The Modern Kiteflier

Book excerpt: Over the past generation, kiteflying has evolved beyond a childhood rite of passage into a mainstream adult activity. The kite's popularity skyrocketed at a time when kite makers adopted modern synthetic materials developed for other industries. A new breed of sport kites appeared and kite artists emerged, dazzling onlookers with three-dimensional aerial sculptures. Inventors perfected new designs and accessories while entrepreneurs created a multimillion-dollar kiting industry. Yet, the kitefliers themselves have remained largely anonymous. Drawing on the World Kite Museum's audio archives, this book brings together firsthand stories from the community of devoted enthusiasts who pull the strings.