New Tech Kites

Chris · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:02 pm Post subject: Inspiration from an old Master

This is in reference to a question that was posed to Dean Jordan >

I'm interested in entering some sport kite competitions. How do I know if I'm good enough and how do I get started?

And here is the axomoxa answer by Dean >

First, you are good enough. Anyone that can fly a kite can evoke feeling in an audience, however, consider flying more, learning new maneuvers and studying old tapes of Lee and Sue, while considering the current state of the art. Maybe reserve the out of envelope tricks for your kite flying friends, and learn to fly a perfect inside circle to pure horizontal line, back to perfect outside circle.

If sport kite flying doesn't evolve, there will be little reason to have contests.

Has it become an all inclusive event doing things that only other sport kite flyers can 'see' or is it evolving towards Olympic sport status?

If no one outside your sport can tell what your doing, it might be wise to ask, what are we doing wrong.

If curling, can be watched and enjoyed, do you think that kite flying could be an enjoyable thing to look at, watch and enjoy?

What did old school kite flyers do that use to wow huge crowds, and what are new sport kite flyers doing that do that same??

I'd say consider learning what 'soul flying' is all about, and find like minded people and enjoy that. Maybe consider starting a new club, one dedicated to the art, the elevation of kite flying as an art form, and not a masturbatory end into itself. Not something judged by small minded people looking to be part of some 'in' crowd who no longer fly kites themselves.

Kite flying, sport kite flying, can be one of the most rewarding and beautiful experiences in the world. I've seen kiteflying bring tears to peoples eyes(Top of the Line, Lee's Lady in Red, Curtiss Mitchell before indoor kiting had rules, Scott Augenbaugh Jax, no wind, the first time i saw revolver, i wish i could list them all, there were so many, )so it certainly has potential.

Modern sport kiting, as we do it today, needs to be shaken up, and shaken up badley, i'm sad to say.

Above all, fly your kite, fly it whenever you can, share your flying, and let people know how great it is to fly. Always remember, when you fly, you represent all the rest of us that fly as well, and to that end you have an awesome responsibility. I'm sorry to say that the rest of us did not create a venue to express your joy in a manner that attracts outside interest.

Good luck, and keep flying high!
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"Fly a kite for a child and you entertain them for the day. Teach a child to fly a kite and you entertain them for life."