Power Kite Forum

Big Brother Big Sister Program

pyro22487 - 5-1-2012 at 12:44 PM

So my wife got tired of me trying to get her to fly kites with me. So she had me sign up for this program I haven't heard back from them yet but I am curious about what age do you think it is good to start teaching kids to power kite. I was thinking around 7 or 8 as long as I don't give the kid a large kite I think it would be alright. My trainer kite or a 2m flow in like 8mph winds should be good. Anyways thoughts and comments welcome.

shehatesmyhobbies - 5-1-2012 at 01:21 PM

I started my son at 8. They really get a kick out of it. Maybe also try an after school program like P.A.L. (police athletic league) they may be interested in having you come out once a week and spending time with the kids flying kites.

thanson2001ok - 5-1-2012 at 01:51 PM

7 or 8 works but is the youngest IMO. 9 and older is better.

A little time on a 2-line trainer is good to learn some kite control. I think 4 lines on handles is better... once they learn how to reverse launch, it is a lot more fun for them. And you. Fewer 25m dashes to set up. :spin:

truman - 5-1-2012 at 01:53 PM

I had a big brother and all I can say is you are doing a great thing! made a big difference in my life :thumbup:

shehatesmyhobbies - 5-1-2012 at 02:57 PM

I started my son on a 1.4m Beamer. He took right to the handles and learned how to properly set it up and pack it away before he launched it. Hours of watching dad do his thing made it a little easier I guess. Now he can set up, check all lines, get his self ready and launch with me watching instead of doing. He knows how to use his brakes to land the kite and has had several successful reverse launches. My oldest is 15 and she flies as well. She doesn't fly for long periods of time, but she flies.

pyro22487 - 5-1-2012 at 03:17 PM

yeah im hoping. for a 8 year old kid but not sure yet on the age. man im excited about it now i have been waiting almost 2 days and i'm beggining to wonder if they are gooing to call me at all.

rocfighter - 5-1-2012 at 05:16 PM

I had a big brother too. But he tourchered me as a kid. :mad:
OH that kind of big brother...:wee: This is a great program I hope it all works out with you and him. Make a differance.

pyro22487 - 5-1-2012 at 05:56 PM

Ok so I couldn't stand the fact that I mightmiss the phone call so I called them a little while ago and explained I was a night shift worker. I also let it slip that I was a kiteflyer. I told him I could teach several to fly after I tought my own little how to fly. Man I don't know who was more excited me or the director guy. He really got excited so there you go I may have my own club in a few weeks. Now all I need is a supply of trainer kites. Well in a few weeks I may post something untill then dont worry about me I am already trying to enlist help from RTZ and other local pilots.

thanson2001ok - 5-1-2012 at 06:05 PM

:bigok::bigok::bigok:

pyro22487 - 5-1-2012 at 06:29 PM

yea tried to put those in my post but that smiley didnt show up in the edit screen lol.

Hey Dave..

skimtwashington - 6-1-2012 at 11:08 AM

I have an Identical step-brother...

awindofchange - 6-1-2012 at 12:14 PM

Hey Pyro, ever flown a Revolution? It would be the best thing to teach the kids how to fly a quad line kite. Once they learn on the Rev then they can easily fly the power kites.

Thanks for taking on such a valiant role in these kids lives. Giving back to the community is such a wonderful thing.

Give me a call and I may be able to help you out a little bit with some gear.

shehatesmyhobbies - 6-1-2012 at 12:42 PM

Dave that is awesome. Glad you called them. I am very ecited for you and the community, and especually the kids.

pyro22487 - 6-1-2012 at 01:33 PM

I knew this would be the place to come for help and advice.


Quote:
Originally posted by awindofchange
Hey Pyro, ever flown a Revolution? It would be the best thing to teach the kids how to fly a quad line kite. Once they learn on the Rev then they can easily fly the power kites.

Thanks for taking on such a valiant role in these kids lives. Giving back to the community is such a wonderful thing.

Give me a call and I may be able to help you out a little bit with some gear.


I have tried a revolution before not sure if it was an older one or if the lines were to long, 130 feet I think, but the controls were sluggish and it was very twitchy. I have a 1.4 4 string kite made by go fly a kite and it is almost as good as a revolution has almost no pull unless you put it up in like 35 mph winds. In those winds I use a 2m ozone flow to buggy. No way am I going to teach anyone in those winds. I can barely manage in those winds and i am not that bad of a flier now am I an expert no but I'm not bad. Also thanks once I know who and how old my "little" is I will definitely hit you up. Also anyone know of someone making smaller buggies for kids….


Van I may need a quote on a normal sized 7 to 11 year old buggy nothing fancy just something that I can tow behind me in 15 to 20 mph winds with a 5m kite on grass. maybe it doesn't even need a front tire. Wait the seat Idea when is that going to be finished lol. I forgot all about that. I may be able to fabricate something out of wood and PVC like Kitemaker4 made for her pup.

rocfighter - 6-1-2012 at 03:58 PM

I fly my revs on 90ft lines at the longest. Try shorter lines and see if it is better.

pyro22487 - 6-1-2012 at 04:03 PM

i may do that. i found out today that the organization is kinda slow to do anything. i understand background checks and stuff but to do my interview meeting was scheduled for a month from now. how is that for timely manner.

pyro22487 - 6-1-2012 at 04:07 PM

oh well its worth it for the kids.

shehatesmyhobbies - 6-1-2012 at 06:53 PM

:thumbup::thumbup:

WELDNGOD - 6-1-2012 at 07:32 PM

I was in the Big brother program as a child. Having come from a single parent household,it made a big difference in my life. Now you got me thinkin,I should " pay it forward " and join as an adult.....

Thanks for postin this Pyro. It brought back memories I haven't thought of, in decades.

pyro22487 - 6-1-2012 at 09:03 PM

thanks for the encouraging thoughts guys. seriously im glad im doing this. i will keep you guys updated maybe get a video or 2 of my little brother flying when all the paperwork is done. if i get the group thing set up i will definately get a video of that. i just cant wait aaaaa one month i still cant get over that.

soliver - 6-1-2012 at 09:25 PM

dude, this is pretty cool,... and I was all proud of myself for getting my wife to fly a kite for the first time today.

You guys are doing great things! I think this is awesome.

My girls are still too small to learn anything about kiting.

Good luck!

pyro22487 - 15-2-2012 at 01:06 PM

well apparently they dont feel this is the best time for me to volunteer. they wouldn't give specifics but oh well anyways. thanks for the support though. they said i could reapply in a year. well in a year i plan on having a kid and getting a new house so i dont see that happening.