American Kitefliers Association

Sigh

That's kind of a nebulous request.

WSIKF is a week of every kind of kiting you can imagine, in one of the largest, best flying areas in North America... Not much to know that an adventurous attitude and a little Googling for "WSIKF kite festival report" won't cure.

A search through YouTube for WSIKF videos may also be fun, and you can look at some of the local city information on their tourism site at http://www.funbeach.com

I'll be there, come say hello!

If you want to park on the beach, close to the flying fields, you need a parking permit. The approach closes at 9 am and you are stuck there until 5pm. Many have their preferrred spot and will be moving cars at 5 am. Me, I stash the kite bag in the bag of someone else's vehicle and retrieve later. Or, you can try for a spot in the parking lot and haul, or get a motel close and haul from their parking lot.
Typically, the rev flyers and fighter kites use the beach access down by the kite musuem entrance. The festival fields, big kites, contests are at the other end off the Bolstad access. From 9am to 9pm, this access road is lined with food and other types of vendors.
The big kites are to the right. The competition and show fields are to the left. Usually Ray Bethel has a field on the left at the water's edge.
The camps set up around the competition fields for the judging.
Everyone else just fits in around the edges.
Oh, and watch out for the tide.
Double check the evening schedules. wednesday is the lasagna dinner with the Washington club; thursday the pot luck and barbque with Associated Oregon kiters; friday the hall of fame induction at the kite museum; and saturday the banquet/raffle/auction for the kite museum.
Hope this helps a little.
Barbara

Barbara, thanks for a complete answer. I think that the Sunday before kite week and opening Monday will set the tone for my wife and I for the week. We will be lodging close to Bolstead. I plan to register each day and participate fully. However, being "locked" on the beach with the car is a worry. Do you know if a person entering the beach on Bolstead can exit on Sid Snyder anytime during the day? I can fully appreciate that festival yearly regulars might have staked out traditional sites for parking etc. I want to play nicely in the sand box this year, so every bit of insight means one potential problem sidestepped. WSIKF is about the greatest kiting event I'll ever attend, so I'd really like to get it right. So many notables, suchas yourself make this a networking,learning and hopefully buying bonanza.
Cpt.A.

Thank you John. You are a hard working president . I've done as much of what you suggest as I could already. There is just no substitute for the wisdom that comes from experience. I am eager to see and participate in the spectacle on the beach. I want to participate in the indoor event. I have a night kite that I want to send up more than once too.
Thanks again, John.
Cpt.A.

Pete, I ask for information. I appreciate the two answers I've gotten. If you can add to this, I thank you in advance.
Cpt.A.

Capt A I can appreciate that you want to "play nicely."  Not to worry.  You've started out with the right attitude. 
In answer to your question, once you're in the permit parking area you're in for the duration.  You can't drive down to Sid Snyder for a couple of reasons.  Nor can you go the other way to Cranberry Rd.  No doubt about it parking is a bit of a hassle.  However if you are not going to set up a territory/camp there is public parking fairly near by and its not too much of a hike.  The designated flying areas are occupied with scheduled activities most of the time.  “Free flying”, if you will, takes place around the perimeter of the event fields.  As far as registering there will be adequate announcements.  If competing in hand crafted you register once to include what ever categories you're competing in.  Handcrafted competitions take place over several days.  There are ancillary club/group competitions that you may want to enter or be a part of.  Usually there is a group or club more than willing to “adopt” someone for the event.  You may want to participate in the mass ascensions.  That is a separate one time registration.  Be sure to register as an AKA member and get your red band.  You'll need it to gain access to some of the field activities.  Keep in mind that you will most likely be flying among some “seasoned” veterans.  If you watch for a while you will see who they are.  If you are uncomfortable or not sure what the ground rules or event etiquette is ask one of them.  I think you will find most are happy to share information.  You can bring in food and beverages or take advantage of the various food vendors that will be within easy walking distance.  By all means don't forget the sun screen.  Of course we all hope we need it.  It is the Northwest doncha know.    As John suggests there are LOTS of internet items about the festival.  One of them has a nice map depicting the layout of the event.  I forget where it is but it gives you some idea of where things will be.  First thing when you get into town pick up an official event booklet.  You can get them several different places but for sure at the visitors center which will be on your right as you get into town.  The local bakery downtown is almost a “must visit.”  Naw, it IS a must visit.    You'll understand why.    If you have other questions or just want to say hi look for the blue flag with the Goat on it.  Either I or some of the other Goat Hill Gang members will be around there somewhere.  Usually at the canopy on the end of the row. This will be our twentieth year.  We're slowing down but we'll still be there. I'm sure I've left something important out but it would take several pages to cover everything.  The most important thing is to prepare to have fun.  It is about the most tako kichi event you can imagine.

O.G., I will print out your reply and that of others who respond. These will go in a binder I am prepping for the event. On our way up to Washington, my wife and I are going to re read and discuss each of them. I want you to know that joining the AKA has been worth every penny and more!  I will certainly want to meet and greet you and yours at WSIKF13.
Cpt. A.