in Afghanistan. Before the start of the war in the country, “Gudiparan Bazi” was a hobby for many Afghans. From the beautiful designs of the kites, which came in several shapes, to the making of the “tar” (wire), it was a matter of prestige to compete for the title of the best kite fighter in the neighborhood. This sport became a means of escapism for Afghans during the troubled times of the war.

In India, the festival of Makar Sankranti is involved with flying kites. Celebrated every January 14, you can see million of kites all over North India. It is particularly popular in the state of Gujarat, where the festival is a public holiday.

The Japan Kite Association organizes a gathering of kite fliers every year at Uchinada. The ""traditional"" festivals here are centered on one geographical area and one type of kite. This festival, however, attracts kites and fliers from all over the country.

The kite-flying event at Weifang, China, attracts competitors from all over China, and some from the rest of the World. This festival witnesses an amazing diversity of handcrafted kites. Numerous international competitors are also present.

The Thai Kite Heritage Group organizes a kite-flying event of international stature every two years on the Royal Palace’s polo field. It is no overstatement to call the festival "majestic".

Dragon Kite Flies High

Kites not just only a toy ,it will be more for somebody.

There are cultures which look at kites with different eyes. You may see kites to be just an outdoor toy which you can play with when the weather is nice and you would want to spend time outdoors. However, in some places and in some cultures, kites are more than that. There are some which look as kites to be messengers because of their ability to ride high in the sky. Some say that if you do fly a kite and you attach a letter or your wishes, that letter can be sent to those loved ones of yours which have passed away and are now in the heavens. It is also said that the wishes that you attach with a kite is brought to the gods and deities who are looking over us.

Whichever way you do look at kites, you sure can be more than happy with the Chinese Dragon Kite not because it is a wonderful thing to look at. See, this outdoor toy is going to be more than that because it has been made to be sturdy and to give you hours of fun flying it. You can use this kite to send your thoughts and your wishes to the heavens if that is something you believe in. Or if you do not, then you can still use this kite to have hours of fun outdoors with friends or with family members.

Take out the Chinese Dragon Kite and you will see it flying high and well in the sky. It comes with a really colorful tail which measures 30 feet. With that kind of quality and creativity placed in this toy, you will definitely love flying this one on a clear day. The skies may look dull with just a couple of clouds in it but everything will look different once this colorful and huge kite is working its might high up.

Outdoor fun has never been this exciting and that is something that owners of a Chinese Dragon Kite have attested to. Aside from that, the kite just does not rip or get damaged easily for it is made of real quality materials including ripstop nylon. The frame is also made of fiberglass which as you do know will not break easily. In case you are new to flying kites, you can learn with ease for it has a reel that will allow you to control the whole thing.

About stuntkite

Do you know about stunt kite?

Stunt kites are another name for sport kites. Stunt kites can be seen in kite competitions, where the scoring is similar to skating. Competitors are judged in performances that include ‘ballet’. Team flying is easily the most aesthetic and spectacular form of competition, with eight pilots and kites flying within inches of one another, all the while performing formations and figures in the air. There are several national and international competitions. There is even a yearly World Championship.

The American Kitefliers Association (AKA) is the top organization for sport kite competitions in the US. Competition winners from different states and regions assemble annually for the national championships.

The most common design for a sports kite is a somewhat triangular ""delta"" shape, with two lines used for control. Normally, these kites are made from lightweight nylon, with spars structured from carbon fiber tubing. The strings are prepared from braided Spectra which are extremely light, do not stretch and stay slick even when wrapped several times. For control, the pilot uses the right hand line to turn right and the left hand line to turn left. Using different combinations of pushes and pulls, intricate patterns can be flown. These include turns, landings and loops, and other spectacular maneuvers.

Some pilots fly ""quad-line"" kites, or four-line kites, that are controlled by a pair of handles. Each handle has two lines that are fastened and connected to the kite at the top and bottom. The pilot uses the lower line to control the kite’s direction. Expert use of these handles enables a quad-line kite to execute maneuvers that are impossible with two-line kites. Distinctive quad-line maneuvers include axis spins, reverse flight, hovers, etc.

Other aspects of stunt kites include traction or power kites, which are used to tow surfboards (kite surfing) or wheeled buggies (kite buggying).

Stunt Kites - A Brief History

How long is the history of stunt kites? Or, since when have kites had 2 or more lines attached for doing tricks and stunts? Here's a few details if you're curious!

The Beginnings

During the second world war, some naval antiaircraft gunners were trained using steerable 2 line kites that flew like modern stunt kites with two control lines. A pilot on the ground would fly the kite around, making it hard to hit. I've seen a photo, the kite itself really looked like a diamond stunter. A fairly big one, standing about as tall as the man holding it. The concept was developed by Paul Garber, a U.S. Navy Commander. Perhaps the history of them starts right here!

Decades of Popular Stunt Kites

However, until the 1960s, 2 line stunt kites for the general public weren't to be seen. These kites really started to become more popular in the 70s. Most kite flyers have heard of the Peter Powell Stunt Kite, which Powell came up with in 1972. At last it was much easier for anyone to buy and fly them. His design was a diamond with a very long, inflatable tail. The idea at the time was to trace big patterns in the sky with the tail! Surprisingly, this design is still popular today.

A lot of manufacturers came out with delta shaped stunt kites in the 80s. Watching or competing in kite flying contests became a cool thing to do. At this point in the history, team flying became a spectator sport with stacked kites performing colorful precision maneuvers in the breeze. People flew deltas, diamonds or flexifoils, depending on their preference. Apart from the still-popular Peter Powells, these kites had names like Hawaiians, Hyperkites, Flexifoils, Trlbys, Rainbows and Skynasaurs.

Flexifoils were similar to the parafoils which had been invented in the early 60s, but had a flexible spar running the entire length of the leading edge. These flexifoils flew really fast through the air!

Any history of stunt kites would not be complete without mentioning one particularly notable design of the period, the Mirage. This was a cleverly designed tailless delta that managed to win a lot of contests in the mid to late 80s. The design was inspired by the writings of two kite experts, David Pelham and Peter Ianuzzi. In those days, flyers would do 3 compulsory maneuvers rated 1-10 plus a 1-3 minute freestyle demonstration.

The 'big wing' stunt kites were also invented during the mid 80s. These kites were deltas with wings up to about 2.5 meters (8 feet) across. The first of this kind was called the Hawaiian Team Kite.

Starting in the 90s, the early parafoils were developed into traction or power kites. The main idea here was to get pulled along on a surfboard, kite buggy or snowboard. However, some of these parafoils remain in use as sparless ones by a lot of people because there's nothing rigid to break! But say 'stunt kite' today, and it really means 'delta stunt kite' to most people.

Since the 90s

Rip-stop nylon has become the favorite material for kite sails. This material is tear-resistant, light and doesn't let any air through. It is used in all types of modern stunt kites.

The Stardust CAD is an example of a sparless one. A beginners' kite, it's hardy and doesn't have a huge pull. There are plenty of parafoil stunt kites on the market, with the main advertising catch-phrase being 'nothing to break, just have fun'.

A more high-performance kite is the Prism Stylus range of kites. These come in ready-to-fly packages which include Spectra lines, winder, flight straps, and a tiny stuff sack or bag for storing and transporting.

Seattle Airgear is a company that is very serious about designing, making and flying these. They use aeronautical engineering know-how to develop their kites. For the more discerning flyer they produce the WindDance Dual-line Parafoil Stunt Kite. The design of future ones will likely be affected by new space-age materials that allow even more lightness and for the delta, stiffness.

Travel with kite festivals

Why not take a delta kite or diamond kite with you on your travels? Modern flat kites pack down into a small thin carry bag. There are several good reasons to take a kite of some sort with you on your next international trip.

Firstly, no matter where and when you travel overseas, you probably aren't far from a kite fly-in or festival of some sort. These events almost always allow public participation. Depending on who you are, you might enjoy the opportunities to take great photographs, meet people, or just revel in the kite flying! You might even learn a bit about the traditional kites of the host country. Have something different to document in photos or video!

Secondly, most single and dual-line kites these days are lightweight and very easy to transport in their carry bags. Not only that, but some designs such as parafoils and simple sleds require no set-up at all. These flexible kites pack down into a small bag and only need to have a line attached to be ready to fly. Even other types such as deltas, diamonds and stunt kites are generally very straight-forward to setup before flying. For example, a delta kite is easiest, only requiring the ends of a single spreader rod to be plugged in.

Thirdly, the simple pleasures of kite flying are available just about anywhere, anytime. Any beach is a good spot to pull out a kite and fly. Sea breezes are less variable than inland. Parks and reserves also have wide open spaces, although you might need to fly high above the surrounding obstacles to find smoother air. Be aware that some countries are stricter than others when it comes to airspace regulations. If you keep a good distance from airports and keep the kite under 100 meters (350 feet), you'll stay out of trouble just about anywhere. Australia is one of the strictest countries in this regard.

On the subject of kite festivals, there are a number of large international events that can provide an awesome visual feast. See close-up everything from kids flying simple sleds to enormous show kites that cost as much as a second hand car! You might also catch performances by highly skilled stunt kite fliers and teams.

Major Kite Festivals Around The World

Consider passing through one of the following cities to catch an amazing event, and perhaps pull out that delta kite while you are there...

• Jan: Ahmedabad, India
• Feb: Basant, Pakistan
• Mar: Adelaide, Australia
• Apr: Weifang, China
• May: Hamamatsu, Japan
• Jun: Fano, Denmark
• Jul: Bali, Indonesia
• Aug: Bristol, U.K.
• Sep: Dieppe, France
• Oct: Coolum, Australia
• Nov: Santiago, Guatemala
• Dec: Sorry! Unable to find a major festival in December

Of course, you would need to confirm the exact dates of the event and the location of the city before departing. That's easily done online. Also, searching online for more information on say, Hamamatsu Kite Festival or Santiago Kite Festival will reveal breathtaking worlds of kiting you never knew existed! Spectacular large kites from many cultures and intriguing histories abound.

All the above events are large in terms of the number of kites flown and the number of participants and spectators. In many cases, international kite designers and fliers are present at the invitation of the organizers. This is often the case even when the word 'International' is missing from the title of the event.

The U.S. scene really warrants a separate article. It would be possible to travel around the U.S. all year and fly your delta kite at a different event nearly every week!

Conclusion

I hope the list of 11 major festivals with month, city and country are useful to you as an international traveler. There are incredible kiting cultures everywhere across the globe. Sizes, shapes, designs and colors you can't imagine until you see them. Even if you are not a keen flier, think of the entertainment value and memories gained for no extra cost! Bring all this home in your head and in the memory cards of your photographic devices.

Let kite flying add an extra dimension to your next overseas trip. Go on, fly a delta kite in foreign skies!

Kite Designs

Kite flying has been a pass time for many people for hundreds of years and it is still very popular today. If you go to the beach in the summer you will see many people flying kites and the kite designs can vary immensely.

For most people the classic kite design consists of two skewers or poles fixed together at right angles with the horizontal pole shorter than the vertical one. This is then covered with cloth or plastic and is flown with a single line and sometimes comes with a tail. This is the very basic kite design and is very easy to make. Many children start out flying this type of kite as it is easy to fly and can fly in a slight breeze.

Stunt kites started to become popular in the seventies and are still one of the most popular kite designs bought today.

The stunt kite can look very much like the single line kite but comes with two lines with which you can control the kite in the air. One line is connected to the right side of the kite and the other is connected to the left. You hold one of the lines in each hand and when the kite is flying you can control how it turns in the air by pulling on the lines. Pull the left line and it turns to the left and pull the right line and it turns to the right. If you pull on both lines together the kite will gain altitude in the right wind.

You can perform many tricks and stunts with these kites and that is why they are very popular. They do need a slightly higher wind than the single line kite does and you will need more space when flying as you don't want to hit any body that may stray beneath your flying area.

Due to their nature stunt kite designs can vary quite a lot form the single line kites. Because you have control over the flying of the stunt kite in the air the designs can be more unconventional and extreme.

Another variation of the stunt kite is the traction kite. This kite design uses a very large surface area which produces a huge amount of power or pull. These kites are for more experienced kite flyers as they can literally lift you off your feet because their huge surface area can capture so much of the power of the wind.

Kite surfing

Kite surfing began as a leisure sport in the 1980s. However, its popularity skyrocketed some twenty years later. In 2005, the number of kite surfers measured 100,000, an amazing increase from less than 1,000 before the turn of the millennium. This sport is also known as kiteboarding and flysurfing in some European countries.

The basic principle of kitesurfing is straightforward: by using a big, powerful kite as a means of propulsion, and sitting or standing in some form of transport, the kitesurfer can reach extreme speeds and perform acrobatic stunts. Commonly, kitesurfing is done using a surfboard on water.

Kiteskiing, another form of kite surfing, is also gaining in popularity. This is performed with skis or a snowboard. In truth, any object capable of moving outdoors and requiring propulsion can be accompanied by a big kite to generate the required power.

Kites that are used in kitesurfing are substantial in size. They are known as power kites. Today, there are three major types of power kites. The first is the airfoil kite, which comes with no interior structure. Thus, the kite’s shape is dependant on the wind acting upon it. They can be launched quickly and come with valves that allow the release of air should there be a spill. Difficult to comprehend initially, they can be rather easy to use once understood properly.

Inflatable kites have an inflatable edge that helps in forming and maintaining the kite’s crescent shape. In favorable wind conditions, they can be comfortably launched. However, a little wind can make launching difficult.

Framed kites have a rigid edge of fiberglass or graphite that helps in forming the shape of the kite, and by and large have chiseled aerodynamic forms. Low wind conditions can make the launching of framed kites a difficult matter.

Kitesurfing kites are either two-lined or four-lined. They come with one control bar or different handles to control the various lines. Though the kites are initially difficult to control, kitesurfers can, over time, exhibit incredible acrobatic feats.

Kitesurfing can be classified as a dangerous sport, and people looking at venturing into the world of kitesurfing should do so with adequate lessons. Generally, people tend to underestimate the power that can be generated by a kite. People have lost their lives while engaging in this sport; and kitesurfers have also been reported to have been blown to the sea and drowned.

Type of stunt kite

Stunt Kites

Stunt kites, also known as sport or acrobatic kites, offer the pilot the ability to steer the kite and perform tricks. Two lines (at a fixed length) control the kite, similar to steering a bicycle. The two flying lines are connected to handles or straps on one end and connected to the bridle of the kite on the opposite end of the line. You control the kite by pulling in one line to make it turn in that direction, if you pull the right hand line the kite will turn to the right. These kites are easy to learn how to fly but tough to master.

Beginner Stunt Kites

Entry level stunt kites are easy to fly, stable, rugged and forgiving enough to handle to handle crashes as you learn to fly your kite. Despite being designed for beginners these kites are very acrobatic and you can learn to perform many popular tricks with them.

Freestyle Stunt Kites

Extreme acrobatic stunt kites, freestyle kites are designed to do all of the radical tricks in the book (540 flat spins, axels, back flips, stalls, ground effects, etc). Freestyle kites are a good choice for flyers of all skill levels who like to challenge themselves.

Ballet Stunt Kites

The most versatile stunt kites on the market. Designed for competition these full sized kites are agile, acrobatic, steady, and precise. Though competition worthy stunt kites are generally more expensive, their versatility makes them a good choice for serious flyers who want to do everything with just one kite

Low Wind Stunt Kites

Sophisticated in design, shape, materials, and performance, just walking backward with an ultralight kite in a still room or on a windless day creates enough airflow to allow the kite to glide over and fly around you. Indoor and low wind flying is a graceful, fluid dance in which kite and pilot are partners in a whole new repertoire of maneuvers.

Dual Line Parafoil Kites

Dual line parafoil kites perform just like a two line stunt kite with one difference "The Pull". What to expect from a dual line parafoil? Well besides a whole lot of fun, you get a virtually unbreakable dual line power kite! If you like speed and the raw power of kites, two line foils are what you are looking for.

Kite for beginner

Cadet is first in class in any wind.
A laid back, easy flier in winds from 3 to 30 mph, the Cadet is effortless to assemble, launch and fly. Its excellent response, precision and wind range make it a real deal. A natural in 3 to 18 mph winds, it comes with a free WindShield (a $6.95 value - see page 10). that lets it handle winds up to 30 mph. Made of lightweight ripstop nylon with tubular micro-carbon spars. 5’-4” x 2’-0”. 3.9-oz. Ready to Fly with 80’ 50-lb. Dyneema line, straps and winder.

More Product Details

Ready to Fly: with lines, winder & stunt straps Min. Wind: 3 mph Max. Wind: 18 mph Brand: Into The Wind Added to site: 02/09/2009

Getting started with stunt kites

Introduction

If you can ride a bicycle, you can fly a sport kite. Everyone knows how to steer a bike, don’t they? You turn the handle bar to the right, and the bike goes right. Keep steering right, and the bike completes a circle. Straighten out the handle bar and the bike goes straight in whatever direction you are pointing. It’s easy. So keep that image in your mind and lets go kite flying.

Kite Safety

OK, now its time to talk about kite safety. Experienced fliers use something I call the “Pre-launch Checklist”. It’s becomes so natural that they don’t even think about it - like checking to make sure there are no cars in the street before you begin to pedal.

• Never fly near power lines or in thunderstorms
• Never fly near trees, houses or over roads or highways
• Be considerate to those people around you, and never fly a stunt kite over a person or animal. Stunt kites can move at speeds over 100 mph and can cause serious injury.

Kite Setup and Flying Line

For beginners, launching a stunt kite and getting it under control is almost as hard as mounting a bicycle and getting it rolling. After you do it right the first time, it gets much easier. Roll out your flying lines and make sure they are exactly equal in length. (If one line is a few inches shorter, the kite will think you are pulling on that line and start to turn.) The lines should be about 75-100 feet long. Shorter lines reduce response time and make the kite move too fast for most inexperienced fliers. Longer lines make maneuvers harder to complete.

Read more: http://www.windpowersports.com/guides/stunt-kite.html#ixzz0PTQJFEKw