American Kitefliers Association

Jim, I know you've been pushing for more activity on this forum, but I have to refer you to the Kitebuilder's Forum to help solve your troubles. As it happens, there are quire a few talented kitemakers in New Zealand. I just spent a couple weeks with Simon Chisnall, and I know he's not just down the road from you, but he's quite a bit closer than most of us. Robert Van Weers could probably also teach you a couple of things. Don't despair, there are plenty of people ready and willing to help you learn kitemaking.

Thanks, Phil,

As I said, kite-building is the last resort as far as I am concerned (and I am probably completely without talent), but I shall certainly look around in the appropriate places for some help if I decide to go that way.  I have met Simon, who is a nice guy but quite a long way away, as you say.  Robert is far distant. 

What I am really looking for is a new source to buy some ready-made kites that are different but fall in the "reasonable" price bracket.  Maybe just wishful thinking, but if anyone has any ideas...... 

I buy most of my kites from the USA, but from regular sources, made by the major kite companies, and if they are not bringing out new designs maybe someone else has some.

Jim

I usually look for the same sort of kites. Haven't bought a kite in a shop for years. I've had good luck picking up one-offs in auctions during festivals. There are also some great kites that are close to one-offs by people like Robert Brasington, Karl Longbottom, and Kevin Shannon. You can check their websites or contact them directly.

eBay is also a good place to find kites for short  money

Jim, I realize the hardship of making that leap into making your own kites, but if I'm reading you right your looking for something new and different  that the new and different that has already been done and has set a new & higher level of designs.  If there was anyway you could get started into the sewing thing it would be to your advantage.  Phil, who has been adding to this thread has done a great job of turning out some wonderful kites.  Hope to hear soon your into a different thread. LOL

A possible source is Ken McNeil of Blue Moon kites. He makes both single and dual line kites. Kevin Shannon does private work. Deb Cooley of Lincoln city OR does some unique applique designs on deltas and lots of fun ground displays. Contact me for her info. Oh, Scott Hampton out of Sandy UT makes great kites. He does a lot of shading with design master paints. Will Sturdy does some dual line kites.
Into the Wind is now selling and producing Focus kites. Prism has a cool looking glider coming out.

And, for Jim in New Zealand... Robert Brasington in Tasmania (Ground Zero Kites), or AKA Merchant-Members Kitepower Australia in Geelong, Sydney and Queensland.  Mike Richards of Kite Magic in Sydney can often access the unusual, too.

I keep thinking of more designers that sell directly. Try Karl Longbottom, UK or Ron Gibian, California, Martin Blais of Canada and Tennessee. Robert Van Weers may also sell. Ralf Zimmerman of Germany.
You can either find the addresses thru the AKA Club House search for members, or almost all have FaceBook accounts.

Maybe someone should tell jimmy that these designer kites cost $300.00 plus dollars and up. No including shipping. It's nice dropping some big names in kiting but you can drop some big bucks for their work. Not every kite flyer has the kind of money we do here in the AKA