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Flight School - California April 2001
Thanks to Brian Champie and his family, and of course
the rest of the members of BASKL and the fliers at Shore Line park
for a wonderful time flying this past Sunday. http://www.gwtw-kites.com/BASKLDodd.html
I thought it was a great idea, getting the members of BASKL and
those who normally fly at Shore Line Park together (where was the
shore?). The wind was unsteady, but we had it. It was a little frustrating
at times with a 3-5 mph cross ground wind mixed with a 6-12 and
sometimes higher on top, but we had wind to fly, sun to warm things
up and most importantly, nice people to fly with!
This lax version of my Flight School, (no fee, no schedule) was
hosted by the Bay Area Sport Kite League, and I have to say that
they really took good care of me. In turn, I was available for assistance
in dual line flying if they wanted, and I have to say we had a pretty
nice turn out. I would estimate about 12-18 fliers, 5 or so that
really stayed around most of the day, with about 5 or so newbies
thrown in. One guy there had never flown a kite before, and by then
end of the day, this new flier was doing well and who knows, we
may even see him competing next year in the BASKL, I hope so....
Darrin Skinner and his wife were also there along with other members
of the league along with of course Dan and Brian from GWTW, and
it was really nice seeing and flying with old friend along with
meeting a lot of new ones. All of you really made me feel welcome
and it was an honor for me to there with you.
Saturday, the day before, Brian picked me up at the Airport and
we went directly to the Berkeley field for almost a complete day
of flying. There I met some old friends from my previous trips to
Berkeley including Tom of High Line Kites, always a pleasure watching
him work and hearing about his baby......needless to say, we had
a nice time.
Special thanks Brian for allowing me to stay with him and for getting
up at 5:30am to take me to the Airport, if it makes you feel any
better Brian, I couldn't sleep at all on the flights...... but I
did all day today!
And to Dan and Brian Todd from GWTW for finally showing me Dan's
shop, all I can say is "WOW", and for taking and posting
the pictures that can be found at the address at the top of this
posting.
I have been conducting Flight Schools of various forms coming up
on 10 years now, my first one hosted by the Kite Company of England
which took us through England, France and Germany. Since then I
have had the pleasure of meeting and sharing information with so
many around the world, and I don't think I will tire of that any
time soon.
Although I have had difficulties getting the cooperation of shops
and events for the past 3 years, it finally looks like my Flight
Schools have made a come back thanks to those who still believe
in me. Mainly, the fliers themselves and the support of a few shops
and events, seems to be growing for some reason this year with more
than 7 more events scheduled for this year.
For a complete list, give me a call (717-244-3244) or drop me an
email. info@newtechkites.com
Good winds
Dodd
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