13 replies to this topic

[stroke survivor]

OK folks, sorta spilled my story on flying in a different thread here, but anyone care to share their story of how they became fliers??? I'm sure there's got to be some very interesting answers out there!!!

[Guru4tru]

stroke victim, on 18 March 2011 - 03:07 PM, said:

OK folks, sorta spilled my story on flying in a different thread here, but anyone care to share their story of how they became fliers??? I'm sure there's got to be some very interesting answers out there!!!

Hi "SV".....I'm not sure what you are asking. The Topic: "Why do you fly kites?" is a different question then "How did you get into kiting?" Which question do you want answered or maybe you want to combine the questions somehow!! (and I put him up to this!) heehee!!

Keep It Up!
Duane

[stroke survivor]

Ok, either answer will do!!!! Or any answer!!!


Edit: I will say that I got into kite flying as the only way I would go with my wife to the coast! I'm originally from Rhode Island and used to playing in the water!! Surfed, sailed, general beach goer! Came to the West Coast, went to the coast, stripped down to my bathing suit, dove in, and FROZE MY BUTT OFF!! Swore off any more going to the coast, if it's too cold to play in, who needs it!!! But the wife talked me into going when my son was a year old!! So I went, and saw someone flying a kite, said to myself, "That looks like fun!"! Then I saw people flying stunt kites and it was all over!! This was back in 1989!!! Went through the problems with having the wrong stuff for the conditions, but finally got the right stuff and was pretty happy!! Years went by, I was a fixture at the Lincoln City Kite Festivals, then bang, a stroke!!! Tried to overcome that, but pain from my hips took the joy out of flying!!! Now that the hips got replaced and no pain and back to flying, I've found something from my past to reconnect to!!! And for me that's soooooo important, finding something that I still have a chance to do at a high level!!! Had to give up so many things that I thought I did well!!! People, ( my wife included) think I'm obsessed, HELL YEAH!!! Gives me a reason for waking up and getting on with life, would have been so easy to have given up and QUIT!! That's not my way!!! (see my signature and you'll see my choice)!!! So I've answered both questions, I think!!!

[Reef Runner]

Doesn't everyone ?

[Guru4tru]

Reef Runner, on 18 March 2011 - 07:10 PM, said:

Doesn't everyone ?

Nick...I think you replied to the wrong post...I think you meant to post that in the "Clip On Kite Stake" post?!?! :confused!: (It's WAY after 5:00!! heehee!!)

Keep It Up!
Duane

[--Pete]

Why? I think I like the physical control. I do things to the world, and the world reacts (fairly) predictably.

I think that is why I like pinball as well (the real ones, not video/arcade games).

[Jeepster]

--Pete, on 18 March 2011 - 09:07 PM, said:

... I think that is why I like pinball as well (the real ones, not video/arcade games).

Hmmm, well then, let me introduce you to another kite flier and pinball lover. Here's his homepage.

Cheers,
Tom

[Guru4tru]

For me, "Why I fly kites?" goes very deep.

After seeing "Kite Runner" I got a cheap dragon kite and flew it. When I found out about sports kites I realized that this was what I needed and wanted. I was coming up on retirement and all I could see was a black empty hole.

I have some physical and mental disabilities that kiting fit to a "T". I have to be out in the open. Nam vets are aware of what is called the "1000 yard stare" and my employment for 30 years was outside, working alone, in the open spaces. Even today my wife has to make sure that I know she is home from work each day by turning the lights on and off before she gets close to me or it can actually be dangerous. Combat related delayed stress trauma...some call it, some things you never get over and have to learn how to live with. And I can't hear normal conversations so I'm isolated from being around people most of the time. And I don't have a lot of money...heehee!!

Kiting fills all my needs. It fills my retirement time...gets me out in the open where I'm happy almost every day...it is a "visual sport" that doesn't require hearing anything. And after the cost of the kites...it's free!!! No greens fees! I could never afford playing golf everyday and golf is usually done with other people a lots of conversations. Although I love flying my Revs. with others, it's just about as enjoyable flying alone too.

And above all that...It is really fun and challenging! The "pursuit of perfection" within myself and the rewards of getting a little closer to that goal, that's with the conditions around you constantly changing...like when a trick or action in the air moves from impossible to difficult to consistency in all the varying conditions...that's rewarding. When I and the kite gain a little more "oneness". heehee!!

Keep It Up!
Duane

[Reef Runner]

Guru4tru, on 18 March 2011 - 07:32 PM, said:

Reef Runner, on 18 March 2011 - 07:10 PM, said:

Doesn't everyone ?

Nick...I think you replied to the wrong post...I think you meant to post that in the "Clip On Kite Stake" post?!?! (It's WAY after 5:00!! heehee!!)

Keep It Up!
Duane

And what kind of logical sense, would that have made? I understand about your hearing problem, but your comprehension is ok, right ?

Besides, you DIDN'T ask a question in your post about the "Clip". You were simply showing off one of your brilliant ideas (seriously, good idea)

Now on the other hand, Wayne asked a question in this post, and I responded with a question

plus, I SHALL RETURN...........When I have time to respond completely !!!

Possibly, it was way way after 5:00, when you posted your comment, way too late

So hey, if you're going to play pay attention !

[Guru4tru]

Yeah...well...OK....I'll pay more attention to my level of insanity and try to keep it within a level of human understanding!! heehee!!

So, "Why do you fly kites?"
(or did someone already ask that?!?!) :confused!:

Keep It Up!
Duane