23 replies to this topic

[Kitelife]

Just went out for a one hour session at my local field...


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Variable winds, 0-8mph, changing direction at random... I generally fly 30' x 50#, Race Frame.

Get a lot of interesting looks from passerby.

Zoom out on the map, check out how surrounded it is by houses and trees.

[Aerochic]

Looks like most of the spaces I have available around here, except add more trees and sink it down in a valley.

Unfortunately, I am not as skilled as you.

Definately taking notes tho...

[Love2fly]

Hey John-
Very cool. I know how tough that is. I'm sure you make it look quite easy.

I have a space, maybe twice the size, a few hundred feet down the street from my place that I fly at for a "quickie". The space is the soccor/softball field which is surrounded by the high school on 2.5 sides. Across the street is apartments and woods behind that. So, the winds are quite funky. If they're out of the west or northwest, I can't fly there at all. The winds definitely swirl off the buildings causing all sorts of funky things to happen. To use a Steve Rovida description, this definitely is helping me develop my "Mad Skills" . I think it does help you develop a lighter touch ... if that's the word I'm looking for. I can fly on 50' lines there, which is easier, I think. It's a challange, but I love it!!!!

[Aerochic]

I have a space, maybe twice the size, a few hundred feet down the street from my place that I fly at for a "quickie". The space is the soccor/softball field which is surrounded by the high school on 2.5 sides. Across the street is apartments and woods behind that. So, the winds are quite funky. If they're out of the west or northwest, I can't fly there at all. The winds definitely swirl off the buildings causing all sorts of funky things to happen.

The field I used for my first year of learning to fly revs is ~just~ like that. Between all the other newbee stuff one goes, ~no wonder~ I had such a rough time. It's learning tho...so it's all good.

Total Props Tho...

[LS Kite Stakes]

I have a new school going in about a quarter mile away. I have had my eye on the soccer/football/baseball field they are putting in, and will try it out when I get a chance. I am sure it is going to have nasty swirlies, there are trees and buildings galore!

[melnsct]

just a little taste of what it's like to live in the mountains

[REVflyer]

John, that spot looks like where I learned to fly as well!

We've had kite flies where the announcement describes the location as "a phone booth on fire". Anyone who shows for that is going to be capable of flight in demanding conditions!

"Indoor flying with an unlimited ceiling" is the description of Dory Park in Richmond Virginia during the summer (ODSKC)

The national Air & Space Museum (downtown Washington DC) is another one of our challenging spots to fly kites.
Don't interfere with the spectators or touch any of their displays with your kites!!!!

[Aerochic]

The national Air & Space Museum (downtown Washington DC) is another one of our challenging spots to fly kites. Don't interfere with the spectators or touch any of their displays with your kites!!!!

I've always wondered about that! Seems like a narrow channel even when the mall is empty. Looks like a mighty crowded flying space when the festival is underway to boot.

[Jeepster]

All right, finally something to really feel good about. I've got at least six fields within five miles that I fly at that are much more roomy than yours. Could fly team on 240 foot lines in half of them. I know Mike MacD has a flatter view in Arizona, but until the corn comes up, you can see for about ten miles in most directions around here. The wind might be gusty as all get out, but at least it doesn't swirl. Now, if Bart would just stop sharing those cold Canadian winds with us we could actually get out and fly.

Hmmmm, now I wonder though, if it's so good, why is Illinois going to be the second highest represented state at KP7? Almost 20% of the registered flyers are from Illinois.

Cheers,
Tom

[REVflyer]

no, we fly INSIDE the air and space museum!
Now that is a narrow space <LOL>
-paul

[FortFlyer]

I have this really crappy place way out on a point surrounded by water on 3 sides with predominant wind from the SW 10-15 mph 3min from home that's always congested by spectators walking the bike path.

It's terrible I tell you

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[Aerochic]

no, we fly INSIDE the air and space museum!
Now that is a narrow space <LOL>
-paul

EEEEK! Not to mention one ~definitely~ needs to look UP!

[Aerochic]

It's terrible I tell you

Smacks Jimmy Quadsticks!

[LS Kite Stakes]

I have this really crappy place way out on a point surrounded by water on 3 sides with predominant wind from the SW 10-15 mph 3min from home that's always congested by spectators walking the bike path.

It's terrible I tell you

I hear you there Jim, Kitehenge is not much better........

[Love2fly]

I hear you there Jim, Kitehenge is not much better........

I feel your pain, guys... I can never decide which beach to fly at.....then again, the Jersey Crew has to decide which place for a change of scenery is best.... it's tough all over.

[quaa714]

I have this really crappy place way out on a point surrounded by water on 3 sides with predominant wind from the SW 10-15 mph 3min from home that's always congested by spectators walking the bike path.

It's terrible I tell you

Until i looked at the pic for sure I thought you were referring to Brenton Point since it has the exact same characteristics, but your place looks pretty damn awesome too. NICE!!!!!!!

And Laura is right....living close by a beach or near the water sure makes the decision tough..!!!

[antman]

well we all know my main spot .. but i also have 2 ballfields i go to at times because in the winter months the winds can get to nasty and the sand turns to muck as it is the wet season

[kitecowboy]

My home field. 7 acres, not to much in the way of windbreaks to the west wich is the prevailing wind and no pedestrians to speak of, unless you count my horses.

[bartman]

Since we're sharing.

The "perfect" location for me is a school which is just a short walk from my house, but the winds there are pretty much all over the place so I've stopped going there. I take a 5 minute drive now to the high school which is still not the best, but anything for wind from the NW is not too bad. I'll always have the gusts here regardless of where, but at the high school I've started to get used to what it will do there so it has become easier during the flying time last fall.

I've also happened upon an open area at the exhibition grounds that is nice for any kind of wind from the SE through to the SW. The main problem there is a lot of holes in the ground to stumble in and a lot of broken glass all over the place.

So, I don't have one particular "home field", but at least three!

Bart

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[Madquad]

Our spot

Ginkelse Heide
Ede
The Netherlands

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