April 5th, 2021 Kite Newsletter

Welcome to April!! The American Kitefliers Association recognizes this as National Kite Month. I don't know about you, but I am not sure why April is considered the official National Kite Month, but I like to think that it is because we are shaking off the cold dreary days of winter and looking to the bright and colorful spring flowers. Our kites are like those budding flowers, and they are eager to get out and greet the world! So, go let them fly. :)

Speaking of spring and seeing new growth, there has been some fun new growth when it comes to learning opportunities. More folks in the sport kite world are sharing their tips and tutorials, and the kite builders are stepping up and showing more on how to build and design kites. Have you seen something that you think should be shared with the rest of the world? Let me know!!

As always, if you have any questions, or comments, shoot me an email at: info@fortunafound.com

~Nic

Kite making workshop kicks off More than a dozen children, from Nevis, began learning the traditional art form of making kites, an experience the Junior Minister of Education Troy Liburd said, he hopes they will be able to pass on to others in the future.

On Monday the Ministry of Education hosted the opening ceremony for its first three-day kite making workshop at the Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School. The workshop is being facilitated by Author “Cabbage” Farrell, Keshawn Merchant, Keshawn Reid.

Junior Minister Liburd said that the art of kite making has been a tradition on the island of Nevis. Liburd who has been participating in kite flying competition said that it is now part of his DNA and he wants it to become a part of the participants DNA as well. Read more: https://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/kite-making-workshop-kicks-off/

Cook Strait Tamed by kite foilers

Choppy seas and a collision with a shark didn’t stop Brian Walters and Justin Grobler completing the first-ever kite-foil double-crossing of Cook Strait at the weekend. The duo set out from Makara Beach on Saturday morning in a light northerly and finished the 68 kilometre return trip in 2 hours and 58 mins, averaging almost 23.2 kmh. It is the first crossing of the strait by kite-surfers on foils – the same technology seen in the recent America’s Cup yacht races. The foils on the bottom of the normal kiteboard helps the kitesurfer to reach higher speeds and ride in lighter winds due to decreased drag. Grobler and Walters had been planning their trip for two years, and Walters said it was as hard mentally as physically. https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/300264906/cook-strait-tamed-by-foiling-kite-surfers

The Hatchling is a ground-breaking outdoor theatrical performance that will unfold over a weekend of events and reach an extraordinary finale over the coast of Plymouth. Our beautiful visitor will hatch in the city, build herself a nest and then attempt to take to the skies in a bid for her freedom. Along the way, she’ll explore the city, and as she roams, she’ll encounter a series of events from intimate interactions to city-wide performances, prepared especially for her majestic visit.

At the end of her journey our hatchling will undergo an incredible metamorphosis, unfurl her wings, and attempt to soar over the sea at sunset! With a wingspan of over 20 metres, our hatchling is the world’s largest human-operated puppet to attempt flight.

To find out more go to: https://www.thehatchling.co.uk

COVID-19 didn’t stop kite maker Trevor Smith Popular Guyanese kite making artist Trevor Smith, has been at his favorite spot, Regent and Camp Streets, in the capital city of Georgetown, since March 15, to vend his star-point creations that have kept him busy for 40 years.

Smith told this reporter on Monday, that because he experienced an early sell out of kites in 2019, he decided to increase his production to meet the demands he was expecting in 2020. Unfortunately, the coronavirus sidelined the artisan and left him with three-quarter of the 1500 kites he had hoped to sell back then. Read more: https://www.caribbeanlifenews.com/covid-19-didnt-stop-kite-maker-trevor-smith/