swiftnsilent

Shops in "Sydney", not NSW......! No one else said anything about all of NSW only you...? Di Delli is a top lady too..! Just real BS hey... No reflection of me, or just my beliefs, these are the cold hard facts... and the beliefs of a number now finding out... Absolutely Delusional.....!

Hehehehe Counti, No not the case at all. I just know how Euro's, are a bit like Texan's, and how they sometimes over state size, and the likes ...... Fanoe, is also segmented, and covers the beach length ways, not constant. Now if you want biggest, then go to Weifang, China in April. Over 1 million people in attendance, 2000 plus international and local kiters. No where to move, and a great experience. Oh by the way, well done on the Running with Kites pics too....

Mcphailtom, I am very relaxed, its called daily "kite chi"... I also believe in true karma... Nothing unresolved, just a truly bigger picture observer. Brisbane has a totally different economical kiting topography to anywhere else on the eastcoast. Expansion's have come and gone before, and kiting has always suffered.. Many kiters in SE Qld still remember another, also making big kiting claims previously... blah, blah, blah.... Oh by the way, there are not just 2 shops in Sydney anymore, there are actually 3...? It seems, some previously forgot about Westwind Kites... He's another good fellow too. No, like others who've been around a good while now, I believe in loyalty, mateship, and you can pack this slide in, same location opportunism crap too. It just goes to show where some would have kiting go... But now, where some of us will make sure with our loyalty and wallets, where kiting will stay.. The claim of "healthy competition" in such a narrow industry is just "profoundly bogus".. Some of you fellows, and some of the whiny hypothesis, are truly farcical.... If you had been there, and then seen it, then in the end you would know that kiting actually suffers.. I wonder also, what Kamikaze must be thinking down here with all of this as well...? We will see in time... that's for sure. You are also incorrect Mcphailtom, "I have laid my hands on kites and accessories", over many years by showing people loyalty and confidence. With me in return, showing know how, and also proven performance nothing less. I believe in kiting promotion, and have done so for many many years. But, I have no time for destruction of the sport by capitalism anywhere.. Interesting, how the "Sydneysiders are talking this up too about Qld kiting"..? Yeah right, blow in mentality

JKS, Whoever Counti is, if they wanted better than Euro events, then the place is the IGA Coolum Kite Festival 11th & 12th of October. The event held today up in Brisbane was part of the wider Brisbane Festival held at this time of year in July. Nothing I have been to in the major range of Euro kite festival's come anywhere close to the IGA Coolum KF... Dieppe Fr, Cervier It, are nowhere near it, and Fano the same... So i don't know what this Counti is going on about with the Euro rounds....... My understanding is that this Running with Kites event, was specific to the actual suburb it was conducted in. And how good was the turnout there..? Imagine if is was a full on International festival there...? It certainly had around the 8000 to 10,000, range of people, and I was impressed by the kite displays of all shapes and forms. The Taiwanese Kite Masters, are the best in the world with kite trains, and it was on show today just how good they really are too. I especially enjoyed watching the BrisKites guys flying today too. Some kick arse pilots amongst those guys. Congratulation's to the organiser's who put on such a great day. As you say JKS, "it was hypnotic".. I still can;t believe they had wind up there this time of year. But I am also glad that it did happen, as it was great to see all the kites. Swift

Steve, You imply, that in some bizarre way by using the word "mate", that I am supposed to be impressed with your feeble explanation..? Please save it for whatever lemming's, would you.. Sleazy, insane as well, Hmmm...? No, I think we have already seen this before, so you can spare us all the pseudo rhetoric. We already have great service, and also "realistic prices", with a great fellow at BrisKites. And now. we are supposed to believe that "passion and sustainable enterprise" is to be our saviour in Qld..? Absolutely delusional.... As for the "capitalism" jibe. Then allow me to retort.... "You can't make a silk purse, out of a sows ear........" "Goodwinds"..? You can recess them.. Swift

G'day Southerly, I haven't had the pleasure myself, but I have been in the company of newcomers to China this has happened to. Yes, it does have the makings of a "comedy skid"... Swift

A few years ago, some friends of mine in the Netherlands produced a sportkite training game/program with a free flying mode. I am not too sure if it still available online. But there are plans for a kiting game for young and old for PC. Maybe someone on EK can make a packet by putting something together, and putting the proposal to Nintendo for Wii...?

The toilets, or squats are really bad, and the smell is rancid. Though in saying this, it is a really funny party trick in winter for first timers to China. When they go into the squats, to do their business without checking the squat out first. Because usually the damn thing is frozen over, and " a return is always on the cards" LOL.... So the moral of the story is... Check your target for any back splash, "before releasing any ordinance"..

G'day Kozzie, Depending on the size of the dragon then determines the size of the box which it will be packed in. A traditional Chinese Dragon is always boxed, and also a certificate from the kite master who built the train and head will also be on the inside of the lid of the box. AUS Customs is pretty good, as long as you declare the item. I have brought them back many times, and some with 1 metre square heads, and 60 metres trains without any problems. Just be sure your friend checks out all the interior bamboo structure of the head for any bugs or small holes in the bamboo. Generally though, the good ones are constructed with good quality bug free steamed bamboo. Depending on the size of the Dragon and train plate design, will then determine the price. Generally, most people buy the good ones that are approximately 9 metres. Which is in a nice silk lined box, about the dimensional size 30cm x 70cm. Price in AUS $ can be negotiable, but generally for around $15.00. I have seen the same good ones selling here for $150.00... Yes, Weifang is the Kiting Capital of the World. The cities logo has the most unique butterfly design as the centre piece of its emblem. There is a very impressive commemoration park to world kiting there, and also a magnificent kite museum, and impressive statue of the first Chinese kiter Liu Ban from back in 200 BC in the forecourt. There is a nice pic of my Rev B Series wing tip balancing on the statues nose from this year, and last year elsewhere. The Chinese loved it as they don't see much of modern sportkite flying until recently. Weifang is a place all kiters should go to at least once, just to see the museum and the surrounds. Very impressive. But like other parts of China, the pollution and high level particulate constantly in the air, is very bad. There are some impressive kite factories in Weifang, who also have distribution shops in ShenZhen, Shanghai, Xiamen, Qingdao, and of course Beijing. Hong Kong, isn't really where you will get the really nice kites. But as mentioned, over in ShenZhen your friend will get some good quality bargains. You can also buy "forbidden kevlar line" on spools very cheap there too. Regarding the power kites from Weifang and other places. There are many dodgy copies, similar to the Evil Bay ones. But there are a few there making not bad gear too. It depends on what you actually wish to do with it..? As if you want performance then you buy a reputable quality power kite. In other words, you pay cheap, then you will get cheap in other areas too... Swift

Why in a previous kiteshop spot, I wonder...? Is there no such thing as a bit of respect for already established businesses still operating, with loyal custom in an area...? Tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk.. Like others, I will still be supporting BrisKites, as loyalty still counts for some of us... I still recall the skullduggery in Sydney in the early 90's between 6 kiteshops, I never thought I'd see such tripe again...pathetic....

Joel, Interesting you mention about the banner bans in China. Up until 3 months ago sportkiting was actually being considered as a demonstration sport in team competition at the Beijing Olympic Games. That is of course until, a very stupid act happened at the WSKC at Berck Sur Mer in early April. Whatever we all may think of what is happening in Tibet, the very silly antic at the World Sport Kite Championship's, cancelled out any chance sportkiting had of being apart of the Games. After all you would think sport would have come before politic's or protests...? It just goes to show our kiting disciplines chance of being seen on the true world stage, was screwed by these no brainers. It was a one shot deal to have competitive kiting involved in an Olympic Games, and what better place than the apparent "home of kites"... You could say, that chance is well and truly now, "gone with the wind".. Swift :o:o

Hello Peter, No kite flying zone on the park area of the Strand..? I can tell you, never heard of it... As there were kites flying there last year, and will be again this year at the kite festival that will be conducted in the same place on the Strand in the park area. It is more a matter of public awareness there, and making sure people visibly see what you are doing. If so, then all should be okay in that particular park. The hardest part with Townsville, is that some of the best buggying places years ago, are now residential areas these days. But you can try these places below. To orientate yourself, have a look at Google Earth, in the region to the South and South West of the CBD. Regarding land kiting up in Townsville. There is nothing good landwise up in Rowes Bay area. There is however the big footy ovals about 3 km's over the bridge out of the CBD heading SW. Also the beach area to the south of Ross Island, I have seen buggies there before. The sand flats just north of Alligator Creek are also pretty good too. Re the Strand, I know that buggies were operating in the grassed area on the Strand last year as well during the Townsville kite festival there. Regards, Swift

Kozzie, It is best for you to take the train over to ShenZhen (approx 40 mins). There are plenty of kite stores and such in ShenZhen. I have just come back from kiting over there last week. Also you can contact the guys up in Weifang at Albatross kites also. Swift

Southerly, No worries at all. Yes there is a big problem in and around the estuaries and beaches. I was asked to do a night flying demo with lights on the Strand last year, very interesting. Especially when a salty croc exited the water to crawl up and warm itself on the sand not far away at all while the kites were in motion. I am told it is a little worse up further where some of the kitesurfers seem to go as well. But once again, Castle Hill summit is definitely a no no for any kite, that's certain. There a number of good parks for buggies, and power kites. But later in the afternoon is pretty good, when there is either the sea breezes, or the westerlies. Just have to watch out for the footy posts in the winter months. Swift:yes3:

Hello Peter, You can fly in the grass field area on the Strand, and also on the "artifical sand beach" in front of this. There is a kite festival in Townsville, in October run by the Townsville Bulletin Newspaper and the Council too. Flying a kite on top of Castle Hill is a big no no..! You have a number of approach radar, and radio antennae used at Garbutt at the summit of Castle Hill, and you will be prosecuted. Not only by local authorities, but also CASA. As you will not only be flying above 300ft AGL, but to do so on Castle Hill is also within the 4 km approach to Garbutt. Sorry, but these are the rules, and people have been prosecuted before up there. There is also the very dangerous situation of severe updrafts off the eastern face. Which is fraught with peril, no matter what at the summit. There is a big oval just south of Townsville on the Ayr road, which gets some nice breezes. Just south of Ross Island is also good, but on the beach area you still have to be mindful of crocs too. I hope this assists you. Regards, Swift

Under 10 knots anything Era, Over 10 knots Foo Fighters:whistle: Over 15 upto 30 knots Frankenbok's songs Swim, or the other is F*#@&*% C*&$#'s:eek:

Cesium, tsk, tsk, tsk, the only disgrace is you..? I won't even bother quantifying your stupidity any further...? Silly boy..

Re: Running with Kites event at Murrarie Sportgrounds, Flying any type of kites during the month of July in Brisbane, is fraught with with disappointment. Unless you are willing to run, that is...? The vacuous Moreton Bay has a lot to do with it, and I wouldn't expect any wind before midday if lucky. It will be great fun for all the family, as I am sure there will be plenty to see for adults and kids as well. The Brisbane Festival people are very good at what they do, bringing the best possible, and the Taiwanese Kite Masters have some really impressive kite trains and other types too. Murrarie sportsgrounds is a big area, and can get good winds in summer. But in certain winter months, it can also be, "an unpredictable thermal nightmare".... Thus, "Running with kites".. Regards, Swiftnsilent

Steve, I recall the time when you were involved. Even your dabble on the Sunshine Coast, with the others. For the record, I was actually living overseas at that particular time of your comp placing... You can probably count yourself lucky Steve... lol. Regarding your MEFM suggestion.. No, G Force tubes, had shown over time a problem with delamination and fracturing, and so I changed them over. Thus why I went for something that actually improved performance even more. I don't think I require another MEFM though Steve, as I have enough unique ones already, thanks.. I haven't flown with Makka for a while, though he is a great friend, and one heck of a very fine sportkite pilot, and perfectionist kite maker too. The new Black Diamond range of Skyshark tubes now actually improve many sportkites like the MEFM, by being a much stiffer tube. Though, I changed my frame intially to using 5 and 7 PT's, with a P200 S, P90 TS,APA fittings, still perfect... In actual fact, with the addition of yoyo's, subtle weight adaption, and bridle retraction attachments, the MEFM still holds its own in the right hands. Mind you, I use other designs for different winds, and comp discipline/performances now. A few others that come to mind I currently use are, MEFM Microlite (still the supreme UL), Flying Wings Soul, Level One Genesis, L'Atelier XTZ and Masque, Benson Deepspace, and Level One My One and JJF. At times, I still fly my Hawaiian's, Spinoff's and various TOTL NSR's of the early era, for fun too. Regarding lines, yes kevlar was used back in 1983 until about mid 1989. It was not uncommon to see saddlery "Gee Wy" being used also. Lethal thread though, for flying kites on. Then the first production's of spectra braid began to appear in the US, which were slightly different to the weave designs seen these days. A mix of spectra, then braided into the last 20 feet with kevlar was being used for teams then also. Some of the lines back then were so good, but even better if you were sponsored, as they were very expensive as previously mentioned. Kozzie, anything outside of 30 metres, and you have no chance at speed, as quite clearly pointed out previously. Though in 1992/93 a few of us here did try to push the edge for the speed record. At that time it was 208kmph. No one in Australia attained above 191 kmph, though a few were neck and neck. Mind you nothing comes even close to the ultimate design still to this day, Ray Merry's original 6 ft Flexifoil in 50+ knots, now upward of 212kmph+ I believe.... Good luck hanging on.. Regards, Swiftnsilent

Justkitesurf, Achievements become past the moment they happen. I prefer to look forward to the next one actually.. I was in Sydney for many years, but then saw the light and moved to a better lifestyle. As for your other diatribe justkitesurf, " you kitesurf" right...? Then, save the diatribe for lesser beings... Kozzie, My apologies with the "S's" earlier. The Benson Deepspace is also a really great sportkite as well, and certainly "does the business" in the right hands. As mentioned though, if it comes down to basic economic's, then take a serious look at the Silver Fox 2.3 Std. I know of a number of people in the same situation, who are enjoying this sportkite, and doing well with it too. Not always does the most expensive sportkite mean, it will be the best performer for you. Once again though, it is up to you what you wish to fly.... The main thing is enjoy it. Swiftnsilent

Steve, You say there are not many comps these days...? Not in Australia, maybe, but plenty overseas... Funnily enough, I have recently returned from the World Championship's, with a few others who also won medals.... There are plenty of competition's, it is whether you are good enough, that counts. I also receive invites to fly demonstration's too, but comps are still a passion.. Euro 2008 Holland is in September....? The 3 PT is perfect for the Jordana, especially when it is cut from the big end. Same same when used in the leading edges. So a T piece might need replacement, not a big deal...? The tube may start out 6mm, but isn't when reduced.. The performance is improved, and so is the deliberate trickability. The same improvements using a stiffer Skyshark PT tube has been used in an MEFM with outstanding competition results also. MEFM speaks for itself, but this improvement enhances perfection, This then makes "old school, still very good school".... swiftnsilent

Steve, Incorrect, as you doubting it would work is actually not the case. I have replaced the frame in an R-Sky Jordana with Skyshark tubes, and all is very possible and works well. There is minimal reworking of fittings, and such actually. In the end Kossie, the choice is yours what you do, as there are different options for you. I too have done a lot of cutting of tubes, but for kite building, not repairs. As well as modifying sportkites for flying internationally in competition for over 20 years now. I think over that time, I would know what works with cutting tubes. That also which is fraught with danger, like using a saw to cut tubes.... Never mind, each to there own... Kossie, as mentioned before, there are many other full size sportkite brands available. One that has become really good value for money, and also does all the tricks is the Silver Fox 2.3, or 2.5 Standard by Flying Wings. Have a look at what's out there, or give Jason a call.. Regards, swiftnsilent

Hello Nigel, I think you are in for a very big surprise with the B series. It is like no other Rev before in many ways. The good old Rev 2 is great fun indeed, but no where near as responsive as the B series. I would advise you not to use pvc/electrical tape, and instead use the threaded type clear packing tape. So you still get the strength, and keep the weight down. The Rev B series is all about minimizing weight for performance. Switching over lines, is not a good one also. As you will end up snapping a line doing this. Better to keep tops, and bottoms separate. After all, the B series, is a serious competitive sport wing, and not your normal muck about Rev. Good winds to you, Swift:yes3:

Hi, In only the most extreme situation's should you use a file to cut carbon tubes. I would recommend that you always use a high speed cutting disc. The modellers Dremel's or Arlec Handy Tool's are brilliant for this. You should never attempt to cut carbon or wrapped tubes with a saw ever.. Be sure to bevel the edge too, to reduce splitting. The Skyshark tubes are mainly 6mm, but it won't matter as the additional diameter will still be as light if not lighter. As the wall thickness is minimal. For a Jordana, you could use a tapered 3PT. But, for a pultruded rod, you would have to change you LE fittings on your bottom spreader to take the 6mm diameter...? The Jordana is a nice kite, but you could beef up the frame with a large diameter tube frame, and get great results too.. Have a chat with Jason at BrisKites, and see what rods he has in stock currently. I am sure he can sort it out for you..

Hello Kossie, It would be a very wise move, to change over to Skyshark rods for your Jordana. What is this big deal with RSky anyway...? There are a number of better option's out there, which are certainly better performers in there own right. Level One, Benson, L Atelier, to name a few.. I don't see any of these having problem's with dodgy nose caps, and ill fitting mylar reinforcements... Nigel, you are acquiring a B series Rev...? Nice sportwing indeed.. Be sure you check you line lengths constantly, and also the ferrels in the leading edge from becoming loose. I have been flying Rev for a long time, and the B series I have found is prone to the glued ferrels loosening in the leading edge. This is caused by the additional warp generated in the leading edge during flight, due to the lighter frame used for the sails actual size. It would be very wise to only use the ultralight rods in it for a while, and in a slight bigger wind replace the leading edge with a much stiffer wrapped leading edge frame. That way extending your top end wind range considerably. Another tip is the wrap your leading edge tubes with clear packing tape to top the no ferreled ends splitting, which does happen..