General FAQ, rec.kites, Part 1 of 2
Anne Rock
Added 3 books reviews by Bernhard Malle (malle%fuzi...@Germany.EU.net)
Thank you, Bernhard.
Leistungsstarke Lenkdrachen zum Nachbauen by Peter Rieleit.
Skywork Experience II by Christine Schertel
Neue Lenkdrachen und Einleiner (New Stunt Kites and Single Liners) by
Wolfgang Schimmelpfennig
****** * * * * * * * * *******
This is Part 1 (of 2) of the rec.kites General FAQ.
Section 0: Introduction, Acknowledgements, and Netiquette
A. Introduction
This is the general FAQ for rec.kites. It has two parts:
Part 1
0. Introduction, Acknowledgements, and Netiquette
1. rec.kites FAQs
2. Archives and Gateway/Mailing List
3. Organizations
4. Magazines
5. Books and Videos; AKA Publications
6. Newsletters available on rec.kites
7. Kitemaking Workshops
8. rec.kites Charter
Part 2
9. Questions and Answers; Glossary
10. Materials
11. Bridling
12. Safety
Comments, corrections, and contributions are welcomed. Send to
Anne Rock (ro...@netcom.com).
Last revised 1 November 1993.
B. Acknowledgements
The history of the general FAQ is undocumented, but the names
Mike Connell, Mike Barrett, Evan Splett, and Marty Sasaki have
been linked with it.
Thanks to:
Ken Ritchie for creating rec.kites and writing the charter;
Marty Sasaki for starting and maintaining the gateway and
mailing list;
Kevin Mayeshiro for maintaining the archives;
All the kite flyers who contribute to rec.kites.
C. Netiquette
1. Read news.announce.newusers articles if you're new to USENET.
2. Read all available articles before posting a follow-up.
3. Many systems do not wrap lines. Keep line length to less than
80 characters and hit a carriage return at the end of each line.
4. Tips to ensure the most readers of your articles:
a. Use descriptive and concise "Subject:" lines.
b. If you branch off from the original topic of a thread,
change the "Subject:" line.
c. Include only relevant lines from previous articles; remove
headers and signatures.
d. Put a return address in the body of your message. The
gateway removes mail addresses, which prevents
some readers from knowing how to contact you directly.
If you also add your location (city, state/province), you
might meet nearby rec.kiters.
e. Use 'world' distribution to ensure that everyone gets your
article (some distributions may not include Harvard,
location of the gateway, thus limiting distribution).
Section 1: rec.kites FAQs
There are 4 FAQs for rec.kites; the last posted version of each is
available from the rec.kites archive (see Section 2).
A. General FAQ: what you are reading.
B. Address FAQ (Kite Dealers/Organizations/Clubs).
1. Kite Stores (listed by country)
2. Mail Order Companies
3. American Kitefliers Association Member Merchants (worldwide)
4. Kitemaker's Supplies (new section, Sept. 1993)
5. Kite Clubs and Organizations
Maintained by Dan Rubesh (da...@crash.cts.com).
Corrections and additions may be posted to rec.kites; Dan requests
that if you post to rec.kites you also email the information to him.
He is willing to provide area-specific listings and can usually reply
to queries within 1-2 days.
C. Kite Reviews. Last updated November 1993. Simo Salanne (sal...@csc.fi)
has assumed ownership of this FAQ for 6 months (Oct '93 - April '94).
1. "What kite do I buy to learn on?"
2. Explanation of symbols used in Section 3
3. Reviews and comments about many stunt kites
4. Beaufort Scale
D. Kite Plans. Compiled by Esben Collstrup, who is currently off-line, and
posted by Simo Salanne (sal...@csc.fi).
1. Stunt kite plans published in magazines
2. Books (with comments)
a. Stunt kite plans only
b. Primarily single-line with a few stunt kite plans
3. Plans for individual kites (available for purchase)
4. Kits for stunt kites (available for purchase)
Section 2: Archives and Gateway/Mailing List
A. Archives are located at ftp.hawaii.edu and available via anonymous
ftp. To send material directly to the archives, use the address
ki...@ftp.hawaii.edu. Archive maintenance is usually done once a week,
so it may be several days before GIFs, etc., are available.
Kevin Mayeshiro (ke...@hawaii.edu) maintains the archives.
Path for archives is pub/rec/kites.
To send pictures: uuencode and send to ki...@ftp.hawaii.edu.
See Section C for instructions on accessing the archives via email.
B. rec.kites is available to people who do not have USENET access but
can receive email. Marty Sasaki (sas...@netop3.harvard.edu) maintains a
mailing list and a gateway; people on the mailing list receive rec.kites as
email and can email articles back to rec.kites through this gateway.
Send email to kites-...@harvard.edu to get on/off the mailing list,
make changes to your address, etc.
C. Archive (ftp) access via email
Edward C. Sarlls, III (sar...@wg2.waii.com) wrote:
Send the message "help" to ftp...@decwrl.dec.com (no subject) for
information.
I used this to access the kites area of ftp.hawaii.edu via mail.
For example, I sent the following message to ftp...@decwrl.dec.com:
reply sar...@wg2.waii.com
connect ftp.hawaii.edu
chdir pub/rec/kites/faq
dir
I got the following response:
total 125
-rw-r--r-- 1 kite ftp 39059 May 1 20:10 faq.address
-rw-r--r-- 1 kite ftp 18553 Apr 17 11:14 faq.general
-rw-r--r-- 1 kite ftp 18529 May 20 10:09 faq.kite-
plans
-rw-r--r-- 1 kite ftp 44745 Apr 15 03:30 faq.kite-
reviews
-rw-r--r-- 1 kite ftp 3510 May 20 10:06
how.to.contribute
Section 3: Organizations
This section is a small subset of organizations in the Address
FAQ; those listed here are top level organizations in a country,
activity-specific groups, etc.
American Kitefliers Association:
American Kitefliers Association
1559 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852-1651 USA
(800) AKA-2550
Membership benefits include 6 issues per year of the journal
_Kiting_, a 10% discount from AKA Member Merchants (see
Address FAQ), an annual convention (stunt, fighter, and single-line
kite competitions, workshops, business meeting), membership
directory, personal liability insurance for members when they are
in the United States.
The AKA has a computerized and interactive telephone information
line, the AKA Automated Information System (408-SEE-4-AKA).
The system has information on AKA and how to join, insurance, and
convention locations, as well as stunt kite conference standings.
Membership fees (US dollars only):
Individual: $20 /year
Additional Family, per person: $4/year
1st class mail U.S.: $8/year
Canada and Mexico, add: $8/year
Overseas surface mail: $10/year
Overseas air mail: $25/year
1, 2, and 3-year memberships available, with a savings on multiple
year memberships. Mastercard and Visa accepted.
The Kite Society of Great Britain
The Kite Society of Great Britain
P.O. BOX 2274,
Gt Horkesley,
Colchester,
Essex CO6 4AY
Membership in the Kite Society of Great Britain brings you four
issues of _THE KITEFLIER_ plus other occasional mailings. Each
member receives a membership card entitling them to free entry
to most kite UK festivals and a discount ranging from 5% to 15%
on kite purchases from the majority of kite retailers in the UK.
Cost !8.00 per year Individual
!9.00 Family in same household
!6.00 O.A.P.
!9.00 Overseas surface mail
!12.50 Overseas air mail
Belgian Kite Association:
le Nouveau Cervoliste Belge
c/o Jacques Durieux
rue de la Houssiere 45
B-1435 Hevillers
telephone (from Belgium) 010/656200
Membership is 1000 Bef. (approx US$30) for 6 issues of the
newsletter (includes plans, dates of events, news, tips ...) (available
in French or Dutch); insurance, which covers Belgians everywhere,
non-Belgians when they fly in Belgium; and a discount card for
Belgian shops.
Kite Aerial Photography Worldwide Association (KAPWA)
KAPWA - Michel Dusariez
14, avenue Capitaine Piret
1150 Brussels, Belgium
fax: 32 2 512 68 29 (add country code)
Membership provides 4 issues of _KAPWA News and Technique_,
published in both French and English. A separate Japanese version
is available from the Japan Aerial Photography Association
(2-42-7 Shirasagi, Nakanoku, Tokyo 165, Japan).
Membership fees:
1000 Belgian francs/year (about US$30) for U.S. subscription (air)
Visa and Mastercard accepted
STACK (Sport Team And Competitive Kiting)
STACK Contacts (updated May 1993)
Membership Secretary:
Patrick Bonneau +44-795-474819
1 Terrace Road fax +44-795-474819
Sittingbourne
Kent ME10 4SF
England
See the Address FAQ for country contacts.
Kite Builders International (KBI)
5555 Hamilton Boulevard
Wescosville, PA 18106
Telephone/fax (215) 395-3560
Publishers of a new (1993) quarterly journal for kitemakers,
featuring instructions and tips on making stunt and single-line kites
as well as general articles such as making a light table, designing
high performance ultra light stunt kites, geometry review. Written
by members and staff.
KBI has also produced a video for beginning kitemakers; see Book
and Video section.
Kite Builders Studio (at the same address) sells kitemaking supplies.
Annual membership $20 for 4 issues
Charter lifetime membership $75 (will probably go up in 1994)
The Kitemakers Connection
923 Stanley
Ardmore, OK 73401
Telephone (405) 226-0285
The Kitemakers Connection's goals are to provide kitemakers/artists
with information on shows and exhibits and how to get kites
accepted into shows; to stress importance of originality in design;
to start a slide collection that will be used to promote art kites;
to share techniques, resources, ideas through a quarterly newsletter;
to find sponsors for scholarships to enable kitemakers to travel to
festivals and workshops; to promote kiting as an art form; to develop
goodwill between kitemakers worldwide.
Founded by Janene Evards in 1993.
$15.00 per year.
Section 4: Magazines
This section lists magazines published independently of organizations
and clubs. Most of the magazines include a calendar of events.
Kite Lines, Quarterly Journal of the Worldwide Kite Community (English)
P.O. Box 466
Randallstown, MD 21133-0466 USA
(410) 922-1212, fax (410) 922-4262
$14.00/4 issues for U.S. and possessions; $18.00 (air) elsewhere
American Kite (English)
P.O. Box 699
Cedar Ridge, CA 95924-9984 USA
Telephone (916) 273-3855, fax (916) 273-3319
$14.00/4 issues for U.S. and possessions; $24.00 elsewhere.
Drachen (German, with occasional bits in English)
Fruchtallee 13
D-20259 Hamburg 20
Germany
Telephone 040-439 56 67, fax 040-439 53 77
DM 32.00/4 issues
U.S. subscriptions available through American Kite (see above),
$20/4 issues.
Sport & Design Drachen (German)
Fremersbergstr. 1
Postfach 11 28
7570 Baden-Baden
Germany
Telephone 07221/21 07-0, fax 07221/2107-52
DM 36.00/4 issues (Germany)
Vlieger (Dutch)
Postbus 53505
2505 AM Den Haag
The Netherlands
Hfl 17.50 for 6 issues (all subscriptions run January - December);
foreign subscriptions Hfl 25 (moneyorder), Hfl 17.50 for Belgium
and Luxemborg. Additional Hfl 11 for Eurochecks.
Section 5: Books and Videos; AKA Publications
A. Books and Videos
Andrew, Hugh J.G. S.F. Cody's War Kites. !9.99 (approx US$20)
If you're thinking of making a Cody kite, get this book. A few pages
of history and background, but the bulk of the book is a 23-step
set of instructions with many detailed illustrations.
Not yet available from Kite Lines; try Bristol Kitestore, 1B Pitville
Place, Cotham Hill, Bristol BS6 6JY England. tel (0272) 745010.
Cottrell, Mark. The Kite Store Book of Kites. 1988. $13.95
No ISBN. The Kite Store Ltd.
From the preface: ". . . if you feel like making a few of my stranger
kites (some are quick to build, others can take weeks) most of
which fly quite well and reading about my thoughts on certain
types of kite design this book may be of interest to you."
Plans for double and triple sleds, swept wing box kite, 2 ramfoils,
keeled hexagon, multi-jib, Flaix family of kites, Whole World Kite,
Cross Tail box, mega multiflare. Plans are not overly detailed.
Also a chapter covering rules for flight, designing swept wings and
deltas, lift capabilities and line strength, and altitude (height
records, determining height).
Book also includes diskette with 5 BASIC programs; listings for
4 programs in the book (evaluate side and lift area of flaix type
kites; evaluate minimum size of kite to lift a given load in stated
wind; estimate maximum height attainable by single kite system;
evaluate size and shape of keel for swept wing designs).
*Cottrell, Mark. Swept Wing Stunt Kites. $11.95
Whether you build stunt kites or not this makes you understand
the anatomy of a stunter. Plans for LiteFlite kites.
Cottrell, Mark. Kite Aerial Photography. 1987. $10.95
No ISBN. The Kite Store Ltd.
Discusses suspension systems, cameras, cradle, and remote control
systems and provides plans (not detailed) for several lifting kites:
parafoil, delta, Peter Lynn Tri-D.
A good overview, but some information, such as camera choices, is
out-of-date. Author had been doing kite aerial photography for 9
years at time of publication.
*Eden, Maxwell. Kiteworks. $14.95
ISBN 0-8069-6712-9 (hardcover, there is a
paperback version now)
A collection of kite plans (98% single-line) from many kitemakers.
There are a number of errors: think the project through first. Not
recommended for the first kitemaking book, but it does show many
different approaches to kitemaking with many detailed illustrations.
Gallot, Philippe. Fighter Kites. $12.95
ISBN 0-312-03964-6
Plans and instructions for 29 fighter kites. Use the metric
measurements.
*Gomberg, David, editor. Stunt Kites! $8.95
A basic flight manual for dual-line kites. 4th edition 1993.
Gomberg, David. The Fighter Kite Book! A Complete Flight Manual for Single
Line Maneuverable Kites. $8.95
Greger, Margaret. Kites for Everyone. 1984. $12.95
Library of Congress # 84-90383
Plans for about 48 kites (Vietnamese and snake, Dutch and dragon,
sled, bullet, square, eddy, delta, box, corner and facet, flowform)
and tails, bags, and drogues. Instructions written for various papers,
plastics, or ripstop. Chapter on classroom kites.
Greger, Margaret. More Kites for Everyone. 1990. $9.95
ISBN 0-9613680-1-4
Plans for about 17 kites (sled, delta, eddy, facet, Peter Lynn Tri-D,
delta-conyne, Goble starbox, others). Materials called for are various
papers, plastics (tips on heat sealing plastic), ripstop. Chapters on
kites in the classroom and at camp (Margaret has been teaching
kitemaking for over 15 years).
both are self-published (and available from many kite retailers)
Margaret Greger, 1425 Marshall,
Richland, WA 99352 USA
Margaret Greger's books are the ones recommended for beginning
(to expert) single-line kitemakers. "More Kites for Everyone" is
newer, has more current background information.
Hart, Clive. Kites - an Historical Survey. 1967. $14.95
ISBN 0-911858-38-5 (paperback)
The best general history of kites (in English).
Hosking, Wayne. Kites To Touch the Sky: A Guide to Making and Flying
Plastic Kites. 1993. $9.95. No ISBN.
Detailed plans for 32 kites, ranging from sleds to eddy to seven
sisters to boxes, tretrahedral, and facet. Introductory chapters
covering terms, components of kites, how to fly, and working with
plastic.
Ito, Dr. Toshio and Hirotsugu Komura. Kites - The Science and the Wonder.
1983. $11.95 ISBN 0-87040-526-8
The authors "applied scientific theory and scientific technology to
the study of kites, their manufacture and operation." Chapters on
Aerodynamics - Kite Stability; Aerodynamics - Kite Dynamics; Kite
Making Materials; Development of the Basic "Original" Kite; Various
Basic "Original" Kites. Translated from Japanese.
Kite Builders International Workshop Video #1 - Beginning kitemaking.
60 minutes. $23.00
Discusses properties of different fabrics, how to prepare fabric,
cutting, basic hems, different seams, leading edge construction,
pockets and sleeves. Applique covered briefly (video #2 will
focus on applique). (Address listed in Organization section.)
Lynn, Peter. Buggies, Boats & Peels. $6.95 or in the archives
(pub/rec/kites/info/buggies.boats.peels) (thanks to Andrew Beattie).
History, theory, how to start buggying, etc., and information on
Peter Lynn Peel kites. For traction enthusiasts.
*Moulton, Ron and Pat Lloyd. Kites: A Practical Handbook. 1992. $27.95
ISBN 1-85486-050-X
Good introduction to kite aerial photography and the best section
around on parachuting fauna. Also chapters on making kites; lines,
bridles, knots, and reels; rokkaku fighting; dual and quadline kites,
with plans for 9 kites; plans for 11 single-line kites, plus a few
others scattered throughout the book. A general broad introduction
to the world of kites today.
*Pelham, David. The Penguin Book of Kites. 1976. $12.95
An excellent reference, often called the "bible" of kiteflying.
Good section on history, with many photos. Construction, including
fastenings, joints and frame materials, cover material, knots, reels,
and line (some information not current). Flying/aerodynamics,
including lift and stability; bridles, keels, and rudders; tails and
drogues; location; launching, control, and landing; wind conditions;
rating a kite; measuring altitude. Kite patterns: over 100 plans,
which are scaled drawings, not detailed instructions.
The Prism Guide - Prism Design. $8.00
Included with each Prism kite, available separately from Prism
dealers. Considered a little more advanced than Gomberg's book;
a very small amount relates only to Prism kites.
Rieleit, Peter. Leistungsstarke Lenkdrachen zum Nachbauen. (Efficient Stunt
Kites to Build) Ravensburger Verlag, 29.80 DM. ISBN 3-473-42286-X
96 pages, lots of color pictures and photos
This is the first book by Peter Rieleit. Peter owns a kite shop in
Duesseldorf, Germany, and seems to be well known at least in this area.
His book is called "Leistungsstarke Lenkdrachen zum Nachbauen"
(Efficient Stunt Kites to Build). The book contains plans for seven
stunt kites, three stunt parafoils and three so-called sculpture soft
kites. You also find the usual chapters on kite material, working
techniques and some words about flying and landing stunt kites. The
plans are all accompanied by lots of color pictures and some drawings.
As usual, I cannot say much on the stunt kites in the book. They are
all based on the same outline. The only thing that differs is the
aspect ratio (width/height) and the size. They all have two spreaders
and no-stand offs. The plans are detailed and seem to contain all the
important information that is needed to build the kites.
In the second part of the book Peter introduces a new kind of soft
stunt kites. The new thing with this sort of parafoil is the profile
and the bridle. Peter proposes a self-stabilising profile which results
in the fact that you only need one point at the profile where you
attach the bridle line. Contrary to earlier parafoils or the paraflex
from Wolfgang Schimmelpfennig, Peter's profiles are flat on the top and curved on the lower part of the profile. In addition to the profiles
that go from the leading til the trailing edge, Peter uses one or two
short (approx. 20cm long) profiles between the long ones to stabilize
the most efficient forward part of the profile. The first plan of a
soft kite is accompanied by 22 (!) color pictures that show how to
cut and sew the profiles together. The only thing that could have been
done better in this part is that he uses the same white ripstop for
profile, lower and upper panel of the parafoil. It is therefore
sometimes very difficult to see on the pictures what he is really
doing. The other two plans are mostly a variation of the first one
with respect to size.
The last part of the book deals with so-called sculpture soft kites.
Peter has built some really exciting soft kites, comparable only to
the octopus of Peter Lynn or "Jake the Snake" of Wolfgang
Schimmelpfennig. One kite, the super-fly, is a big eye catcher in any
case just because of its size: four wings (3m x 2m), two on each side
of the 15m long tail!! The other two plans describe how to build a
banana and a pteranodon. All sculpture kites are based on the parafoil
principle and are planned as stunt kites. Funny thing about the
super-fly plan: Peter mentions in the plan that 48m ripstop in
different colors are needed for it. As I wanted to build this kite, I
recalculated the ripstop and finally ended up with at least 65m
(15m tail not included)! Peter also mentions in some introductory
sentences to this chapter that only experienced kite builders should
try to build these kites, especially as not all dimensions and
measures are given in the plan.
I can very much recommend this book. The section about the ordinary
stunt kites does not contain very much that is new, but the two
chapters that deal with soft kites and sculpture kites make this book
an absolute "must have!" The many excellent photos in the book make it
also useful for those who do not understand German. And if there are
enough requests for an English version, perhaps Peter will produce one?
(review by Bernhard Malle, November 1993)
*Rowlands, Jim. The Big Book Of Kites. 1988. $12.95
ISBN 0-312-02047-3
Plans for plane-surface kites (roller, flare, others); 9 deltas;
7 corner kites; facet kites; 2 stunters (a diamond and a delta)
plus a train of diamonds; 4 sleds; 2 parafoils, Sutton flowform;
rotor kites; tails. Most plans are written for ripstop nylon, others
for tyvek, plastic, mylar, or paper.
Rowlands, Jim. One-Hour Kites. 1989. $12.95
ISBN 0-312-03218-8
Paperfold kites, sleds, deltas, flexible kites, bowed kites, box/
3-dimensional kites, stunters. The instructions are written for
tyvek, paper, sheet plastic, mylar, etc., little or no sewing (tape
is the primary fastener). Chapter on decoration.
Rowlands, Jim. Soft Kites & Windsocks. 1992. $14.95
ISBN 0-312-08986-X
Sleds, parafoils, flowforms (Rowlands/high aspect), inflatable
kites, windsocks, drogues. Introductory chapters on materials,
different seams, construction.
Schertel, Christine (text, plans, drawings). Skywork Experience II.
Bernhard Maas (illustrations). 52 pages, 19.80 DM
self-published by skywork-agency, 20144 Hamburg
This is the second book from Christine Schertel. The first was
completely devoted to stunt kites, with plans for a speed revolution
for example. The new one contains plans for 9 stunt kites and three
single-liners.
Stunt kite plans are arrow, elegance, nodronte, flitz jr.,
wolkenstuermer 101, hunter, lite flite s, bombus, stunt starte
Single-line kites are hargrave box kite, revolver, and cody.
The speciality of both Schertel books is that they do not contain a
single photo, but that each kite is drawn as an aquarelle by the
well-known German photographer Bernhard Maas. Another speciality is
that it is one of the rare books where you will not find the 500th
introduction to sewing techniques and other introductory general stuff.
I am not a stunt kite expert as Esben, so I cannot classify the
different kites (most of them are said to come from German designers).
The plans and drawings are quite good; I have not tried any plans yet,
but it is also said in the introduction of the book that not every
single step is shown. Nevertheless I think the instructions are quite
clear.
Something that I am missing in the book are a few words about each
kite, for example about the history (no explanation of the cody!!!),
flying characteristics or tips for the adjustment of the bridle.
As someone said earlier in rec.kites, the book should be available from
the Kite Lines bookstore...
(Review by Bernhard Malle, November 1993)
*Schimmelpfenning, Wolfgang. Lenkdrachen Bauen und Fliegen (Making &
Flying Stunt Kites). $13.95 (German text)
ISBN 3-8068-1011-7
Plans for 4 deltas, 3 diamonds, and the Paraflex (a foil). Good
details.
Schimmelpfennig, Wolfgang. Neue Lenkdrachen und Einleiner (New Stunt Kites
and Single Liners). Text in German.
Falken Verlag, 24.80 DM. ISBN 3-8068-1353-1
80 pages, lots of color photos and drawings
Since a few weeks, there is a new book from Wolfgang Schimmelpfennig
available called "Neue Lenkdrachen und Einleiner" (New Stunt Kites and
Single Liners). Wolfgang has already published one book on stunt kites,
one about single-line kites and one about making kites with kids (all
of them available via the Kite Lines bookstore).
In his new book you can find plans for six stunt kites (Solar Fire,
Bel Air, Relax II, Scanner, Heavy Duty and Paradox) and three single-
line kites (Samurai, Starflake and Starbird). The book resembles very
much his other books: there is an introduction, a chapter about how to
be creative with colors and forms when building kites, one chapter
about materials and techniques. The book contains a lot of nice color
pictures, but the names of the creators and kite builders (Peter Lynn,
George Peters, Peter Malinski or Schimmelpfennig himself) are very
rarely given.
The plans themselves seem to be as detailed and good as in all the
other books by Wolfgang. As I am not an expert of stunt kites I cannot
say much about the different kites. Nevertheless I have the impression
that most of them are already well known and not really new. As
Wolfgang never mentions any inventor or original designer of the kites,
I get the impression that he has invented them all by himself......
There is one kite that is a little bit extraordinary: the paradox is a
quadline kite. It is built like a box-kite and consists of seven
panels. Wolfgang mentions in his description that the kite can also be
used as single-line kite if you add a tail to it. It seems that
Wolfgang thinks that everyone knows which handles to use for a
quadliner, which length of kite line and which flying technique.
The chapter about the single line kites is introduced with a
two-page picture of Wolfgang's soft-kites "Big Boss" and "Jake the
Snake," two stunt kites. The Samurai is based on an ordinary genki,
but a little bit modified to better fit the design of a samurai. The
Starflake is kind of facet kite and if I remember right, I have seen
the same design also in a book of Jim Rowlands or Margaret Gregor. The
last plan in this book describes the Starbird. This kite is a
combination of flat star kite and an Eddy in the lower part of the kite.
The book ends with some very general tips about tuning a kite and some
safety rules.
As a conclusion I am disappointed by the book. There have been so many
advances in kite design in the last years and I have the impression
that none of them are reflected in this book. Wolfgang, who has
developed "Jake the Snake" (softkite), a new paraflex (soft stunt
kite), who seams to be a good friend of Peter Lynn and other well
known kite builders, could have put some more effort in finding new
and interesting designs.
(Review by Bernhard Malle, November 1993)
Smith, H.D. "Skip". The Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics. 1992. $18.95.
ISBN 0-8306-3901-2
Marty Sasaki wrote:
A reader of rec.kites who understands aerodynamics recommended
[this book]. The first few chapters provide a great deal of insight
into how things work. There are also chapters on control and stability.
Reading the book caused several light bulbs to go on above my head.
I've got some serious experimenting to do...
Synergy, Richard P. Stunt Kite Basics: Making All the Right Moves. 1993.
$15.95. 142 pages.
Dave and Sherrie Arnold wrote a review of this book for the Summer-
Fall 1993 issue of Kite Lines, and the book sounds like a very good
choice for novice to intermediate stunt kite flyers, especially those
interested in precision flying and competitions. Covers safety
and courtesy; line selection and care; bridling; descriptions of
precision figures; precision flying and competitions.
Thomas, Carol. Kite Crazy. $29.95
ISBN -
History, theory, construction of four kites: a kiskadee, a rokkaku,
a dual-line and a quad-line stunt kite.
Kite Crazy video - SOMA Film and Video. $29.95
Demonstrates construction of the kites covered in the book.
*van der Horst, Servaas and Nop Velthuizen. Stunt Kites to Make & Fly.
$21.95. ISBN -
Available in English and Dutch. Price is for English version.
Considered the best instructions for making stunt kites.
Plans for 9 kites.
Kite Lines Book Store
P.O. Box 466
Randallstown, MD 21133-0466 USA
(410) 922-1212, fax (410) 922-4262
Carries almost all kite books in print, ships worldwide, and allows
you to return any book within 10 days if you're not satisfied.
* Books also listed, with more extensive comments, in Esben Collstrup's
Stunt Kite Plan Bibliography.
B. AKA Publications
Publications may be purchased by non-members for the second (higher)
price listed. Descriptions provided by Brooks Leffler (kyt...@aol.com),
Executive Director of AKA.
Books may be ordered by mail through the Rockville address; by phone or
fax; or by email to Brooks (kyt...@aol.com). Members may also use the
AKA Store, listed in _Kiting_. Prepayment preferred, Mastercard and Visa
accepted. See AKA listing under Organizations for address, etc.
International Sport Kite Competition Rules, Third Edition, First printing,
August 1993. 78 pp. $5.00 $7.50
This is the latest iteration of the rules by which all recognized sport kite
competitive events are run worldwide. This edition contains 30 pages of
rules, diagrams of 36 maneuvers for individual precision events, 14 team
diagrams, sample scorecards and worksheets, job descriptions, and
examples of specific judging criteria.
AKA Rules & Guidelines for Comprehensive Kitemaking Competition.
First edition, 1991. 28 pp. $5.00 $7.50
These rules were developed primarily for the comprehensive judging of
hand-made kites conducted annually at the AKA Grand Nationals. In
comprehensive competition, kites are categorized by design, and judged for
craftsmanship, structural design, flight, and aesthetic appeal. Included are
category definitions, recommendations for qualification of judges, judging
procedures, and scoring.
AKA Rules and Guidelines for Fighter Kite and Rokkaku Competitions.
AKA Fighter Kite Committee. 1992. 20 pp. $5.00 $7.50
A companion piece to the AKA Sport Kite and Comprehensive Competition
Rules, this booklet includes rules, safety guidelines, suggested field setup,
and judging criteria for individual and team single-string kite fighting.
AKA Manual on Kiting Events. H. B. Alexander and Ellen Rubenstein Chelmis.
1992 Revised Edition. 36 pp. $6.00 $8.00.
This manual is designed to help you design, organize, and run a kiteflying
event, and provides comprehensive guidelines for setting date, program, and
site, as well as discussion of competitive vs. non-competitive events,
organization, sponsorship, public relations, staffing, judging, safety, and
repairs. Includes sample field layout and forms.
Kites in the Classroom. Wayne Hosking. 48 pp. Revised 1993 Edition.
$5.00 $7.50
This is a guide for teachers, and includes some history, terminology, simple
aerodynamics, discussion of materials and tools, instructions and plans
for15 kites, brief lessons in flying, and notes on conducting a kite workshop.
Kite Club Organizer's Handbook. Victor Walton. 28 pp.
Second printing, 1993. $5.00 $7.50
A compilation of ideas from kite clubs across North America, this handbook
is intended to be a useful resource for kiters who wish to bring a bit of
structure to their kiteflying activities, while avoiding the pitfalls others
have experienced. Topics include leadership, formal and informal structure,
incorporation, by-laws, newsletters, and event ideas.
How to Fly a Kite: A Kiteflier's Manual.
Miller S. Makey, Robert M. Ingraham, and Jeff Reed. 1992. 66 pp. $2.00 $3.00
AKA Founder Bob Ingraham and Former President Miller Makey have joined
forces with artist Jeff Reed to produce a compact primer on kites and
kiteflying, written especially for those who say, "I never could get a kite to
fly." Topics covered include types of kites, brief history, anatomy of a kite,
simple aerodynamics, how to fly a kite, kite safety, and a glossary.
AKA/STACK International Stunt Kite Competition Rules, $1.00 $1.00
1990-1991 edition
Although this book was superseded by the 1992 Rules, and again by the 3rd
Edition above, the differences are mostly organizational. This book shows
all but eight of the maneuvers now in use, and describes most of the dos and
don'ts, so it's still useful for the neophyte flier. 36 pages, 28 individual
figures, 14 team figures.
Professor Kite and the Secret of Kites. Corey Jensen & Glen Ciccarelli.
Available only in bulk: $8.00 per 100; $44.00 per 1000, ppd.
This is a tri-fold leaflet on the basics of kite flying and kite safety.
Good handout for festivals & workshops.
Section 6: Newsletters Available Electronically
Back issues of newsletters can be found in the archives:
pub/rec/kites/newsletters
Buggy News
Buggy News is the official publication of the Buggy Pilots of America.
Thanks to Dan Rubesh, Buggy News is available on Internet (rec.kites).
The rec.kites version does not include graphics/photos.
Subscriptions (minimum of 6 issues) are US$5/year (or more, if
you feel like it). Contact (see on-line Buggy News for details):
Corey Jensen,
Windborne Kites
585 Cannery Row #105
Monterey, CA 93940 USA
telephone (408) 373-7422
KiteSki News
Kiteski is a kite-powered system consisting of a Banshee kite
(20-foot wingspan, 70 square feet sail area), waterskiis, and
control bar, with optional reel and brake for unassisted water
launches.
Thanks to Dan Rubesh, KiteSki News is posted to rec.kites.
For more information, a print copy of the newsletter, or a demo
video, call (800) 548-3754 or (800) KITE SKI, or write to
5555 Santa Fe St., Suite E, San Diego, CA 92109.
Kite Traction Group
The purpose of this group is to serve kite-buggiers all over the world.
The group was founded and is headed by Andrew Beattie.
The KTG plans to distribute information of interest to buggiers,
including meetings and festivals; buggying sites; product
development; local buggy groups; buggy activities within kite
groups and land yachting groups; to be a gateway of information
between those with and without computer network access; and to
assist members in locating insurance.
Membership is currently free.
To be added to the mailing list: email ki...@tug.com, leave a
message at +44 256 464 912 (0256 464912 from the UK), or
fax +44 793 614 297 (put Andrew Beattie's name on the fax).
Section 7: Kitemaking Workshops
Many festivals offer kitemaking classes for both children and adults,
and clubs often schedule workshops and classes. In the United States
there are also several kitemaking retreats.
Ft. Worden, Washington (state). March 4 - 6, 1994. Special guests for
1994 will be Pierre Fabre, and Eric Wolfe and Frank Fieseler of Chicago
Fire. Over 30 kitemaking seminars and classes for novice to advanced
kitemakers. Ft. Worden is near Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula.
More information available in fall 1993 from:
Bob Alford
320 NE 4th Street
North Bend, WA 98045 USA
(206) 888-2812
Maryland Kite Society Retreat - Usually February or March. Maryland
Kite Society, 10113 Lloyd Road, Potomac, MD 30854
Junction Kite Retreat. Junction, Texas (about 2 hours NW of San Antonio).
May 28-31, 1994. For more information, contact:
Betty Street
Department of Art
Box 42081
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX 79409-2081 USA
(806) 742-3027 (d), (806) 745-6803 (n), fax (806) 742-3878
Instructors for 1994 are: Nop Velthuizen, Stan Swanson, Masaaki
Sato, George Peters, Joe Schiros, Ed Wright, Stretch Tucker, Martin
Lester, Maurizio Angeletti, Doug DuFresne, Charlie Sotich, Seiko
Nakamura, Bill Lockhart, S.N. Adnyana and other Balinese kitemakers.
Section 8: rec.kites Charter
The following is the rec.kites charter. It was written by Ken
Ritchie (lep...@watsci.uwaterloo.ca)
CHARTER
The group rec.kites will, as its name implies, deal with discussions of
kites and kiting. The discussion will deal with any and all aspects of
kiting with no limitations as to specific types of kites. In general,
possible lines of discussion could be about:
1) Plans and ideas as to how to build kites.
2) Information as to the best places to purchase materials.
3) Tips on flying different kites, and their pro's and con's.
4) Ratings of commercially available kites.
5) Safety and kite flying laws in effect.
6) Anything else to do with kites...
This newsgroup will be of interest to anyone who is interested in
kites and kiting, no matter how serious they are about it. The group
is not to be limited to those who are already experienced in the
sport. It will partially be set-up to introduce people to kiting.