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"To Fly A Kite"

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Kites... They've been around for thousands of years.

I've always had a fascination with kites of all kinds. When I was a child, I made my own diamond kites with sticks of wood, string and newspaper. I would notch the ends of the sticks and run string around the kite, then cut a piece of newspaper to fit and glue the ends. For a tail, I would take several old rags and tie them together. My string was rolled up on a short piece of a tree limb.

What's In My Kite Bag?

My journey with sport kites began in March of 2014. That's when I bought my first sport kite, a Prism Quantum. And for some reason, I haven't looked back. I've become more of a precision/ballet flyer than a trick flyer. Pictured below are the sport kites that I currently have in my kite bag.




Mamba UL (Black/Red/Gold)

The Mamba is a larger than average dual-line kite with a commanding presence, solid on the lines yielding excellent precision, a surprisingly competent flyer. It is graceful, and definitely worthy of its “flagship” status in the Blue Moon range of kites custom made by Ken McNeill.

I took the opportunity to order a Mamba UL from Ken McNeill of Blue Moon Kites and have it custom made with the color scheme I have created above. I consider this kite to be the best flyer of anything currently in my stable.

Mamba UL Specifications:
• Status - In Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - Icarex PC31 Polyester
• Frame - SkyShark 3PT LE & LS
• Wing Span - 95"
• Weight - N/A
• Advertised Wind Range - 1.5 to 8 mph
• Made in the USA
• Designed and built by Ken McNeill, Blue Moon Kites, March, 2019
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Skyburner Pro Dancer (PDSUL)

Don't get caught not being able to fly because of no wind. Sky Burner has used the latest technology in developing the Pro Dancer Super Ultra-Light. The kite is framed with a system of Sky Shark 2pt's and has a two piece .5oz. Polycarbonate sail in brilliant colors. This kite is durable enough for outdoor flying and yet light enough for great indoor performance. It generates pull in .5 mph wind. No running required.

PDSUL Specifications:
• Status - In Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - Poly P-31
• Frame - Sky Shark 2PT
• Wing Span - 96"
• Weight - 5.2 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 0 to 10 mph
• Designed and Produced by Jon Trennepohl, Skyburner Kites
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Skyburner Nik Nak (Blue/Plum)

The Nik Nak is destined to be a classic performer. This kite is my go-to kite when winds are low and I want to have some fun flying. Tracks absolute and is very responsive. Sail sewn by the late Mike Dennis and Pam Kirk of Heads Up Kites. The Nik Nak was being made by Skyburner but is currently out of production. This is the lightest kite that I own weighing at 4.4 ounces! And it is tough. It has taken a lot of abuse.

Skyburner Nik Nak Specifications:
• Status - Out of Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - Polycarbonate
• Frame - 1570 Pultruded
• Wing Span - 78"
• Weight - 4.4 ounces
• Bridle - Spectra 3 point
• Advertised Wind Range - 0 to 10 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 6 to 15 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 10 mph
• Made in the USA by Sky Burner/John Trennepohl
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Lam Hoac Skymaster UL (White)

Lam Hoac has established himself as one of the top kite builders in the country, further compounded with his recognition as the 2003 AKA Grand Champion in Dayton Ohio using this newly designed kite, the Skymaster. Also marking the first time a sport kite ever acheived such an award in comprehensive grand national competition. The Skymaster is clearly built with durability in mind, and everything is streamlined to avoid line snags during trick combinations and ground recovery.

Skymaster Specifications:
• Status - Out of Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - Icarex
• Frame - Sky Shark 3PT
• Wing Span - 90"
• Weight - 8 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 5 to 25 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 8 to 20 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 12 mph
• Designed and Hand Built by Lam Hoac, Canada, 2005
Hilliard Kite Gallery





HQ Shadow (Light Blue/Navy)

The Shadow resulted from the collaboration of test pilots Ralf Naujocks and Ralph Joh. The goal of HQ was to create a light wind kite that had full freestyle abilities (mastery of all of the old and new tricks while ensuring a high level of precision), and attained the hovering properties of an UL kite.

The Shadow was extremely successful in meeting these goals. With the Shadow, pilots can be ready to work on tricks with even the slightest breeze on a quiet day. The light weight and elegant appearance of this kite take you away from the daily grind for a while. With an MP3 Player and the right music in your ear, flying the Shadow could become meditation. The construction of the Shadow is very light. It is a kite for advanced pilots and experts.

HQ Shadow Specifications:
• Status - In Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - Ventex Light
• Frame - Pultruded 4mm carbon
• Wing Span - 81"
• Weight - 14 ounces
• Bridle - 3 Point Adjustable
• Advertised Wind Range - 1 to 8 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 5 to 15 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 10 mph
• Made in Germany
• Designed by Rainer Hoffmann
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Premier Widow NG (Red/Black)

The design is based on the Skyburner Widow Maker, the Widow NG utilizes the same shape and overall design to achieve one of the best all-around kites. Considered to be one of Jon Trennephol's finest achievements in sport kite design, Premier worked closely with Jon and Sky Burner Kites to create an updated version of this high performance flying machine. The Widow NG excels in all slack-line maneuvers and high tech tricks yet tracks like a dream.

Widow NG Specifications:
• Status - In Production, but not in Red, Black and White
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - Ripstop Polyester
• Frame - Skyshark P Series Carbon Fiber
• Wing Span - 96"
• Weight - 11 ounces
• Bridle - 3 Point Adjustable
• Advertised Wind Range - 5 to 15 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 6 to 15 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 10 mph
• Made in China
• Designed by Premier/John Trennepohl
Hilliard Kite Gallery




Benson Gemini (Blue/White)

The Gemini is an extreme trick and freestyle flying machine designed by Andy Wardley and Tim Benson. It is easy to control, predictable and precise in flight, yet capable of the most incredible tricks ever conceived. The Gemini features a unique twin spine design to increase stability with no compromise to trick performance. The advanced Active Bridle further enhances the flying experience, allowing smooth transition through trick and freestyle maneuvers.

Benson Gemini Specifications:
• Status - In Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - Icarex
• Frame - Skyshark P200/ 5PT
• Wing Span - 84"
• Weight - 11 ounces
• Bridle - Semi Active
• Advertised Wind Range - 3 to 18 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 6 to 15 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 10 mph
• Made in UK
• Designed by Andy Wardley and Tim Benson
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Sky Delight Kestrel

When I first started flying in 2014, I quickly decided I wanted a vintage kite to fly ballet with. After watching Ray Bethell fly three of these at one time, I decided I could certainly fly one. This kite is dated 1/25/2000 and signed by Joel Scholz. When I need a higher wind to fly, this one fits the bill and does it with absolute precision! It is a crowd pleaser.

Kestrel Specifications:
• Status - Out of Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - .75 ounce Ripstop Nylon
• Frame - 2400 Graphite or P2 SkyShark
• Wing Span - 90"
• Weight - 11.6 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 2 to 25 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 10 to 25 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 15 mph
• Made in the USA by Joel Scholz and Sky Delight Kites
Hilliard Kite Gallery
Ray Bethell's Review on the Kestrel
KiteLines, Summer 1994, Article on Kestrel





Sky Delight Luna Moth

The Luna Moth was the last dual Line Sport Kite that was produced in large numbers by Sky Delight Kites. It was first produced in 1993 and was flown by the Aviators, Jim and Jeff Poy, who went on to win several National Championships with it. This particular Luna Moth that I have was made on June 9, 1994.

Luna Moth Specifications:
• Status - Out of Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - .75 ounce Spinnaker Nylon
• Frame - Avia G-Force UL
• Wing Span - 90"
• Weight - 8 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 1 to 27 mph
• Made in the USA by Joel Scholz and Sky Delight Kites
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Prism Zephyr (Venom)

Beautifully balanced, the Zephyr is an aerobatic stylist. It’ll float on its back or carve laser-sharp lines, effortlessly. The Zephyr is tricked out for pilots with a few hours in their logbooks. No-snag leading edge pockets. Yo-yo stoppers on the wings. Leechline for stealth flight. Variable center of gravity. Tune it for your style and get ready to amaze. A low-wind dream needs feather-light materials to be responsive to the subtlest touch. The high-aspect sail is Icarex polyester and Mylar laminate. It won’t absorb water or stretch out on those humid days we get in the Rain City. The frame is hand-wrapped SkyShark tapered carbon spars. Very fancy. Very light.

Zephyr Specifications:
• Status - Out of Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate
• Sail - Icarex Ripstop Polyester, Mylar Laminate
• Frame - Skyshark P100, 3PT Wrapped Carbon
• Wing Span - 92.5"
• Weight - 24 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 1 to 17 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 12 to 15 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 15 mph
• Made in China by Prism Kites




   

Prism Hypnotist (Fire)

A high performance wing shape with a durable frame, the Hypnotist combines the best of both for learning new tricks and everyday fun. Prism combined the wing geometry of the competition-level Quantum Pro with the bulletproof frame design of the Quantum to create a performance hybrid with the balance of a competition kite but the durability to handle all the abuse you can dish out. The impressive 8-foot wingspan makes it precise and very forgiving.

Hypnotist Specifications:
• Status - In Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate
• Sail - Ripstop Nylon, Mylar Laminate
• Frame - Pultruded Carbon, Wrapped Carbon
• Wing Span - 93"
• Weight - 24 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 4 to 25 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 10 to 20 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 15 mph
• Made in China by Prism Kites
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Prism Micron 5-Stack

The colorful Micron 5-stack comes pre-rigged in a full-sized zippered case so you can be up and flying in two minutes flat. No fuss, no muss. Snap on the tails in higher winds and you’ll always draw a crowd. Overachievers, of course, are welcome to stack more.

Prism Micron Specifications:
• Status - Out Of Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - Ripstop Nylon, Mylar Laminate
• Frame - Pultruded Carbon
• Wing Span - 39"
• Advertised Wind Range - 8 to 25 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 8 to 15 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 12 mph
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Prism Quantum (Radian Special Edition)

Prism created this kite to celebrate their 25th anniversary. It features an undeniably 90's color scheme, which is a nod to the Radian, the very first kite crafted in the Seattle workshop in 1992. Historically, the Quantum is a rather heavy kite and needs a lot of wind to fly. This kite is no different, however it tracks very well and is very responsive.

Quantum Specifications:
• Status - Only 200 made for Prism 25th Anniversary
• Skill Level - Beginner to Intermediate
• Sail - Ripstop Nylon Mylar
• Frame - Pultruded Carbon
• Wing Span - 84"
• Weight - 14.3 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 3 to 25 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 10 to 20 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 15 mph
• Made in the USA by Prism Kites
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Prism E2 (Fire)

The E2 is a very capable intermediate kite, and a good transition for someone looking to learn trick flying. It has also been found that a full size kite makes learning many tricks easier - which is certainly true with the E2. In addition, it comes with a wrapped carbon Skyshark frame, the Prism Freestyle Pilot instructional DVD (which is excellent) and a nice set of lines and handles. The E2 is very well made with construction comparable to many kites in the higher price range. The frame is very strong and provides a solid response when tricking. The standard turbo bridle is stable and performs well both for tricks and flying figures. The kite has an adjustable bridle that is clearly labeled for low wind and high wind settings. In addition the standoffs are adjustable for both low and high wind performance.

Prism E2 Specifications:
• Status - Out of Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate
• Sail - Ripstop Polyester
• Frame - Wrapped Carbon
• Wing Span - 91"
• Weight - 10.3 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 3 to 25 mph
• Made in the USA by Prism Kites
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Prism 3D - 2nd Generation (Blue/Yellow)

Like most Prism kites, this kite is well made. It is exceptionally light (2 oz!), but has proven to be quite durable despite some heavy handling. The only area of concern is the point on the kite sail where the upper spreader crosses the spine. There is a tendency for the carbon spars to rub together here and it will eventually rub through the sail. It is recommended that this area be reinforced with some tedlar tape or other material on both sides to avoid wearing a hole in the sail.

Prism 3D Specifications:
• Status - Out of Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate
• Sail - Rip Stop Polyester and Mylar Laminate
• Frame - Micro Carbon
• Wing Span - 48"
• Weight - 1.95 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 0 to 10 mph
• Made in the USA by Prism Kites
Hilliard Kite Gallery




   

Prism Nexus (Yellow and Blue)

Big enough for real-kite performance, but small enough to pack in a suitcase, the Nexus is a sleeper of a kite that performs very well. It's simple, rugged and affordable. It tracks very well since its smaller in size and is a bit faster. I keep two Nexus' for flying 2 at a time.

Nexus Specifications:
• Status - In Production
• Skill Level - Beginner to Intermediate
• Sail - Ripstop Nylon, Mylar Laminate
• Frame - Pultruded Carbon, Fiberglass
• Wing Span - 60"
• Weight - 9 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 4 to 22 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 5 to 20 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 10 mph
• Made in China by Prism Kites
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Prism Mirage (Blue/Black)

Prism Mirage (aka: Hypnotist), the perfect kite for beginner to intermediate pilots ready to learn freestyle tricks! For anyone ready to do more with sport kites, the Mirage is the perfect introduction to freestyle tricks. The next step up from the Quantum, it’s incredibly precise and does all the latest freestyle moves with an easy forgiveness.

Tough but light carbon frame with Kinetic Dissipator on the spine gracefully withstands unplanned landings. A beautiful kite that will help you advance to the next level!

Mirage Specifications:
• Status - Out of Production
• Skill Level - Movice to Advanced
• Sail - Ripstop nylon, Mylar laminate
• Frame - Pultruded Carbon, SkyShark P300 wrapped carbon
• Wing Span - 96"
• Weight - 24 ounces
• Bridle - Spectra 3 point
• Advertised Wind Range - 4 to 25 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 10 to 20 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 15 mph
• Made in China by Prism Kites
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Magnum Opus

"This kite is big, fast, silent and does great snap turns. Great stability during slides and groundwork is great. Excellent Precision. The workmanship is pretty good, and seems very solid. Takes time to put together, with all the 8 battens, 2 camber inducers and 2 standoffs. This is considered one of my best kite investments." - Paul Kalowski, 1992

Magnum Opus Specifications:
• Status - Out Of Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate to Expert
• Sail - Icarex
• Frame - Linear Carbon
• Wing Span - 120"
• Weight - N/A
• Advertised Wind Range - 8 to 20 mph
• Robert's Wind Range - 8 to 15 mph
• Robert's Optimum Wind Experience - 12 mph
• Made in the early 1990's in the USA
• Made by Chicago Fire Kite Company
Hilliard Kite Gallery





HQ Babytana (Red/White)

This little kite is a real blast to fly. It combines the speed of the Micron with the light weight of the X4i to produce a hot little super ultralight "pocket rocket" that will fly in little or no winds. Excellent indoor performance with speed and strength to handle light outdoor breezes.

Babytana Specifications:
• Status - Out of Production
• Skill Level - Intermediate
• Sail - .6 oz. Icarex
• Frame - Micro Carbon
• Wing Span - 38"
• Weight - 1.95 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 2 to 8 mph
• Made in Germany by HQ Kites
Hilliard Kite Gallery





ITW Kymera (Red)

The Kymera pushes the ultimate in design with its unique sail shape and flying characteristics. The sail panels are specifically cut to give the kite a broader shape and huge wind response. Once the kite sail is loaded the, Kymera gives the pilot a solid and firm feel on the lines. This feel allows the pilot to know exactly what the kite is doing during flight, making tricks easy to execute because you will know the exact timing needed to execute. Not only does the Barresi Kymera trick exceptionally well, it tracks like it is on rails, making precision maneuvers and cracking snap turns precise and deliberate.

Kymera Specifications:
• Status - In Production
• Skill Level - Beginner to Intermediate
• Sail - Icarex Ripstop Polyester
• Frame - Skyshark Carbon Fiber
• Wing Span - 86"
• Weight - 11.1 ounces
• Advertised Wind Range - 4 to 18 mph
• Made in the USA by John Barresi, Into the Wind
Hilliard Kite Gallery





Wind Dancer 2000

There's not much information on this wonderful kite. It was designed and built by Dick Barnes of Pizazz Kites in 2000. I love the colors and design. Flies very well and tracks well.

Wind Dancer Specifications:
• Status - Out of Production
• Made in the USA by Dick Barnes, Pizazz, 4/20/2000
Hilliard Kite Gallery




Single Line Kites




Houtermans' Box Kite


This kite was made by Austrian kite designer, Jan Houtermans. It was originally purchased and flown by Brian Todd who was a local flyer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Brian was an excellent photographer and many of the kite pictures from KTAI and other kite events in the late 1990's were photographed by him. Brian Todd was widely known for his sport kite skills, especially with TrickTail and other Martin Schob kites. He was one of the first of many excellent kite flyers, a local legend in the Bay area.

After Brian's death, his kite collection was later found by a friend and sold to various kite enthusiasts. This kite was sold to Allen Carter, an excellent flyer and kite enthusiast also in the Bay area. Allen eventually sold this kite to me in April of 2019. Houtermans' box kites are now built and sold by HQ Kites. Simple to assemble and fly, it's so well made that it shows off as well indoors as outdoors. Jan Houtermans' winged beauty is breathtaking.

Specifications:
• Wind Range: 6 - 30 mph
• Status - In Production
• Condition - Good




Legs Kite by Martin Lester


The original flying Legs and still a best seller, they jog their way through the sky. 3D wind inflated kites without frame – no assembly. All these kites are true kites – they fly by themselves and do not need a pilot or lifter kite to keep them in the air.
Specifications:
• Size: 0.80m x 2.40m.
• WR: force 3 – 5
• Status - In Production
• Condition - Good




Shooting Star Kite


In Remembrance of Ed Robinson

Amazing dimensional designs bring beauty and form together in a whole new way! Fascinating angles combined with bright panels of color make these kites an outstanding crowd pleaser.

Specifications:
Material: Rip Stop Nylon
• Frame: fiberglass
• Dimensions: 48” x 16”
• Age Level: 10+
• Wind Range: 7- 20 mph



Kite Videos and Pictures

My Skyburner Nik Nak on the beaches of Opfel Park, Galveston, Texas, Texas. October, 2016
A TOTL North Shore Radical that I used to own on the beaches of Quintana, Texas. October, 2016
Utilizing my GoPro on some of my sport kites at the Trinity Wind Festival, Dallas, Texas, October 29, 2016
My kite video entitled Higher Flying where I utilized a friends drone for many of the shots. November, 2014



On the beach at Surfside Beach, Texas.



Getting sport kites ready to fly.



My Joel Scholz Kestrel, flying with one 50' tail and two 25' tails.



Flying the Kestrel is a dream come true for me. I love the old school sport kites from the 1980's, 90's and early 2000's.



My love for kites goes beyond the weekend. Now I'm retired.



Kathy and I at the 10th Annual Sertoma Kite Festival in Waco, Texas - May 7, 2016.


Getting ready to fly my Kestrel with tails for the first time.


All good things must come to an end. Disconnecting lines for pack up.


Kathy got to fly her Martin Lester Baseball Legs kite.



Other Kite Videos


This is the video that got me into flying stunt kites. Excellent video entitled, "Romancing The Wind" by Ray Bethell. Ray flies three Kestrel sport kites at one time.


Ray Bethell and his kites - "The Blue Danube".


TKO Kite Team performing at the Plano, Texas Balloon Festival on September 20, 2014.


Good video of the legendary Top Of The Line Kite Team in 1990 from San Diego, CA.



Beneath His Wings

by Robert E. Hilliard
June 16, 2016

In the late 1970’s, a man from Vancouver, British Columbia traveled to Hawaii on vacation. While there, he noticed a group of people flying kites on the beach.

While he had always thought that flying kites was for sissy’s, he became interested in the fact that they were flying kites with 2 lines instead of one. It peaked his interest and when he returned to Vancouver, he tried his hand at flying a sport kite.

Little did the kiting world know that from these humble beginnings a man would develop and hone his kite piloting skills to become a 3 time American Kite Association champion but most of all, he would become a man of deep passion for the sport that desperately loves kiting and his fellow man.

It took Ray Bethell a number of years to learn how to fly. He started by flying one sport kite, then he tried flying two which he became successful at in a short period of time. He achieved this by flying one sport kite from his hand and the other from his hip. Living in Vancouver, Ray would develop his piloting skills at Vanier Park located next to the downtown area. Every day, the Chinook winds would make their way into Vancouver from the Strait of Georgia affording Ray the clean winds he needed to hone and perfect his craft. It would take him hours and hours of grueling practice, days of successes and failures.



By 1980, Ray was flying in team competitions on the West coast of Canada and America. It was during this time that Ray decided to try flying three sport kites simultaneously. Within a matter of a few short years, Ray had developed his unique style flying a sport kite from each hand and one from the hip.

Once the word got out that there was a pilot able to fly three sport kites simultaneously, Ray was asked to compete at kite competitions in the Freestyle and Ballet categories. His popularity grew with each competition. Soon he attracted the attention of kite manufacturers and event organizers from all over the world.

Successes like these don’t come easy. It takes a lot of hard work to perfect a style that Ray was becoming known for. But for Ray, this was more than just flying kites at a kite competition. Ray brings with him the human element. He loves to fly and he has developed the passion it takes to give back to his audience. Ray is one of the very few kite pilots that make you feel he is performing just for you. As a spectator, one can see the passion that Ray exudes in his performance and Ray doesn’t want anyone to walk away without falling in love with kite flying and the joy it can bring.

The flying records and awards have mounted up. In 1991, he flew 2 kites, one from each hand. 1992, 3 kites, one from each hand and one from the hip. In 1993, he flew three kites simultaneously for 8 hours and 42 minutes. 1994, Ray flew three kites for a record breaking 12 hours and 12 minutes. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Ray flew a number of stacked kites, the highest totaling 39! While accomplishing all this, Ray’s considers his greatest asset to be the kiting fans and friends he has developed along the way. For Ray, this is not about popularity and ego… it’s about people and the joy of kiting. He calls this, “Good Stuff” and he’s been featured in numerous videos talking about not just his flying skills, but about his passion for life and his interest in the success of his fellow man.

Age has slowed Ray down a little bit, but it hasn’t stopped him. He is the picture of health although he can’t attend every event he would like to. When Ray is not attending a kite competition, you can find him flying in his beloved Vanier Park. In October of 2006, A park bench was installed in Vanier Park in Ray’s honor. He considers it to be the most outstanding gesture of love a man could have. Next time you’re in Vancouver, take a stroll through Vanier Park and sit on the bench dedicated to Ray. On some days, you can even watch Ray perform his multiple kite flying technique. Ray would want that for you. In Ray’s mind, the wind will forever be beneath his wings. He beckons you to join him.

After a long and wonderful career flying kites, Ray Bethell passed from this earth on December 18, 2018. He was 90 years old.





Picture from page 6 of the Sky Delight Kites catalog from year 2000.




Additional articles written by Robert Hilliard





World Renowned Kite Artist

by Robert E. Hilliard
August 17, 2015

If you asked Joel Keith Scholz if he truly felt he was a world renowned kite artist, his humbleness would probably urge him to answer in the negative. But deep, down inside there’s an artistic creativeness and drive that keeps reminding him of his kite designing accomplishments. And those accomplishments are very hard to ignore.

Scholz made his first kite at age 9 however, it was somewhere between being a graphic artist-cartographer, laboratory technician, x-ray technologist and art teacher that his kite designing talent really took off. And that newly-found career began in 1986 and lasted some 15 glorious years.

During that time, Joel racked up numerous awards and accolades. He quickly became world renowned for producing the most innovative and finest quality kites. Joel was described in American Kite Magazine as “One of America’s best kite designers”. In Kitelines Magazine he was hailed as being “On the forefront of the next generation of kite makers”. His kites set world records and ultimately found themselves hanging in museums throughout the world.

Sky Delight Kites - Year 2000 Catalog

Not bad for a man that learned how to design kites from spending years on a sailboat in central Texas. With the love and support of Bonnie, his wife, Joel has taken his love and passion and made it into something that all of us can own and enjoy. His creations fueled a generation into kite flying. His love of design and artistry in the wind created numerous award winning kite pilots such as Ray Bethell, who flies three of Joel’s Kestrel sport kites simultaneously and holds the world record for non-stop, multi-kite flying for 12 hours and 12 minutes. That’s what makes a person like Joel Scholz happy. It’s the love of the wind and flight itself that has given Joel the incentive to design world famous, award winning kites.


In 2001 Joel moved on. He licensed his creations to other companies and concentrated his efforts on the design and manufacture of remote controlled craft. But to say that Joel Scholz made an indelible mark on the kite world is a total understatement. From 1986 until 2001, Joel made some of the world’s finest and best performing kites. Every kite, whether it be single line, dual line or quad contains his passion, his very essence. Every kite from the stitching right down to the bridle contains a piece of his soul that embodies who he has been and continues to be… a world-renowned kite artist.

The next time you're at a park on a windy day and kites are flying in the distance, ask those kite pilots who made the kites they're flying. A good pilot always has a Joel Scholz kite in his bag.

As of January 1, 2021, Joel Scholz has put his website back online at: https://www.skydelightkites.com/



Additional articles written by Robert Hilliard





To Fly A Kite

by Robert E. Hilliard
November 28, 2014

Kiting has an interesting history in the USA. It seems to have experienced a 20+ year popularity streak from the 1980's up until the early 2000's. During that time a great number of kite manufacturers sprung up and offered all types of kites for the public. The economy was strong and our past time as Americans appeared to gravitate to activities outside the home.

Sport kites also appeared to come into vogue. Sport kite teams were created and numerous kite competitions and festivals were held to accommodate the growing number of people getting into kiting as a hobby. Kite stores were opening up as well as individual kite makers building and offering all types of single-line, dual-line and specialty kites.

All the world was grand with kiting until about 2008. The downturn in the American economy began to cause many kite stores and manufacturers to go out of business. Kites that were once made in America were being manufactured in China to help cut costs and increase profits. In the mid 2000's the popularity of kiting seemed to wane as technology got more involved in our past time. Children, who normally spent their time outside, started staying indoors with their cell phones, computers and gaming units. Adults were affected also finding very little time for leisurely activities and hobbies. Kiting, as we know it, took a big popularity hit.

Today, there are still kite manufacturers in the USA, but you can probably count them on one hand and the ones that actually make their kites here in the states are even more scarce. Brick and mortar kite stores have been replaced with mobile kite units. Many stores reside online only under the auspices of Ebay offering a limited line of kites. Due to this decline, many in the kite community have been asking questions such as, "Will kiting ever return to its former glory?" and "What will it take to make kiting a popular hobby once again?" Many think as long as the economy is in the dumps, so kiting will be also. That could very well be true, but I tend to feel that as Americans, we might need a change in our lifestyle.

In my opinion, our lives have become too cluttered. Taking the time to relax and fly a kite, go fishing or even read a book seems to be far down the priority list. Maybe it's time we break away from our technological strongholds and focus on relaxing activities outside the home... like kite flying. To fly a kite, all you need is some wind, space and of course, a kite. Kiting is an excellent way to relieve stress. Try to attend some kite festivals and any kite club flying days at a local park. The benefits to your health and mental well-being just might be immeasurable. Maybe that's why kiting has been around for thousands of years. Will our bad economy continue? A flip of a coin might answer that. Will the downturn in kite popularity continue? It will as long as we let it.


Kite Search/Association/Historical/Misc

American Kitefliers Association (AKA) - World's biggest kite organization
KiteLife Magazine - Publication devoted to the sport of kite flying
World Kite Museum - Also Washington State Kite Festivals
kitemap.org - Find new places to fly, or add your own


Kite Organization/Forum/Informative Documents

BFK 1996 Online Catalog - Very good listing of older stunt kites for the late 1990's
AKA Kite Event Organizer Manual - AKA version on PDF
AKA Team Flying Manual - by Troy Gunn and Jerry Hershey
DAKO - Dallas Area Kite Organization FB Page
The Kite Gnome Forum - A Kite Community and Swaggery
KiteLife Forum - KiteLife Kite Forum
Kite Guys Stunt Kites - Introduction to Stunt Kites
Ray Bethell Website - Multiple Kite World Champion
TKO Professional Sport Kite Team - Texas Kansas Oklahoma Professional Sport Kite Team - Facebook page
TKO Professional Sport Kite Team - Texas Kansas Oklahoma Professional Sport Kite Team - Website
International Sport Kite Compulsories Book - AKA Compulsories Book v2.2.1 All Teams from AKA Website
International Sport Kite Compulsories Book - All Teams on Reed Design Website
International Sport Kite Compulsories Book - Condensed for Single Dual-Line
Sport Kite Magic - Sport Kite Flying and Advanced Techniques by David Gomberg

Kite Online Retailers - USA

Above It All Kites - Kite retailer - Long Beach, Washington
A Wind Of Change - Kite retailer and accessories - Salt Lake City, Utah
Chicago Kite - Kite retailer - Chicago, Illinois
Gomberg Kite Productions - Show kites, inflatables, tails, line laundry, and banners - Neotsu, Oregon
Goodwinds - Kite accessories, rods and parts retailer - Mt. Vernon, Washington
Into The Wind - Kite retailer - Boulder, Colorado
Kites and Fun Things - Kite retailer - Plymouth, Michigan
Kite Loft - Kite retailer - Ocean City, Maryland
Kite Stop - Kite retailer - Titusville, Florida
Kitty Hawk Kites - Kite retailer - Nags Head, North Carolina
Wind Dance Kites - Kite retailer - Charleston, South Carolina

Kite Online Retailers - Canada

Canadian Kite Company - Store is in Western Canada, Alberta.
Coriolis Kites - Based just outside of Montreal. Again, the lads speak English.
The Kite Guys - A Canadian kite company that buys, sells, builds and teaches all about kites.
Vent Ekinox - Based in Montreal. Normand speaks excellent English.

Kite Manufacturers

AirDynamics - Custom Kite manufacturer and retailer - Hereford, United Kingdom
Benson Kites - Kite manufacturer - Bradford, United Kingdom
Blue Moon Kites - Kite manufacturer - Lenoir, North Caroline
Hot Pepper Kites - Custom Kite manufacturer in the Netherlands
HQ Kites and Designs USA - Kite manufacturer - Powells Point, North Carolina
New Tech Kites - Kite manufacturer - Austin, Texas
Premier Kites - Kite manufacturer - Hyattsville, Maryland
Prism Kites - Kite manufacturer - Seattle, Washington
Sky Burner Kites and Sky Shark Competition Air Frames - Kite manufacturer - Plymouth, Michigan
SkyDog Kites - Kite manufacturer - Colchester, Connecticut

Kite Designers and Builders

Buteo Huang
George Peters
Joel Scholz
Ken McNeill
Kisa Kites Designs
Lam Hoac
Martin Lester
Peter Lynn
Robert Brasington


Fishing for Needle Fish with a kite.