Busy Busy Learning about Kites

If you've been wondering why the silence from this blog, here is the answer. No, I'm not out there trying the new entrants to our market, those bearing price tags of S$250+. This may change come this Friday evening. Nor am I a total failure in the parafoil; I've learnt the control but don't actually like the power/pull from these kites - more like self punishment. Instead, I've been busy learning and experimenting. Thanks to my FB friends who share their valuable knowledge, I've taken another step into the deep woods of this wonderful kite land.

What is there to learn? Making/designing kites aside, which is something I'll get into next, a simple diamond kite, or should I call it Eddy since this name has a link to my part of the world, can humble you. Of course, you knew that adding a tail would help stabilize this "childish toys". Do you know that:

a. the larger version is used in KAP (Kite Aerial Photography) for its stability and performance in light wind?
b. link them together and you'll form a train (apparently, the record is 11k+ by some Japanese school kids)
c. chain them together and you'll form an arc
d. the original duo line stunt kite is an Eddy? Here's a video by my FB friend, Leon Choong, showing a stack of it.

An Eddy Kite Train

An Eddy Arc

An Eddy Duo Line Stacked Stunt Kite

In order to do all these, you've to learn not just knots but things like the balancing point of the kite, bridles and controls. More importantly, you've to experiment. The kite plans are readily available online. My current favourites are BaToCo (Spanish but Google translate or Chrome does a decent job), My Best Kite, Kite Plan Base, KiteBuilder and many more. Google them and you'll be surprised. I know an Eddy train can be had from China for rmb8 per 30 kites train, though). You just have to try it. The experience is totally different.

I liked the train and the arc; these simple creations are impressive. They take relatively low wind to fly (Eddy kites are light wind, remember?) A supplier generously passed me some to form my first train. I got a night to work on it but it didn't work out because I don't understand the balancing point issue, though the knots where perfect (thanks to BaToCo). The arch did much better. Haven't got around to the stack 'cos I'll need a bigger and not so fragile Eddy. May have to build them.

I've not used my pictures simply because my cheap kites just aren't presentable. These guys did a much better job. Any sponsors? Anyhow, they'll be ready for show soon.

Bert Maetens' Birds

The research also unearthed some marvelous creations. Take Bert Martens' Birds for example. Putting a few ordinary kites together can transform them to a show piece. I've duplicated this with my cheap China kites with some success, after numerous hours in the sun, walking up and down the line. Thanks Bert and others for sharing. More of Bert's creations are on his blog.

Along the way, you'll learn that the bridle lines play a big role in how a kite flies. A kite fighter, using variants of the eddy, could improve the balance of his kite if you deploys a 3 points bridle instead of 2. Similarly, you'll see plans for rokkakus with 2, 3, 4 and 5 points bridles, all for balance and control of the kite. And you thought it was just up for big wind and down for light wind?

If you get sick and tired of your old kites, you can give them to me (just PM me and I'll come to your doors) or, go out and get some silkscreen, acrylic or fabric paints. With a brush and some creativity, you too can transform your boring blue/red/white deltas into something like an art piece. Just let the paint dry nicely and you'll soon have a kite that is uniquely yours to show the world!

No sewing machine or skill to make your own kite? Some imagination will do the trick, with some duct/fabric tapes. Borrow some spars from your other kites, use whatever material you like (including the black trash bag) for the sail and, viola, you've made your own kite. Inspirations come from a site that sell kits for corporate workshop. I hope to be able to share my idea soon.

I was a spectator at some kite festivals here and helped out in one recently. They have these giant lifters with bags of line laundry and heavy lines. We are in the monsoon season yet the sky could be empty at times. No thanks to our location near the equator, or a lack of beach front to fly in, for that matter. I would thought that the train, arc or Bert's Birds would come in handy, together with some nice/weird creations.

In case you already have those big soft kites and line laundry but couldn't fly them in choppy/light winds, you may want to try the Pilot Kite concept. The short version is you take an easier to take-off kite to lift your giants up to cleaner air higher up instead of relying on surface winds. I'll let experts like David Gomberg run you through the details. It also serves as an anchor in crowded sky.

For show kites, my learning here is that if you want to fly these in all conditions, you'll need a flow form, sled, parafoil (not the sports kind), fled, delta and something like a rokkaku, ranked in order of wind strength, from strongest. You'll probably need most, if not all, to put up a good show in SG. 500+lb lines are expensive too. Hey, CNY is sucking me dry already. Add these to the shopping list? No way.

The giant show pieces are really spectacular. But it is very hard work when the wind don't corporate. It doesn't help that there are always people waiting for you to fail. Come on guys, it was meant for you (or the love ones next to you) to enjoy too!

Why the emphasis on unique pieces? A long time ago, I've given up on night kites; more money = more LEDs = nicer kites. The new US kites are simply too expensive. So is the line laundry and giant soft kites. In this way, I can have something unique to show without breaking the bank. After all, the plans and pictures are out there. And, surprisingly, there are a lot of kite enthusiasts ready to share. Just some time and creativity needed. A good way to pass the rainy/low-wind days too. Hell, let the kids think it is art and craft time. And, the wonderful conversations you'll have flying your creations.

I hope you support my call for the Octopus Fly Party this weekend. Off to get some tickets for this Friday and more experimenting. I would be glad to share my plans for the above. See you at SKF.

Chinese New Year Plans: Parafoil - introduction to sport kites

On the home front, the missus is beginning to complain about the mess I'm creating from the kite alterations, trains and stuff. The Chinese New Year is approaching (Feb 3) and customs dictate that the house be cleaned and proper to receive the New Year and visitors. Besides planning for the big feast on the eve, she has been bugging about new clothes, shoes and hair cut (yes, new year, new hair cut too). Little did she know that I'm planning for a different thing that will occur shortly after CNY: the end of the North-East Monsoon. You can't fly in those nice, new stuff you're wearing and with more visits to the all-so-distance relative or old neighbour, March will be upon us before you know it.

Historical Chart courtesy of National Environment Agency

Being so near to the equator, Singapore has a period where the wind is relatively quiet between the 2 monsoons. The earliest this will kick in is in March or so.  The Singapore Kite Association used to have their annual fly towards the end of Feb and stays relatively quiet until the wind rises again from the south some months later. Kite sellers tell me that other than the good quality "parachute" material deltas, not much will fly in the intervening period. I used to sit there waiting for the wind, with that big delta in hand, sulking. This year, I decided to change that. I mean, its kind of silly to try lifting big deltas into the air, hoping to catch a gust, only to see it falling down to earth minutes later. The alternative is to visit other Spring kite festivals. I don't have the means, given how much these CNY costs.

So, I've decided to take up sports kite, be it the duo or quads. I was told there are low wind versions of these that can even fly indoor, speaking of which flying "kite" in no-wind is a thought that disturb me. It borders on obsession. I know some skills are involved (I've tried it, honest) but it is what my wife would call "Wind Mad Man" (feng zi, wind and madness having the same sound in mandarin). Classroom demonstration is great, but.........What the SG Urban Kiters are doing is great, as in anything that channels youthful energy positively. But it would be kind of silly for an old man doing the same in a big field, right? I rather join the kids at the wading pool. 

The sports kites provide more purpose, to both the flyers and watchers. While the wind is insufficient to launch kites, hopefully, these will help pass the time at the very least. I owned a cheap duo line and took it out to fly all but once. I was an absolute idiot not only with the number of crashes but actually broke that poor thing into parts. Thankfully, it was a cheap piece. I thought of none it until I was reminded of the end of this wonderful wind period (just wished it wasn't so wet) and the introduction to parafoil (or would you prefer power kites).

Unlike its cousins, this version of sports kites (if I may call it) is seldom flown here as it do need certain amount of wind to fly (forget about those crazy drags or jumps you see in YouTube. You'll be lucky to have that kind of gust). It is essentially a soft kite on 2 short lines (25-60m). Hence, there is nothing to break less you rip the sail on a tree branch or have your line cut. Given the prevailing conditions, it is a better introduction  to sport kites than anything cheap you can find for duos and quads. 

Because of its soft form, the launch is different from its framed cousins. You need to lay it out on the ground (which can be hard in big wind and no sand), with the lines facing up. With experience, you can also launch it the other way. Lots of walking up and down the line, trust me. I'm not going to give instructions; most sellers would have them on the site and I'm not experienced enough to say much. The usual launch rules apply, though. And, you'll need a clearing of about 30m (depending on your lines) clearing left, right and front EACH to fly this baby. Choose an isolated spot in your first attempts, please. 

Once you pull on the line simultaneously, the foil will lift up. Adjustments needed if the launch is not vertical. Like riding a bike, pull left to turn left and so on. The controls are similar to the duos and quads. You should go through the pull, push and combination drills first before attempting other tricks. I'm often confused direction-wise when I turn it upside down or do loops. Do do a mental mapping prior to attempting. Also, build up your sense for the Wind Window, essential for advanced tricks and save you the trouble of walking up and down the line. 

As there is nothing to break, you don't have to worry about crashes. Do try some of those stunts you see on YouTube, by all means. The controls and tricks you learnt is applicable to the other sports kites, including the power. 

Unlike 1-liners, you need to move around a bit to control the kite, not just the pull from the sail. You have to do constant adjustment with the wind. There is no more line to give so the parafoil can pull you forward (and Up). Be prepared for the Power Rush (my girl freaked out the first hotspot she met). Also, the ache in your shoulder and back muscles after.

If possible, choose the quad line parafoils if you can. You can then fly it as both a duo and a quad. For the former, lark head the break lines (the bottom 2 lines) to the bridle of the control lines to avoid tangles (I was told you can actually leave them alone but it seems to get in the way in spins). Do note that it could be very hard to stall a 2-line parafoil, vertically, though. Think soft kite. I've seen a 2-line 360 (almost) so, perhaps, you can try a horizontal stall (I would imagine you need to really run like hell). The 4-line version introduces the break elements, similar to quads. It saves you the trouble of resetting for launch often too. In either case, a controlled landing should be in your arsenal, readying yourself for the breakable frames and save you the trouble of walking up and down (30m x 2 each time you don't land well is a lot of distance covered per hour). Note: the recorded high speeds come from the 2-line parafoils. 

And here you are, an unbreakable sports kites and you're on the way to flying the low winds duo and quads in the "dry" season. Believe me, learning this way is much cheaper, not counting the low wind versions being more expensive. It gets you ready for the higher speed of duos and the barrage of tricks of quads without burning your pocket.

But be safe, to yourself and others. Let go of the handle when in doubt, ALWAYS.  This action immediately slackens the line. Without tension, the foil will collapse and fall to the ground, like your shirt would. Some plays parafoil for the rush of the wind power. Other kites may appear in your window. Some kids are running by. These and other situations are good time for you to throw the line. The power generated in the foil and lines can hurt/kill. Not to mention kevlar lines (it works well for sports kites, cheaper than dyneema but can cut through skins). Not to worry about entanglement. Usually only the sail will stay on the other kite line and it is easily removed, compared to your 1-liner doing loops. 

Enjoy the wind while you can but don't forget your shopping / to-do list too. Be safe, the new year is upon us.

Drool List - Just kept growing

This is probably things that I can never afford to own but what the heck, dream is free. Mass produced kites simply can't matched these strokes of genius. New catalogs for single line don't really contain much new things, unlike stunts, parafoils or quads, at least technology wise. Worse, if my market is flooded with CN creations, or should I say copies.

Some people are creating ever bigger deltas. I share their passion, for owning unique kites. But delta is not  my kind of things. BTW, so is more lights on my kites. These pieces of flying artwork are. Watching these guys make me want to create some of my own. Kite-making supply guys, here is a customer waiting. But obviously, I can barely thread a needle, let alone the sewing, painting and designing that goes into these masterpieces.

The kite on the left is a creation by Michael Goddard. His site is at http://www.idesignkites.com/content/profile/profile.html.

The rokkaku on the right is from Bert Maetens
http://b-kites.blogspot.com/2010/11/holy-man.html

Perhaps you don't like my selection but hey, a lot more where these 2 beauties come from. Click on those links.

Tonight, I'll be travelling to meet these guys, flying their latest creations in a kite festival far away. I'll get to bring them back too. Please don't wake me from my dreams.

Parafoil Mini - the stowed away gem

•  Shape: Parafoil
•  Size: 42x57cm, a pen length, packed (due to reel)
•  Weight: not yet 100g with tail on. About 50g for reel and lines.
•  Rods: None
•  Fix:  Medium
•  Bridle: Adjustable
•  Tail Provision: 2 (Tail Attached, 6m)
•  Pull: Light
•  Test Launch Wind: 11.3km/h
•  Launch: Will test at lower speed

In the seas of larger and flashier kite, it often eludes one that a simple pleasure such as ours could be had at any place and any time.  It takes a gentle old man, whose love of kite has taken him to places like Paris, China, etc, meet royalties and nobles, flew in Marina South before even there was road (1983 or 6), kite ambassador for Singapore, makers of countless kites (and the list goes on) to remind me. Among his pile of things in the car are photo albums of his tales kites brought, together with the newspaper clippings to boot.

Strangely, there was a copy of a 1983 ITW catalog in it. I flipped through it, twice.  I have to check the issue dates 4 times and I can attest that other than design and size, the content is similar to most online catalog that I’ve seen, including some of the line laundry.  Some things don’t change.

When asked for his recommendation by the missus, he took this little guy out of his pile. Almost 2 decades ago, this then little company introduced some new designs to our world and has been breaking new grounds since, both single line and sports. I think it had been in Singapore for a while too but nobody noticed them. So is this little kite.

It comes in a nice packaging that will fit any standard store shelf. The packaging says “Ready to Fly” and kid you I not. Within the pack is a reel with 200 ft of 20-pound test line bridled up to the frameless sail. It could be in the sky within minutes (the time taken to launch the kite) from purchase, literally. Spread the tail and sail and you’re ready to go.

Like in most parafoil, the air pockets are on top. It comes with a 20 ft tail of matching colors. The design is simple but the missus and I have a great debate on what it looks like, much like watching the clouds. Guys, with the ladies, it is the conversation, not the content.

It is obviously light on the hand. The kite is very forgiving at launch. Our first launch was from the wrong side yet it right itself raising up. The air pockets need to be filled for lift-off so it helps to pull it up (on the line), despite the nice conditions we have. You could literally throw and lift to achieve take-off. One of the naughties came over wanting a try. She has no problem at all lifting into the air.

It moves a little sideways when line is denied. Otherwise, it reacts to the wind so keep a nice tension on the line. We’re test-flied this in a small opening between the playground and the sea and the missus managed to tangled the lines on the tree. No collapse, though, and it keeps in the air and flew higher after my intervention. The pull feels light in general but it can pull a tail much longer than itself. I can only imagine the pull from their powerfoil.

This little guy wins me over for the sheer simplicity. You can literally carry it with you anywhere and fly it as and when, like when waiting of the bus to the Barrage. No complications at all. Just pure joy seeing the little thing going from your hands to the sky (hmmm, much better than raising a kid or pet).

PS: As for the nice wise man, he still has some cody left. Anybody interested? You guys know where to find him. Hope to review one of his creations.

2011 New Year's Weekend in Sengkang

Happy New Year!

While most of you are out there showcasing your kites, I'm reduced to watching due to family commitments. Nevertheless, you provided a spectacular show. Here are the pictures I took. Sorry, forgot to took picture of the giant purple octopus. Also, to those others that did not appear because of poor picture quality or otherwise.

The Sleeping Cat is Awaken

Uncle Ng and his creation. The sound was loud but not fortunate enough to see it fly.

Let me bounce onto the track!

Trained Wala - what a luxury. A tail was later added to link both kites. 

It actually took off! All the efforts were worth it, guys. Absolutely stunning. Too bad it didn't hang around long enough. 

Bao-gong also want to have fun.

The sled deployed as lifter for the white tiger (I think)

This is actually in Tuas. I'm sneaking it here. Maiden Flight in Singapore. Please don't tell . 

My drool list

Since Christmas is around the corner, thought I add this to the list Santa already have. Hopefully, he has some to spare when he come around my block. Here are the pic. What's yours?

Chinese Koi and my take on kite ethics

This was one of the first big, non-delta, kites that I bought when I started. I thought it commands the sky fairly well so took the chance. Being one of the older designs, it is cheap as well.

The first day, the wind conditions was not so good. After launching the delta on the second day, only have 2 reels then, the conditions improved, suitable for this new toy. Unleashed it for the first (and sadly, last) time.

The color is definitively striking against the blue/grey sky. The frame comes in 2 parts. For the head, it fixed easily like the Ghost kite. There is an additional spar to fix at the tail end. No trouble here.

Since this is my first long kite, the hands shake a little hooking up the bridle. This is also my first with a tow line. Should I or should I not. What the heck, it's fixed and the conditions seem right. The tail end remained on the floor when I lifted it. Hmmm.

The head lift off like the Ghost using the hand launch technique. The body starts to follow. Some wind disturbance occurred when it comes to the tail part and the Koi dropped back down. Same for the second. Hmmmm.

On the third try, the wind was more consistently strong and I finally saw the tail lifting from the ground. A few hear-heart-beat seconds later, it cleared the floor. Now, cold sweat developing as I see the tail wobble about. Will it, or not? Well, the wind slowed again and the head is now kissing the ground.

Let's collect our thoughts. Rather, let the sweat dry.

Flicked the tail back, away from the head. While the head is still facing me, the rest of the body is now facing the floor. On the fifth attempt, this move paid off as the body is only lifted after some line is released. Promising.

Now to the tail. The wind has caught on the sail, requesting more line. Once given in, the tail lifted off smoothly and finally, the whole fish was airborne. High into the sky it went. The tail wobbling will continue for the first 5-10m, so watch the tension on the line.  

It's now up there with the delta. Time to sit down and reflect. Took a sip and saw a large angelfish moving near the line midway. The angelfish was then a new design that caught my eye and I was watching it climbing up the sky. The Koi stays comfortably near the delta, swing its body merrily like a lady with her scarf. The action is quite life-like; its like looking at fishes from the top.

Too near for comfort now and starts to stand, prepared for corrective actions. The angelfish makes a loop, then another. Started walking towards the kites, reeling back some. 5 steps down, the hand feel light. The Koi no longer response to the reeling actions. What happen?

I respect that one can invest more than others on kites, equipment, and of course, lines. What have we here: dyneema, tire, UV, kevlar, nylon, etc. Each have its own characteristics and strength. In international kite festivals, I was told that no abrasive lines are allowed not so much for line cutting, though I curse the angelfish, but for fear of endangering humans. Hey, kevlar do cut through skins, not just lines. But for the space constrained Singapore, who is to say one shouldn't buy some "protection" possible?

Just today, I witness a 50lb test line being cut by my UV line just on contact (well, the guy was trying to pull his kite up, naturally, and I'm stationary with strong pull on my line. In any case, sorry folks. Thankfully, your kite is low to start with). We've heard stories too of 50lb test line cutting 500lb dyneema  lines. BTW, I was using the tire line for the Koi.

To me, I don't think it is the line that matters (other than cutting my neck off with your kevlar) but the action of the fliers that matter. Let me relate another story to you.

While I watch my Koi flies away, my delta is in trouble too. This time, 5-6 kites are involved. You guessed it, the missus was flying it. Quickly, I ran towards it. People already started to gather. My UV, a 200lb kevlar, tire line, couple of 50lb test and a fish line. I wanted to mouth off but the more experienced guy asked that we do a coordinated reel back to fix it. The fix took some time but no kite was hurt. It is this kind of actions and attitude that saves the day. On paper, at least, the 200lb kevlar would be the only left in the sky if he acted independently, right?

I know I can't stop you from buying/selling the abrasive lines. Thus, I would like to suggest the following:

1. Take evasive actions, if and whenever possible, at the first instance. Obviously, we don't want to deal with the mess and lost kites to start with. Who should do it? The incoming line. Why? The kites in the sky may have grounded their line. You'll find this common with delta flyers or people trying to hook line laundry. I know you are excited to get your kite in the sky but since you are still actively flying, you have the best chance to take evasive actions. Don't blame the wind. The kite will definitely react to your reels and movements. And, please, please, please, don't mouth off. I can't see behind or directly over my head while I'm looking at my kite. You can. Will I be angry when I get snooped? What do you think?

2. Move towards your kite upon stable flight, to the edge of the field!!! Free up space/sky for kite launch for goodness sake. Take Barrage for example. The space is really confined when the wind is easterly (facing Marine Parade) or westerly (facing the construction). It is only natural that you move towards the other side while attempting launch. Once flight is stable, please don't stay there. What you'll normally see is people sitting on the east side, for example, while their kite is in the west. I always looked up before I attempt a launch. What you'll see is a sky full of lines. Any attempt to launch will surely see yours being tangled with other lines already up. If you do that, any given space can definitely accommodate more kites and we'll have less line fix to do.

3. Raise your hand and point towards your kite/line for identification. Identify yourself when your lines get tangled, please. Left hand, right hand or legs, don't matter. Don't hide quietly in a corner trying to rectify it. And, DON'T. Its too late. My friend tried to do just this you ended up with his line cut instead. It won't matter that you're using kevlar (when is the last time you checked your lines?) The easier way is for the 2 lines to come together (yes, that needs you to walk towards to other! Damn. This also helps to identify you.). The tangle will slide down towards your hands, PROMISE. Then, it is simply a matter of unwinding the lines. Don't even need the sewing tools I borrowed from my mother.  

4. Be nice and enjoy the experience. Hey, you'll make more friends this way. Yes auntie, don't complain all the way to the shop. Singapore is small. You just brought down 3 $$$$ kites. And, we share the same wind/sky.

Hope you can support these actions.

Overall, though old, the Koi needs a higher wind (mid to high force 2) to fly but it is a stable kite in the air. I still look at the Koi "waving through the water" whenever others took it up. Hopefully, the ugly incidences will be a thing of the past and we can enjoy flying and each other.

Shape: Fish

Size: 120x380cm, 120cm packed (I think)

Weight: --

Rods: 6, 4 fixed (I think)

Fix:  Easy

Bridle: Flexible

Tail Provision: No need

Pull: Medium

Test Launch Wind: 6.8 km/h (thereabout)