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I recently finished my first kite build, and I wanted to throw a public "Thank You!!" out to my kite making mentor: Elliot Shook, who allowed me to follow in his design footsteps, gave me guidance, techniques and encouragement. Without Elliot's generous mentorship this kite would likely still be flying only in my imagination. Holding my kite up to Elliot's work I still have a bit of fine tuning to do, but hey I still need an xtra vent, so I will get better. Elliot's eye for detail and build quality is definitely masterpiece material. I finished it just in time to take it to JB's OBX quad clinic and got to show it off to Elliot and all my best flying buddies. When the wind let up a bit (should have made an xtra vent for that weekend!!) I got to put it up with the sun behind it and it sparkled in the sun beautifully, and seemed to fly just fine. Nothing like seeing your own work flying and keeping up with the others in the sky. it flew just like a Shook should fly: smooth and un-phased by the bumps, in higher winds than I should have put it up in, and pretty as a can be. Also, Thank you to all of the folks who have pulled out kites to let me examine and photograph them, lent me your sails, and answered my questions about sewing and techniques - many of you were generous with your time and knowledge. The generosity of this community never fails to warm my heart and add lift to my efforts. To anyone thinking about taking the sewing plunge....I encourage it. I learned a ton, and kite making materials are not forgiving, so give yourself plenty of practice scraps and time. Oh the joy of flying a kite I built can not be described adequately. Thanks Again Elliot!

We're pleased to yet again announce the next prize being given away to our most appreciated supporters, the Kitelife Subscribers... For roughly 10 cents per day they play a major role in keeping KL growing in every way. Djinn XT from Kite Forge, $405 value, in GREEN FADE! == Full info - https://kiteforge.com/djinn More videos - https://kiteforge.com/videos/ This package includes a Green Fade XT (EXTRA VENT) sail, Mystic 18 frame and a kite sleeve! NOTE: This is exactly the same Djinn XT configuration that I fly myself - no special mods needed, it's already a boss right out of the bag... We should be able to ship from existing inventory when a winner is drawn, worst case will be 2-4 weeks for restock (depending on color choice). You can sign up here. Odds of winning for this prize is currently 1/413, and will be drawn on Feb 10th, 2021! Our thanks, and the very best to you... Let the drooling begin!

Hi all, I’m not actively broadcasting this across the community but the core group of folks here make KiteLife what it is and have been so kind to our projects over the years so I wanted to share some personal news, hopefully providing a little insight into my absence from many active discussions here. After a little over nine years, my wife and I are separating - still a lot of love, but we’ve struggled for a long time now and our two characters together just aren’t working for either of us... With this in mind, I’ve been spread fairly thin emotionally while we’ve been working our way through what’s next. I won’t air laundry here except to say there are no villains involved, we just need to evolve our situation and I can’t quite swing the long term expense of two separate residences (theirs and mine) so I am currently working to find an small affordable RV for myself like the Itasca Spirit, which actually fits into my long term goals of being able to do kite tours on and off through the year, as well as being able to stay in Portland and maintain sufficient time with my son - I’m close to having what I need to make all this happen, but I may be putting some old kite treasures up for raffle or sale over the next few weeks to cover the difference so keep an eye out for that! ✌️ Life ebbs, flows and continues, my son is still well cared for by us both, so we move forward with our heads held as high as possible while we find our way. Please, consider all this with the kindness it deserves and try not to contribute to gossip - all that needs to be known by anyone outside my family is said here. ❤️ Thank you all for your patience and understanding of my varying output / input while life is under construction, but everything else should be business as usual and as always, this is your home too. 🙏🏻

In short, this kite is as responsive as advertised.. The biggest leap forward is the Sync Bridles.. Not conventional, nor is it a turbo or french bridle. It literally makes the whole wing a lot more of a cohesive unit while maintaining the independence of the inputs. For those that fly with a lot of brake (and I do mean a lot) you might have to back off that mindset a knot or two for first flight. The design of the bridles seems to have the the extra brake so many of us desire already incorporated to a point. That being said, control feels familiar but at the same time, almost enhanced in the responsiveness. Bottom line, a true quality product that's a significant step forward, right out of the bag. Everything you would have considered adding before is now already there. Looking forward to more time on the handles with this sail..

Here's a video I created this past Sunday flying "The Long Way Home" glider

I don’t sit in an office pushing kites, nor am I landlocked in a low kite activity region of the world... Between on field time, web presence, training programs and everything else, it probably wouldn’t be a real good idea for any company to copy my stuff outrightand expect to go up against it - just saying. The blur happens with the B and Eyes because Rev did originally sell them under their label, not in the case of the Djinn. Also, you’ll notice I haven’t posted a full pic of the current build - that’s so I can stay ahead of any nefarious activity by putting kites on the ground. And even if someone does copy, they still gotta deliver and keep up with my sincere, natural promotion. No slime, no bull, what I sell will always be real and field-proven. ❤️

We're pleased to yet again announce the next prize being given away to our most appreciated supporters, the Kitelife Subscribers... For roughly 10 cents per day they play a major role in keeping KL growing in every way. The winner of this drawing will receive BOTH of the two kites below: One brand new First Foil dual line power kite ($99 value)... AND a Lil' Dreamer stunt kite from ($96) Skydog Kites, roughly a $195 total value for this two kite combo! Info on the Skydog website: http://www.skydogkites.com/traction/sdf_firstfoil.shtml http://www.skydogkites.com/stuntkites/lildreamer.shtml If you haven't done so already, You can sign up here. Odds of winning for this prize is currently 1/359, and will be drawn on Apr 20th, 2018! Our thanks, and the very best to you... Let the drooling begin.

This is the kind of kiting I love... Even though Polo and I are technically "competitors" as prolific kite personalities and designers, we can ALL benefit more with folks like us working together, comparing notes and sharing group discussion with the community, that's the road to growth and innovation.

Hi everybody, I'm pleased to offer this Revopolo to the lucky winner who will be drawn As John has explained perfectly, it will be the model of your choice (UL, HVTD, VTD) and you can customize the colors with the colorizer. About the colorizer, if you want you can use it right now to create your model, just save a picture and show it here I can't wait to see your creations ! Good luck and rendez-vous the Feb 15th, 2018... I wish you happy and sweet holidays of end of years.

We're pleased to yet again announce the next prize being given away to our most appreciated supporters, the Kitelife Subscribers... For roughly 10 cents per day they play a major role in keeping KL growing in every way. Djinn VT from Kite Forge, $395 value, in PURPLE FADE! == Full info - https://kiteforge.com/djinn More videos - https://kiteforge.com/videos/ This package includes a Purple Fade VT (FULL VENT) sail, Mystic 18 frame and a kite sleeve! NOTE: This is exactly the same Djinn VT configuration that I fly myself - no special mods needed, it's already a boss right out of the bag... We should be able to ship from existing inventory when a winner is drawn, worst case will be 2-4 weeks for restock (depending on color choice). You can sign up here. Odds of winning for this prize is currently 1/409, and will be drawn on Jan 25th, 2020! Our thanks, and the very best to you... Let the drooling begin!

We're pleased to yet again announce the next prize being given away to our most appreciated supporters, the Kitelife Subscribers... For roughly 10 cents per day they play a major role in keeping KL growing in every way. Djinn ST from Kite Forge, $375 value, in your choice of CUSTOM colors (normally a $50 charge)! Design yours - http://kiteforge.com/colorizer == Full info - https://kiteforge.com/djinn More videos - https://kiteforge.com/videos/ This package includes a CUSTOM ST (standard) sail, Mystic 12 frame and a kite sleeve! NOTE: You will be able to choose your own CUSTOM colors (subject to design approval), but it will be exactly the same Djinn ST configuration that I fly myself - no special mods needed, it's already a boss right out of the bag... We should be able to ship from existing inventory when a winner is drawn, worst case will be 2-6 weeks from the date of drawing (depending on production schedule). You can sign up here. Odds of winning for this prize is currently 1/402, and will be drawn on Nov 15th, 2019! Our thanks, and the very best to you... Let the drooling begin!

Looking to release with a minimum of standard, mid and vented - two more tiers of venting planned as well. That being said - I flew my standard prototype today in up to 13mph with a P100 frame if you can believe that, while the Djinn’s power is still intact, the “runaway” pull and speed is muted by the bridle... Everyone else was on mids and full vents, I expect this characteristic to carry up through the vented models too so it’s quite possible that a Djinn full vent may be as manageable as an xtra vent flown in it’s wind range.

Pretty much raw footage.. Video doesn't do it justice.. The colors were vivid in person and the spinning kites had almost a strobe doppler effect.. Camera just doesn't show the colors.

I realize I'm not the craftsman that some people are and I endeavor to learn every time I try something new.. While I've have purchased kites made by master craftsmen, the one thing I can't say about those sails is "I designed and made this all by myself." While I endeavor to learn from others every chance I get, I also seem to be a person people ask questions about how to do certain things as well. You see when they see a brand on a kite they kind of know where it came from.. I've had TONS of conversations based on "did you make that yourself??" My kites are more than kites. They are ambassadors into kiting, kite making and conversation starters in general. While I try very hard to be a good mentor on kiting and kite making.. I also defer to those that know more and try to learn everything I can from them as well. I'm not afraid to say I don't know. I endeavor always to be a good steward of the attention someone afford to me whether it be on the forums, the kite field or the sewing machine. I've sat for long periods of time learning from Eliot, I look with the discerning eye at every kite I buy and every kite I make.. Even Eliot will tell you, you can't beat the QC on the Freileins.. I have 6 and can't find a single stitch anywhere out of place. One thing Eliot has never said to me is, "You should let someone else do the sewing and just have better kites." He has sat down with me and showed me finer point of how to do what I enjoy doing better. Can I buy a better kite than I can make?? Sure.. I get a huge amount of personal joy saying, "I designed and made this all by myself." or "I made this out of Kite Tails" The Sewing machine is one way I unwind after all day staring at computer screens. I really appreciate your inputs on things like talking with Dave or buying pre-made LE's from Eliot but I prefer to succeed or fail on my own merits while learning from those better than me how to not make those little mistakes. Can I make a Kite better than Bazzer?? I doubt it.. Better than Freilein,, very doubtful.. Can I make a better kite than Rev?? Maybe not but I have color choices, Frame choices and accessories I like better without having to learn the secret handshake.. My kites don't compete. I still fly solely for fun. They have to look good from 30ft (or more) away.. I don't notice the stitching errors from there. The bottom line is I prefer to make my own, bad stitches, little mistakes and all. The one vital question I want to ask myself and answer yes every time is. Did I make this kite better than my last one?? I doubt I'll ever consider myself a master builder or flyer. I don't want to stop learning long enough to make that decision. Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate the input.. I really like doing it this way.. I started here Duct Tape and all before I ever owned or flew a Rev.. 15 Home made kites later I'm here loving every minute spent flying, designing and sewing my own imperfect stuff.

We're pleased to yet again announce the next prize being given away to our most appreciated supporters, the Kitelife Subscribers... For roughly 10 cents per day they play a major role in keeping KL growing in every way. Nope, its not a mistake - we're doing it AGAIN, another of the same prize as last time! Djinn XT from Kite Forge, $405 value, in GREEN FADE! == Full info - https://kiteforge.com/djinn More videos - https://kiteforge.com/videos/ This package includes a Green Fade XT (EXTRA VENT) sail, Mystic 18 frame and a kite sleeve! NOTE: This is exactly the same Djinn XT configuration that I fly myself - no special mods needed, it's already a boss right out of the bag... We should be able to ship from existing inventory when a winner is drawn, worst case will be 2-4 weeks for restock (depending on color choice). You can sign up here. Odds of winning for this prize is currently 1/423, and will be drawn on Mar 31st, 2021! Our thanks, and the very best to you... Let the drooling begin!

Hi all, just popping in for an update... All the RV repairs and upgrades are holding strong - also put in new carpet, replaced the battery and a failing master brake cylinder, having a 2-way alarm put in today... Pretty much the last thing to fix is the shower, a couple of small cracks and some recaulking. In the meantime, I’m sort of scattered to the four winds with my various divided worlds: 1 - the family’s apartment (Luca’s home and some office tasks) 2 - the RV life (night parking, fill, dump, etc) 3 - my storage unit (other office tasks, RV storage) 4 - my father’s home (visits and parttime night parking) 5 - and of course, lots of upcoming travel by plane (storing RV, etc) Basically, draw a big skewed rectangle over all of Portland and that’s my map from day to day at home... No real efficient way to slice it all up, but I’m doing what I can. I’m not complaining, I’ll find a rhythm with all this but I wanted to inform everyone as to my status, and hopefully preserve the ongoing patience and support shown by all of you during this significant transition. Fly happy, fly well! ✌️

We're pleased to yet again announce the next prize being given away to our most appreciated supporters, the Kitelife Subscribers... For roughly 10 cents per day they play a major role in keeping KL growing in every way. Djinn ST from Kite Forge, $375 value, in your choice of standard colors (cool, hot, green or purple fade)! == Full info - https://kiteforge.com/djinn More videos - https://kiteforge.com/videos/ This package includes a ST (standard) sail, Mystic 12 frame and a kite sleeve! NOTE: You will be able to choose any one of the standard color combos, but it will be exactly the same Djinn ST configuration that I fly myself - no special mods needed, it's already a boss right out of the bag... We should be able to ship from existing inventory when a winner is drawn, worst case will be 2-4 weeks for restock (depending on color choice). You can sign up here. Odds of winning for this prize is currently 1/377, and will be drawn on Feb 21st, 2019! Our thanks, and the very best to you... Let the drooling begin!

We're pleased to yet again announce the next prize being given away to our most appreciated supporters, the Kitelife Subscribers... For roughly 10 cents per day they play a major role in keeping KL growing in every way. B-Series VTD, roughly a $350 value and no longer manufactured by Revolution as of 2017! This package includes a VENTED sail, 3 and 4 wrap frames, adjustable handles, DVD and kite sleeve! NOTE: Primary color of the kite in this drawing is RED and BLACK on a VENTED SAIL... This is regular (factory) model, it is not a Pro by Bazzer, but will still provide excellent flying for whoever wins this. You can sign up here. Odds of winning for this prize is currently 1/375, and will be drawn on Sep 25th, 2018! Our thanks, and the very best to you... Let the drooling begin!

It’s the #Djinnebago, of course. Going for license plate KYT 4GE.

Picking up this little treasure tomorrow morning. 1990 Winnebago Itasca Micro Spirit... Roughly 97K Just 2 owners before me All major service receipts since 1990 Rebuilt engine, tranny and starter Clean CARFAX She’s nearly 30 years old, I’m already anticipating some work ahead although she has all the telltale signs and records of having been cared for quite well... Looking forward to a crash course over the next week, regardless. 👍🏻 First priorities are to replace the propane tank and get a generator / solar combo to tend the RV battery, also have to have a kite cabinet / case built for where the “activity cabinet” sits in that diagram (currently empty floor space). Already tapped into (and visited / confirmed) an excellent Boondocking site on an old couple’s homestead about 30 minutes south of Portland, as well as securing RV storage to swap my car and RV in and out of as needed depending on what I’m doing (traveling or not). ✌️

Hopefully this compensates somewhat for the delay with our last drawing. And for the record, it *might* be possible too negotiate the model (ST/MV/VT) if you already have a Djinn ST in your bag. No promises, but you guys know I'm always keen to try and find a happy balance.

IMHO just because the eyes are not copyrighted doesn't make printing a sail with them OK to do. Rev proudly called the eyes a masterpiece and I feel that if you are going to call something artwork copying it with some small changes doesn't honor the artist and seems slimy to me. Yes, the eyes are cool, but they are a Bazzer creation and known that way. I would have had no problem if rev had come out with a whole line of printed sails with new eyes artwork. I am thankful for the revs o have and the fun that they have provided me. However, I don't like some of what I have been hearing of how they have treated some of thier partners- and that will be considered as I make future kiting purchases. Sent from my [device_name] using http://KiteLife mobile app

202 panels on this one half so far..More soon...Yes, I know there are wrinkles in the Poly.. This is about learning more about offset and area loss due to seams.. Panels shrunk almost a full 6" in width and just about 3" in height.. due to the 1/4" overlap on the diamond pattern.. It's not perfect but I like where it's going.. .

I have found that DC and double-DC kites fly WAY better than traditional flat Deltas. I have a number of both, and that's been my experience. I've talked with others who claim to never have problems with regular deltas, but I find that they have a smaller wind range, and are not very tolerant of anything but smooth wind. Ghost or Pyro deltas are a different story, they are very stable in a wide variety of winds, but the traditional triangle delta is not a set it & forget it kind of kite, they will end up on the ground if not constantly tended to. One exception to this in my collection is an 11' mesh delta, that isn't too bad, but still ends up on the ground unexpectedly. The DC and double DCs can be staked out and fly for hours, and will be in the sky where you left them unless the wind drops. By far, this is my favorite, it flies in 5-25 mph winds, bumpy, choppy, or smooth... all day long.

Short video showing the shimmer when backlit by the sun

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Found a nice little place in a nice little town to practice and learn indoor dual line. After an hour of trail and error, I started to get the hang of it. Can't wait to go back again! Here's a video of my progress today. I just felt like sharing.

Here's a size comparison of the Fulcrum against my Phoenix Ash by Bazzer

We're pleased to yet again announce the next prize being given away to our most appreciated supporters, the Kitelife Subscribers... For roughly 10 cents per day they play a major role in keeping KL growing in every way. This time around we're offering an extremely unique item, and one you're not likely to see in the drawings again: KŪBE dual / quad line dogstake from Kite Forge, a $325 value! == Full info - https://kiteforge.com/product/kube This package includes the KŪBE unit, screw mount, flight tag, guy lines, velvet bag and sticker, ready to fly! NOTE: This is exactly the same dogstake that I fly myself - We should be able to ship from existing inventory when a winner is drawn, worst case should be 3-4 weeks for restock. You can sign up here. Odds of winning for this prize is currently 1/398, and will be drawn on December 1st, 2023! Our thanks, and the very best to you... Let the drooling begin!

Yeah, haven't been on for quite awhile now. Life changes. Have returned to the working world to keep up with expenses. Part time security officer - 4 days/week. Lots of walking. Anyway - just wanted everyone to know I'm still around and mostly using FB as my info source. Fly high my friends, fly high.......

While I will be working on full length tutorials as weather and time allow, here is a basic intro to the Sync Bridle for those of you not on Facebook. Summary for using the limiter adjustment on the Djinn: My favorite knot (x) for an ideal wind range, second from the inside... ————O—-xO——O——O (end) Shortening the distance between top and bottom decks of the bridle favors center sail compression, sharper response. Lengthening that distance makes a more traditional “pull the leading edge” type of flight easier and reduces sensitivity (good for upper wind ranges when the kite is getting squirrelly). There is also a slight increase in max forward speed when the limiter is lengthened. More formal content is planned for the future, as well as more “on the spot” bits like this - thanks all, can’t wait to see the kite express themselves very differently in each of your hands. ☺️ Also FYI, all Djinns come standard on the middle setting like this: ————O——O—-xO——O (end) Feel free to post any follow up questions here. 👍🏻

Update. Surgery went really well. Home recouping, limited in weight allowed on repaired leg. Stiff and sore, but still a bit mobile. 3 weeks check up to see if I can put more weight on it. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!

We're pleased to yet again announce the next prize being given away to our most appreciated supporters, the Kitelife Subscribers... For roughly 10 cents per day they play a major role in keeping KL growing in every way. B-Series MID, roughly a $350 value and no longer manufactured by Revolution as of 2017... This is one of just three factory B-Series packages left in my personal collection. This package includes a MID VENT sail, 2 and 3 wrap frames, adjustable handles, DVD and kite sleeve! NOTE: Primary color of the kite in this drawing is LIME, WHITE and BLACK on a MID-VENT SAIL... Same colors as shown in the video above. This is regular (factory) model, it is not a Pro by Bazzer, but will still provide excellent flying for whoever wins this. You can sign up here. Odds of winning for this prize is currently 1/392, and will be drawn on Sep 1st, 2019! Our thanks, and the very best to you... Let the drooling begin!

Alright, per the 3rd party drawing service (totally unbiased)... This drawing was held by John Barresi in a fair and unbiased manner, using RANDOM.ORG's Third-Party Draw Service. For details, please see the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw=91309" href="https://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw=91309">drawing's record</a>. HUGE congrats to ticket #119, @TheJuggler (Neil) - these kites are going to Michigan! To all... What can I even say... I hope I manage to show enough of myself that you know. Thank you, lets keep making beautiful kitefliers together. 🙏

A new 1.5 mesh based on the Challenge PolyMax and a touch of Icarex Light Blue scrap. Hoping to make this a higher wind kite. Made my own 1" strips from the poly this time instead of using tails. I may open the mesh pattern a bit but you get the idea. Playing with some of all I've learned. You can see a touch of Mesh, A touch of Poly, and a hint of Perspective. Except for the snowflake entire sail will be the Midnight Challenge PolyMax. I'll also be edge binding in the same material. LE will be my normal White.

The first batch of Djinns is being finished as we speak, just down to leading edges and parts assembly now - our factory is working hard to deliver the first box to us sometime in the next couple of weeks, thanks for your ongoing support and patience! 🤙

Shelter Cove, Ca has grassy, park by, plateaus running along 20 feet above the beach. Good wind and great views. So, yesterday I noticed National Weather Service says 10-15 mph, gusts to 20. OK. I have been looking for wind since the summer doldrums. I went with 90' lines and started with JB 1.5 mid vent. Since this was my first flight, I figured the mid vent would be the one to try. Not so. Too quick for me. Did ok but thank God my son in law was there to turn the kite when I crashed after about 30-60 seconds. I would go to the top of the window and hover thinking about what I would do next. Resting....hiding. Don't want to spin and crash. That's when I says " Let's get out the Full Vent." Easy switch to lines. Wind is wild. The mid vent Was pulling me forward and the kite looked liked like an emaciated old man's rib cage in the air. I must say that I am so happy I got the full vent in a deal. It turns out that it flew great. It flew slow enough that I could think about what I wanted to do and how I would do that. I was hovering anywhere I put it, take off and landings like a piper cub doing touch and goes. Inverted take offs were easy. The full vent turns out to be my great beginner discovery for this high wind learning situation. This first flight, doing some of the things I learned watching John Barresi videos, was a definite high. Thanks to the Kite Life community for all the help getting to that first flight with some encouragement and knowledge. Willie B

It all started looking for parts for my 2 line stunt kite (never let someone tell u they can fly a kite ,pile drove it into ground ).So as I search the internet I come across static 4 line foil kites start watching videos then I see the FAIL videos and decide at 57 my body doesn't heal quickly enough lol Then I come across this thing called a revolution, start watching videos (this guy JB makes it look so easy and fun ) One of the dealers i'm looking at for parts sells them and its on this side of the border ,more reading and I read about the B series (and this guy JB again designed it )so I watch some tutorial videos he makes it look fun and challenging. Read on Kitelife about the differences between reflex and B series ,the dealer has a B series full sail in stock still and if I order it with parts shipping is free for parts so 535 cdn dollars later its on its way . I live on a 160 acre farm plenty of room to fly ,its been windy here so much so that we actually complain about the wind regularly.8 days later kite arrives (Canada post but free so ).First I watch all the dvds , One thing I hoped the dvd would tell me is how to hold the second leading edge in place when using 2 together (john didn't mention it in any of the free online videos I had watched) and it did !! So for the next 3 days wouldn't you know it no wind, on the 4th day 5mph I take it up to the field ,not good NO FLY ,hay was too high, wind was so weak kite would fall forward 5th day no wind ,6th day 6mph gusting 10 .start on leading edge its just doing cartwheels leading edge to leading edge (I've moved to soccer field 2 miles away ).I'm getting depressed 7th day today after watching videos again reader some more I head out to soccer field 7mph with a few drops and some gusting but I have to try, check line lengths, check bridle set up Got it to flip upright from leading edge and stay there YEH Launch, spin ,wack on leading edge again and again and again .That JB guy gets in my head --pull those thumbs back Hold them there for forward flight-- YEH its in the air, up to the top of window YEH I bet I had a big smile on my face Then I tried to fly it around a little here it comes towards ground ,I believe it was riff that said slack the lines for softer crashes I did learn something from all that reading I'm so happy I got it in the air and I also learned u can't fly a rev like a 2 line kite its going to take a few more hours to get that in my head >use the brakes >and I also understand why that JB guys hands keep twitching in the videos . by the time I finished flying today I was able to hold kite in one place and do it on edge as well> plus land it Upright YEH

We all use our kites to recharge. Decided to make one I'll name recharge..Center panel undecided.

Touch of Blue got its leading edge today.

Wow , your THE John Barresi!! I have seen a whole bunch of your videos online. Thank you for all your expertise that you share! I am just starting out , kites are on the way, but your videos and this site have been an inspiration!!! The folks on this site have been welcoming , and I even found a local member that has offered to mentor me!! Another kite guy from an audio site decided to gift me a stunt kite if I pay shipping. Are you kidding me? These are the kinds of people I want to fly with. I’m very humbled by everyone’s generosity in this community. I can’t wait to get my new kites in the sky. Thanks for all you do for the sport!! Todd

A little flic flac practice and general kite play from Whalehead.. Pilots @riffclown & @Mike Klaiber

The Quantum and foil will serve the 4 of you well. My 2 cents is go up from the Quantum not down. One person on either end of the kite while learning to stop nose diving will keep every one engaged and laughing. The person relaunching the kite will get a valuable perspective watching from the opposite end. Into the Wind has the Hydra and Kymera marked down to $125.00 plus shipping. Ebay has the Flying Wings Soul for $150.00. Same guy has really good deals on the Acrobatix and Silver Fox. My Hydra is better built then my Widow ng and Zephyr. Today I had it in Zephyr winds with all 4 weights on 100' 150# line set.. 1 to 2 mph winds starting to be able to control it well. 3 plus and it's response is right there. Iv'e not flown it over 15. It does fly lower than stated and I think it will fly higher than the stated 18 too.Once I get my timing better it will be my go to kite. An honorable forum member said he watched the Hydras designer flying the Focus version in 1 to 2 mph tricking the daylights out of it. I believe ! The better the kite the more you will learn. Doesn't matter that much what comes next. Just make it better.Be patient and find good deals so you can buy 2 different ones instead of just 1. If you do that the Quantum will quickly be the kite you hand to newbies while it's waiting to teach your grandchildren to fly. Yeah it can last that long. It's tough.The sticker shock turns a lot of folks off unless you do the math. Randy G who is a champion flyer had a top of the line kite for sale last week for $300.00. A lot of money for a freaking kite but you could fly that kite for a 1000 hours. That's a lot of fun for 30 cents an hour. That's assuming with more skills the repair bills are going to be lower then mine currently are. The only kite Iv'e paid retail for is my Skyburner Pro Dancer and I was happy to do so. But that's boutique. My 7 year old Great Grand daughter is learning on a 1.4 foil with a bar, Premier Vision and Addiction. She is coming to visit next week. She will be restricted from the PDSUL and Hydra. The rest if she breaks em I'll fix em. A few hours on my Prism Snapshot foil in 20 mph winds and I'd let your family fly my Jewel, Addiction or Nighthawk. They are very tricky kites. P.S This is from a guy who for the 1st 2 weeks of flying thought nose dive left, nose dive center, nose dive right were tricks and was very happy doing them.

Remember that if you want to fly together at the same time, you should have identical equipment. Different kites move at different speeds in the same wind and will encompass a different sized wind window. That applies to single and dual line kites. Once you get to quads you can control the speed more precisely, so you can mix and match to your hearts' content. So if you want to try doing some maneuvers together, keep the kites as close to the same as possible, including bridle settings, flying lines, etc. Group flying is really fun once you get over the initial fear of tangles and messy crashes, and will give more SPM (smiles per minute).

Here's a picture of mine getting ready to lift off in the front yard. My first ever attempt at one hand flying a dualie. Short lines are going to make taking a picture a bit problematic. Notice our cat "Polecat" laying in the drive observing. First picture in the air. Shot with my Nikon D3200. Not a great shot, but a great moment. SHBKF

We shipped 21 kites in the last two days, another similar batch going out tomorrow... 75 in all, 11 countries, so humbling and cool! I’m thinking about doing a Kaiju video contest maybe 3-4 weeks after we send out the 75th kite, possibly a 90 second ballet incorporating 4 of the maneuvers in the tutorials, indoors or out, voted on by Team KiteLife members. What do you guys think?

This kite had a name before I ever made a stitch.. Introducing "Yonder" Still a lot of decisions to make but the side panels are set and stitched.. More to come. Stay tuned..

Midnight Royal Taboo with a bit of Air time today.. A few flyby clips..

“So easy an 18 month old can do it!” https://www.facebook.com/kiteforge/posts/337691010040765 My boy, training up. ❤️

I was inspired by the information shared in recent posts regarding the existence of something called a "Nail Board" to help tie accurate "Knot Systems" such as bridles, leader lines for handles and potentially other applications. I decided that what I am about to share is too lengthy for a forum post so I have posted this as a blog instead. I hope you find it useful. SF Nail Board Instructions for Knot Tying A Nail Board consists of a “flat board” with physical markers defining the spacing between knots tied in a line for a specific purpose. “Bridles” and “Leader Lines for Handles” are good examples but there may be other line applications that a Nail Board can be used for. Summary: A Nail Board serves two purposes that provide an advantage to using a tape measure or rule for tying lines with knots that require precise and symmetric spacing: 1. The location of each knot can be consistently and accurately marked. 2. The line material can be pulled under light tension when making the marks using the physical markers. This allows the spacing of the knots to remain proportional when stretched during wind-loaded flying conditions. What a Nail Board does not do for you: You can’t tie single or multiple loops from the dimensions on the board; the dimensions on the board are “final” dimensions of the “knot system” you are tying. Prior to tying looped knots you must determine the length of line that is required to tie the loops, or other knots, to fit the final dimensions of the physical markers on the Nail Board. Details: Knot Tying vs Knot Marking. The process of tying the knots is separate from the marking of their location. Each type of line material has a specific diameter and each knot and type of knot takes a specific length of line to tie. This must be determined beforehand. The actual line required to tie a knot system is defined as: Line spacing defined between the knots + “length to tie” for all knots in the system. Calculating the length of your line to tie a loop knot (“Length to Tie”): Mark a 12” length of the line with which you will be tying a knot. Call this “D1” Note: in the picture I used blue tape as a mark only for the purpose of illustration. I use a white “cloth marking pencil” to make my marks which does not show up well in a photograph. Tape is not a good material to use for marks since it can slip on the line while tying. Tie the specific knot that you will be tying. I have used an overhand knot for this example to form a loop. The marks that you previously made should be behind the knot by ~1”. The marks should match each other below the knot. Make sure that the knot is “Well Formed”. All lays are parallel with each other as the knot is formed; no crossing between the lays. Pull the knot taught with force after tying; I use my forceps in the top of the loop and pull very hard on the opposite end. Now measure the distance from your marks to the top of the loop. Call it “D2” Length to Tie = D1 – 2 x D2 . this will be the “Length to Tie” for this line and this loop knot. The length to tie a loop per knot for my material is 1 1/8” believe it or knot (100# bridle line) Here is an example: In this example there are two loops. The total length of the knot system is 3” (2 ¼” + ¾”). The length of line required without knot consideration is 6”. There are two knots in this loop system, one at the bottom and one towards the top, which will take 1 1/8” each for my line material. The total length of line to tie both knots in this system is 6” + 1 1/8” + 1 1/8” = 8 1/4”. For a single knot (not a loop) in a line the “Length to Tie” is simply: Length to Tie = D1 –D2 after you have performed the same experiment with a single knot in one line. How to use the “Length to Tie” The “Length to Tie” must be added to the line dimensions when you are tying your knots. After they are tied, they should fit back on the Nail Board and be under slight tension. Conclusion: Following these procedures and using a Nail Board should result in very accurate knot placement for your projects. When tying more than one identical knot systems, they will end up being perfectly symmetric. Materials and tools required to make "my" board are: #18 x 3/4” wire brads. 36” x 5 ½ x 3/4” Pine Board (premium grade, flat, actual measured dimensions shown) Drill press with depth stop capability (not required but adds precision and protects the drill bit). 3/64” drill bit (available for Dremel tools or other sources) Long Straight edge rule 4 ft (for drawing straight lines on the wood) Tape measure for measurements of marker placements.