John Barresi

I'm pleased to say that Daniel Prentice is still around and doing quite well... I was sponsored by Shanti in the early and late 90s, but hadn't seen them in the "limelight" during most of the 2000s. However, I wasn't exactly in the retail market and had no idea that he's been continually providing Shanti products to stores around the country throughout, without hiatus... Speedline and his other products have been on shelves without fail, from what I understand. In 2005, he appeared at the KTAI show in Primm, first time I'd seen him personally since the old days... It was great to see him back! Since then, he's been at KTAI at least a couple more times, and he even had a Shanti booth at the trade show in Vegas this year! He's got a new kind of kite line called Skybond (old name - new product) which has gained interest from a number of folks who have tried it. I've had a number of great phone calls with him over the past year, he's passionate as ever about his products and I'm looking forward to seeing what he brings onto the scene in years to come.

Bravo Pete, well said.

I think a key understanding here comes from having actually seen behind the curtain of the AKA... As a member or kiteflier only, it's easy to see the AKA banner and face as an single entity or manifestation. I served as a regional director (board member) for 3 years, I was on the sport kite committee for 5 years (served as chair for 2+) and have also been on a number of sub-committees, so I've not only seen but been a functional part of the actual behind the scenes process... Whether you agree with all my daily tact or not, you have a good idea of my principles and how they relate to honesty of an organization like the AKA. I'm here to tell you, there is no conspiracy... Only the outcomes of an elected group of people who were willing to do what so few others are. Government can be pretty muddled at times, but nobody on the AKA board gets paid for their time, no real profits to be had. Again, disassembling an inherently good-intentioned organization does little to help it, but a heavy hand of independent and active action around it helps change the paradigm within which they operate... The AKA is the end result of what we as kitefliers do in public, on the web, at events and competitions, within our clubs and anywhere else we have a presence.

Noted, I'll put it on the "to do" list.

Noble thought Tom, but there is no distillation to be had... It's all interconnected. To knowledgeably speak on the topic, a full overview/understanding is necessary.

Don't mistake their idle hands and voice for lack of interest. The trick is, there isn't an "AKA" as you often reference it... We've had this discussion before... It's called the American Kitefliers Association, it's an association of, well, you, me, Tom, Dick and Harry. Every AKA board member is a kiteflier, most of them were VOTED in by our members, the others were appointed by those who were voted in. There's no big secret to how things work, it's the same the world over... Those who take an active role have the reins, because we let them, chose them, or allow them. = Dick leads the group because no one else wants to step up, even if he doesn't know exactly what to do. Tom sits on the sideline taking pot shots without tactfully getting involved through volunteer work. Harry is just defeated, and sees only gloom or conspiracy. == So, that leaves it to you and me (figurative and open reference to anyone reading)... Either go cowboy (like me) and do things autonomously, positively, pro-actively... Or, suck it up and get a real course of action together, convince others of it, and run for a position on the AKA board. It takes both tacts for things to happen, but disassembling an obviously lacking structure does nothing except disenchant and fracture. == I give great credit to those running the AKA right now... They brought it out of a serious tailspin over the past 3 years, and are holding their own. New ideas are on the table, it's just a matter of someone (or a group of people) pushing it through with demonstrated tact and planning.

Tick tock, tick tock... 1 day away!

If you're able to READ the aforementioned forum posts at AKA (should be possible if you're not logged in) and are willing to stay on point with the topics brought up, I encourage you to cross-post here and respond from the heart.

TRUE! I fully agree. How do you mean Duane? Something different than this forum topic?

I encourage anyone with a mind to do so, to post their thoughts and response (support or critique) on the AKA forum. http://aka.kite.org/kite-talk-forum/topic?id=365

Looks like I might be attending the Rogallo Fest on a staff training trip for Kitty Hawk Kites, but no team.

Hopeful thoughts Duane, it takes a lot to get a whole team somewhere... Hasn't worked out recently.

Did that, October of 1992... Ballistic winds, we had to put a spar into the sand end first next to our kite bag so we could find it later.

I flew a factory B full vent with double 4 wraps on 150# in 60-65 mph one year... MADNESS, simply nuts. Now with the xtra vent, it wouldn't be 1/2 as bad. Remember, iQuad are the "wild bunch" of Rev flying, you name the place, we'll be there to throw down, hell or high water.

You beat me to the punch, literally by a matter of minutes. So, I've moved this post to where I would have placed mine... == Indeed, the Kite Trade Association recognized Kitelife.com with the "Best Kite Promotional Effort of 2010" award in Las Vegas last week! It's been a long time coming, imho... The KTAI traditionally recognized "retailer" and "wholesaler" promotional efforts, not an open category. After all of our various efforts here (magazine, videos, industry web site design, etc, etc, etc) it would seem this award was sincerely given. Of course, we work our butts off here, but it's the folks who are a part of the big picture who give us motivation and play a large part. == With regard to "Best Kite of 2010", the original B-Series actually won the same award in 2008... In all reality, I got my props on that. This year, it is clearly for the B Pro, the same kite, but made SO much better by none other than Bazzer Poulter. Unanimously, Revolution and I agreed that the award was his - and it has a place of honor at his house, next to many others. Thanks Tom, and thanks to all of you - our family in this great kiteLIFE.

Congratulations.

Superb video Rob, no fear... Just expanding, playing, all surfaces and elements are suitable for kiting if you're willing to take the plunge.

Great thread Duane! I like kites because they don't define what we think or feel, but they do have the uncanny effect of stimulating "outside" or "upward" thought and feeling. Without a doubt, kiting (both the activity itself and my fellow fliers) made a profound difference in my life. Looking up, indeed.

Right on both counts... No such thing as a stupid question, and yes, I too made the vertical spar mistake when i got my first Rev. It makes such a big difference that I actually sold it in disgust, only to discover my mistake a few months later. Just imagine if I'd never discovered my error! Where would I be now?? LOL We didn't have video tutorials, discussion forums or even very many deeply knowledgeable Rev fliers back then, folks like myself were nearly on our own. You fly in a great era, lots of friendly/helpful folks and tons of resources, glad to see you making use of it all and having fun.

Now that I have the extra vent, I imagine my top (give up) wind range might be around 55-60mph.

Wow, great pictures Komuro-san!! Glad you had a good flying day, the kite looks good in your hands.

Oh yeah, coming up quick, and still more cool stuff to give away after! <GRIN>

Nice Duane, I could imagine it all as I read your post.