Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 22:48:53 -1000 From: lize@rrs.co.za (Lize van den Heever) Message-Id: <199601030848.KAA32343@mort.rrs.co.za> Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: Kiting in South Africa Hi all Kiters! I started an intense interest in making and flying kites about 5 months ago since I stumbled accross some kite books with plans in the local library. I fell hands-feet-and-all for this new hobby and am still feeling my way around, finding all the nice kite links and getting into the kiting scene. I've been receiving messages from this kites list for about two days since I came back from holidays and enjoyed it tremendously. I feel like (and am) a total novice and realise there is such a lot to learn that I don't even know where to start. I would like this opportunity to request other kite flyers in South Africa to reply to the following request via e-mail. I have already made a beginners Delta-stunter, a stack of Speedwings, a quad-line Batman (with homemade handles which I am still learning to fly) and a full-sized Hawaiian Team kite (the latter of which I am very proud!). I have ordered, received, flown and enjoyed a Mosquito from the USA (as a once off treat) after reading a review of it in Kitelines (By the way - does anyone know if there is a link to Kitelines on the web?). However, my enthusiasm has far overtook my budget already. In my opinion accessories are extremely expensive in South Africa and up to now I have found only one retailer of kite accessories locally (in the Western Cape and they don't have a very wide variety). Ordering from abroad is not really an option because the exchange rate, import tax (24), VAT (14) and postage makes the relative price of fully built kites and accessories very expensive. However, there are some huge savings in other areas (on some carbon fibre spars up to 50) which might make it worthwile for very big orders. All-in-all it is not really financially viable to order accessories >From abroad for private use. I have become sort of an "expert" in searching around for cheaper vinul tubing, ripstop nylon, webbing, etc. in all shops that seem likely to have something, but specialized accessories (like dacron and carbon fibre spars, and even ripstop nylon) are the main problem to source at a reasonable price. I would like to know from anyone in South Africa also making kites that could tell me about other suppliers in South Africa or where they find their material and what they use. Good flying! Lize van den Heever - Stellenbosch = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 8 Jan 1996 14:01:29 -1000 From: Kites Message-Id: <318@hotston.demon.co.uk> Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: Re: Kiting in South Africa (In reply to your message dated Wednesday 3, January 1996) Hi I just got back from a three week holiday in Cape Town ( I live in the U.K.) and had a great time flying down in the Cape area. I attended a Kite Fest held by The S.A.K.F.A ( South African Kite Flying Association ( why does everything in SA have to have SA in front of it's name ?)) on Nordhoek Beach and great fun it was too. This is a beach for buggying (near the water anyway) the wind blows strong and boy is the sky blue. I was certainly made to feel very welcome and would recommend to any one going to Cape Town to take their kites. There are a few kite amkers in the Cape area, there is one chap who sells from his house and you can see his kites on the road from Cape town towards Simons Town (he sells Single Lines and his own type of foil that looked very nice). There is also a kite maker in Kommejkie (the other end of Nordhoek Beach) They sell under the name of High Falutin Kites and although I haven't flown one of his kites they look really well made (especially for Cape winds). Also Rare Air Kites are now in S.A. they are on the road to Chapmans Peak. Sorry if the areas are a little vague but I was only there on Holiday. I have the name of the contact at SAKFA somewhere if you wish it (email address). People also seem to fly alot at Blobergstrand (sorry if I spelt it wrong). South Africa could start giving California a run for it's money. Good wind, blue skies, and the Cape red wines are in a league of their own. Ant way the kite flying was a lot more fun than watching England lose at cricket. -- Peter C. Hotston ---------------- He who sows the wind reeps storms. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =