Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Event Highlights (Part 2)

Yep!  28th of March 2010, JK Subzone had it's 1st Kite Flying event, "D-Kite"!  The "D" stands for "Design".  And that was the theme for the event - to win materials and use them to design and fly the team's kite!

After much sourcing, we finally got a good deal and managed to order our kites!  We got the teams these D.I.Y. Diamond Plain Kites to design on:
While Bro Joe got the members to place their orders for other designs to fly after the event.  Check mine out:

*ROAR*  Thank you, SuTing!!

Well, before "D-day", Alfred and I went for a "test-fly" at the open field near his house.

My TIGER's flying higher!  Lol!

On a separate day, SutTing and I also went to recce the Barrage to search for a suitable spot for our ice breaker and of course, to see the potential crowd!
The weather wasn't always in our favor.  But God is good!  =)
'Coz the weather was awesome that day - we were absolutely burnt to a crisp!
Despite that, think everyone would agree, though - WE HAD MAD FUN!! ... ...
 


... ... With and WITHOUT the kites!  HA!

I guess it's just great company that matters!!  <3

Well, before I end, here are some important tips when organizing kite designing & kite flying events:
  1. Hydrate your people and priority goes to seeking a shady spot for rest!
  2. Check that all kites have their allocated spokes and strings and try to make sure the kites can fly beforehand.
  3. When fixing up your kite, the horizontal spoke should bend inwards, into the kite sail.
  4. When designing plain kites, DO NOT poke holes or paste on too many extra materials - too heavy, it won't be able to fly~
  5. DO NOT leave the kites in the open sun for long periods of time - the tape holding the spokes might melt and ruin the kite.
  6. To fly your kite:
    (a) Find a spot that's not too crowded and where there's a strong wind.
    (b) Ensure the string is tied to the end of the kite (called the Attachment Point) firstDUH!
    (c) Unwind some string from the string handle (about 50cm perhaps?) and let it slack.  DO NOT hold the string in your hand - might get cut!
    (d) Throw the kite in the air WITH the direction of the wind (i.e.: you should feel the wind blowing against your back, not against your face).
    (e) When the kite is in the air, release more string and let the wind take it higher.
    (f) When you feel the kite losing momentum / "sinking", move backwards while tugging at the kite and release the string.  Running's not always necessary.  Just "find" the wind.
  7. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS - DO NOT bang into other kite flyers while moving backwards.  DO NOT run until you tangle your kite line with other people's!
  8. It gets exhilarating when you see your kite high in the air!  But watch that you do not get too carried away and keep unwinding your string till it flies away for good!  The string is NOT originally tired to the handle!
  9. Note:  Sea creatures ... belong in the sea - they generally (esp. the heavy ones), CANNOT fly!
  10. BUAH a lot a lot a lot of sun block BEFORE the event!!  Trust me on this!
Have Fun!!