Good afternoon at the beach....thanks to Bobby for taking some ace pics after thawing out following his hour in the water...19 December 2005
Saturday 17th - Two wheels nailed - one way at least
Good afternoon at the beach....thanks to Bobby for taking some ace pics after thawing out following his hour in the water...
24 November 2005
Two Wheels
Thanks to Ken for this pic of me doing two wheels, pity I'm not looking the other way, but you can't have every thing ;)
13 October 2005
The Kitebeach Extreme Sports Festival
Possibly the biggest kite festival to be organised in the North West of England.
A 10 mile buggy race course, Free ride Area, Freestyle area. Large static kites, plus loads of ohter attractions. Should be good.
Oh when is it? 29 - 30 th October 2005
A 10 mile buggy race course, Free ride Area, Freestyle area. Large static kites, plus loads of ohter attractions. Should be good.
Oh when is it? 29 - 30 th October 2005
15 September 2005
Peter Lynn Kites - Newsletters 2005
A bit like reading 'A letter from America' I imagine - except that its from NZ!. Notes from one of kiting's 'Greats' from which you can feel the enthusiasm and excitement for all things 'kite'. Now I wonder what the latest breakthrough is that he mentions in September's Newsletter???
6 September 2005
Flexifoil - Restricted Sites Register - list of kiting sites with known bans or restrictions
Bit of self promotion here, but could be useful to those (few) kiters who haven't visited the Flexifoil Forums yet.
Also contains links to other flying site lists.
Click to see the list
Also contains links to other flying site lists.
Click to see the list
3 July 2005
Steadywinds.com
Steadywinds.com
Getting regular hits from this other Kite Blog so it definitely deserves a link...from a guy in Canada with some cool KAP photos...gets updated more often than this page too ;)
Getting regular hits from this other Kite Blog so it definitely deserves a link...from a guy in Canada with some cool KAP photos...gets updated more often than this page too ;)
12 April 2005
31 March 2005
Flying High - Index
Flying High - IndexKite buggy wheels at reasonable (very good in fact) prices, Secta buggies, Viokites all for sale on this site.
Just a shame the formatting is a bit quirky!
Just a shame the formatting is a bit quirky!
22 March 2005
Flying Circus Kite Plan Page
Flying Circus Kite Plan Page
Useful list of kite plans should you wish to make your own kite. From your basic daimond through to Nasa ParaWings and multi-cell foils.
Useful list of kite plans should you wish to make your own kite. From your basic daimond through to Nasa ParaWings and multi-cell foils.
14 March 2005
8 March 2005
Sunshinebits.com - Kites
Games - Sunshinebits.com - Kites
Sunshine bits???? ...one really naff website here. If you buy anything from here you've got to be desperate. Or you've spotted a true bargain...NOT!
Hammocks aren't too bad though ;)
Sunshine bits???? ...one really naff website here. If you buy anything from here you've got to be desperate. Or you've spotted a true bargain...NOT!
Hammocks aren't too bad though ;)
6 March 2005
Kite Air
A UK based online kiting community based around a central forum, with reviews & pic galleries too.
Air 51
Another novel combination. This website on the joint subjects of 'Kite Sports' and 'Technology' is different at least.
On entering the page today, you're hit with an almost full page 'City of Heroes' graphic...WTF...but there are some interesting links...in fact its probably more interesting than this...hey, come back!!!
On entering the page today, you're hit with an almost full page 'City of Heroes' graphic...WTF...but there are some interesting links...in fact its probably more interesting than this...hey, come back!!!
Air Kites
A somewhat confused and disorganised front page greets you on visiting this Kiting site. The usual forum, reviews etc. not much updated since June 04.
Screaming Lines Distribution
This website give the impression of a somewhat shady kiting equipment distributor, in that they do not give an obvious address or even location. Reading their newsletter, however reveals that they are based in Hertford. Some interesting product lines however, including:
Viokite
KiteTrack
Kans
Flex Boardz
Wind Dreams
South Wales based kiting website. Covers all forms of kiting from stunt through to power.
New Forest Power Kiters
Homepage for this New Forest based group of powerkiters. Sponsored by http://www.hengistkites.com/.
This is another group who have managed to obtain a flying site of their 'own'. Necessary because all kite flying of kites over 2m in size has been banned in the New Forest.
This is another group who have managed to obtain a flying site of their 'own'. Necessary because all kite flying of kites over 2m in size has been banned in the New Forest.
Go Fly a Kite
US based kite distributor and manufacturer. Concentrating on the single line, stunt and windsock market.
Brookite Kites
Possibly one of the oldest commercial kite makers. Definitley the forst kite that I didn't make myself came from these guys. Seem to have been overtaken by the recent boom in powerkiting. They still have a few, somewhat dated looking, smaller foil designs.
Boom Kites
Webspace of the Austrian kite maker Boom. Boom produce the Skite, the first kite designed specifically for Snowkiting.
Kites On Board
Homepage of a East Sussex based kitesurf school and shop. Misleadingly has Camber Sands on its page title?
Kite Central
Internet kite site. Kite website with forum, gallery, windmap. Fairly basic, but seems to work OK.
Kiting UK
Very basic kiting website. Despite its name seems only to concentrate on the South Coast of England.
5 March 2005
Kitez search engine
Kitez brings a lazy way to search the web for your favourite kite sites, direct from your browser address bar. For example, to search for kite clubs, just enter http://clubs.kitez.com/ and you will get a listing of kite clubs.
DMOZ Kites
DMOZ is an 'open' directory. Human edited so not too much SPAM. This link has various subcategories such as Traction, Shops, Kite Aerial Photography and so on.
Kite Ireland
Kiting in Ireland. One of the best places in Europe for kiting by all accounts. And then you have 'the Craic'... what more can you ask?
Race Kites dot com
One of the nicest kiting websites I've seen. Racekites.com has all you need really. Reviews, weather, a forum. Nice.
Derby Course Kiters
The home of Derby Course Kiters, the UK's largest traction kite group. based in Derby no? A pretty good web site, no news updates since this time last year though.
4 March 2005
X-Zone Wind Powered Sports Extreme
X-Zone are organisers of the National Powerkite Freestyle Series, the only board and buggy freestlye series in the World. They are not, obviously, web site designers and are probably too busy enjoying themselves to update things, but hey WTF....X-Zone is Coool.
Kite Zone
Scotland based web site with the usual forums and chat room etc. Cool looking design, but seems not to have been updated for a while. Doesn't seem to have recognised that Poerkiting is banned at Lytham beach for example.
Kite Fantastic
A cool kiting website (based in N Yorks) with active forums, reviews and a regular run of competitions where you can win free kiting stuff. Yes thats FREE stuff to win.
Cobra Kites
Quite an extensive website from a US based kite shop. Interesting to note that they appear to still have Flexifoil SkyTigers and a Blade MkII for sale. Either they have a lot of very old stock, or powerkiting is a year or three behind the UK.
HOLT - chandlery, dinghy and yacht equipment.
HOLT - chandlery, dinghy and yacht equipment.
A useful resource for pulleys, wichard QR shackles, ropes etc.
A useful resource for pulleys, wichard QR shackles, ropes etc.
3 March 2005
Kite Portal
A Top 100 kiting site list.
Feel free to boost my ranking on same by clicking the link at the right hand side of the page.
Feel free to boost my ranking on same by clicking the link at the right hand side of the page.
2 March 2005
Wymondham PowerKite Club
A club, for powerkiters, in Wymondham. Where's Wymondham? Well, my curiosity is up, because, though I've got some idea of all the places mentioned thus far, I've got no idea where Wymondham is. So, Multimap here we come...
CLICK FOR MULTIMAP
...oh and there are two! One near Leicester and one near Norwich. Which one are we talking here?...Norwich. Ok thanks, now I know where two more places are.
CLICK FOR MULTIMAP
...oh and there are two! One near Leicester and one near Norwich. Which one are we talking here?...Norwich. Ok thanks, now I know where two more places are.
Avon Kite Fliers.
Bristol based kite group. Organiseers of the Bristol Kite festival, one of the biggest in the country.
Scottish Power Kite Association
Providing insurance and working to secure flying sites for Powerkiters in Scotland.
Portsmouth Kite Club
Fractured Axel, or Portsmouth Kite club....mostly for those interested in dual line sports kites....according to its website.
Carmarthenshire Land Sailing Club
The club formed to re-open access to Pembrey (Cefn Sidan) (and hopefully Pendine Sands too sometime)in Carmarthenshire Wales
The Kite Society of Great Britain
The Kite Society of Great Britain seems to be the umbrella group under which all regional groups come. Don't know how formal this arrangement is, but they have a great list of kite groups and stockists which give members a discount.
Wirral Sand Yacht Club
Based at Hoylake on (you guessed it) the Wirral. This may be one of the largest Sand Yacht clubs in the UK.
What's that got to do with kiting I hear you ask...? Well a kite buggy is classed as a form of Sand Yacht. A class 8, to be precise.
What's that got to do with kiting I hear you ask...? Well a kite buggy is classed as a form of Sand Yacht. A class 8, to be precise.
27 February 2005
West Wittering Buggy Club
Club formed by users to ensure the continued availability of the beach at West Wittering.
Royston power kiters
From their website...
We are an informal group of Kite Flyers that meet on the Therfield Heath in Royston
(Weather and wind permitting).
Northern Kite Group
From their website....
The Northern Kite Group is for anyone interested in building and flying kites.
The Group caters especially for those living in the Yorkshire / Lancashire corridor of towns stretching from York to Liverpool, although it is open to all and has members from all over the UK.
South East kiting Association
From their site...
SEKA is an open group of kiting enthusiasts, formed to fulfill the following objectives within the South East UK:
* promote all forms of kite flying: traction, sport, display
* provide information about local kiting sites and activities
* organise kiting events: impromptu weekend fly-ins, social events, festivals
* co-ordinate negotiation with local authorities to secure access to flying sites
* enjoy kiting!
Ebay
Ebay can be the source of some bargains, but do a bit of research first. Have seen kites go for more than their new price on here!
Halfords
No they don't sell kites...yet...but you know where to go to get those bike racks or roof bars to strap your buggy to, don't you? ;)
ATB Shop
As the name suggests, and ATB shop that has branched out into selling some powerkites. Based in Swindon.
Street Life Skates
Cornwall based extreme sports shop. Busy website... all products from skateboards through to powerkites.
Western Isles Kite Company
Outer Hebrides based kite shop. From their website...
The Western Isles (Outer Hebrides) are a perfect place for kiting, that's why we moved here. We can offer you a place to stay, a cooked breakfast, packed lunch, evening meal and the most stunning kiting locations you may ever see.
Extreme Kites
Warrington based kite shop.
I have to say I know Andy and Phil who run this shop and they are OK guys. Just check they are in before you set off as they are most likely to be out testing some of the stock. ;)
I have to say I know Andy and Phil who run this shop and they are OK guys. Just check they are in before you set off as they are most likely to be out testing some of the stock. ;)
Anti-Gravity
York and Leeds based kite and other 'toys' shop. Gave my bro' a good deal on his Ozone Imp, so can't be bad ;)
Beginners guide to kites
Basic introduction to the scientific principles of kites from NASA no less.
Close HQ
A kite buggying and landsailing website. HAs a few useful HOWTO's and other links. Also seems to be a front page for a LandSailing Yahoo group.
Highwaymen Kites
Midlands based kite shop with online shop. Very friendly, good service and they do a lot of the festivals.
Bought my first 4 line powerkite from these people after one of my local shops recommended them after he couldn't get the kite I wanted.
Bought my first 4 line powerkite from these people after one of my local shops recommended them after he couldn't get the kite I wanted.
Trick of the Eye Kites
Trick of the Eye Kites (or TOTEK for short) are a Channel Islands based online shop. Note that prices do not include VAT and you may have to pay this on delivery to UK addresses. That said this place has had many happy customers over the years and its owner Carl does seem to care about customer service to the best of his ability via the web, telephone and Parcelforce.
Mullin Kites
According to Aeolian Mullin Kites have ceased trading, and it looks like their website is down.
I believe I met Dave Mullin on the beach at Mablethorpe about five/six years ago, was flying a huge abstract wind sculpture. If not him then someone similar looking. This was possibly when my interest in bigger kite was rekindled. We were flying a tiny kiddy's kite and riding our bikes at the same time. He took great delight in telling us his behemoth was sewn together with thicker thread than out kite string.
I believe I met Dave Mullin on the beach at Mablethorpe about five/six years ago, was flying a huge abstract wind sculpture. If not him then someone similar looking. This was possibly when my interest in bigger kite was rekindled. We were flying a tiny kiddy's kite and riding our bikes at the same time. He took great delight in telling us his behemoth was sewn together with thicker thread than out kite string.
Virtual Kite Store
Another branch of the web based Prokites or possibly they've just moved the retail part of the concern to a different domain?
Power Kite Shop
Midlands based kite shop. Possible one of the best known kite shops in the UK. They get some stick for it I think, but undeservedly IMO.
The few times I have ordered from them got next day delivery, instant return of wrong size item. Absolutely no complaints from me.
The few times I have ordered from them got next day delivery, instant return of wrong size item. Absolutely no complaints from me.
Coastguard Kites
Probably one of the biggest internet only kite shops. With a price promise guarantee.
Poole Kites' traders list
A useful list of kite traders from the Poole Kite Flyers Club. While not a list of recommendations it seems they don't list anyone who has given customers a bad deal.
Airboss World Kiteshop
Notts based shop with online shop offering the usual range of kites and equipment as well as tuition. Also home of Club Boss.
Have not yet bought anything from this shop, but have heard good reports.
Have not yet bought anything from this shop, but have heard good reports.
List of Flexifoil Dealers
Flexifoil have proabably the widest number of dealers, although some of the Stockists are not up to much eg FreeSpirit. They are in the process of improving their dealer scheme. Try and get to a Main Dealer if you can.
26 February 2005
U-Turn kites
U-turn - German manufacturers of the Nitro, Oxygen and Helium kites.
Nice kites...I have a 5m^2 Oxygen ;)
Nice kites...I have a 5m^2 Oxygen ;)
Rhombus kites
Rhombus, German makers of the much (unjustly) bemoaned firebee (note there is a 2005 version coming out) and now the new Amun race kites.
Revolution kites
Manufacturers of the unique revolution sport kite. They are fun to fly, tricky to get the hang of and a bit steep to buy. Everyone's got to have one though...;)
Gunsails
Primarily a windsurfing manufacturer...also makes the Strongkite series of kitesurf training kites.
Advance kites
Yet another paraglider manufacturer making a some nice kites too. Probably best known for the advance off-road snow/buggy depower kite.
HQ kites
HQ-invento, better know just as HQ...makers of the entry level Symphony, the ubiquitous Beamer and lots of sport kites.
Gin kites
Another paraglider manufacturer who makes little foils for use as kites. Korean manufacturer's of the much praised Yoz.
SkyBums kites
Delightfully named and possibly one of the few small UK based kite makers that have managed to keep going. Makers of the Spirit traction kite.
Flysurfer kites
German maker of a range of surf & traction kites including the memorable (in name and performace) Flysufer Psycho.
PKD kites
Makers of the Buster and Century powerkites. This is the UK kite division of another company that started out in paragliders.
The PKD Buster has to be one of the best value for money kites you can get.
The PKD Buster has to be one of the best value for money kites you can get.
Ozone Kites
Ozone is possibly the second best known manufacturer of kites in the UK. Products include the much loved (by those who own one at least) Frenzy and Samurai. They also make paragliders.
They do seem to make nice kites...I have several Little Devils...and at the moment they still compare favourably (given the cost) with the new Flexifoil Bullets which are very very nice indeed.
They do seem to make nice kites...I have several Little Devils...and at the moment they still compare favourably (given the cost) with the new Flexifoil Bullets which are very very nice indeed.
Quadrifoil
Former kite makers and makers of the cheap (& for most - uncomfortable) harnesses seem to only make lines now.
Peter Lynn kites
Peter Lynn has to be the most well known name in kiting. This is the commercial website featuring kites such as the new Venom, the Phantom, the Bomba and also Peter's excellent large inflateables.
Flexifoil
The UK's most well known kite and kiting equipment manufacturer...what more needs to be said?
OK then... makers of the Blade, Bullet & now the Sabre....also the Rob Hills designed Flexifoil Buggy.
OK then... makers of the Blade, Bullet & now the Sabre....also the Rob Hills designed Flexifoil Buggy.
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