John Barresi

Yep, alarm is set for RNG... We'll see how late he works tomorrow, and if he can wake up early on the 15th. Worst case, we'll do it right after the midnight flip.

The Rev forum has been getting pounded by spammer registrations, we're trying to get a forum upgrade approved... All apologies, please stay tuned - will try to resolve asap.

Hiya DemBones. Aye, controls are similar but much more sensitive... If you've got any reasonable time backing a power kite down center window, should be no problem. Nah, seriously - you'll have a blast, just be sure to do a quick review on tuning, loading the sail shares similarities as well, albeit on a frame. Found the Rev forum yet?

This should do the trick... ? http://kitemailcom.mail.everyone.net/ You can also find a KiteMail link on the home page, under "Info"... Let me know if there are any problems.

Nah - I end up in lots of awkward positions, but I really, really hate walking so I learned a bunch ways to relaunch. The one that still gets me, like anyone else, is the face down "death" position... Not a fan of dead launching, so it's a walk.

Oh, I have my share of unplanned landings... Not so many piledrivers though.

Yep, I use a cordless Dremel here - I also run a vacuum hose to my cut point as well, to suck up the carbon dust (yuck). Hack saw blades do in a pinch, especially when used with care, but I've had a few untimely bad cuts.

Cool Justin, will be easy planning in April (not like in August)... Stay tuned, still figuring out how many instructors I'll have, etc.

Hahaha, just got this - stinker.

I got away from carrying stakes for awhile, but I've started carrying one of Walt's stakes clipped onto my back belt loop about a year ago and have been really happy to have it on hand for those oh so rare breaks from flying.

Hrm, who knows, that'd be fun. Working on a beginner kite first, but yes, would love to come back and do a suite of new comp kites too. Hear hear, awesome group. http://www.pcka.info/

Yes indeed, welcome! Remember, it's one half of the whole sphere.

Okay, we've got tentative dates... April 5-7, 2013.

Just to get the drooling up to speed...

Oh, and be sure to TRY people's kites whenever you get the chance... There's nothing like hands-on testing, and folks are generally happy to let you check out their gear.

I'll leave reviews of various kites to the other active fliers here, but I wanted to address one aspect... A single kite generally isn't enough to stay successful in competition, particularly the somewhat heavier "beginner" or "intermediate" kites like the Quantum or Hypnotist... As wind conditions vary greatly from competition to competition and day to day, you may want to give consideration to the need for ultralight, standard and vented kite models so you're aptly equipped for whatever the competition day brings. There's nothing like having only one heavy kite on a light wind day, or only a vented on a light wind day... That's the sole reason I'm not competing in dual line this year or next, because my Kymera is only available as a standard and I need a set of 3 variants to effectively compete. But also know, many other competitors are generally happy to loan whatever you're missing, even if they're in the same competition as you... Time and time again over the years, I've beaten other people's kites and also been beaten with my own, happily. Don't let a lack of equipment be a discouraging factor, but it'll be useful to give consideration to what you might need tool-wise. When I was competing regularly as a solo dual line flier, my kit generally included: Ultralight Standard Mid Vent (on and off) Vented 120' x 50# lines (UL conditions) 120' x 90# lines (medium wind) 120' x 150# lines (more wind) 120' x 200# lines (high wind) 90' x 90# lines 90 x 150# lines Longer lines for precision, shorter lines (sometimes) for ballet, changing weight and/or length offers different flight characteristics. Food for thought, the list above is useful, but certainly not required to be a competitor.

Hi Paul, long time no see. I don't have current contact info for Mike but I do run into him once every 2-4 years, will give him a nudge next time. You still flying?

I'm lucky to have such wonderful people around me, thanks for your patience and support.

Oh geez... Right you are Reef. Staying up past the midnight hour, lost my compass on what day it was, sorry all! Unless we see a new subscriber in the next 19 hours, I'm going to let the drawing stand, still being random. In the event someone signs up and shakes the odds, I'll re-draw this prize and make amends with Tim directly.

Okie dokie - here we go! #903... Sorry, expired! #176... Expired! #894... Whoa, yeah buddy, we got a winner. Phew, thought we were going to have another run of expired #'s to work our way through. Yes indeed - congratulations to go out to subscriber #894, Tim Gardner! Thanks all, still three more great prizes in the chute.

*drum roll*

No dates for a team boot camp yet, sorry.

Oh ho ho, now you made me find another classic - not quite dancing though...

Same run, different angle...