Keith McGregor asked:


This section of the shop is here to provide you with the right information to choose the perfect kite for the flyer, some of our kites are suitable for very small children, while others should be given the greatest respect by competent adult pilots.

First of all we’ll tell you a little about the different types of kites we sell..

Mini Kites

Generally these kites are no bigger than a foot across, ideally suited for the youngest flyers, they can fly in the slightest of winds and simple to fly, a single line attached to the kite means that they can be flown with ease. On the whole the Mini Kite range is the cheapest range of kites we stock, which also makes them great birthday presents for young children. As these kites are made and sold with young children in mind, safety is of paramount importance, their small size means even in a worst case scenario of the kite being crashed into someone it is unlikely to cause any injury. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.

Diamond Kites

The classic kite shape, unchanged for centuries, but now available in a huge range of styles and sizes. The diamond is a suitable first kite for children and is a very easy to fly style of kite, although some consideration should be given to the size of the kite as we sell many different sizes of diamond kite and some of the larger kites may be unsuitable for smaller children. Diamond kites generally require only the slightest of breezes to fly and can reach a high altitude quite easily, most can also be easily adjusted for the angle of flying to ensure a stable flight in a wide range of wind conditions, although they are best flown in a moderate wind coming from a constant direction. Diamond kites can usually be disassembled easily by removing the horizontal strut, which makes them easy to store and transport. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.

Creature Kites

Creature kites are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and as the name suggests they represent a creature, which could be something you’d expect to see in the sky, like a bird or butterfly or something you may not expect to see soaring through the air like an octopus or frog. Some are diamond in form, some are delta, but some are purely custom shapes to represent the creature. They are 99% single lined, and therefore an easy kite to fly for the novice pilot and very appealing to the young pilot. Usually requiring a moderate wind to fly they are a low drag kite which means they’re not going to pull you about when you fly them but can easily reach a good height with little effort. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.

Delta Kites (Not to be confused with delta stunt kites)

Delta kites are named after their delta-wing shape, a slanted triangle design, very aerodynamic and able to fly in very gentle breezes. Alike to a birds wings or an aeroplanes body. They are a single line kite and simple to fly, suitable for young pilots they represent a change to the standard diamond shaped kite and are more suitable than the diamond to changable winds, although not suitable for strong winds as they tend to ‘corkscrew’ in the air. Available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours they are a very fun kite to fly and will be an enjoyable gift for any child, check the size of the kite though as some are bigger than others and the larger ones may not be ideally suited for the youngest of pilots. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.

Box Kites

Another age-old design, the box kite, flies in a different fashion to other kites in that the air passes through the kite to create lift rather than push against a solid face. They usually look as though they shouldn’t fly, but in fact are one of the most graceful flying kites there are. Not available in as many forms as the diamond kite, but every one is beautiful in it’s own way. They are suitable for children as they produce very little drag, but may also appeal to the adult flyers out there, in fact they are the ideal gift for active grandparents to accompany their grandchildren when they’re flying their kites. Single flying line guarantees an easy flying experience. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.

Stunt Kites

Getting a bit more complicated now than the previously mentioned kites, stunt kites get their name from their ability to perform tricks in the hands of the pilot, this is down to their 2 string control method, which by shortening or lengthening one of the strings by pulling or extending one of the control handles makes the kite take a different course through the air, practice will allow the pilot to perform amazing loops, dives and climbs with ease. Not the perfect choice for smaller children, but will be greatly received by older children, and also adults, for who we stock a wide range of high end stunt kites. When browsing our shop note that the stunt kites are divided into different sections; childrens, novice, advanced and expert, this is generally dictated by the size of the kite – the larger ones produce more pull and require more tug on the lines to perform their tricks. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.

Power Kites

Finally we reach the cutting edge of 21st century kiting – The power kite, ever more popular and our best selling kites. Powerkites are named for just that reason – they take the maximum power from the wind, flying a power kite is not about watching it gracefully soar into the air, it’s all about the drag. Even the smallest power kite can produce an outstanding amount of pull, and the largest can even make you take off! Always take care when choosing a power kite that the person you’re buying it for will be able to cope with it. Safety is of maximum importance when flying a power kite and that’s why we stock a wide range of safety equipment to accompany the power kites, such as kite killers (specially designed wristbands which will allow the kite to drop out of the sky in an emergency), and a range of protective body wear; like gloves, pads and helmets. We recommend that you work your way up through the sizes of power kite and don’t just jump in at a huge 6 metre kite without prior experience. Safety aside, power kites are popular for one reason, they’re so fun to use, whether you fly it on it’s own or combine it with an ATB (off-road kite powered skateboard) or a buggy, they produce a huge amount of power which is very exciting to be at the end of. Smaller power kites tend to be 2 lined, whilst larger ‘traction’ kites are generally 4 lined, which require some form of handles or harness to fly them, sometimes these are supplied with the kite or they are available seperately. Again we have to stress the safety point with power kites, fly safely, know your limits and most of all choose the time and place to fly your power kite with the greatest of care, for yourself and other people. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying. And see our special page on flying power kites safely.

Safe Kite Flying

Location – Select a location that is free of obstruction such as houses and trees that can pose a danger to your kite and the public, and even more importantly do not fly your kite anywhere near power lines, substations or airports. Make sure wind conditions are right for your particular kite. Also make sure that as well as preventing damage to yourself and your kite, that you are going to fly in an area where you are not going to cause harm to anyone else or any wildlife, a beach is a perfect place, but make sure that there are no people around you if you are using a large or powerful kite. Also be aware of changing weather conditions, if you think there may be a storm approaching, quickly and carefully cease your flying activities, a kite can act as a lightning conductor when it is damp, and even if there’s no lightning, excessive winds can damage or destroy your kite, or just pull it from your hands, which in the case of children can be very upsetting.

Launching – With the wind at your back, take the kite about 50 feet or more downwind and have a friend hold it up, pulling the line tight. As your kite catches the wind, pull on the line handle until the kite gains altitude. Smaller kites can be launched from a smaller distance than this. Ensure you quickly give the kite lines some length after launch as the wind tends to swirl close to the floor and can quickly bring your kite back down. Ensure that there is no chance of wrapping the lines around another person or yourself as this can be dangerous in changable wind conditions.

Landing – Release the tension on the line of your kite and this will allow it to drift to the ground, quickly retreive or immobolise your kite as it can easily take off again in the right conditions. Choose a suitable place away from water and busy public places for this. You may also find that you can just wind your kite back onto the string and as your kite is approaching the ground it can be caught and held for you while you finish winding it up.

Above everything else USE YOUR COMMON SENSE, and constantly be aware of your environment, the wind is always changing and can only be guessed at. Keep aware of other people coming close to you and always supervise young children when flying kites. When you follow the necessary safety steps kite flying can be one of the most enjoyable pastimes all year round. Thank you for reading – and fly safely.

tariq808 asked:

Overseas Adventure Travel 21-01-2009

hot russian bride

HolidayswithHeidi asked:

Eco Travel – Wellness Advocate and Spokesperson, Holidays With Heidi, Eco Consultant, Eco Wellness, Healthy Green Living

filipina bride

John Taylor asked:


When most people hear someone talk about rock climbing, they either feel a cringe in their spine or a rush of adrenaline throughout their entire body. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out which of the two is the rock climber. Rock climbing is definitely a sport that isn’t for everyone. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the few sports where a bad performance could possibly mean death to the participant. So why do it?

There are several reasons that a person would consider rock climbing as the recreation activity of choice. Each individual will of course have their own version of why they decided to take on this physically and mentally challenging sport. This is an activity which is certainly not for the physically unfit, or those who could be described as timid.

Okay, so a rock climber has to be strong and outgoing, but there’s much more to it than just those two personality traits. Let’s take a look at what type of a person makes a good rock climber.

First, before anything else, they must have the desire to go rock climbing. This tells us the individual is an outgoing person who has no issues going toe to toe with incredibly difficult tasks. They must also have no problem taking a leadership role, as being the lead in rock climbing is a tremendous responsibility. The lead climber must make the decision on which route to take up the climb, as well as the placement of the safety devices into the rock for others to follow.

Secondly, rock climbing requires great strength and endurance. Sometimes the climber’s weight may be held entirely on just a few finger tips, and believe me this is no time to doubt the strength in your hands. Upper body strength is also crucial for scaling the vertical rock walls and overhangs. It’s for these reasons that a specialized physical training regimen is a must for rock climbing. This can include, but is not limited to aerobics, high repetition/low weight training and hand strengthening exercises.

Finally, rock climbing is a very mental sport. It’s a sport which takes patience. The climber can never get in a hurry to move up the precipice, for they can endanger their life, as well as any others who may be on the climb. One move at a time, slowly inching up the stony surface, stopping to place one anchor after another, such is the movement of the rock climber.

As patient as the climber is, he must also be persistent. When you’ve climbed 175 feet straight up, (sometimes inches at a time) you must be willing to go the extra distance to get to the top no matter how far it looms ahead. Just ask any seasoned rock climber and they’ll probably tell you, the only way down is up.

So there you have a glimpse of what type of individual makes a good rock climber. Did you see any traits that resembled you in any way? Rock climbing is a very arduous and sometimes downright dangerous activity, there’s no arguing the point. However, according to those who pursue this sport, there is nothing more empowering than conquering what most people cringe to even think about. So what about you, are you up to the challenge to not only conquer the rock, but maybe also a part of yourself?

Pat Carpenter asked:


It looks easy on TV. A kite, instead of a boat, pulling you across vast expanses of water. Kite surfing, also known as fly surfing or kiteboarding, uses the power of a kite to pull the rider through the water on a small surfboard, a wakeboard, or a kiteboard.

A kitesurfer uses a board with foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel himself or herself and the board across the water. However, this simplicity also makes kitesurfing challenging. A kitesurfer’s body is the only connection between the kite and the board. The surfer pilots the kite while he or she steers the board on the water.

And while the sport is still in its infancy, it’s rapidly growing in popularity throughout Texas and nationally. In 2006, the number of kitesurfers was estimated at 150,000 to 200,000 in the U.S.

Many riding styles have evolved to suit different types of riders and conditions, such as wake style, wave riding, freestyle, jumping, and cruising. If you’re looking for a new water sport, you might think about trying kitesurfing. Kitesurfing is an interesting blend of surfing, water skiing and kite flying that will definitely challenge you to learn new skills. This is also a great sport if you want to try something new, or if you’re trying to set yourself apart from the other people on the water.

Kitesurfing is growing in popularity, so you should soon be able to find kitesurfers on many of the major lakes and beaches throughout Texas and in other states where windsurfing is already very popular. If you’re trying to figure out if you’d like to try this sport, you should definitely look for kitesurfers near you to learn more about whether or not it is the sport for you. After that, you should try to find an instructor.

While kitesurfing is original enough to be considered its own sport, it is also considered to be a more extreme form of windsurfing. This is due to the fact that it shares a lot in common with windsurfing, and in fact, most of the first kitesurfers used to be windsurfers.

For kitesurfing, you will need a board that is similar in size and shape to a wakeboard. In fact, some people actually use real wakeboards in order to go kitesurfing. Next, you will need a special kite. Of course, an ordinary kite will likely not catch nearly enough wind in order to pull you. Therefore, you’ll need one of the kitesurfing kites. Another benefit of these is that they are also generally inflatable, so they should float if they hit the water.

Kitesurfers surf across the top of the waves and hold onto the kite. The kite is, in fact, where most of the push comes from.

The biggest objective in kitesurfing is usually to do elaborate tricks, and to see how high and how long one can jump off of the waves. Since the kite is usually pulling upward, it is possible to get pretty far off the surface of the water.

In order to do well at kitesurfing, you will need various skills that have to do with several other watersports. For instance, water skiing and wakeboarding are useful to know how to deal with being towed by your hands. Windsurfing is useful so that you will know how to deal with a water sport that depends on how much wind is available.

Sports such as kitesurfing can be a great way to exercise to maintain good health.