Seattle AirGear

Hotter speed and turning than competition kites. Higher-quality exercise and livelier pull than power kites.
WindDances are "airgear," a new concept. They fly better and feel more exciting than typical stunt kites.
Our other advancements: Ergo T-handles that boost feel, control, exercise. Natural active FLY-a-kite skill.

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What others say

The FEEDBACK we've received -- about 75 pages dating back to mid-1997 -- confirms everything we claim about WindDances, other kites, control handles, kite retailers, and the peculiar kite culture that drives the thinking and behavior of organized kiting.

The red section below illustrates how virtually all kite retailers misrepresent WindDances into something inferior, or refuse to sell them, or worse. In addition to violating their retailer code of ethics, they steer their customers away from WindDancing fun.

Why do they do it? Their kite culture demands it. You see, our WindDance parafoils are made for and excel at "kite FLYING" with "basic skill." That is, we made WindDances for "REAL kite flying." As a result, WindDances fly way better than parafoils are 'supposed' to fly, basic skill works far better with WindDances than with other dual-line kites, WindDances provide higher-quality exercise than other kites do, and WindDances are pure joy to spectacularly fly side-by-side with a friend. All of that rubs the kite culture the wrong way. Since kite-retailing shops, catalogs, and websites serve as portals into their restrictive kite culture, they cannot promote the wonders of kite FLYING with basic skill or the reality of WindDancing.

The pressure to conform to their kite culture is so strong it overwhelms good business sense. No wonder kite shops are failing. No wonder both USA kite magazines -- Kite Lines and American Kite -- died in the year 2000.

Our response to critics. Yes, in addition to the many "raves" we get "flamed," too!

He r e a re things flyers have run into when dealing with organized kiting and its kite culture:

"************* has lost my business until they clean up their act in regard to the WindDance. I have found a WindDance easier to fly than any delta I have tried. We have had my father-in-law who is over 80 and grandchildren ages 6 and 10 both flying the WindDance. ************* not only gives you a bad rap in regard to flying characteristics, it grades the WindDance as more difficult to fly than it actually is. . . . " -- 5/00 email

Epilogue Feb-2001. That retailer did clean up their act, sort of: they dropped WindDances and the false advertising against them from their catalog. And they dropped us, too -- kite flyers Dan & Sue Ruuska -- from their mailing list after sending us a catalog every year for a decade. A customer sent us his 2001 catalog; we see how they replaced WindDances with inferior parafoils and continue with the same kite-culture sales methods as before.

Due to the kite-culture beliefs that guide them, kite retailers prefer parafoils that pull well but don't FLY well. We use ************* as a stunning example: how they dumped parafoils that fly superbly for ones that fly poorly.

A few years ago, a Seattle kite retailer suggested that we consider reducing WindDance performance to strengthen our sales to organized kiting. Instead, we boosted performance by improving to the WindDance2000. And look what happened. Should we have listened?

"The stink from the new ************* catalog is so bad I have to keep it in a closet." -- 2/00 phone call

That customer of ours, who is also an ************* customer, was upset about the catalog's unfair treatment of WindDances.

A retailer is supposed to fully and accurately represent the products they sell. It is plain wrong for a retailer to advertise a high-performance product as having much lower performance. It's also wrong to advertise a lower-performance product as having high performance. The KTAI (Kite Trade Association International) has a Retailer Code of Ethics to prevent such misrepresentation, to prevent such wrongdoing. It didn't stop the kite retailer.

In their catalog's performance-comparison tables, 1) they adjusted WindDance performance downward from their 1999 catalog -- down to their LOWEST speed rating for parafoils -- in spite of WindDances (original & 2000 models) actually being faster than other foils and nearly all deltas, too. 2) They gave unrealistic high ratings to other products.

What do these "performance adjustments" do? They force WindDances down into the kite-culture's low place for parafoils, making WindDances appear to the consumer as less than what they actually are. And they make other kites, both foils and deltas, look better than they actually are. These adjustments please the bigger kite manufacturers and the kite culture, at the expense of Seattle AirGear and at the expense of the retailer's customers who want sport kites that FLY extremely well.

In reality, WindDances (original & 2000 models) do fly faster** than the sparred-parafoils long claimed to be the fastest kites in the world. When a sparred-parafoil enthusiast tried a WindDance on Seattle's Kite Hill, his immediate comment about the astounding performance was, "This is really going to piss off Flexifoil!" Even some of our dealers told us about the WindDance's obvious speed & turning superiority over sparred-parafoils.

In reality, WindDances (original & 2000 models) do fly faster** than virtually all deltas especially in medium and brisk winds. On Seattle's Kite Hill, flyers not yet brainwashed by the kite culture have remarked how WindDances are faster than their deltas -- even faster than their tiny speed deltas.

In reality, WindDances (original & 2000 models) do fly faster** than the parafoil the catalog promotes as the "best stunt foil yet." Although the catalog rates its speed as "faster," the Winter-99/00 Kite Lines magazine reports "slow forward speed" for that same product. Although the catalog rates WindDance speed as "medium" (two notches slower than the "best stunt foil yet"), the Spring-1999 Kite Lines rated WindDances "fast" with overall performance superior to most delta sport kites.

Here in Seattle when our WindDances are flying (original & 2000 models), the "best stunt foil yet" looks pathetic in comparison: slower forward speed, slower turning speed, and when turned the wing distorts out of shape because it has only half the bridle needed for maneuvering flight. That flight performance is so poor that some have called the "best stunt foil yet" a big mistake that makes its manufacturer look bad. How superior is WindDance flight performance? View our MPEG clips and see for yourself.

It appears as if the kite retailer did a switch -- gave the low performance of the "best stunt foil yet" to WindDances, and gave hot WindDance performance to the "best stunt foil yet" -- to promote the celebrity manufacturer they chose to heavily feature in the catalog.

WindDances ARE NOT mediocre-speed power kites. WindDances ARE easy-to-fly hot aerial Ferraris that turn on a dime, have near-perfect tracking, have stronger power-zone and turning pull than power kites of the same size, and they surpass the acceleration, speed, agility, turning power, and wind range of delta performance kites and other parafoil kites. They also provide livelier pull and higher-quality exercise than power kites. This is how kite retailers are obligated to present them.

The catalog's false representation of WindDances continuously damages our reputation for the life of the catalog.

Shame on the kite retailer for not playing fair. And for misleading their customers away from loads of pure fun.

** WindDances certainly are that fast when tuned in accordance with the user's manual, a simple & easy process. But our dealers have told customers it's too difficult to even try to tune them. Or to never adjust the bridle (which has the same affect as never tuning a hot sports car). Or to don't bother because a tiny bridle adjustment can't possibly make any difference. Many dealers hyped their customers to NOT expect hot performance from their WindDances -- "they're 'power' kites and 'pocket' kites, not 'performance' kites" -- which discouraged them from ever tuning to achieve maximal speed-&-turning performance or strongest pull either. One dealer removed the user's manuals and messed up the bridle settings to make sure the WindDances he sold would fly poorly. That is why most WindDances sold by our dealers never achieve the full speed-&-turning performance -- or the full power -- they are capable of. Can you imagine any other type of retailer treating their products and customers with such disrespect?

"You can't stack them . . ." -- 2/00

That's about the first thing a salesperson for the above kite retailer told a flyer who called to buy a WindDance 3-Pack: a WD 1, 2, & 3. The caller, who didn't even mention "pull" or "power" or "stacking," wanted a WindDance 3-Pack to experience the sport-kite-FLYING fun we describe in the fun way link on our homepage. Since the salesperson appeared not to have a clue about what WindDances are for, the flyer purchased the 3-Pack directly from us here at Seattle AirGear. The flyer also bought the sensible control handles necessary to achieve full kite-FLYING performance & exercise (the retailer had rejected those hand-friendly performance-enhancing handles and does not carry them).

The salesperson, rather than mentioning any WindDance selling points -- such as how they FLY so well in the three essential ways compared to all other dual-line kites -- told the customer in essence that WindDances are no good because they can't be stacked. Which implied that the only good parafoil stunt kite available is the one that's stackable: the "best stunt foil yet" featured in the catalog.

The stacking system of the "best stunt foil yet?" In 1992 we performed an engineering analysis of that stacking system and rejected it as fundamentally unsound for maneuvering flight: the kites distort out of shape and lose performance as soon as the stack begins to turn. Its bridle system, also, is fundamentally unsound for maneuvering flight: there are no bridle lines to support the other side of the wing during a turn, which causes the kite to lose shape and performance whenever it is turned. The bridle system and stacking system are fine for flying straight, however -- everything works until you begin to turn. The kite's manufacturer, and its many dealers, keep quiet about those two huge defects: the fundamentally-flawed bridle system and the fundamentally-flawed stacking system.

The flyer called to buy three WindDances, which are aeronautical engineered for high-performance sharply-maneuvering flight. But the kite retailer tried to sell him lower-performance fundamentally-defective stunt kites that work correctly only when flying straight.

"The fabric that WindDances are made of is inferior. WindDances don't have any internal reinforcing. The workmanship is inferior. WindDances are slower than the other parafoils. . . . " -- 2/00

WindDance dealers -- who are supposed to say only nice things about WindDances -- told those things to flyers, who phoned us.

Specialty kite retailers have also told flyers not-so-nice false things about our personal integrity and the legitimacy of our business.

Ever since our new-and-better WindDance2000's came out, attacks from kite-culture kite retailers have grown more vicious.

We think much of it is urged on by one kite manufacturer that is powerful & influential within the kite culture. Their key designer -- during a May-1997 fun fly on Seattle's Kite Hill shortly after we received our first WindDance shipment -- expertly made our WindDance 2 demo look like a terrible kite that no one would want to buy. A year and half later, the company introduced a dual-line parafoil that doesn't come close to WindDance performance (see the Kite Lines reviews, Spring-1999 and Winter-99/00 issues), but is falsely presented by specialty kite retailers as the "best stunt foil yet." That act on Seattle's Kite Hill, an unethical thing for a sport-kiting celebrity & guru to do, appears to be continuing today but on a far larger and more-unethical scale through the company's extensive dealer network.

Motive? The kite culture has painted itself into a corner. Even if it could develop parafoil sport kites that fly much better than deltas, it CAN'T. Their belief system demands that parafoils cannot and must not -- and dare not -- perform as well as or better than deltas. That's why parafoils produced by the kite culture MUST have sub-delta performance; the new "best stunt foil yet" is a perfect example. But WindDance parafoils DO perform considerably better than deltas -- in all three essential ways: 1) response to basic skill, 2) response to the wind, 3) having a natural steering-&-turning feel -- which presents a big problem for the kite culture. The only solutions? A) Beat WindDances down with hype into what they're supposed to be like, plus a bit farther for good measure. B) Or crush them by any means possible. Both solutions are being attempted.

Visit your nearest kite-culture retailer and do this. Now do you see the motive?

For the record: Our fabric is Porcher Marine New Skytex, a top-of-the-line paraglider fabric. Paragliders made of Porcher Marine New Skytex have won world championships. Nothing else works better. Right away we eliminated the 'top' kite fabric favored by the kite culture, a stiff fabric that is plastic-coated/impregnated. Why? When you stretch that fabric along its bias, it stays stretched out of shape like a piece of plastic film. A tiny flat square sample becomes a parallelogram. It does not rebound back to the original square shape. During crashes when some of the fabric takes an adverse permanent set along the bias, the kite's shape & performance become permanently altered. Also, that material severely wrinkles from repeated crashes which deteriorates the kite's performance. Yet another example of the 'best' not being so in organized kiting.

For the record: WindDances are loaded with internal reinforcements. On the lower skin. On the leading edges of the upper-skin, lower-skin, and ribs. Where the bridle connects to the lower edge of a rib, multiple reinforcement strips fan to the upper edge of the rib from the bridle-attachment webbing loops. Reports Kite Lines in the Spring-1999 issue, " . . . every conceivable stress point has been reinforced. Cell openings are edge bound and bridled ribs have a strip of material zig-zagging down their length to spread pressure. In fact, the WindDance kites are so well built they can withstand a power dive into the ground at the center of the window -- an action often devastating to other stuntable parafoils."

For the record: WindDance workmanship is excellent. Spring-1999 Kite Lines magazine: workmanship is "excellent." Since then, workmanship has been improved to even higher levels in the WindDance2000.

For the record: WindDances are fast. Spring-1999 Kite Lines magazine: Straight speed, "fast." Speed in turns, "fast." "These three new, dual-line soft wings . . . will turn on a dime, [and] scream across the sky . . . " See it in our VHS video, and in the MPEG clips on this web site. Below, read how fast they are in the feedback from WD owners -- such as the comment from a spectator, "What kind of engine does that thing have in it?" The new WindDance2000's perform even better.

A few years ago, the KTAI (Kite Trade Association International) removed the boycotting-is-wrong ethic from its Code of Ethics. We feel it's only a matter of time before they update their Code of Ethics so that flagrantly lying about products is no longer wrong either.

In spite of their resistance to WindDances, our sales rise: 72% in 1999. WindDances are far too good a product for the status quo to beat down and crush.

Remember, in addition to resisting 1) kites that FLY really well, organized kiting is resisting 2) the concept of achieving hot performance from basic skill, and it is resisting 3) hand-friendly performance-enhancing handles, too. They are resisting what can make the sport and their businesses grow.

Shouldn't organized kiting be promoting these three wonderful things instead?

"Parafoils can't turn sharp corners. You need a delta for that." -- That was a Seattle kite shop -- a WindDance dealer -- educating a customer. Our dealer convinced him to buy a "best stunt foil yet" rather than a WindDance. -- 4/00

We met that flyer in a Seattle park, who tried our WindDances. He quickly discovered he bought the wrong kite: he found his "best stunt foil yet" had lower performance and was more difficult to fly than our WindDances. We asked if the kite shop explained any of the key WindDance selling points: how they FLY better than other dual-line kites in the three essential ways, how they have hotter speed & turning than delta kites, how they can do snappy square corners like a delta 'performance' kite, how they provide better exercise than power kites, how you get all that hot performance and fun and exercise from simple basic skill, how you don't have to adjust the bridle for different wind strengths. No they didn't explain any of that, he said.

Nearby we spotted a new WD1-2000 and headed over to chat. It was set up with "sport" line (a thicker, heavier, lower-performance line that costs more than the pure Spectra we sell at full retail). And he had wrist-straps, the worst-possible control handle if you're interested in hot FLYING and good exercise. We mentioned how the dealer (same dealer as above) is required by their Code of Ethics to explain why pure-Spectra line and hand-friendly ergo T-handles are needed to bring out all the performance, fun, and exercise a WindDance has to offer. They didn't do it, he said.

"WindDances don't recover from mid-air collapses as well or relaunch as well as some other parafoils." -- Second-hand comment from a WindDance dealer explaining the PRIMARY reason why they favor some other parafoils over WindDances. -- 4/00

We agree with their assessment of re-fly ability.

Other dual-line parafoils are in essence scaled-down versions of sport-parachutes and paragliders which are designed to reinflate reliably because human life is at stake. With these parafoil kites, the kite culture has made a big thing about recovering from "killed" flight and relaunching from any kind of crash or landing -- just like it did with their delta 'performance' kites. Within organized kiting, good recovery qualities are far more important than good FLYING qualities. So much so that having to walk to your kite to set it up for relaunching after it falls out of the sky or after it crashes is called The Walk of Shame.

When engineering WindDances, we went after superb FLYING performance rather than superb reflyability. You can see it in the wing shape: WindDance Wingtips look like those on the latest European high-performance sailplanes. Features that enhance reinflation -- such as vent holes in the ribs -- are detrimental to turning performance. That's why WindDances don't have them. Sure, a WindDance may not recover in midair every time when clobbered by a nasty gnarl of turbulence, and then it may not relaunch every time after it falls out of the sky. But WindDancers don't mind a turbulence-induced collapse every now and then. Walking to your WindDance to set it up for launching and then walking back to your handles, a 150-ft round trip a few times during a nice afternoon of flying, is called Good Exercise. WindDancers see nothing shameful in that.

The smaller WindDances DO re-fly quite well. Reports the Spring-1999 issue of Kite Lines magazine about the WindDance 1, ". . . able to recover from almost any sort of tangle, flip or fall."

See the pattern? It sure seems like many kite retailers will do anything to keep WindDances from being sold.

Here's what the kite-culture offers with their favorite parafoils: Dull speed & turning performance -- it's visually & physically dull -- little turning exercise, and little walking exercise.

Here's what Seattle AirGear offers with WindDance parafoils: Exciting speed & turning performance -- it's visually & physically exciting -- great turning exercise, and some good walking exercise.

Hmmm, which is better for your mind and body? Which is better outdoor recreation? Which is more fun for people outside of the kite culture?

" . . . Previously, I had talked to two other stores . . . This was before I had ever heard of WindDances so the subject was foils in general. They appeared to be negative about foils - if you aren't interested in buggying, why would you want a foil? They don't seem to understand that some of us - at least me - want to feel the wind and not get dragged around by it, nor am I interested in showing off, drawing a crowd, doing fancy tricks, etc. . . . " -- 3/00 email

"I very recently purchased a WindDance 2 from [a WindDance dealer]. Following their advice based on relative wind conditions in my area, I also bought a 120ft/150# dual Spectra and 2" flying straps.
Imagine my surprise, when, upon reviewing the manuals and tip sheets included with the kite, that you folks recommend max. line length of 100ft and use of [ergo] handles vs. straps!
I depended on a distributor of your product to make recommendations based on your requirements and not based on their sales needs." -- 12/99 email

Our reply: "We have tried to persuade our dealers to recommend the most suitable accessories -- that is, the lines and handles that lead to the highest levels of WindDancing fun -- but with little success so far. The salespeople prefer to push what *they* personally like, not what's best for the customer. With your permission, may I forward your email to [the dealer]?" Permission arrived and we did. The dealer soon ordered many pairs of Eclipse ergo T-handles.

"I was just visiting your site and was trying to get some info on which retailers sell your parafoil kites. I live in the Chicago area. If you could tell me if there is anyone in northern Illinois that stocks your kites, I would appreciate it." -- 11/99 email

Our reply: "Nobody in northern Illinois stocks WindDances. As we explain on our web site, kite retailers generally force flyers to order directly from us."

"I was kind of expecting that answer, but I just wanted to make sure. I'm sorry to hear that the kite retailing population treats your product as they do. Parafoiling seems to me to be a very exciting experience. I am very interested in getting more information on your WindDance kites (probably a 1 or 2). I am new to parafoil kites and as such would like an entry-level type set up. I think the best thing for me to do would be to call in early next week sometime with the hope of being able to get a few minutes of your time to help me get started. In the meantime I will continue to read through the info you have on your web site. Please let me know if there is a convenient time to call.
Thanks for your quick response. Looking forward to speaking with you." -- 11/99 email.

He soon called, and purchased a clearance-special WindDance 2 and accessories -- including the hand-friendly performance-enhancing Eclipse handles that most kite shops refuse to carry.

"WindDance? Seattle AirGear? Never heard of 'em. You don't want that anyway. You want a Thunderfoil [a different brand of parafoil that doesn't fly anywhere near as well as a WindDance]." -- 6/99

That's how a kite retailer on the Oregon Coast served a flyer from Idaho on vacation, who wanted a WindDance. That retailer had received several dealer mailings from us including the WindDance video (we sent one to every store in their chain). They couldn't have missed seeing our continuous full-page WindDance ads that began early 1997 in two USA kite magazines. They couldn't have missed seeing the favorable WindDance review in Kite Lines magazine. During two KTAI trade shows, staff from their kite-store chain walked past our booth and saw WindDances in high-performance action on the demo beaches.

"Sorry, I want a WindDance. I'm going elsewhere. It's your loss."

After leaving the above kite store, the frustrated flyer called us. We directed him to The Kite Company, Newport, OR.

". . . The guy in the shop almost shouted at me when I told him that I wanted a foil and not one of his carbon-framed, Icarex-covered creations. He pretty much refused to sell me anything that didn't have 3 corners! . . ." -- 4/99 email

"It's amazing to me that dealers aren't pushing WindDances." -- 4/99 email

"Hi! Just wanted to say what a pleasure it was to meet you at the KTAI trade show this past week, and to thank you for the WindDance 1 I purchased! I LOVE it! It's everything you said it would be!
I was just on your web site and was especially interested in the reactions from the kiting retailers regarding your products. I guess that, being new to the industry, I would never have treated your products as some have, but I can see how you could represent a "threat" to the traditional delta kite community. It's somewhat strange . . . I will be ordering more WindDance kites from you soon to support my shop here in [my] area. (In fact, I've seen one of the WindDance dealers who is relatively close to me try to move me from your product to a standard delta, thus verifying your observations). . . . Again, thanks for a great product! I look forward to working with you more in the future!" -- 1/99 email

"Hi! . . .
I would have ordered the kite from [a local kite retailer that has sold WindDances], but the kite guys that work there pushed a delta on me last year when I went in looking specifically for a parafoil. I'm not very happy with the Prism I bought. . . Thanks!" -- 1/99 email

"Tried one. Didn't like it." -- That was a Seattle-area kite shop -- a WindDance dealer -- educating a customer about WindDances. -- 8/98

That bias sure put off the customer. He vowed never to go back to that kite shop, bought a WindDance directly from us, and later bought a second one from us.

More-recent reports of the kite culture's dislike of "REAL kite flying" are sprinkled in our "rave" feedback section.

Regarding the feedback we receive. In addition to "raves" about our products & service and reports of how the kite culture limits choice and fun, we get a few "flames," too. They come from members of the kite culture: those who think the kite-culture way is the only way to fly kites, and who reject and can't tolerate anything that breaks their rules.
But we don't print ugly mail. All it would do is expose organized kiting and its kite culture more deeply, and this website is long-winded enough about that.

Consumers have two very different dual-line kiting choices: "Kite-culture flying" and "REAL kite flying."

"REAL kite flying" is "active FLYING." You FLY a kite using airgear, ergo handles, and active skill. How hard is it? "Just PULL it!"

In "REAL kite flying," your kite, handles, and skill are all OPTIMIZED for the most important yet most neglected aspect of flying a kite: "FLYING" a kite.

"REAL kite flying" is based on "FLYING a kite." On the science and engineering of flight. And on the performance & handling, skill, and exercise you experience in virtually every form of sport & recreation on Planet Earth. It is full FLYING with full skill.

The three key elements of "REAL kite flying" bring dual-line kiting up to the minimum standards of the rest of the sport-&-recreation world:

The kite has three essential FLYING qualities -- "airgear" performance & handling qualities -- engineered and built into it. Here's what happens with the parafoil type of kite: see yellow banner and gray box. We did it with the delta type of kite, too. Any type of kite can be "airgear." What's next? THIS and maybe THIS!

The flyer uses full basic skill -- the sport's easiest, hottest-performance, best-exercise skill of all.

The flyer uses good control handles -- that enable full skill & exercise and the kite's full performance to happen.

Key elements just like 1-2-3 above are an integral part of all kinds of normal sport & recreation and its gear , but they're strangely missing from the usual "kite-culture flying" supplied by organized kiting -- as we discovered when newbies. "Why should kiting be so strangely different from other sports?" we asked ourselves. "Why can't it be normal?" So we did something about it. The result -- "REAL kite flying" -- transforms dual-line kiting into exciting outdoor recreation for people of all ages.

Dual-line kites which have the three essential FLYING qualities engineered and built into them are "airgear." These three performance & handling qualities are the most important features to insist on when buying a dual-line kite.

It's fair to compare the two choices: "kite-culture flying" and "REAL kite flying." It's also fair to warn others about how the pure fun of "kite FLYING" is being blocked by those who claim to be promoting it.

The people who lead our sport -- organized kiting and its "kite culture" -- promote "kite-culture flying" only. And reject "REAL kite flying" and try to block it from reaching consumers. Here's how we found out.

"Kite-culture flying" -- from kiddie flying all the way to elite stunt-kite competition and kite surfing -- is based on four major design flaws that prevent full performance & handling, full skill, and full exercise from happening. It evolved that way, and they seem to want to keep it that way.

Organized kiting says, "We have something for everyone! We sell fun!" Examine the falsity of that claim. As you can plainly see, "kite-culture flying" is a limited form of dual-line kiting that appeals only to small segments of the public. Of course it has sold poorly.

Since organized kiting doesn't teach real "FLYING," or do it, or optimize their kites for it, or optimize their skills for it, or optimize their control handles for it, most kite flyers today don't know what "FLYING" a kite is. Consequently, many picked up terrible "FLYING" habits, and need their body & mind completely reprogrammed about kiting. We offer easy solutions:

What is "FLYING" a kite? CLICK HERE.

What are the different types of kites? CLICK HERE.

What are the other basic concepts of "REAL kite flying?" CLICK HERE.

Did the "kite culture" already take over your head so completely you're unreceptive to the pure fun of "REAL kite flying" -- like in this example? If so, we hope this normal good sense -- CLICK HERE -- will inspire you to purge your mind of that awful handicap they inflicted on you.

Have loads of fun! We certainly do!

The pattern of suppression is unmistakable and bizarre. It began within weeks after we introduced REAL kite flying in the form of WindDancing in early 1997. Here are some eye-popping examples; here's another.

They even go public about it on rec.kites, an organized-kiting newsgroup. Strident members of the kite culture have advised flyers not to view or believe the content of this website, that is, not to learn from our knowledge base of REAL kite flying. Some have 'explained' how we are "psychotic" and therefore not credible, and how our video clips are skillfully false and deceptive. (Read about our actual craziness and video skills!!!)

Well, members of the mainstream public go to rec.kites, too. They see past the words to something very strange: a "kite culture" preaching, "DON'T eat the yummy Forbidden Fruit of REAL kite flying."

We've steadily proposed a common-sense approach for organized kiting to implement: give people choices -- promote "kite-culture flying" and "REAL kite flying" together. Offer something to make the kite culture happy and something to make the general public happy. Make everybody happy. Possible side effects? It might cause an epidemic of WTMF (way too much fun) in organized kiting, and halt the self-destruction of organized kiting and its kite industry.

On this website, we compare the reality of "kite-culture flying" to the reality of "REAL kite flying" -- here's a summary -- and we reveal how organized kiting is keeping the great fun of "kite FLYING" with "basic skill" away from the public.

Although critics express general dislike for what we write about that, they never cite anything specific or factual about what they think isn't accurate.

Why? Because we are dead-on accurate about what the kite culture promotes and likes best. Because we are dead-on accurate about how the people in organized kiting have miserably failed in their stewardship responsibility: how they damaged the ability and desire and made victims of thousands of flyers -- and how they damaged the sport and their own kite industry -- by promoting the kite culture's choices only and by shutting out REAL kite flying.

If we have any factual errors and inaccuracies, we will apologetically correct them. However since 1995, when we created this website, our critics have not come forth with any.

Nor have we received, from the people in charge of the sport, any acknowledgment or peer review of our development of minimum product standards and the fundamental performance equations of dual-line kiting. How come? Because our contributions benefit "REAL kite flying" rather than "kite-culture flying."

We respond to the heat with light.

Critics who flame us obviously received their entire kiting education -- a limited "kite-culture" education -- from organized kiting. In all likelihood, they have never experienced the REAL kite flying they object to!

We try to explain how their perception of kiting reality is clouded by their rigid kite-culture beliefs. Beliefs that don't hold water in the world of "kiting" where the REAL kite flying takes place.

We try to open their minds to what's real and to pure fun. Others in organized kiting who fly delta 'performance' kites and parafoil 'power & traction' kites -- and who are fond of WindDances and REAL kite flying, also -- think this website is wonderful and praise us for it (see our testimonials). So we ask, "Why can't our critics be as reality-oriented and fun-minded?"

We try to explain how they perceive and discriminate by stereotype. According to their kite culture, "A kite either flies like a delta or it flies like a parafoil." Which is like saying, "A person either behaves like a man or behaves like a woman." Both stereotypes are hogwash. You see, we developed experimental delta kites that didn't fly at all like the kite-culture's deltas (ours flew better). And we developed parafoil kites that don't fly at all like the kite-culture's parafoils (ours fly better). Some have said that WindDance parafoils fly more like deltas than like parafoils; our experimental deltas flew more like WindDance parafoils than like kite-culture deltas; our experimental deltas and WindDance parafoils have vastly superior FLYING performance & handling and they feel nicely different from their stereotype counterparts. Why do our kites so totally blow away the stereotypes? Because they have the Three Essential FLYING Qualities necessary for REAL kite flying, and because the kite culture's kites don't have those qualities. Instead of using the old misleading stereotypes, we ask our critics to describe kites in a fresh and accurate way: "A kite either flies well (it has the Three Essential FLYING Qualities), or it flies poorly (it has none of the Essential FLYING Qualities), or it's somewhere in between (it has one or two of the Essential FLYING Qualities)."

We try to explain how it's perfectly OK to be fond of things that aren't normal in mainstream sport & recreation. Such as kites that can't handle or withstand full basic skill (see below). Such as kites that don't respond well to the wind. Such as competition kites that fly slowly and turn powerlessly. Such as power kites that stress & strain your body violently but exercise you poorly. Such as kites with an unnatural steering-&-turning feel that makes control and learning difficult. Such as advanced skills that focus on killing speed and power. Such as control handles that can hurt and injure your hands. Although kite-culture flyers overwhelmingly choose and prefer those things -- and we are happy for them -- other people might like kiting that's more mainstream in nature. It's good to offer different choices, we say, just like other sports and their industries do. So we try to explain how it's not OK for the people in the kite culture to force their personal favorites onto everyone else, and how it's not OK to suppress and discredit the REAL kite flying the general public would like.

We try to explain the relationship between "organized kiting" and the larger "world of kiting". Of all the kite flyers in the world, members of the tight, insular kite culture are a mere fraction and they do not represent what the general public likes. For example, the amazing performance and fun shown in our WindDance 1 at play video clip turns off kite-culture flyers -- especially the 'elite' flyers -- and it triggered kite retailers to stop selling WindDances and to reject them at trade shows! Is it normal to react in such a bizarre, repressive way to breakthrough state-of-the-art that elevates fun and excitement?

We ask our critics to adopt a broad, tolerant "world view" of kiting -- rather than cling to their narrow, intolerant "kite-culture view" of kiting.

We try to explain how the people in the kite culture are unwittingly working as a team to harm organized kiting and its kite industry. And how they could prevent further harm, and reverse the damage they caused, by promoting BOTH choices: kite-culture flying and REAL kite flying.

We try to explain how their objections to this website -- and their objections to the amazing performance and fun shown in this video clip -- might be caused by their misunderstanding of "kite FLYING" with "basic skill". And how that misunderstanding would vanish upon completion of our 3-Step cure which leads to the Pure Joy of REAL Kite Flying.

Our valuable hints would help them reach Kite-FLYING Nirvana, too.

Someday we hope our critics, as well as the rest of the kite culture, will see the light.

A typical flame-and-response cycle is triggered by our description of the first sub-element of REAL kite flying. It's about essential FLYING quality #1, how any dual-line kite should respond well to the sport's basic skill:

Buying a dual-line kite and pulling hard on one line (a basic skill) is as basic as buying a pair of shoes and pushing off hard on one foot (a basic skill), as basic as buying a bicycle and pushing down hard with one foot (a basic skill). Although you can do it with good results with every pair of shoes you buy and with every bicycle you buy, you CANNOT with the kites you buy from the kite culture -- but you CAN with the kites from Seattle AirGear.

How well do the kite culture's dual-line kites respond when you energetically pull on one control line (a basic skill)? The turning wimps out, the kite deforms out of shape, and it may fall out of the sky. With some 'performance' kites, spars snap in midair when you go for hot turning! Why? Because the kite culture arrested dual-line kite development in the "toy" stage: when you turn them, and when the wind & pull rise, their delta 'performance' kites and parafoil 'power' & 'traction' kites readily deform out of shape and lose performance just like toy kites do. Which prevents flyers from learning and using full basic skill, and forces them to use a limited version of basic skill instead. The kite culture seems hell-bent on preserving that status quo, and on preventing further progress.

We at Seattle AirGear, using aeronautical engineering and common sense, advanced dual-line kites into the "gear" stage: when you turn them, and when the wind & pull rise, WindDance parafoils keep their shape and performance like rigid airplane wings do. (We did this with delta kites, too!!!) With a WindDance, you're rewarded with tight, fast, powerful turning and good exercise when you actively pull on one kite line (a basic skill). Which encourages flyers to learn and use kiting's highest-performance, best-exercise, and easiest skill of all: pull-on-a-kite-line skill that dates back perhaps thousands of years. A huge difference, yes?

The above is in regard to essential FLYING quality #1 (response to basic skill). Elsewhere on this website, we compare "kite-culture flying" and "REAL kite flying" on the basis of essential FLYING qualities #2 (response to the wind) and #3 (steering-&-turning feel), also.

We're also up-front about skill, which triggers criticism. Our critics claim to be experts at basic skill, and they claim to teach basic skill to beginners. But in reality, both claims are incorrect. You see, their kites prevent full basic skill from being learned and used in the first place: with those kites, which respond poorly to basic skill and discourage flyers from using basic skill, our critics can't learn basic skill and their students can't learn basic skill. To make matters even more difficult and confusing for beginners, their user's manuals are wrong: they instruct, "To turn right, pull on the right handle," but when you do it energetically the pull subsides and the kite turns poorly or falls out of the sky or maybe breaks in midair. Which the experts call "over-controlling" and a "beginner mistake." But by mainstream-recreation standards, that skill is just fine -- the kites are terribly at fault for not being able to handle the sport's basic skill. The kite culture's basic skill is a limited version of full basic skill: you have to keep the pull fairly even in both lines or else, and you can't pull back on one line too hard or too far or else, because their kites are made as toys and not as gear.

We're also forthright about control handles, which triggers criticism. The kite culture prefers wrist-straps that tend to strangle your hands like a noose, and they have good reason for it. Since pulling energetically on one control line does bad things to their kites -- remember, kite-culture flyers overwhelmingly prefer such kites -- they need handles that discourage active pull-turning skill. Well, wrist-straps discourage you from pulling hard on a kite line as surely as tacks in a bicycling shoe would discourage you from pushing hard on the pedal. Which makes wrist-straps wonderfully ideal for kite-culture flying. However, for "kite FLYING" with "basic skill" -- which is REAL kite flying -- you need handles that encourage active pulling skill: handles like these.

Our critics say, "You're attacking the kite culture and the people in it. You're bashing the kites, skills, and handles you don't like. You're tearing down the sport. You're being negative."

We say, "We're just factually comparing two very different groups: the tight insular kite culture, and mainstream recreationists. And we're just factually comparing two very different choices: what the "kite culture" offers, and what "kite FLYING" offers. People deserve the truth, including about how the kite culture is keeping the truth away from them. Armed with the truth about the choices, people are free to like either choice or both. Education about the choices is healthy and positive for the sport and for individual flyers."

We also say, "The Kite Culture Way has a loud voice. Doesn't REAL kite flying -- Kite FLYING with Basic Skill -- deserve a voice, too? So that people can actually KNOW there's another choice?"

And the flame-and-response cycle ends.

When we do what's natural during normal recreation -- energetically pushing off on one foot when walking or skating, or stomping on the forward bicycle pedal, or thrusting back with one cross-country ski pole, or actively pulling on one kite line -- we like the pure fun. So do most people. We wish the kite culture would just let it happen with kiting.

He r e are 80 or so pages of feedback, beginning with the most recent (except for the top two stories in red). This feedback dates back to when we received our first shipment of WindDance airgear in early 1997 (WindDance development began in 1991). To all of you, including the Seattle cop below with the delightful sense of humor, a big "Thank You!"

This happened to me (Dan) in the late 1990s as I was WindDancing in mild wind on Kite Hill in Seattle's Magnuson Park: I was flying in the same spot where a year or so earlier Sue had videoed a WindDance 1, our slowest model, averaging 90 mph during an edge-to-edge pass in strong wind (I figured that out by counting video frames). The park's speed limit is 20 mph. The Seattle Police cruised into the parking lot and stopped. Loudly over the patrol car's PA system, "Your kite is going too fast!" The officer grinned and drove off. Busted!

April-2004 email from a customer in VA: "If you use this on the website, please don't print my name! As you know, I live in northern VA, 25 miles west of Washington DC and maybe 10 miles from Washington Dulles Airport. One of my favorite kite fields is 5 miles from Dulles but right under the southern approach. I was flying there the other day in 10-15mph winds (bumpy, ornery...but with the bumpy wind adapters, WTMF) and the WindDance was just rocketing around the window. As the airplanes flew overhead, I wondered what my WindDance must have looked like from above. After about an hour, a police car pulled into the parking lot and an officer got out of the car and walked in my direction. After taking my drivers license back to his car and (I presume) checking me out, he walked back over to me and told me that I needed to fly my kites somewhere else. Turns out that one of the airplanes reported a "suspicious object moving at high speed near the ground." Guess I need to find a new flying field. Take care."

"I lost my kite [WindDance] in a move . . . was the best kite I ever owned. . . . You guys were the BEST!! Have a Wonderful Retirement!" -- 4/07 email

"I emailed you about a year ago trying to get a winddance but you had none left. I subsequently bought a used WD2 and WD3 through ebay (just missed getting a WD1 also). All were 2000 models.
I must say, they are the BEST designed, BEST manufactured, BEST performing, AND MOST FUN parafoils that I own. And I own plenty. Thanks again for your contribution to, and love of, the sport. . . ." -- 3/07 email

"Subject: Farewell to the greatest kites ever & thank you
It really is sad to see that you will not be selling anymore WindDances, especially since I want another one! However I would like to thank you for all the fun that you have provided me, and all of your other customers. From the first time I flew my WindDance, and even up to today I still have so much fun. I look forward to seeing what's around the corner for Seatle AirGear, and want to say thanks again for developing such a excellent product. Your customers will miss you !!! I know I do !!" -- 2/07 email

"I am looking for one of your kites. I know you stopped selling them . . . I need one very badly. I am willing to pay 2X the original price + shipping/handling . . ." -- 9/06 email

". . . I have been reading your entire website. You have provided a fantastic set of information about the sport and, I have to say, everything you say on the website hits home. I hate to see you having to pack in your business when you obviously provide such passion to the sport.
I read your comparisons of your WindDance handling and flight descriptions/characteristics and I feel the connection you have for advancing the performance, and joy of the flying experience. Naturally, I am in awe of the WindDance product descriptions and love the video links on your and others websites. I would love to own and fly them. All the drawbacks of poor design that you mention are so obvious in the [dual-line kite] I currently have and, searching the web, I don't see anything out there to purchase from current vendors that seems to focus on and include the design characteristics of your WindDance designs. That's a shame. . . .
I hope retirement is going well.
Thanks again for your tremendous contribution to the advancement of the sport." -- 8/06 email

"I'm sad beyond belief to see that you've closed the doors on your business.
My WindDance kite is the best and most fun kite I've ever flown... bar none... and I have many kites. . . .
They really are awesome... such a total joy to fly.
I can't express how sad I am... and I'm not exaggerating.
Thanks for the many, many hours of joy you have given to me and my son.
I wish you both the best." -- 8/06 email

"I am a bit sad that you are retiring from the winddance sales business but nothing lasts forever. I am very grateful that you will continue support for your product. I received my winddance 3 as a graduation present in 2003 and was lucky enough to meet you at your nearby post office to pick up my new winddance. It is a very treasured gift of mine and I fly it frequently, I would be very upset if anything happened to it. I am now in new zealand and I have tons of nice beaches and extremely smooth and steady winds to fly it in. Yesterday I had a new experience happen that I doubt has ever happened to anyone before, it was low tide and I was flying my airgear right about the middle of the tide lines on the beach, I crashed my airgear ahead of me and promptly relaunched it, well something was wrong and it seemed as if 2 of the segments were not filling up and the bridle seemed tangled, so I landed it to check out the problem. Well, a clam had latched on to the bridle at the middle of the beach, it was sitting on the shore alive half open and when the line hit it it latched on and took to the air. I had to pry it off the bridle with my pocket knife! No damage to the bridle though. Everybody that sees me flying it wants one, I am eagerly awaiting the plans that you will post on your website for the new generation airgear and the winddance 1 and 2. I might have to keep my eye out for a used winddance online, but I havent seen many here. Please keep up your cool attitudes, good luck in your future endeavors, and thanks for all the fun . . . " -- 7/06 email from New Zealand

"Subject: WOW WOW WOW
Today the wind was 2 to 20 miles per hour.
Your/my kite [WindDance 3] flies like a sports car.
This has got to be the best kite ever built.
My arms, back and legs hurt all over.
Thank you for building such a great kite." -- 6/06 email

"Thank you for processing my [WD3] order so quickly! It arrived in perfect condition and unfortunately sat in my office until this weekend when I had a chance to go try it out. . . ..
Just some comments on the WindDance 3.
I bought the WindDance 3 from your website because the hype was just too much. I figured if it wasn't true then at least I got a decent kite at a discount. At best I was expecting something *nearly* as good as my flexifoils. I haven't flown yet this year so today I followed the instructions, built the flying lines, and headed out to the local ball diamond with the WindDance 3 and two foils, a 4 foot hotshot and a 10 footer. I warmed up with the 4 footer and then moved on to the 10 footer to get some calibration for speed and power and because I am very comfortable flying the foils. I then tried the WindDance 3. I couldn't figure out a good way to launch it so I had my 5 year old hold it down as best she could while I got set. Wind was gusting between 15 and 30mph and I had no idea what to expect with the WindDance so naturally I expected the worst, I thought the kite would fold in half because of the lack of physical structure and simply fall back on the ground. I was wrong, very wrong. The WindDance leapt off the ground and started pulling hard, very, very hard. And the speed was shocking. It is not much bigger than my 6 foot foil but pulls much harder than my 10 footer, and speed, wow, there is no contest. I realized that the hype wasn't hype at all, it was fact. This thing is faster, more agile, and pulls harder than my foils. I had to recalibrate to the constant pull in both arms but I found that this actually provided a more balanced feel to the flying experience. Wow, and I mean WOW. I don't know what you are coming out with next or how you are going to top this thing but I will now be waiting anxiously for your next creation. For now however I am ordering my second WindDance 3 right away before you run out.
Thanks for the prompt service and I look forward to receiving my second WindDance! . . . I will be placing the order for my second one in a few minutes.
Thanks again," -- 4/06 email

"Sorry to hear that Seattle AirGear is folding. My friends, family and I have enjoyed many hours of flying WD's 1, 2 & 3s. By far the easiest and most fun kites available." -- 4/06 email

"Got the Winddance 3 yesterday. Wow! Even in very poor wind conditions (0 to 5 miles per hour and choppy) it flew great right out of the bag. Thanks it looks as though this is going to be WTMF." -- 3/06 email

"I went to your site to order a WindDance 1 and noticed you are retiring. My son and son-in-law both have your WindDance 2 and love them. Is it possible that you may have a WindDance 1 somewhere that I could order for myself? Your kites are the best!!" -- 3/06 email

"Hi folks-I'm . . . (from the UK-Scotland) and placed an order for a winddance 3 the other night . . . and I wish the both of you a long and happy retirement together.
Excellent site, by the way. Very extensive and informative." -- 3/06 email

"Thanks [for the WD3]. Sorry to see you pull out of the kite business. By the way, I already have a Winddance 2 and love it. I have flown it all over the world and plan on flying the new Winddance 3 in England this summer.
Happy retirement and all the best." -- 3/06 email

"This web site is really outstanding for info." -- 3/06 email

"Subject: Noooooooooo!!!
I read with much dismay that fact that you're discontinuing the WD series! Bummer. Anyway, I'll be ordering a WD 3 next week . . ." -- 3/06 email

"I have owned a winddance 3 since 2000. I bought the 120 KG lines and it has never let me down. I went back to Puerto Rico (where I had my first winddance 3 experience in 2000) last week and took it with me. The winds there are continuous without gusts. A friend of mine came along and he has never flown a kite before. Within 15 minutes he had the basics down and told me that this was one of the most intense workouts he has had in a loooooong time. . . . If you ever need somebody to promote the winddance 3 in the South Florida region I'm your man!!" -- 2/06 email

"I met you on the beach at the International Kite Festival in Long Beach, Washington years ago. You introduced me to the WindDance kite, which I bought later that afternoon at a local kite shop. Actually traded in my delta stunter for a WindDance 2.
The best part of that day was our conversations about kiting and your former career with Boeing. I still remember. . . .
I�m glad our paths crossed, and perhaps someday they will again and we can spend the afternoon shooting the breeze and flying an incredible kite." -- 2/06 email

". . . I had a chance to fly my new green WD3 2000 on Sunday. The wind was only about 3 to 4 mph but the kite performed flawlessly even on the first flight. So majestic and graceful and maneuverable even in the low wind. Thank you again," -- 2/06 email

". . . Sorry to hear you are exiting the business. I bought a WD2 a couple of years ago and love it. Looking forward to my WD3. I took my WD2 with me on vacation to the Dominican Republic a couple of months ago and had a crowd of 20 people from Spain cheering me as I winddanced on the beach. Your designs are the best. Good luck!" -- 2/06 email

". . . Just thought you might like to know I am a big fan of Winddance kites. My wife and I bought a Winddance 2 about ten years ago during the International Kite Festival. After seeing you fly one on the beach, we had to buy one of our own. It quickly became our favorite kite . . . Anyway, good luck with your retirement � give me a yell if you ever decide to start production again." -- 2/06 email

"I just read that you have decided to retire. Although I was disappointed to hear such news, you guys have really worked hard over the past number of years to produce a great and reliable kite. You probably now deserve some rest !!! Glad to hear that you will still be in a support role. Fortunately, I still have my two #1's, two #2's and one #3 Winddance kites. I guess I should seriously think about getting a second #3 before they have all gone as well.....
I hope that our paths will cross again at the various kite functions and thank you for your past support etc.....
Best regards," -- 1/06 email

"Dan and Sue: I'm saddened to hear you will no longer sell new kites. I was planning on purchasing a WD2 (I gave mine to my best buddy) this month and saw that dreadful message about you retiring.
That's the way the cookie crumbles (the fox trots, Niagara falls). If you happen to have ANY WD2 in good condition for sale, please let me know . . .
Minolta is quitting the camera business, Nikon will stop making film cameras and now Dan and Sue are giving up!! What's this world coming to! Groan." -- 1/06 email

"Thanks for the quick shipping of this great flying kite [WD3]. . .
My first day was 15-25 mph winds - way too much at the 25 mph end since my tails were only about 15' long. I flew a bit, then snapped one of the 150 lb lines. Thanks to all the excellent instructions on the line fabrication, I just snipped off the ends and the line set was ready to go again with new loops.
Second day, yesterday, featured ideal 10-15mph winds and I enjoyed the WD3 flying much more, again with the 150 lb lines. I like the whistling sound that the kite makes when it flys fast, it provides some nice audible feedback. My WD3 survived an accidental collision with a soccer goal . . ." -- 1/06 email

"Subject: Say it's not so! Happy Retirement
I was just checking back to your website as I do now and then. I was in shock to see that you are retiring. I love my WD3. . . . I wish both of you the very best in whatever retirement brings. This is the end of a truly legendary kite. . . ." -- 1/06 email

"Thank you! Your product is definitely high performance. . . .
The WindDance 3 is certainly a handful in anything over about 10 knots unless you're a big strong person. Good thing I am. The WindDance 2 I've ordered is for my girlfriend who finds the 3 fun but a bit much for her to handle.
I've also had success flying my 3 in zero wind on 20-25foot lines all it takes is a bit of walking back and forth with gentle pulls at the turns. I had an audience the other morning doing this. Everyone was amazed I could fly a "kite" without any wind.
Anyways thanks for the great toys! They're loads of fun." -- 11/05 email from MA

". . . I also wanted to thank you for the countless hours of enjoyment I've gotten from my WindDance so far. I often fly at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis and it never ceases to amaze me the amount of people that stop to watch, approach me to ask questions, or are fellow WindDancers themselves. I'm eagerly watching the weather forecast for the next windy day!" -- 9/05 email from IN

"Subject: Praise to the WD-3!
I have had my WD-3 for about 3 weeks now, and I have not had any complaints. I was shopping around a kite store in Colorado Springs for a kite for my daughter, when I asked the guy behind the counter if he had kites for "big kids". I know very little about kites, but he threw me a thunderfoil. I wanted something that would whip me around and drag me across the ground. He said that something that size wouldn�t be a good idea for a beginner. (I hate it when people say that!) I paid the guy and went to the park the same day. It took me forever to get the hang of setting it up and flying. The kite worked nicely for me. It did the job for a bit and satisfied my immediate need for a good tug-around.
The nature of the beast took over a couple weeks later. I started looking around for bigger and badder kites. I wasn�t satisfied with this dinky 5 foot foil anymore. I am one of those people that has to get hurt in order to learn a lesson. I researched for the best foils out there, and came upon your website on a few search engines hits. The way you had everything laid out in detail and told of your impressive flying machines had me sold. Despite subtle warnings about the big WD-3, I had to buy it anyways.
I unpacked the thing and marveled at the differences between the thunderfoil and this monstrosity. I didn�t make any change to the kite whatsoever before liftoff. It took to the air faster than any kite I have seen. The darn thing turned on a dime, despite its huge wingspan! And with more wind the kite improved flying power more and more. I must have been at the park for at least 3 hours. To my amazement, there was a group of people behind me. Mostly kids, but there were a few adults there too enjoying the show. The sun had gone down behind Pikes Peak and was getting dark, but the wind was still ripping between 15-20mph. I was really having WTMF! Gusts of wind would literally make my body get thrown forward. My body was at about a 45 degree angle back during my fun in the power zone! When I sat in the grass, I would get pulled about a foot each time. I had to stop that evening due to darkness, but only afterwards I knew that I got a killer workout. I realized then that I was sweating from top to bottom.
Since purchasing the WD-3, I have only brought out the other foil once. I thought I would do it for old time�s sake, but the kite did not handle anywhere near to the satisfaction that the new one gave me. Thunderfoil, rest in peace...
I am in an epic debate on buying your WD-2. Your super-sized version has me hooked enough already!
Keep up the good work, you two!" -- 7/05 email from CO

This wonderful email greeted us first thing in the morning. Next afternoon, we shipped his WD-2.

" . . . Few things have brought me as much happiness as this kite [WD1]." -- 6/05 letter from NJ

"Many thanks for our wonderful WindDance kites. They are truly wonderful flight gear. I can't fully comprehend the math behind the machine, but I can deeply appreciate on an intuitive user-level how they fly, turn, bank, pull, soar, streak, delight. I'm not sure where all the kite flyer's have gone, but I frequently find myself alone in great flying conditions and am certainly a walking advertisement for WindDances. . . .
Many thanks and best regards." -- 6/05 email from WA

"Still looking forward to your "new airgear" project.... it is great that nobody has caught up to the WD for speed and performance, yet you are still working to improve on it.... " -- 5/05 email from MB Canada

"Thanks guys, I received the WindDance [3] yesterday and had a lot of fun with it today. Fast, nice pull, and handles well... " -- 5/05 email from WA

"Our whole family had a blast flying our WindDance 2. I'm probably a late-comer to the whole kite experience, but this is what we've been looking for. We had some issues with sharing, hence the order [for three more: WD1, WD2, WD3]. I found line building to be easy and the instructions straightforward. The engineering is wonderful. I've had the blessing in life of catching summer steelhead, and flying the winddance is very similar. If you don't 'play it' right and maintain contact (tension), you can loose it... " -- 5/05 email from WA

"Thanks.... this WindDance 3 is awesome !!! I love the speed in high winds. The pull across the powerzone had me "dancing" and fighting all over the field today as the winds were about 25 mph. I had to sit down eventually, which really made the flying much easier, since all I had to do was lean back and fly. The kite dragged me on my butt a few inches when I swooped across the powerzone, and I weigh 220 lbs !! . . . " -- 5/05 email from TX

" . . . I continue to be impressed with what you have accomplished in the detail of your design/engineering. I have spent some time inspecting the kites in great detail, and they never cease to amaze me. . . . " -- 5/05 email from OR

"Hello again from the So Cal COAST
This year the winds post frontal were rather weak. Only getting to about 35 to 40 MPH... SO my gang of pilots and I were only getting to about 125 to 135 MPH on our kites...
We all wanted to say T Y for the greatness in your kites..." -- 4/05 email from CA

"Thought you might like a couple bits of feedback on the WD 2 I recently ordered. . . . The weather was absolutely fantastic with excellent steady winds every day, and nearly all day long! In a word, the kite was AWESOME! Everything I read on the website was absolutely accurate and the kite is positively incredible. I am a long time Stunt Kiter and was really wanting a fast, power-type kite and the WindDance 2 turned out to exactly fill that bill. It screams across the sky, pulls like a truck and handles, as you say, like a Ferrari. Once I got used to the pulling motions (about a two minute learning curve), it was all good! Again, I have flown Stunters for years and I think I flew them twice the entire week . . . and the rest of it was all the WD2. Again, job well done, as the "2" is absolutely awesome.
Here are a couple other bits of feedback. I was hugely paranoid about tangling the bridle. This happened one time when I caught a very tall weed(about 3' tall!) on the left control line. The kite tumbled into a ball with both sides of the bridle completely tangled. I could not untangle it on the beach so took it inside and spread it on the floor and went through the instructions in the book for untangling. Rather than fly the kite back through the bridle, I flew the control line back through the bridle and untangled it that way. Both sides were tangled and I used the same approach on both sides, and it worked both times.
Lineset instructions are great. The "looseners" are brilliant! An excellent way to quickly change handles and lines.
Handles are also excellent and lend to the entire experience�and remember that is coming from a confirmed old "Stunter".
All manual instructions are excellent, from Set-Up to Teardown, to Bridle Adjustment (another one that scared me a bit, on the front end of things).
I flew the heck out of the kite, all week long, all day long, so long as the wind was blowing and every second of it was WTMF! . . .
Thanks again for a great product . . . " -- 4/05 email from GA

"This note is long overdue. Briefly, the kite [WD2] arrived here [in China near the Tibet border] very quickly. The instructions for setting up the lines etc., were clear and I had no problems, although of course I took my time reading, and patiently setting up the lines so I wouldn't make mistakes.
The weather hasn't cooperated until recently, and from the beginning I had to learn the kite in turbulent winds, which was sometimes frustrating, but ultimately instructive. Many periods with turbulent stretches, then no wind at all.
The winds have now become more consistent, generally here at this time of year from the southwest. There are large empty fields west of the city, where I have been flying. It is a good 30 min. cycling to this area, so if the wind isn't up, I at least get the bike ride!
The kite is a real joy and a lot fun--it certainly is responsive and lively--and I am glad I chose it.
Thanks for your support, and I wish you continuing success with your business, and I would certainly consider purchasing from you in the future." -- 11/04 email from China

"We flew the WindDance 3 and it is really awesome. Amazing tracking and good pull. The only sad part is the wind was full of mini tornados and currents and we had trouble keeping the thing from collapsing, (did play with the bridle and get that thing moving like a rocket though) -- when the wind strengthened I was able to get off some nice tight figure 8s . . . the residential neighborhood type soccer field I flew it in had shoddy wind. I will say that your flight handles, lineset instructions, and Real FLYING skill tips were followed and all rang true, and we had a wonderful time.
I posted a little article about my sister's reactions . . . she had a total blast. I think we're both going to start saving for another WindDance now so later we could fly together . . . thank you so much for this lovely fun machine. What a blast and a half! My sister says it is better than pony rides. I'll take her word on it :)
Had WTMF," -- 9/04 email from WA

"I met with Buz at the Ventura [CA] kite shop yesterday and he tells me the WindDance will be discontinued to make way for something ???better??? not possible in my opinion. I've flown my WindDance 3 for four years and bought a half dozen more to try to find something better. NOTHING EVEN COMES CLOSE. I'm buying these two new kites [two WD3s] as back-ups. Can't stand the thought of not having a spare now that you are discontinuing. OK, I'll stay in touch with Buz to see what comes up new from you guys. I visit Ventura once a year and chat with Buz but now I'll stay in close email contact to be first on the list to see what you have up your kite flying sleeve!
Thanks for all the enjoyment so far!" -- 8/04 email from AZ

WindDances will live on -- as new form of airgear after we sell out our stock of parafoil WindDances.

"I received my WD2 yesterday at 2:00 pm EDT. After watching the video and reading perusing the manual i headed for Fox Point State Park in Delaware. I was and flying/crashing about 3:30pm. I had a ball. I had to unlearn a few things from my other kite flying "skills," but it was a real blast. The winds were about 4-5 mph. Variable direction, but I was still able to fly and have a great time for about 2-3 hours. The WD2 has far exceeded my expectations to fly in the low winds that I had. I am looking forward to a day with 10+ winds. Thanks for a great product and a new experience. Even with the low winds that I had, I still got a good workout.
Thanks again." -- 6/04 email from PA

"We had great kite weather up at Ft. Flaggler. They have a HUGE parade ground overlooking Admiralty Inlet. It was a great place to let my wife learn to fly. (I admire her method, she talks to the winddance to give it voice commands, (Over..., Higher..., Not That Way...) Etc. Great fun, but make it hard to keep my mind on the WD I was flying listening to her have so much fun. We drew an audience for a bit too. . . ." -- 6/04 email from WA

"I posted the following message on a camping site where I'm active. Maybe it'll inspire others to explore the WindDance experience. Thanks Again!
"I was camping out at one of the Pacific Ocean beach campgrounds and was passing the afternoon flying a simple one line kite. My camping neighbor was flying one of those fancy stunt kites. He offered to let me try one of his old parafoil (nothing to break!) kites. I had a great time!
I explored on the internet to figure out what kind/brand/style would be the best FUN kite for me to add to my camping activities. I came across a local (for me) but international supplier of great, easy to fly and "Way Too Much Fun" (his line, but I agree) two line kites. I also appreciated his very rich web site, and all of the information that he had. His Fun is more important then competition point of view appealed to me. If you're curious, the web site for WindDance kites is I think you'll enjoy exploring his site, even if you don't choose to give this hobby a try.
I've got to tell you, that the combination of Fun, Developing Skill and as a family activity, not to mention burning a few calories, I'm hooked."" -- 6/04 email from WA

"Just got my kite [WD1] here in Nova Scotia . . . 30 km winds . . . When I read about being sore after "winddancing" I thought I would be fine, but dancing my new toy this weekend was a GREAT workout! I look forward to increasing my "arsenal" soon . . . thanks for the great gear!" -- 6/04 email from Canada

"We camped up at Fort Ebey this weekend. This was our first opportunity to do some extended real flying with our WindDance 2.
It was a great day! Just down the field from a dozen or so hang gliders, we set up and flew. The WindDancing was great. I crashed a few times, but after some practice, only when I was working into the advanced, close to the ground maneuvers. I invited my daughter to fly and she picked up the skills very quickly and had a great deal of confidence very quickly. She was swooping and turning all across the sky. We worked back and forth trading flying for being the ground crew.
The wind was strong, and a bit bumpy, but with two 15 foot tails, we were fine. My WB2 is still set at 'First Flight' so now I'm looking forward to another outing to work towards tuning towards max speed and performance.
Thanks for a great weekend!" -- 6/04 email from WA

"[J]ust wanted to let you know, enjoying my W2. I flew it yesterday in ZERO wind, with occasional "gusts" to 3 mph or so. First try, i pulled a 360. whoo hoo!! played with the non-existent wind for about 20 minutes, and called it a day. Today, however, was a different story. i think the wind was around 15 mph, maybe 12, real bumpy and gusty. what a riot! (btw, instructions for the line set were sufficiently detailed, good work) man that thing is fast!! i think i might have to get a W1, i like the turning. i also like the pull :-), so someday i might get a W3. . . .
I noticed that most every person that is on your comments page makes some sort of statement including themselves as a spokesperson/representative of Seattle AirGear, and i now understand why. i understood when i saw the depth and detail of your website, and the physics that you explained. i love that stuff. count me in, i would be more than glad to give a recommendation. i've already told all my friends, and am going to take them Dancing/Flying as soon as i can. thanks for your expediency in shipping, and absolutely wonderful customer service. i wish you well, and that WindDances really start to take off in popularity, not just off the ground. thanks" -- 5/04 email from MI

"I am writing you today but, it is something that I really have been meaning to do quite a while ago. I wanted to tell you just how much I enjoy the WD3 that I purchased from you 2 years ago. Its maiden flight was in the shadow of the Mackinaw Bridge on the lower peninsula of Michigan, Mcgulphin Point to be exact. That was the first of many enjoyable times with the kite. It is a pure pleasure to fly! Precision handling and smooth as silk in flight. Every time that I have flow off my home beach at Metro Park on Lake St. Clair someone has come up and commented on how great the kite looks in flight and this is usually with spar kites flying adjacent to me. Last winter we had a quick freeze here in Michigan and Walled Lake near were I work froze over as smooth as glass. I put on the hockey skates and took out the WD3 for a kiteskating session. I realize that this was not the intent of its design but, it worked great. I must have kited across that lake 30 times that afternoon. Anyhow my WD3 is my mainstay flying machine and I just wanted to complement you on a fantastic design that has put a lot of pleasure in my life. . . .
PS If you send me out some more of your cards I will pass them out to the people that come out and question me continually as to were did I buy that. My response has been----If you have a computer look up seattleairgear----everything you need to know, including demonstration videos, is right there." -- 4/04 email from MI

"Just wanted to drop you another email about my WindDance 1. I originally bought it from you back in late 1999 (it was a white close-out model), and had a blast with it. Well, I got caught up in other things . . . and the kite ended up in storage for quite a while. I moved across the Bay to Oakland recently and as I unpacked, lo, what should I see but my WindDance, along with my lines and handles. On the earliest available weekend I went over to the Berkeley Marina and did a shake-down flight in a fair 15-20mph Bay breeze. The kite flew as though she missed me...I was caught off-guard by the cornering pull but it put the grin back on my face. I still want to add a 2 & 3 to the family before I take a planned vacation to Hawaii this summer.
BTW, one time I also brought out an old 6' delta along as well, just for kicks. I only flew for a few minutes before determining that something was, well, lacking. It now decorates my apartment. I brought it down and flew the WindDance for the rest of the afternoon...far more fun even if I did break a line during a hard turn, d'oh! It snapped at the handle, but was easily repaired. I readjusted the other line length to compensate and was good to go within 5 minutes.
Almost every time I put the WindDance up, someone almost always inquires about the kite, and I have sent them on their way with the seattleairgear.com URL. The last time I flew I was pleasantly surprised when I overheard an onlooker commenting to another: "That kite looks like it's dancing!"" -- 4/04 email from CA

"I have several "soft" cell type dual line kites. . . .
I had fallen across your web site many times over the last several years and found myself spending more and more time there reading your thoughts about flying and the information about the design and performance of your WindDance product. With full knowledge I finally decided the WindDance 2 was the way to go. About the right size for myself and my kids, specs seemed good, sounded like fun. . . .
Made my decision, decided which shop to order it from, got it delivered and couldn't wait for wind! Finally some wind and started flying. WOW... it was fast and man could it turn and for the size had the pull as advertised.
BUT.... I was extremely frustrated... why you ask? Tiny bit of turbulence or hit the edge of the window, (any edge of the window) and it folded up like a cheap suit. Figured that was fun but would take some learning to keep it in the air. Fun but frustrating. Over the last couple years I've only pulled it out of my kite bag a couple times with the same results. I would fly it a few minutes, get bored with running down the lines and simply put it up. . . .
I figured...there must be something to all that tuning they talk about all over the manual and the web site! . . . I adjusted it . . . MAN WHAT A KITE!!
OK, I'm a slow study! Just wanted to let you know that I still don't get to fly it much! My kids won't let go of it. It's some great fun flying and I'm sure there is a second one in the works here very soon.
Thanks a bunch." -- 4/04 email

"I bought a WindDance 2 from you last November. . . .
Northern VA kiting is a mixed bag. Occasionally you get a decent, steady, monodirectional hour or two. The usual conditions, however, are winds that constantly vary in direction and strength. I spent most of my first two WindDance outings getting "exercise"...walking out to the end of the lines to unravel a Gordianly tangled, collapsed WindDance.
It wasn't until my third day out that I realized that I was missing half of the WindDance equation: You have to MOVE when the winds are bumpy and fickle. I started to mix my arm movements with rapid darting back and forth to keep the tension on the lines. I was keeping the kite up for 15-20 minutes at a time after a while. When I got home, I was panting and soaked with sweat (in spite of the 30 degree temperatures) but exhilarated after 3+ hours of WTMF.
Since then, I have been out 2-3 times each week. Yes, I have a few delta stunt kites I fly (sorry, but I like the slack line wizardry, too) but I spend 50% at least of my kite time with my WD2. And the WindDance is the kite people walking by like to watch and the only one I will let them fly. Something about the tight turns, zippy traverses across the window and that cool, high-pitched whistle when the kite is really cooking gathers crowds at my kite fields.
And thanks to you, I have lost about 20 pounds...after another 30 or so, I can be your Jared (the Subway guy)!
So thanks for an excellent product. I have read most of your website and am more than a little mystified by the run-in you had with the kite industry. I hope they will come to their senses eventually. What you are selling is very different from the mainstream dual-line delta and foil products out there. Judging by the testimonials on your website (and on rec.kites, for that matter), there is obviously a niche for a fast, maneuverable, easy-to-fly kite. . . .
Take care." -- 3/04 email from VA

In regard to bumpy, fickle, pesky winds, here's an instructive exerpt from our email to a customer: "Personally, I [Dan] don't like to WindDance in smooth "clinical grade" wind. Too boring. We prefer the excitement of frisky wind that's textured with pulses and jolts of speed and power. With basic FLYING skill alone -- no bridle-setting increases to make it more stable (we like "fast" settings on the verge of being too low), no bumpy-wind adapters to make it more stable -- we can fly in pretty gnarly winds including immediately downwind of trees. There's no "running around" to keep it flying, just the natural active "flyrod" action of our arms that maintains FLYING tension in our control lines. Of course on some days the wind is way too frisky: the wind instantly shifts direction sometimes 90 degrees or a turbulent blast hits the upper skin or a vortex twists up the wing and bridle into a knot. One day, when we were having trouble, the wind was so nasty it suddenly pitched delta stunt kites downward and knocked them out of the sky."

"I ordered a WD2 and finally got to fly it this weekend. I like it. A lot. It was surprising to find that it pulls harder than my 'Firestorm' (a 10' power delta).
WD2 is a quality product with great design features. The bridle looks complex, but is straight forward and appears to be difficult to tangle (I couldn't do it!). It is a blast to fly! . . . " -- 3/04 email from MO

"Thanks for the patch film and all. I got my kites fixed and they're all flying once again. I was reading your customer comment page and I wanted to drop you this line. To possibly use on your website at just HOW fast your kites are and how hard they pull...
I have been flying your kites since 1997. I have two white ones, a 2 and 3. Then I stepped up to your new 2000 series kites. They're a LOT faster and much more nimble. I have a flyer who also flies your kites who works for the Police Dept. He brought a radar gun out and we had a little fun. It was an older version that picks up most movement. With a touch of foil tape we had it on. The wind was severely POST Frontal 40 to 45MPH...
We dug into the beach and buried our butts in the sand. We started clocking it. I was hitting 120MPH in the power zone turns. After a bit of tuning to greater speeds we were at our bodies' physical limits. With 400LB kevlar lines I was hitting 158 to 160 MPH. When the lines broke !~! Both lines one right after the other 161 MPH in that turn set. So let the other companies compare their kites to yours any day!~!
One Very happy CAMPER in CA" -- 3/04 email from CA

"well....the winddance 2 does it again. i am just letting you that the winddance 2 i got from you guys 3 years ago is still doing really well and is about to go all over the world and have flying where ever i end up....i will try to get some pics to you guys soon..as my brothers all have one...my girlfriend is getting one and to see 3 or 4 kites all flying together intertwined is something that i have never seen in my life until now..it is nuts!!" -- 11/03 email from NH

"I am a humanitarian worker in developing countries and work with refugees. I have been doing this for the past 25 years and the first things I pack are my fishing gear and my kites. I have flown the WindDance in Kenya (over Mt. Kenya and on the beach in Mombasa), on the beach in The Gambia, in Quetta, Pakistan, on the hills overlooking Pristina in Kosovo, on the hills around Skopje (Macedonia), over the skies of Lake Superior (Isle Royal National Park), in Michigan (of course), over Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and the Canadian Arctic (Spense Bay) to name but a few.
One of my best flying experiences was on the beach in Mombasa where I attached two, small (one inch), calumide light sticks to the bridle branch clusters (with scotch tape) and flew at midnight.....You could not see the kite but the lights let you know where you were in combination with the pull...It was a unique experience and did not effect the performance at all...
I also used my WindDance 3 to signal my pickup ride off Mt. Kenya by flying off Mugi Hill on the Chogoria route. I went fishing and my ride was waiting for my signal....
Take care and I have more stories if you would like. I take my WindDance kites wherever I go...I am due in Liberia next...." -- 11/03 email from MI

" . . . I also would like to acknowledge receipt of the WD 3 which you sent me recently - I used it for the first time on Friday at a local school's kite event - you probably will get two direct orders and maybe a couple more later as a result, because it was by far the most impressive of the 50 or so kites being flown and I had a queue of people wanting to fly mine so I spent most of the time watching other people getting the hang of it. It is so docile that even young children can keep control, and so powerful that it can pull full grown men off their feet. A great design . . . " -- 9/03 email from the UK

"i received my winddance 2 a month ago. since then i had little chance to try it, lots of work and lousy winds. but the few days i had a chance to use it was great fun. the kite is super fast, almost too fast!!!
a friend of mine, he has over 20 different kites of all kinds, tried it and he simply couldn't let it go, he was having too much fun! he said it was the fastest thing he ever saw!!!
i'm having lots of fun with the kite! it's amazing!!!
congratulations on a marvelous flying "machine," it's unbelievable!!!" -- 8/03 email from Portugal

"Thanks Dan
It's easier doing business with you than with some shops in my own town.
All the Best" -- 8/03 email from New Zealand

"Lovin this thing!!
Didn't know what I was getting myself into. . . . I looked for the Porsche of kites. After looking at all that was offered I found your website. After purchasing the WD3 I must say I have the Indy car of kites. I've been flying it on the red rocks above Lake Powell down here in Utah. It's like it rides on rails!! The people here all hoop and holler and want more when I try to put it away. I think I'm addicted. I look outside every once in a while waiting for the BIG WIND. The faster the more intense the ride.
I can't wait to take it to Crystal Mt. Washington for the winter. I can just see it in those big winds we get there. I made an investment of a lifetime.
Thank you for your help.
Flying fast and furious" -- 8/03 email from UT

"I've been enjoying the summer storm breezes that roll through in the afternoons here. Yesterday however the wind was a light, steady 3 mph off the lake. I'd forgotten how smooth and precise the WD3 can be. It truly is a joy to fly! Beautifully precise, tight patterns and I especially enjoy outlining the clouds and chasing the small birds. We have a family of bald eagles that seem to enjoy hovering high above me. I imagine they are thinking; "that sure looks like fun down there."
I let a guy who had a T-Foil and training bar fly my WD3. He was amazed. I had to encourage him to spin it. He was afraid it would get tangled up. He had never spun his past a 180. The bar really limits your inclination to just have fun.
Dan, I do "Feel an itch for the new fun that's coming." I wish you would hurry it up a bit. Not that I don't thoroughly enjoy what I have, but I can't help thinking about what it might be! I wish you would add some flesh to your descriptions of the new stuff. So far we know more what it is not, than what it will be.
As always HTMF!" -- 8/03 email from NC

"I thought I'd drop you a line on my WD2 experiences.

How I came to your web site?
I stumbled on to your web site looking to replace a line I broke on my Firebee 1.0. At that point, I managed to stay at your web site for about an hour and a half, reading, watching and learning. Guess where my Firebee line broke? Right in the middle.

Next steps.
I'm not new to kiting. I have been addicted to kites for about 4 years now. In that time, I have managed to accumulate 2 deltas and two quads. I have found that I enjoy flying kites, but each of my kites has gone from "new exciting" to not much fun. Most of this has come about because of the varying wind conditions here where I live. Most of the time the winds are light and variable - not good for anything I have in my bag. So why do I own kites that are not suited for my area? Ah, I bought them on vacation, near the beach!

In flies winddancing.
I decided to buy a WD2 instead repairing the Firebee line. I'll tell you right now, it still is not fixed - 2 weeks later. The WD2 arrived on a Thursday. I was on lunch break and missed the mailman and the package, so I tracked him down on his route. By Friday, I had the first lineset made and I was pumped up to try out my NEW kite. The wind did not want to play. I looked outside and not one leaf on any tree in my line of sight was moving. I was crushed. An hour later, I detected some leaf movement, and decided to go for it. I knew full well that with the lack of wind I saw, I would never bothered to go out to the high school where I usually fly. Based on the feedback on your site and what you advertise, I wanted to put your kite to my ultimate test. I was NOT disappointed. I packed up and dragged my son out to the field; he just got his driving permit and I promised he could drive. I arrived and the flags in the area hardly moved. When the wind "gusted", I could feel a slight movement on my face. I would guess that the winds ended up being 2-5 variable and mostly in the 2-3 range. The WD2 had the nerve to actually fly in this crap breeze! I had to walk the kite back sometimes to keep it flying, but I had a great time. Make no mistake about it, nothing else I own would have gotten off the ground and stayed in the air, the WD2 did.

Day 2.
The wind speed picks up to 5-10, with some higher gusts. Man can this thing fly. I take my 12 year old daughter out and she is up and flying in about 6 minutes flat. After about 15 minutes of flying she turns the controls over to me; she had sore arms. I break my first line on my WD2. Notice I say first line, I anticipate more in the future! Line breaks right where you say it will, at the kite end, by the knot. After following your instructions to inspect the knot -- it melted, no frays. I pulled hard in a turn, hit a gust and the knot moved. It was a novice line-stringing issue. I correct the problem in under 5 minutes in the field and I'm back flying. Hint. My Firebee line can not be fixed, just replaced.

Conclusion.
I have flown the WD2 in some of the lightest, most inconsistent winds this area has to offer. Winds I would have never attempted before. Your kite is the best made kite I have ever come across. The customer support you provide, is unsurpassed. I have spent hours on your web site taking it all in, learning. Testing the information in my environment. Taking it as truth after I experience it for myself. Some of the information you present with such authority, I thought, well it all can not be 100% truth. Let me say that I still have not been let down by any advice or piece of data yet. Flying the WD2 is exciting, I'm looking for some good reason to keep my other kites. I will wait a few weeks to see if a good reason shows up. I plan on a WD1 in the next week or two and within the next two months a WD3. I decided I will be kiting through the winter this year. Thanks again for sharing your passion." -- 8/03 email from NY

"I had a wonderful day at the lake. 15 mph off the lake and smooth as silk, with gusts to 30 mph!! The WD2 was great, but the WD3 was absolutely awesome!! I'm a big guy so the 3 was just right. The gusts in the power zone pulled like a truck! Finally during a spin in the zone my left BWA popped in the middle. I quickly relooped them at the end, took care of some minor tangling at the kite end and I was back up for another hour. What an incredible workout. I was doing multiple figure 8's in the power zone and leaning back 45 degrees to keep my balance. My arms were burning and I was soaked, but it felt sooo good I couldn't stop. I had 40' ripstop tails which didn't seem to have much affect on the speed of the kite, but made it much more exciting to watch. There was nothing else up in the air but me and the WD's. . . .
Finally, I want to thank you for building so much strength and durability into these kites. It's hard to believe they can take the stresses of the high winds, plus the high speed crashes and still not show any damage. I was really impressed when I noticed the extra zigzag reinforcements between each of the cells the other day.
Sincerely having way too much fun!" -- 7/03 email from NC

"Just a quick note to thank you folks for getting my new WD3 so quickly. I received it 2 days after shipping last week (remarkable for cross border) I only just got a chance to fly it last night and did not stop until the wind died so much I could not play any more.
Winds for the most part where 15 to 25 mph, so it was a good time to experience the full gamut of flying the new airgear.
I think my old Delta will be spending more time grounded now.
I am planning to be in the Seattle later this summer so I might look you up and come flying out there.
Thanx again" -- 6/03 email from Alberta, Canada

"Hi Dan, thanks for the fast service. I got a bit stung for duty on the parcel, but nothing I didn't expect . . . I took it [WindDance 3] out for a quick blast before the wind disappeared (hasn't been a breath of wind since... grr) but was very pleased with how it flew, really fast, and much more pull than I expected. Great stuff! Cheers!" -- 6/03 email from the UK

"Just thought I'd drop you a note to thank you for providing such a great product and more importantly the tremendous amount of information on your website.
During the short period of time that I've flown my WD2, I have experienced many of the situations you have illustrated. All the way from at first being intimidated by the kite and wanting to pack it up and send it back to the pure joy of being able to actually fly the kite with full confidence and control.
I've found the kite to be virtually indestructible as it's had many full speed crashes and several tangles with trees. I've experienced broken lines, tangled bridle, no wind, strong wind and many conditions in between. In each instance I was able to refer to either the manual or to the information on your site to rectify and understand what was happening.
My biggest chuckle came when a couple bicycle riders rode by while I was flying and one remarked to the other "It looks like he's dancing with the wind."
Thanks again" -- 5/03 email from WI

"Awesome!! . . . It's a blast!" -- 5/03 email from NY about a new WindDance 2

"I must say this THE most complete and impressive website I have EVER seen! The only other website that compares is a website on the SR-71 Blackbird (http://www.wvi.com/~lelandh/sr-71~1.htm). Kind of like comparing apples and oranges, but there you go.... The reason I found you is because I was looking for shock cord for a 2 line delta kite I have flown (poorly, as it turns out... LOL) 2 times. It was ok as far as I was concerned. But just ok. Granted it is not a $300 kite but a $62 kite from a local hobby store. After 4 rather unsubtle landings the lower shock cord is breaking and it seems that no one locally knows what I am talking about so I ended up searching on-line. I still have not found a local source. But I did start looking at various kite stores on line. Thus, to make a long story dull, I have given myself rather severe eye strain from reading this fabulous website. With all the time and work you have put into this site how do you ever get out to the field???
Anyway, to my question... I have just recently relocated to the Phoenix AZ area and the wind here is somewhat unpredictable in its velocity and reliability. I am wondering if I am making the right choice here with the WindDance 2.... I am a relatively fit, somewhat strong 6'2 male, 225lbs, some of which MIGHT be muscle and I really do not wish to be an experimental flight model yet I would like a fun kite that might give me a rather firm workout. . . .
BTW, you really should be a bit stronger in your opinions about the mainstream kite industry, being as subtle as you are may not get through to those morons.... LMAO!!!!
Thanks for listening." -- 5/03 comment included with order from AZ

"Well I have to tell you I am so damned impressed I am still giggling! I received my WD2 on Friday (it was at the post office, since I was not home to sign for it) and was very impressed by the construction and the overall design. I spent Saturday evening (I had to work during the day) doing all the "rigging" of the Spectra linesets and setting up the "rough wind" lines per your VERY complete instruction sheets. Thank you for being so very complete and informative as to the how and why. I hate it when they just say "set it here because we tell you to" and don't give a reason why it is important. . . .
I went out to the park at about 11am and the wind was a fairly steady 8-10mph. I brought my delta "just in case". After attaching my lines and setting the handles under my Igloo Cooler, (I forgot to get a stake) I proceeded to try and fly my new toy. Well after a couple attempts at OVERPOWERING the lines I sat and reread the instruction book and then proceeded to just go crazy! I have NEVER had this much fun with my clothes on before!!! I have to tell you in no uncertain terms that this is THE BEST investment I have ever made!
I did use my delta quite a bit, too. Rolled up in it's case it made a perfect sail anchor for self launching my WD2! LOL
To make a long story dull, I stopped two soccer games, a softball game, and a whole bunch of pedestrians!!! Everyone wanted to know what it was I was "flying", where they could get one, and the all important "how much?" I stayed at the park for 3 hours and had so much fun I ignored the fact that I was getting a sunburn. But, who cares?!!?? I had an absolute BALL!!!!! My mouth is killing me from smiling. And I agree with your sentiment about scratching your nose, only for me it was when I pushed my sunglasses back that I klonked myself in the forehead.....
I gave one fellow an extra "line tying" instruction sheet so he would have your www address to order himself one. I let him fly mine and he kept saying, "oh yeah!!! I am definitely getting one of these!!!!" He crashed about 2 times and then was just blazing away through the sky.... And I must say it looks just as good from downwind as it does from the flight line, maybe even better.
Please accept my most sincere thanks for a product that I am going to be enjoying for a long, LONG time!!!! Also expect to sell a few more in Phoenix, people were writing down your web address as I gave it to them.
With Best Wishes and Warmest Regards." -- 5/03 email from same customer in AZ

"I finally was able to fly my WD2; what an experience. The HQ parafoil was nice but the WD2 is bad. I would venture to say that I will drag it out into the pasture every chance I get because (as you repeatedly say on your web site) it is so much fun. There is a learning curve with it but it just bounces back from mistakes. Thank you for producing such fine airgear.
A Devoted WindDancer" -- 5/03 email from KY

"Hello Dan, its good to know not all Americans are in favour of the war! Thanks for writing your piece on it.
Can you edit movies with QTime6? I have a few I can send over on CDROM, taken with my digital camera, they are all about 1 minute and 15MB each, but would come down to a manageable 2-3Mb or so with the same treatment as the last one I sent. They are from my February visit to the coast and show me flying the WD2 in 25-35km/hour winds. There are a few sections where I am doing tight 360s with long tails, viewed form the side, a couple of crashes and a relaunch, some flying below horizontal on the headland, and general WTMF flying! They could be shortened in some cases, or segments cut and pasted together perhaps. Anyway, feel free to do what you like with them. I'll send the CD tomorrow.
I'm finding WindDancing to be a good complement to my mountain biking - it's good for improving the reflexes and also the upper body workout effects. I just wish the wind would blow more often around here!" -- 4/03 email from Australia

Here are eight clips of having WTMF with a WindDance 2: CLICK HERE! Thank you Gordon!

"I made a few videos of my WindDance 3 and put it up on my website. There is a video of just the WD3 and another with the WD3 towing my newly developed Tom-EEE! human shaped drogue [full human size!].
The videos are made with Windows Movie Maker and saved in the .wmv format which is playable by Windows Media Player 9 [and 7.1, too!].
I don't know if you have seen such long lines [150'] used on a WD3 or such a large drogue (185cm [6'1"] tall).
My main page has some comments about the WD3 and some pictures on the "Purchased Kites" section.
I usually fly the WD3 as is, or with two 90 foot long RSN tails. I have had dozens of people come over to see what kind of "rocket" I was flying, but not a single one (as far as I know) has gone on to purchase one. For the second year in a row I am conducting the "kite lessons" fields for our annual ILRC Kite Festival on Fathers Day. Last year I let people fly my little Parastunter and if they showed some aptitude I let them also fly my WD3. . . .
It still bugs me when people say that the Flexifoil is the fastest kite in the world because it was officially clocked with a radar gun. I have a local friend with a WD1 and WD2 and along with my WD3 we have all the winds covered and I can say that each of these (in my estimation) has gone faster than that pokey Flexifoil." -- 4/03 email from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Here's the WindDance 3 with music video: CLICK HERE! Thank you Tom!

"I would like to pass on a recipe for wtmff (way too much FROZEN fun). Who says you have to put away your kites for winter? Mix the following:

one large size frozen lake (no snow please)
one wd3 or wd2 if strong and or gusty winds
one fearless flyer with safety gear (helmet etc..)
one good read of dan's physics 101&102
one cordless drill with bit
one pair of ice skates
and above all, a desire to go fast !

Mix these on a moderate wind day 6-12 mph, and you will have a great time. A few tips: keep your kite moving fast in the power zone until up to speed. Also make sure to reduce the bridle somewhat [to reduce the pull]. A broken line at speed is sure to put you on your, er.. landing zone. Take note of the shoreline, because you can get going pretty fast on a beam reach (90 degrees to the wind) If you really want to go fast, try squatting to reduce the wind resistance but be aware it's harder to balance the kite's pull this way. Oh i almost forgot, the cordless drill is for drilling a hole in the ice to hold your groundstake, and to test the ice thickness. Have fun and fly safe.
terry in the frozen north" -- 4/03 email from Nova Scotia, Canada

When Terry stopped by in Seattle during a trip, he explained how the forested shore came up so fast at 60 mph durng a beam reach he had to be VERY careful to turn in time!

" . . . I thought I'd set up a test to compare the two of them in the same gusty surface winds (W-SW 15-25 mph). . . .
I first set up and flew the Flexi Pro Team 8....270 lb test line.....wind window was 30-60 degrees off centerline depending on the wind gusts....Flexi flew from edge to edge in 2-3 seconds with varying speeds. Between 15 and 20 mph, the pull would increase and require a step forward to keep one's balance. Exhilerating, but with turns on 125 foot line sets, best I could get was 2 sets of 180 degree verticle "s" turns and I had consumed all the airspace I dared to use. Tracking was straight and true, but required a slight amount of oversteer to compensate for the gusty conditions.
I next set-up the Wind Dance II, and using the same flying lines, and adjusting the bridle setting a second time in 2 years, to an more OPTIMAL setting, I was astonished to realize a pull similar to the Team Pro 8. Turns were more like pivots, and any series of multiple turns could be accomplished from a common radius point. After 10-15 of these, opposite direction spirals could again be accomplished FROM THE SAME RADIUS POINT!! The turns could be sped up manually, with hardly any increase or decrease in radius, even in gusty conditions. Tracking was like the WD2 was on a rail. . . .
. . . the work-out potential of the WD2 (or any other WD Product) is way understated. My son flys at Daytona Beach, and before long he draws a crowd. His most asked question is "How much of a full-body work out can you get from this"? He tells them honestly, "What you see me do, is what you can achieve, and then some". I never realized the heath benefit you mentioned on your web-site, but the public is sure tuned into it! . . . " -- 4/03 email from IL

"hello,
this is Zebulon writing about my WindDance 2000 [WD2].
I am writing about the kite that i bought and now that it has been about a full year plus,..... i would like to let you know what i have been doing with the kite.
I have flown the thing all over the place, Moab in Utah, City of Rocks in Idaho, Teton national park and around Jackson hole wyoming, in Massachsetts on the Cape as well as very inland......and of course where I live in Mount Washington Valley (North Conway, NH), and basically any place that i feel like stopping at to fly cause it is windy..
I should let you know that i basically wanted your kite to get me into the kite world of traction sports...well it did and didnt do that. I was thinking Kiteboarding and such and now after really getting REALLY good at flying my Winddance 2000 i have found the kite to be awsome! the windance was able to drag me about 20 feet in 45 plus winds, before the lines broke....but man i was impressed! then in the nothingness of low winds i am still able to fly the kite with pleasure...so anyways....i now have a whole bunch of kites from smaller to the windadance 2000 to 13 times bigger....i have foils, inflatables, etc for kiteboarding on water and snow. That is certainly a rush with the kites power and speed and ability to get air, but you know there is something about the winddance that is just unlike anything i have flown before.
now, my older brother and his wife to be, BOTH own a winddance 2000. we all have different colors and my older brother who has been like me flying kites since a very young age are able to fly the two together like nothing i have ever seen before....
the times that we have been able to spend in our windy days together are unreal....never willl be forgotten....
the winddances are a valuable kite to me, it is simplicity.
Dont get me wrong i love going out and getting serious air and speed with the larger traction kites as well as the "drag" and pull races that my friends have....anyways, i am just letting you know that i did infact have trouble when i first got the kite.....it wasnt flying how i wanted it to but now later in the winddances flying career i have been able to use the kite on top of rock pinnacles that were up to 600 feet high....and man.....seeing a person fly a kite in the Utah desert on top of a pinnacle can only be explained by the feeling you get flying such a craft in that area.....the same with where i live....i fly the thing often while stting out time in tents with clients on mount washington (i teach mountain climbing(rock ice and mountaineering) for a living in NH)...so now instead of just sitting there i am able to go out in the wind and fly the kite that is full and loaded with such great memories!.all i did was learn to tune the thing for different winds haha
I have been able to collect some really great pictures of me and my kite, cause it is such a simple thing that brings such simple pleasure of playing with wind...
basically, i am stoked with your kite......and really i have flown a lot of big and small kites...but i keep pulling out the old windance before i go kiteboarding, before i go to bed before i rappel the climb, before the bike ride .....it is always in my truck ready to go.
i have had so many memories with the thing that i cant get over how much fun i have had with it in the last few years...and man i think i didnt tell you how cool it was to have three winddances flying around each other and having them get all twisted and being able to fly along side the people that are important to you! to sum it all up i must say that stupid end all qoute so whatever, here it goes...
"a man (or woman) and his (or her) kite, it is a beautiful thing!"
dan and sue at WindDance, thanks.
I am still flying my kite strong!" -- 3/03 email from NH

"I've had my airgear for about a month now and finally flew it this last Saturday. March and April are typically pretty windy here in Salt Lake City. I bought two WindDance 2s and three sets of lines . . .
While breaking in my first WindDance 2 on Saturday I noticed this weird thing happening to my face, I couldn't stop grinning. In fact most of the time, the harder the wind blew the more I smiled. You should warn people that flying WindDances from Seattle AirGear can overstress your smiling musculature.
When a particularly strong air stream would start playing with my WindDance I just couldn't help hollering. It was like being stuck in an old Batman TV Serial, "Hah!" "EYah!" "Whaaa!" "Yeehaaa!"
I don't know about dancing with the wind, but I sure am excited about playing with it. I just turned 50 in February, and I already know what I want for my 51st, I'll be ordering a pair of WindDance 1s. When I'm flying my WindDances in a strong wind I feel like I've found the fountain of youth - I'm in my twenties, a genius, and indestructible! It's quite intoxicatiing. I hope I never get used to it. Thanks for a "winderful" product!" -- 3/03 email from UT

"My name is ******* and I am 28 years of age. My wife and I reside in Warsaw, Indiana. I own a [dual-line delta]. I like the kite, however it is the first and only dual line kite I have owned. My brother had a chance to fly it and fell in love with the 'dual-line' kite sensation as well. Fortunately for him, he did some research prior to purchasing a kite and is a PROUD owner of a WindDance 2. My brother, *****, had called me the day he received his kite and was bragging how his WindDance put my kite to shame. I chuckled as I saw this as a typical gesture - as we both commonly do - for my brother to 'one-up' me. He called my kite everything from the "dual line sloth" to the "flying bus" Ha ha - your story little brother. He recently came home and brought his WindDance with him. As he begged and pleaded me to take it for drive - I hesitantly agreed - as it was close to 37 degrees at the time - but plenty of wind!!!!!
From the moment he unpackaged his 'machine', I could tell this kite was different from all the other 'para-foil' or winged kites I have looked at...from the bridle system to the tailored cells. As I gripped the wooden handles and his kite took to the sky, a overwhelming feeling of fun took me. THIS FELT LIKE TRUE FLYING!!! I think we both started laughing simultaneously - as he knew exactly the joy I was experiencing. I have flown para-foil before- NOTHING compared to the feeling the WindDance gave me. UNBELIEVABLE :-))))
Needless to say, all the hoopla ***** was making towards his new 'air-gear' was an understatement. My wife and I are in the process of trying to buy our first house - so money is a bit tight now. Gratefully - my brother and my wife have agreed to purchase a WindDance for my birthday in July. July will take years to get here!!!!!!!
I have spent MANY hours on your extensive website. LOVE IT!!!! From the physics of flying the WindDance to the pictures and everything in between. I think I will be purchasing the WindDance 2 to start off with - with FULL intentions of owning the entire line!!!! . . .
AND - thank you both for the WindDance!!!
Patiently waiting for July -" -- 3/03 email from IN

"Just wanted to thank you guys for an awsome new toy [WD2]! I have had it out 3 days in a row on the lake in 15 to 30 mph winds. (Ice cleats a must!)..It is amazing how well it really flys..no signs of damage from crashing on the ice..And there where quite a few crashes as both me and my assistant both learned to fly the first day. Anyway, I gotta go the winds are picking up......Thanks again" -- 3/03 email from MA

"Three weeks ago, when I phoned you & ordered my first WindDance 2000-1, I said I'd let you know what I think of it. I've been eagerly waiting for enough wind to give it a good fly, and today that day finally arrived. I flew I for about 4 hours & am delighted with my new toy! I had average winds of 13 MPH with brief gusts up to 30. I added a pair of tails, and was still amazed at the speed, zone range, and precise control. After a break in, I reset the bridle to 24mm & am verry happy with the performance. Also, thanks for your speed getting my order out your door. I received it the NEXT DAY after ordering! Thanks again for your good service, a great product & clear instructions on kite-line set-up & flying techniques.
Another Happy Customer," -- 2/03 email from WA

"I went over to the coast again and had 3 wonderful days of WTMF [way too much fun] flying in 25-35km/hr winds on the beach and headland. No smooth light winds to try and do a 360 degree pass before I came home, but this afternoon I was able to do it 6 times in very light but unsteady winds near here [WindDance 2]. I had a friend take some video of the passes with my digital cam, not all of them keeping the kite in view, but there are a couple of good ones. I could send the best one to you if you like, it's a pass of about 480 degrees, and it's about 5.9Mb in size or 5.4Mb if I Winzip it.
It was actually quite easy, and I think it would be no trouble at all to do repeatedly in smooth winds of say 3-5km/hr. . . ." -- 2/03 email from Australia

Here's a "360 down under" clip: CLICK HERE! Thank you Gordon!

" . . . I want to tell you about a rather unique experience I had while WindDancing after work last week. While I was flying, I heard and then saw a guy walking up the street rapping out loud to what I thought was music he was listening to. It turns out he was rapping to me flying the kite!! "Righteous man of the wind.... power of the earth at his call..." or something like that. This went on for thirty minutes or so. He was really charged up!! . . . I wish I could remember it all, he was quite good . . . " -- 2/03 email from NC

"I think I have finally got my WD3 perfectly tuned. In strong winds the pull is amazing. The speed, agility and power make this kite so much fun I hate to put it down. The rough 15 mph plus winds we have had lately have been great with bumpy wind adapters; 360's at the edges, incredible speed and pull through the power zone, and tight, fast turns everywhere in the window. Yesterday we had a very light steady wind. The WD3 flew so well I smiled the entire time she was up. It was as close to the WD3 video as I have ever come. Flying your kites especially at the end of a stressful day really helps to blow away the day's worries. Thank you once again for the effort and attention you put into designing these wonderful kites." -- 2/03 email from NC

"Hi Dan, thanks for the lines and winders which arrived while I was away at the coast for a few days, certainly a very fast delivery for the distance.
I was a little frustrated with the turbulent winds around here, there are no big open spaces without large trees around the perimeter, so the wind is always full of vortices. It sure makes it hard to keep the kite up when flying through the powerzone and it suddenly collapses and starts blowing towards you! I did get a few chances to sample the speed and power though, which prompted the 4 hour drive to the coast to spend a few days enjoying some smooth winds.
Well, as mentioned on your website, I was indeed having WTMF! I made up some 10metre tails from 15mm wide ripstop nylon and flew the WD2 in 30-40km/hr winds for a few hours, resting at the top or side of the envelope every now and then. Next day I really felt the aching muscles in my shoulders, but just had to go and spend a few more hours out there, this time in 20km/hr winds without the tails. After another day of 20-30km/hr winds the evening of the 4th day had winds that my anemometer measured as a steady 6-7km/hour, and super smooth. I took this opportunity to widen my flying envelope to well over 200 degrees! Running away from the kite in those smooth light winds gave me a super wide envelope, I was able to fly in long passes a few metres above the ground, and if my foot wasn't so sore from being cut on some sharp oyster shells the day before, I am sure I could have done a 360 degree low pass! That's my target the next time I am able to get over to the coast for some smooth winds. I'll try to get it on video too. The last day I found a nice grassy headland and flew in 30-35km winds, it sure kept the passing tourists entertained, many of them stopping a while to watch.
In the evening on the beach, one family thanked me for the entertainment I provided them, they were amazed at how the kite flew. A few days previously a passerby thought I was training for paragliding!
I did break a few lines in the strong winds, even with long tails, once at the top end because I apparently didn't have the knots snugged up close enough, but the other few times at the handle end where they are supposed to break. However, I did notice that the lines tended to tangle more when the breakage was at the handle end, the broken line wrapping itself into a large knot that took 5-10 mins to untangle, not made any easier by the strong winds blowing the line around! When the line broke at the top end, there was basically no tangling at all, so I am thinking it may be better to have the weak link at the kite end rather than at the handles. What do you think about this?
cheers," -- 1/03 email from Australia

We placed our answer about "Where should it break?" in our TIPS. We asked, "Have you tried the "bumpy-wind" adapters yet? They help a lot in frisky winds!"

"Hi Dan, I've had no problems with bridle tangling at all, it's never taken more than about 10 secs to get in shape, and I always wear my sunglasses when flying, so I might try putting the weak link at the kite end next time I'm flying in strong winds to see how it works out. BTW, have you done any tests to check actual breaking tension of the various lines with their weak link knots?
>>> Have you tried the "bumpy-wind" adapters yet? They help a lot in frisky winds!
Yes! I was using them pretty much all the time over at the coast, except for the one evening of really light wind. I was able to hover the kite at ground level at the right and left sides using the BWAs, they worked really well in absorbing the bumps, and made for quite a stable low hover. Of course they probably saved me from a few more line breakages when zooming through the powerzone too! In over 15 hours flying time at the coast I had zero wing collapses, those relatively smooth winds compared to around here sure are a joy to fly in!
I can see I'm going to be spending a lot of time at the coast from now on!
cheers," -- 1/03 email from Australia

We put our reply about "Measuring line strength" in our TIPS. We also passed on this crazy(?) tip: "I've learned to prefer the "friskier" kind of wind! I also like jouncy rather than smooth rides in airplanes, because being an aeronautical engineer I know how awesomely stable and strong they are! When it's bumpy WindDancing, savor the challenge and the exciting ride!"

" . . . Had a blast with my WD 2. These kites just get more fun to fly! Thanks for a fabulous product! Happy New Year!" -- 1/03 email from ND

" . . . The wind was a delicious 15-30 mph. I pulled out the WD2 with my 150# x 100' line w/BWA [bumpy-wind adapters]. I could not believe how much that WD2 pulled. I am 230+ and she pulled me around like a leaf! I was amazed at the speed, and agility of that kite. I am a little sore today from the exercise. That is the most fun I have ever had with a kite of any kind! [we didn't add the bold] . . . " -- 12/02 email from NC

"Great site!!!" -- 11/02 email from Belgium

"Got a chance to try out the kite [WD1] at Ocean Shores. It was awesome. I have never tried a kite like this before and after all your warnings I was not sure I would be able to fly it or tune it if something happened!
Believe it or not there was less than 5 mph winds that day on the beach. But I was able to retune the kite to make it fly in lite wind and had a WTMF (way too much fun) time.
My wife even tried it and crashed it over and over again. But it still came up ready to go again.
All this warning about the harness getting tangled up. Well we were either really lucky or don't know what it means to have it all tangled up! But it flew great all day long and when the wind finally became steady my wife even got excited because she could fly it.
Anyway, thanks for a great product and lighten up on all the things that could go wrong when talking to beginners. My wife and I are 54 and 52 years old and had a great time." -- 10/02 email from WA

" . . . I hope things are going well for you and Seattle AirGear. Since I last wrote, I've acquired 3 like-new "classic" WindDances, bringing my total collection to 3(!) WD1s, 1 WD2 2000, and 1 WD3. You're definitely right that "they get more stable as they age". My "new" WD2 2000 and the others have pretty much settled in to good behavior, after a rocky start. Now, in any "natural" gusty and shifty wind, they seem to fly reliably with the Bumpy Wind Adapters -- it takes "artificially" gusty and shifty wind, bounced off and around high-rise buildings, to actually collapse them now, though the WD3 still needs another few hours in the air to smooth out as much as the rest. Great fun! One of my used "classics" even came with your official handles, so I get to compare those in detail to the ones I made from your website plans!
Now I need to ask you to send me two more rulers and maybe 3 sets each of 100# and 150# B.W.A.s . . . I'll be happy to kick in $5 for the postage (etc.) you've been lavishing on me . . . And please let me know if and when any of your new top-secret projects becomes a product for sale. Your design approach should be applied to other parts of the kite and wind-sport world!
Thanks again." -- 10/02 email from ON Canada

"FYI - The winddance 2 is my 1st stunt kite and I am hooked. Took a couple tries to feel comfortable with it and stop crashing. It is actually very easy to fly and it does take a beating without damage while learning. I let my father fly it and he is hooked. I may be buying him one as a xmas gift. Will let you know.
I am also planning to get a 1 and 3 to complete the set.
Thanks for the service and great product." -- 10/02 email from FL

"WOW, These things are a blast. I have had some crashes on an epic scale, but am learning. I would tell you, that at 6'5" tall and 230 lbs I am sooo glad I got the WD III, You may want to add that comment to your webpage if it isn't already there... THANKS!" -- 9/02 email from Germany

"I only recently tuned my WD1 to 2mm less than first flight setting and WOW!! It was scary. Totally hooked. . . . " -- 9/02 email from Australia

"WOW! I took my WindDance 2 out for its maiden flight yesterday afternoon. The winds were brisk at about 15 to 20mph. My body is somewhat sore this morning. What an absolutely amazing kite. For its relatively small size it is very aggressive in its pulling power. And I'm really amazed at the speeds it achieves. (Look out Flexifoil, there's a new speed king on the market.) . . . " -- 9/02 email from NH

"I just wanted to let you know that the winddance 1, 2, and 3, are by far the best kites I have ever had the privilege to fly. I bought the 2000 series from you a little while back and have had a blast flying all three. Amazing how much the difference is in the way each model performs and they are equally as fun in their own way. The only problem I have with the winddances is deciding which one to fly. So I always take all three with me. The winddance 1 is the most maneuverable kite I have ever seen and is just incredible, especially in high winds. I love how the pull increases when it spins, same with the 2, and 3 as well. The winddance 2 is absolutely the undisputed all around performance kite with great maneuverability and speed and pull, and the 3 is great for light or heavy winds . . . To sum it all up the winddance 1, 2, and 3 are the best and offer the most fun of any kites . . . " -- 8/02 email from WA

" . . . Impressive & instructive web pages. Well done." -- 8/02 email from the UK

One our WindDance customers reported this: "Here is an un-solicited comment from a kite dealer on 4 AUG 02: "A visitor from Korea . . . asked if he could take photos. I [the kite dealer] told him to go ahead - and he shot like 25 or 30 shots! In the air, on the ground, with tails, without tails, closeups of the lead kite, even a picture of how my wrist straps were turning my hands purple [the kite dealer's own hands!!!] . . . "" -- 8/02 email from AZ

Members of the "kite culture" seem to be PROUD of that pain and suffering!

" . . . To feel the power in your hands and zip around the sky is just incredible. Thank you so much. We are WindDance devotees." -- 8/02 email from Australia

" . . . I bought a Speed Foil kite last summer and thought that was really good but since we got a WindDance there's no comparison. . . . " -- 7/02 email from NY

" . . . Got a chance to fly my WD-2F at Mission Bay here in San Diego. . . . I met an individual with a REV 2, and I let him fly the WD2. . . .
His response when describing the WD-2 was..."this is a BLAST to fly!, it's like a rocket in these winds". He owned several foils in his kite career, but this was the BEST of the BEST!! . . . " -- 7/02 email from CA

"Just wanted to mail (again) some feedback on my WD3. I have been at the beach here in the UK a couple of times recently, the first being Brighton, where there were excellent winds and a few people using traction kites for jumping, I launched my WD3 and immediately people stop to ask what it is, no notice is taken of other kites this one dominates the sky with its speed and handling and what a workout, it was fast and furious, it handled beautifully.
Then in Wales with some friends I flew alongside a sparred foil, I changed the bridle setting as the wind was not very strong and the speed was amazing. But what was really interesting was that some other friends who had never flown a kite before found the WD3 a very easy kite to learn on, much easier than the sparred foil, as soon as they knew that pulling is what made it fly they were flying within a few minutes, they found the handling far more precise and even though it was flying much faster than the other kite, it was easier to control.
All in all in my opinion the WD3 and the WD2 that I have are the best kites on the market today. Any plans for a WindDance 4?????
Thanks again" -- 7/02 email from the UK

We wrote, "Years back we engineered and tested 10' and 12' versions (WD4 and WD5?). The pull was crazy high, but we dropped them because the turning performance wasn't much fun. A couple of years ago we considered large WindDance EXTREMES for traction kiting, but backed off as we explain on our FAQs page: CLICK HERE. We are, however, developing something very new for "REAL kite flying," and the potential appears mind-blowing for kite-surfing, too! . . . "

"Just wanted to let you know that we did some great flying on Shuyak Island (part of the Kodiak Island group) last week. Kite [WD2-A] was superb. . . .
Also I get to head out on a kayak trip (around Knight Island in Prince William Sound) next week. My first time back in an ocean kayak since I sold my Polaris back in 1987. But I get to use my old boat which I am borrowing from the woman I sold it to. Looking forward to it a lot!
Thanks for making the great things you do." -- 7/02 email from AK

We designed, built, and sold him that Polaris II sea kayak in the 1980s -- in the mid-1970s we injected loads more fun into whitewater kayaks: CLICK HERE.

Due to our consulting engineering in the early-1990s, many fly fishermen throughout the world are having more fun: CLICK HERE.

Today, we're doing it with dual-line airgear!

"I SPOKE TO YOU ON WED-06/26 TO ORDER MY WD2 WITH LINES, HANDLES AND RECEIVED IT ON FRI-O6/28. ON SAT-06/29 MY SEVEN YEAR OLD SON AND I MADE THE LINES AND FLEW ALL DAY. IT WAS AWESOME!!! I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE. IT IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM MY DELTAS, JUST AS YOU STATED. IT'S SO CRAZY FAST!!! I'M READY FOR A WD3!!! AFTER A COUPLE OF MINOR BRIDLE ADJUSTMENTS MY SON JOSH WAS HAVING A BLAST TOO!
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP AND DETAILED INFO." -- 7/02 email from CA

"I've seen those pulling water skiers," remarked a passerby as he saw our WindDance 1 & 2 parafoils zipping & turning like turbo-charged aerial Ferraris. Sue & I were WindDancing side-by-side in Seattle's Discovery Park. -- 6/02

Instead, suppose that passerby had seen a pair of hot go-cart motor vehicles doing 60 and turning on a dime with ear-to-ear grins on the drivers' faces. Would his first and only words have been, "I've seen those hauling trailers?" Probably not.

What Sue & I witnessed -- for the umpteenth time -- was the success of kite-culture brainwashing about the parafoil TYPE of kite: CLICK HERE and HERE. They program your mind so well you can't see or don't want to see any parafoils -- or any flyers including yourself -- as being capable of hot performance and great fun like THIS and THIS.

Magazine writers and editors called us about extreme-sport kiting -- just because we sell the parafoil TYPE of kite. Would any writer or editor hold a similar stereotype about four-wheeled motor vehicles -- that all four-wheeled motor vehicles are just for pulling things and never for sporty driving -- and call a go-cart manufacturer or a sportscar builder to get the latest news about trucks for pulling heavy trailers?

Webmasters emailed us about listing WindDances in their Extreme Sports Category -- just because we sell the parafoil TYPE of kite. But WindDances are recreational gear for regular people of all ages. We asked if there's a more suitable listing category for our fun-and-exercise machines that blow away competition delta kites in speed & turning and blow away extreme-sport power/traction kites in workout quality and personal safety. They never responded.

We were even invited to exhibit at Extreme Sport Expos -- just because we sell the parafoil TYPE of kite. We'd sure like to show off our stuff at Extreme Fun Expos, though!

"I talk about your kites frequently at work. How much fun, relaxation and exercise I have been having with the WD1. How much I would like to get another one, maybe the WD3. I had been sharing this with one good friend who seemed especially interested.
Today right after sharing with him that I had just bought and flown my new Yellow WD3 for the first time he pulled out a brand new Fuchsia WD2 with a pair of Wood Control Handles and gave them to me as a gift! I am a very fortunate man! Today on the way home I stopped by the new soccer park and pulled out all three of my WDs. The wind was perfect; 5-15 mph. I had a wonderful time with all three. The only bad part was when I had to put one kite down before I could put the other one up. One soccer field over were about 50 young female soccer players watching intently as my kites danced through the sky.
They really do all feel quite different. I really like the extra pull of the WD3, and was amazed at the agility and power of the WD2. The Fuchsia looks great against the Carolina Blue skies. I hope to introduce my friend to the joy of these kites. Perhaps we can WindDance together." -- 6/02 email from NC

". . . wished I could've had someone give me your website sooner, then I could've been WindDancing longer!" -- 6/02 email from AZ

"I am the one that called you from Lincoln City at the Oregon beach a couple years ago looking for a WindDance kite to buy [for that story, CLICK HERE].
We just got back from our annual vacation to Lincoln City, Oregon (where they still don't sell your kites), and if you remember I ended up with a WindDance 3. Well, I haven't had a chance to fly since I was at the coast last time, and I guess that I had forgotten just how great of performer this kite could be. This kite is the funnest most addictive thing to fly period! I just didn't couldn't bring myself to stop flying my WindDance. It was more fun than anybody should be allowed to have. In the evenings, I flew until it was too dark to see the kite." -- 6/02 email from ID

"U GOTTA BE KIDDING !!!
. . . I brought her [WD2-F] to UAL Corporate Headquarters, and according to the Aviation Sequence Report for ORD, winds were 170 degrees at 11 kts. Well let me tell you, I thought it was more like 111 knots! This WindDance 2 could be considered a Secret Weapon. I know there must be rocket fuel hidden in the fabric somewhere. Impressive is an understatement. . . . you should feel very proud of what the WindDance series represents. . . ."

". . . This is truly America's Best Kept Secret! Good job you two!"

. . . Got a chance to fly the WD2-F this afternoon. All the cabbies move their cabs to watch the fun, and when it was all over, the cabs all moved back to their normal parking spaces. . . " -- 6/02 email from IL

"Thanks for the quick response on my WD3 order. I have thoroughly enjoyed the WD1. Even with the low variable winds here in central North Carolina it has been great fun.
I had quite a time trying to decide between the WD2 or WD3. Hopefully I will have more air time with the WD3. I have gotten a lot better at sense and respond for pull. I am looking forward to the additional pull, and exercise since I am 200+ lbs. I use your line sets, handles, and bumpy wind adapters, and will convert the rest of my line sets soon. I check for bridle tangling and adjustment when I reset for launches. My current setting is at 22 (too low?).
I have thoroughly enjoyed and learned from your website and manual. It has made my kite flying much more rewarding. I really look forward to putting up my kites and leaving the worries behind. I have been managing to get away 3 to 4 times a week including the weekends. I hope to eventually get the WD2.
Sincerely having WTMF [way too much fun]," -- 6/02 email from NC

We wrote, " . . . just checked the setting on a well-used WD1 that Sue flies. It's 22mm, exactly the same as your setting!!! If we reduce it by 1mm, the pull drops significantly, which means it's perfect -- for the time being. Months from now, 21mm may be perfect! . . . "

"Hi Dan and Sue . . . you just helped me with rebridling both my winddance #2's. I took them to the Wildwood N.J. kite fest on May 25th 02. We had great winddancing winds 20 to 25 mph what a blast. I must say the winddance out performed all other dual line foils. It was fast and fun. The guys with me, all hated to fly them. Thanks for your help and good luck in life. Your Friend in the sky, . . . " -- 6/02 email from PA (we added the bold emphasis)

"Spring has arrived and I've been lucky enough to have the time to fly. Once again I've just got to write and say THANKS FOR ALL THE FUN!!!" -- 5/02 email from MN

"Just wanted to let you know I was looking at the kite forum at ************* Kites, and someone wanted to know what the best dual line foil was. I wrote and said the WindDance foils. A couple of the BIAS JERKS who work for ITW threw in their two cents (and believe me, that's all their opinion is worth), then I got pissed and lambasted them! The one goofball said he had never flown a WindDance, but he had a New Tech Thunderfoil nine footer and "figured it would be about the same." What a DUMB statement. Your kite is FAR superior to the Thunderfoil!!! There is NO comparison. I have had ALL of the Go Fly A Kite foils and they are all sad...got rid of all of them. Had TWO Stylus 2.8's and couldn't wait to get rid of them. I have a nine foot Thunderfoil and would love to sell it, but I know I couldn't get anything out of it. Keep up the great work . . .
PS
Check out the ITW forum, when ya get a chance....think I sold 2 WD's for ya!" -- 5/02 email from VA

"WindDance Kites are the GREATEST!
I wanted to drop you a note and thank you again for making such an awesome product that flies far above any other kite when it comes to performance and more importantly, FUN !
My wife bought me my first WindDance years ago, and it forever changed the way I enjoyed kite flying for the better. My kite has flown all over Florida in winds ranging from mild to near hurricane wild (yeah, I know - hurricane flights are not recommended, but it held up fine and flew really GREAT in those high winds).
I enjoy being able to be a casual kite flyer, whenever I want to fly, as my WindDance is always in my van and it's airborne in seconds from the time I decide I might like to fly. I have bags of kites gathering dust in the closet that have stayed there since I got my WindDance - it's my all time favorite kite, period.
My father has always been a kite lover, and like me he had been turned on to stunt kites a long time ago. He had several of my old stunters and has bought a few of his own over the years, but his biggest problem was always with being grounded after a rough landing broke a twenty dollar spar, rendering the kite useless.
About a year after I got my own WindDance and seeing how much Dad enjoyed flying mine when we were together, we bought him one of his own as a gift. He was hospitalized with Leukemia in 1999, and spent 71 days stuck in the hospital fighting for his life and missing the time he loved to spend on the beach near his house in Daytona.
Miracles do happen and he recovered and has been doing well every since, much to the amazement of his doctors. He now sports a long silver pony tail as a badge of honor for the chemo he endured, and while his strength is not what it once was, he is active and enjoying life to its fullest every day and in every way.
One of the most enjoyable things he does on a regular basis is fly his WindDance at every possible chance. It is great exercise and even greater fun for him and he LOVES to fly your kites. He drives down to the beach for a 15 minute kite flying break often and the joy he gets flying is second only to the joy I feel every time I am able to be there with him while he is flying and sharing quality time together.
The WindDance kites we own are both heavily used on a regular basis and he is always letting folks who stop to admire the kite and chat with him while flying take the controls and give it a try as he does not have to worry about broken spars from beginners crashes anymore. I have also seen many of the beachfront "extreme sport kite" crowd stop in their tracks when he "pops" the kite into the ground and relaunches instantly and effortlessly and had a good laugh over that.
I just wanted to write and say thanks again for making such fine products as they have allowed me to spend many wonderful days on a beach with my dad doing something that we both love, creating good memories of good times together that I will treasure for all my life." -- 5/02 email from FL

"Hi . . . I own two WindDance 2's. They are my most flown kites. I love them, and so does my 12 year old daughter. But now I need some repairs. We have flown them hard. Only one is in need of repair. The connector loop and adjuster lines are wearing through. If you could please send me some new lines so I could do repairs on my own. Just to note I use your kites to teach others to fly dual-line kites because they are so durable and fun to fly. I have owned my WindDance's since 6/98. Thank You." -- 5/02 email from PA

We replied,
"We mailed two sets of connector-loops and adjuster-lines with instructions. The instructions will upgrade your bridles. Print out the new user's manual on our website, and have a look at our TIPS including this one! Have fun!"

"Thank you very much for the quick response. It is good to know that you stand by you product. That is hard to find in the kite industry. I love my WindDance kites and will always recommend them to all. Thank you again."

"Amazing !!
My arms are ready to fall off, after flying my WindDance 2 in 20-25 MPH winds, and that was with tails. The pull for this size kite, in the power zone, was greater than I expected.
The wind demands our respect, as to what it can do, and now after flying the mid-size model, I can only surmise the power of a WindDance 3; I'd probably be limp by now.
I wanted my wife to try flying this kite, but it's too big for her, not having flown a kite of this type before. Maybe sometime we can get her a WindDance 1. I can imagine how team flying would be a blast." -- 5/02 email from OH

We replied,
"To tame it, begin by reducing the bridle-setting from the "First-flight setting" of 26mm down to 23mm (this reduces the wing's "pitch" or "angle-of-attack," that is, how hard it "bites" the "apparent wind"). Then experiment with further reductions, 1mm at a time. At these lower settings, tails become more effective at subduing speed & power -- perhaps enough to tame your powerful raging tiger into a large playful kitty!
Yes, side-by-side WindDancing IS a total blast! Sue & I hardly ever fly singly anymore! Silicone-spraying our control lines (see our TIPS), besides making 'em more slippery and fun, makes 'em last!
Regarding a WD1, keep in mind our retroactive 5% multi-kite discount for repeat customers!"

"I read quite a bit of your information . . . FAQ's and info you post regarding traction kites and what your kites are all about...
Excellent stuff!" -- 5/02 email from an avid kite-surfer in CA

"We are absolutely thrilled with the WD2, as we are now becoming more adept at flying.
Until my wife and I became interested in Kite Flying, we had not realized how the wind quality can vary. But the WD2 is able to give masses of fun flying under most conditions, within safety limits.
Light wind performance seems almost magical, and a stronger wind really gives one a great work-out, at 70+ yrs I feel twenty years younger, and that is another unexpected bonus.
We both send our thanks for a product that exceeds the maker's claims.
. . . if any have asked to be put in contact with other WD flyers here [in the UK] . . please feel free to pass on my email address . . . " -- 5/02 email from the UK

"YIPPEE!!!
The wind was the best it's been in ages, evening with temps not too hot and we got Ma#1 [new WD1] up and flying with no trouble. It was above my head in a second, off to the right, back to the left and then I got confused and it came crashing down. We tried it over and over again until I got the knack of it and found out that one of the main problems was because I was holding my arms too close together. I brought them further apart and even almost down to my hips then I could maneuver it much easier and with far more control. We stayed out in the field until it got almost too hard to see and too hard not to see the hills of fire ants. It's not easy flying kites in Florida! We'll go out again tomorrow and as often as possible if the wind stays strong. As it got later and later the wind had some slack in it and the kite would just begin to crumble and float down when the wind stalled. It's things like this that I want to learn how to handle and maybe someday I can pick a bottle off a sand dune. This was a lot of fun and I was amazed to hear it whistle through the sky and really begin to pull against my weight. I learned to brace myself against it pulling hard. Thank you for the fun and I hope to get better and better . . . " -- 5/02 email from a mom in FL to her son in CA (cc:SeattleAirGear) who sent her the WD1 as a gift

"I have been flying my WD1 in a lot of turbulent wind lately so I decided to assemble the Bumpy Wind Adapters. Wow what difference! They really do work just as you say. Yesterday the wind was 3 to 15 mph up & down every 5 seconds, but the adapters really smooth it out. It took a while to get used to the different feel. The speed and pull really do pick up, and next to no collapsing! I am getting much better at feeling the kite for what it needs to keep flying.
I have been saving up for a WD2 . . . looking forward to the extra pull . . . and lower-wind ability . . . " -- 5/02 email from NC

"I watched the video, and WAS IMPRESSED !!!! As a pilot and a 2-line stunt kite user, I have been wasting my time (and money) on the wrong thing." -- 5/02 email from IL

"Just wanted to let you know...
I bought one of your WD 3's, last fall, and it is the greatest thing going! It is the prettiest foil in the sky and flies like a dream! I also found out, by experimenting, that it flies wonderfully as a quad-liner with NO modification to the kite. . . .
I also have a 56" New Tech Thunderfoil, a 9' Thunderfoil, a 2 meter Flexifoil Blade II and a 4 meter Blade II. I had 10 or 12 other foils but rid of them all. I will continue to promote your company and the WindDances!!! They are the best! The WD 3 is my favorite! Keep up the great work!" -- 4/02 email from VA

"How did you "quad" your WD3 without adding extra bridle lines?" we immediately asked.

"What I did was to make two "tag lines", about 4 feet long. On one end, I made a loop roughly 4 inches in diameter, then made about 6 knots, spaced evenly along both tag lines. I larksheaded the loops over the bridle keeper tabs on the trailing edge of the foil and attached my "brake lines" from my quad handles to each tag line, where I had made the knots. Then I attached my "power lines, from the quad handles, to the bridle, as you normally would. It took just a little experimenting to figure out which set of knots, to use, on the tag lines, so the brakes would be effective, but yet, not over-brake the foil. I could, then, launch it, just like I do my Flexifoil Blade II's. I could put the WD 3 anywhere in the sky and hold it there using the brakes. And, I could also back it down to the beach and even re-launch it, when the WD 3 landed upside down. I got to the point where I could take the WD 3 almost overhead, let it zoom straight down towards the beach." -- 4/02 email from VA

" . . . thanks for sending the WD1 so fast . . . took it for a spin in 20 mph winds. Squirrelly little shit! That kite can outdo big-dough rigids hands down. . . . " -- 4/02 email from CA

"This morning I received my WindDance 2 in the mail, took the time to read the manual and set up the linesets, used silicone spray on the lines, and went in search of wind.
At my favorite field I found very little wind but decided what the heck as long as I am here I'll try.
As I was first unrolling it to check the bridles (so little wind that the lines weren't even moving), I decided to try and inflate the cells by yanking back on the bridle. It not only filled the cells with air but it shot the kite in a loop over my head!
It took a couple tries to get my WindDance 2 up the first time but there was very little wind on the ground. After about 20' or so it would stay up just great. I even figured out how to get the most out of it in light winds... no surprise, just pull it!!!
I can't wait for higher winds to come out, sometimes it gets really windy here for short periods of time. The air is choppy all the time, too, so I am glad you sent the bumpy wind adapters!
You're handles are just great, easy to hold on to, and I just wish that other manufacturers would put as much information with their kites as you do. . . . " -- 4/02 email from AZ

"I just wanted to let you know that I received my WindDance 2 on Friday and tried it out right away. This thing ROCKS! I love it and will definitely recommend it to anyone looking for some serious fun-gear! Thanks!" -- 4/02 email from CO

"I purchased a WindDance 2 from you a while back, and I must say I am very pleased with the kite. It is everything you said it would be, and much more! . . . " -- 4/02 email from NM

" . . . I sure wish organized kiting was more open to new ideas and technology. Without positively supporting people with great new ideas, it slows the growth of the sport.
I admire what you've done so far. Your product is superb, both in design and quality workmanship, as well as your customer service! Your website is informative about the product benefits. Supportive to its customer base. And deep in content. No stone is left unturned. It ALL has value. . . . " -- 4/02 email from WA

" . . . just wanted to drop a line to let you know how much I am loving my WD3 that I bought last year. I have put over 260 hrs flying time with this kite already and have broke my 150lb test line 13 times so far (it just happens :-) ). I also have a 300lb lineset that I have used 6 days because the wind was so high. The kite sure handles differently with the heavier line but it is nice to know the line isn't going to snap and dump me on my rump again. I mostly use the 150lb lineset that is 150 feet long since we have such huge prairie fields in Winnipeg, Manitoba area. I had been using 1/2" videotape for tails, having great success with 220 foot long tails for higher wind days so that I can draw huge horizontal "infinity" symbols in the sky. I recently acquired a few miles of 1" and 2" videotape and have been using the 2" videotape mostly since it really looks sharp in the sky. I keep the tails under 100' to prevent tangling. I have flown the WD3 throughout the winter here with temperatures between -12oC and -18oC. Any colder than that and I can't keep my hands warm enough. The kite/bridle has not suffered any ill effects from the temperatures encountered. Very impressed. The kite is actually easier to relaunch in cold weather due to the fabric being somewhat stiffer. . . . My WD3 is still the fastest kite per mph of wind speed I have personally seen. . . ." -- 3/02 email from MB Canada

"Got the WD3 on Thursday. . . . Great kite!! I'm a big boy and it moved me around pretty good. Glad I researched this purchase and found Seattle AirGear!" -- 3/02 email from OH

"Last Saturday was a perfect day here. 5 to 20 mph winds, beautiful clouds. I finally got the WD1 tuned for HP!!! It was wonderful! I broke one of the 80lb lines at the handle right away. Could hardly stand the wait while repairing. The feel and pull is exciting to say the least! The turns, loops, and acceleration toward the power zone is incredible. The kite is so fast, I spent the first hour finding out where the ground begins. I ran back & forth for each set-up, not wanting to waste any air time!
After about two hours the lines started to make noises and snag while turning. Then I remembered about the silicone. I had found some pure silicone spay at the auto parts store and stuffed it in my bag a week before. Wow, what a difference. No more chatter or snags. . . .
I used to worry when I would turn that I couldn't remember how many loops I'd done so I could un-loop to get the lines straight. I realize now it doesn't really matter. Much more fun just to turn, turn, loop, loop, loop, turn, turn, loop, etc., etc. Great freedom! . . .
Thanks for such a great kite!" -- 3/02 email from NC

"Dan,
It was great talking to you! I read some of your web site. Boy you pissed off a lot of people! WHO CARES! You and I are going to have fun I think! I think your kites are GREAT . . . Wait till [my friend] gets his hands on your WD III "tee-hee". He's going to go crazy with excitement!
I want to start a "kite school" in Puerto Vallarta and your kites are just perfect for that. You can "WHOMP" them into the ground as students will do, with little effect. Guys will like the brutal power. Women will like the aerobic full work out. Heck I was tired after 15 minutes flying a WD III...!
I just purchased my second WD III from you and one more WD II makes a total of 3 Seattle AirGear that I'll be dancing with....INCLUDING MUSIC! . . . . Thanks for the inspiration.....I'm glad the Boulder kite shop didn't have your stuff. Otherwise we never would have talked!
Best regards..." -- 3/02 email from CO

"I have frequented your site for months, and finally purchased a WD1. This kite is everything you said it would be, once I started using the proper lines configured the way you recommend. I visit your site several times a week. Lots to look at, very thorough, great advice and instruction. I am saving up for a WD2." -- 3/02 email from NC

"I wanted to send a thank you for the bridal repair lines. I spent a couple hours last night dissecting the instructions and tore into my WD3. I will have to say I was a little hesitant and even afraid once I got into the project. I had both bridal assemblies disconnected and lines laying everywhere! I thought I would never get the thing back together again. . . . The instructions proved to be extremely well written and I reassembled my kite with ease!
I took it out today on my lunch hour to test it out and it flew like a champ! Winds were variable about 10-15, with an occasional gust to 20mph. . . . After 30 minutes of flying, my arms and shoulders were feeling it the rest of the afternoon! WOW. I was flying with 75 ft 150lb test spectra lines and actually busted one. I had to laugh, I was right in the middle of a tight turn in the power zone when it busted. I found myself flat on my back. I had no idea that I had been pulling so hard to keep my balance.
A buddy of mine who was flying a smaller 4' delta came over to try the WD3. He nearly got yanked off his feet. Quite a comical lunch I'd say!
Thanks again for those repair lines, not to mention selling such a wonderful product!!! I look forward to passing along this experience to my family in a couple of weeks. I've already packed your business cards. Maybe I can send a few customers your direction!" -- 3/02 email from NE

"I love my winddance 1 I bought from you all in Feb. I get a good workout. A lot of people with deltas come and talk to me about it, and I give them your cards. Plus the only downfall is I get sun burned every time I go and fly. I fly my winddance 80% of the time to the 20% I fly my other kites on each outing. I spend about 4 to 8 hours at a time when I go flying and I think it's time to try a winddance 2. Thanks for the fun I get from your kites." -- 3/02 note with WD2 order from VA

"I a djusted the [bridle-setting of the] [WD]3 to 20mm and wooaa, what a difference, now it really cooks. The Santa Barbara kite fest is this weekend and I'm going . . . with the 3 and a stack of your [biz] cards cause I'm getting pretty good with it. I'm quite sure I can outdo almost any delta . . . It ought to be beautiful!!!" -- 3/02 email from CA

Epilogue: He went to the kite festival and WindDanced enthusiastically. Although he didn't interfere with any other flying, or endanger anyone or their property, officials forced him to stop flying!!! Why? "I must have been having too much fun," he explained to us as he ordered a WD1 as a gift for his mom.

"DIG THE 3!! I've had it for 2 months now and just love it. I have some high dollar delta's and a stylus 2.8 but honest to god I have more fun with it than any of the others and best of all I wrapped it around a tree, went up and got it and tried again...That damn thing is indestructible and just a kick to fly....Bitchen kite!!" -- 3/02 email from CA

" . . . thanks for offering such a quality product and excellent customer service." -- 3/02 email from WA

"Your product rocks!
I'm STILL sore from a day at the beach with my new winddance [WD3] 4 days ago, even though I work out at a gym almost every day. Wow.
I've also come to appreciate the design after looking at dozens of patents on parafoils and kites, and as you point out, nobody has the cross stringing to distribute the load evenly across the span, as well as avoiding deformation with uneven pull. Even in the patents I've found, nobody comes close. Have you considered filing a patent? You definitely have something unique here. . . .
I haven't had this much fun in a long time...
Take care!" -- 2/02 email from CA

WindDances may have at least four patentable innovations, each requiring a separate patent. But we're exploiting protection that's less expensive and MORE EFFECTIVE than patents: the "kite culture" mentality. Since our new technology causes parafoils to fly way better than parafoils are supposed to fly, organized kiting -- including their kite manufacturers -- won't touch it.

"I love what you have to say on your website about organized kiting!" -- 2/02 mail from CA

" . . . outstanding website . . . " -- 2/02 mail from WA

"Steady, smooth, southerly winds around 30mph at the beach this Sunday. The WD2 with 150lb lineset was tracking like a rollercoaster on steroids. The smoothness was evident because I could perform tip-stands on both edges of the window. Diving from the center into the tip-stand required backing up slightly to maintain the pull. Racing to the edge and pulling a 360, then slowly lowering it to the ground and leaving it there drew some oohs from the crowd. Only crashed once from a dive starting at the top of the window to an almost quick enough turn at the bottom. Recovery took a slight pull on the left line, then it popped to the top of the window again. I though about setting up the WD3 in that big wind, but the pull would have been too much for the 150lb lineset, and let's face it Dan, the power zone is the place to be for the most pull, the quickest turns, and the most FUN." -- 2/02 email from NH

Yes, the powerzone is a very exciting place to WindDance!!!

" . . . I have been having so much fun with the WindDance I never siliconed the lines! I noticed some fuzz and fray glinting in the sunlight during my last flight, so thought I ought to do some maintenance. I keep the rig in the car and if I am near the beach I launch for 20 minutes or so. As soon as it climbs into the sky I start smiling. . . .
You have a wonderful product." -- 2/02 email from FL

"Dan...That 3 [WD3] RULES!..It puts a Prism Stylus 2.8 to shame...." -- 1/02 email from CA

"As a WindDance 3 owner I noticed right away that someone stole your image at http://www.windpowersports.com/dual/duallinefoil.html and they don't even seem to be selling your product. Thought you might want to know.
BTW, I purchased my WD3 in 2001 and have over 200 hours flying on it already. I even have a Sky Guyz hanging behind it in higher winds to slow it down. I have snapped my 150lb line 12 times this year from the intense pull and love it! I am even flying it through our winter - down to -18oC so far and no problems with kite or lines!" -- 1/02 email from Manitoba

"I HAD A BLAST! True, this [WD1] is the first 'stunt' kite I've ever attempted to FLY, but my kids and I laughed and had a great time! THANKS! . . .
. . . I took my WindDance into work today and showed it off to a couple other 'delta' flyers. They were really impressed by the thing. I may have them sold on purchasing one themselves. I have the business cards all passed out already. Any chance of getting more??????" -- 1/02 email from NE

""Bestest" time flying a kite. Your wing [WD2] does rock!!!" -- 1/02 email from Quebec

"Happy Holidays!
When my wife said, "You haven't gotten yourself a toy for Christmas!", of course I responded with, "How about a WindDance 2?". It was difficult to not head for the beach that Christmas day, where there were 20MPH winds and brilliant sunshine. So the next Saturday.......
What a beautiful color Fuchsia is, and what a blaze it makes in the blue sky above the white sands of the New Hampshire coast. It's a great addition to the Light Purple WindDance 3, and the Hot Green WindDance 1. After flying the WD3 every weekend for a year, I didn't think that any other kite would give the thrills, aerobatics, or performance I've come to expect. I am pleasantly surprised by the way the WD2 responds to the wind and flyer input. I was afraid that it would take a higher wind speed to match the WD3 for acceleration and power. I was also afraid that the higher low wind limit of the WD2 would make it more difficult to keep in the air when the breeze stopped. Again, I was impressed with finesse that the WD2 displays as it floats down to the ground for a perfect tail down landing. The loops are much tighter than the WD3 but nowhere near the hyper loops of the WD1. The pull, while still powerful, doesn't feel as though a line will snap if a maneuver is held while entering the power zone.
I can see how this WindDance is going to fit like a glove between the WD1's high wind performance and the WD3's low wind aerobatics. It truly rounds out my kite bag and fills the void between the WD1 and WD3. You are right Dan, they all feel different, are stunning performers in their own right, and allow a flyer to match the conditions with a kite that is perfect. I guess the only problem with the WindDances is trying to decide which kite to fly first." -- 12/01 email from NH

"I feel privileged to live only 25 minutes from the New Hampshire coast where the winds are steady, strong, and usually predictable. However, as I travel around the country on business, I always save room in my bags for the WD3 and at least one line set.
I feel compelled to disseminate on the locations I've WindDanced in. Massachusetts - . . . the beaches have the same smooth winds as New Hampshire. Maine - too many moose. New York - winds along the turnpike come from Canada so of course they are fresh and clean. New Jersey - stiff winds in the Meadowlands, but don't land in the marsh, the oil slick may never wash off. Ohio - they don't really provide much room at the highway rest areas that aren't allocated to pet relief. Michigan - winds at the Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore are superb so bring extra line sets. Kentucky - corn as far as the eye can see, and really strong hot steady winds blowing off the Ohio for a fantastic workout.
The WD3 flies wonderfully no matter what the conditions are, and it really doesn't care where we are. It just loves to fly! . . .
Keep up the good work Dan." -- 11/01 email from NH

"I received my new WindDance 2 from you last week, today I flew it for the first time. Unfortunately I only had half an hour as it was my lunch break, but in that short time I glimpsed the possibilities with this outstanding kite!!
The wind was unsteady and this was my first time, but when the wind blew and I gave those lines a pull, it was amazing to see the speed and the maneuverability of the kite. All of the claims on the web site regarding these kites are absolutely true. This is by far the most exciting kite I have ever flown. I own a couple of Delta's and have flown a friends Flexifoil Proteam 8. In comparison the Flexifoil is slow and lumbering and the Delta's are definitely being out-performed by my WindDance 2. All this and I have only flown it for 20 minutes!!!
I am looking forward to flying more than I ever have before, thanks for designing such a wonderful kite.
I wish you every success . . . " -- 11/01 email from the UK

"I just want you to know that we finally found time to fly the WindDance 2 . . . Wowee! All four family members had a blast flying the kite for several hours in 10mph winds. We could not put it down between all four of us. Thanks for the tips on setting line knots, siliconing, and flying. I'm sure we will have more fun with it in the near future! Best Regards," -- 11/01 email from CA

"Dan the man
with the plan
who's got a fan
and the kites just ran!

Well Mr. Ruuska, I must say that when you say FAST, you MEAN fast.
That little WD 1 flies like a bat outta hell. I couldn't land it!! I can't believe how fast it is.
It was an absolutely delicious 22 mph wind coming off the lake, zero turbulence, smooth as a fresh spool of spectra. The kites both flew perfectly without any adjustment. The WD 2 needed the #150's and it just about tore my arms out! Next time I'll make some bridle adjustments if necessary.
Thanks again for your speedy response. Happy flying!" -- 10/01 email from Ontario

"I find these simple wooden handles [ergo T-handles from Eclipse products] very, very good and make flying a lot more fun." -- 9/01 email from the UK

"Subject: Happiness
I have had my WindDance2000-1 for a couple of weeks now and I am writing to tell you how pleased I am with it. Flying the kite is more exciting than I could have ever imagined. I fly it on the beaches north of Daytona. With the steady ocean breezes I can fly the kite for hours at a time with my feet in the water and the sun in my eyes. However, I am reluctant to adjust the bridle from "break in" to "high performance." How could it go any faster? It's nearly supersonic as it is!
I am really happy with Seattle AirGear." -- 9/01 email from FL

Our reply:

"Your fun has only just begun! Your WD will fly even FASTER and more POWERFULLY when tuned! As you reduce the bridle setting by 1mm at a time from the "First-flight" setting, test-flying at each of those settings, the speed & pull will peak -- first the pull will peak and then the speed will peak; the two peaks are very close together. Reducing the setting further will cause speed & pull to drop (reducing it *too* far will cause the wing to collapse).

Choose the peak you prefer. We like the max-speed setting -- as well as one slightly higher for hot speed with *lots* of pull, and one slightly lower for hot speed with *less* pull (suitable for flying for hours at a time, or in strong wind). The max-speed setting you choose is great for all wind strengths.

As your WD ages, the bridle setting that provides max speed becomes slightly less and less due to subtle fabric stretch in the wing. To compensate for that invisible stretch, you must periodically reduce the bridle setting by 1mm each time. When it becomes necessary, your WindDance tells you: "I'm not happy! Make me go *faster*! Tweak my *happy setting*! Now!"

For example, our well-used WD2000 demos (first flown in Sep-1999) have told us to reduce bridle settings by 4mm in 1mm increments. Those tiny bridle adjustments, that we made every now and then, have maintained new-kite speed & pull for two years so far!

To have the most fun, tune your WindDance! That is, find the "happy setting" and keep it tweaked!"

"Took it [WD1] with me to Belgium and Holland this weekend really as an accessory to my traction kite and buggy but it was so windy (F6-7 at a guess) that there was no way that I was going to stay in that buggy! So the buggy stayed packed away and out came the WD1. Wow is that little baby fast !! I was using the 150lb lines and it was pulling me down the beach, it was REALLY windy and to be honest I didn't expect the little WD to stand up to it. I felt sure some thing would let go, but nothing did although it hit the beach and the sea very hard and very often! I now know how to slow it down, you just fill it with sand and soak it with sea water -- only kidding !! I must say I really enjoyed my first few days with this kite.
By the way I let a local from Antwerp who had a rather rough delta stunt kite which kept breaking have a go and he was impressed, so you may get an order from him, who knows." -- 9/01 email from the UK

"You'll notice that you have an on-line order today from me for a second WD2. We got the first one about a month ago. . . . On days when the stunt deltas just flutter and fall out of the sky, the WD2 was the only thing that was any fun at all. We had one day of 12mph when the stunt deltas didn't even get out of the bag. We can hardly wait for the Alberta Clippers to kick in this winter.
. . . My wife and I are really excited about trying that side-by-side WindDancing. You keep making 'em and we'll keep buying 'em.
Many thanks" -- 9/01 email from MO

"I have been surfing your site for the past few lunch breaks and have been completely captivated, the best web site I think I have ever come across!" -- 9/01 email from the UK

"Hi Dan! I just flew my new WindDance One for the first time and it was really exciting. I had other seniors on the beach fly it and they said it was like a shot in the arm. You could see they felt like they were kids again.
At first I thought the line setup was tedious and complicated, but I followed your instructions exactly and the first fly responded accordingly. You can't knock what works.
Next comes tails. Best regards . . . " -- 9/01 email from OR

A few days later, we Priority Mailed two more WD1s to the same address!!

"REALLY ENJOY YOUR WEBSITE AND PRODUCTS. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS, AND FOR DELIVERING THE QUINTESSENTIAL FLYING EXPERIENCE OF THE WINDDANCE SERIES!" -- 8/01 online-order message from PA

"Bonjour,
Je vole depuis 4 ans avec un WindDance2, et cet appareil est VRAIMENT FANTASTIQUE. Je suis bijoutier � Gen�ve, �g� de 47 ans et je vole depuis que l'age de 12 ans . Je poss�de environ 50 cerfs-volants dont 20 de ma fabrication. Mon premier cerf-volant "commercial" a �t� un Peter Powell achet� en 1975. J'ai particip� � quelques concours r�gionaux (sur Phantom et Tracer) et pratiqu� la traction extr�me (parachutes modifi�s). La plupart de mes cerfs-volants ont un vol int�ressant, chacun � ses particularit�s propres, mais aucun ne VOLE comme le WindDance. Je suis incapable de dire pourquoi, mais je me sens plus cool apr�s avoir vol� 1 heure avec le WindDance, que si j'avais vol� 1 heure avec un autre cerf-volant.
BRAVO et MERCI" -- 8/01 email from Switzerland

"Babel Fish" translation from AltaVista.com:

"Hello,
I have flown for 4 years with a WindDance 2, and this apparatus is REALLY FANTASTIC. I am a jeweler in Geneva, 47 years old and I fly since the age of 12. I have approximately 50 kites including 20 of my manufacture. My first "commercial" kite was a Peter Powell bought in 1975. I took part in some contests regional (on Phantom and Tracer) and practised extreme traction (modified parachutes). The majority of my kites have an interesting flight, each one with its own characteristics, but none FLIES like the WindDance. I am unable to say why, but I feel more cool after having flown 1 hour with WindDance, than if I had flown 1 hour with another kite.
BRAVO and THANK YOU"

"Great article on how the kite-culture poisons the sport . . .
In the UK, 2 line power-foiling for pure fun and excitement is very much in it's infancy but a few of us are catching on.
Keep the rebel flag flying, dudes............ I'll watch this space with interest.
Good winds to you all." -- 8/01 email from the UK

"My friend and I are two college professors in the Puget Sound area in Washington State. We have recently purchased a WD 2 and WD 3 from you and are extremely satisfied! I also own a large 12 foot parafoil made by another company (very well known) which doesn't even come close in comparison. It comes with no warranty whatsoever and is made poorly where the bridle attaches to the fabric, resulting in tears. Your product is superbly made, taking into consideration virtually every variable condition. WE ARE AMAZED at how tangle-free your bridle design is, no matter where we crash (set down) our WindDances. Our friend, after flying ours, is sure to get his own immediately. Thank you for your in-depth website and gracious customer service." -- 8/01 email from WA

"Incidentally, I think your site is superb; full of interesting information and fascinating facts. You put most dry and dusty 'corporate' sites to shame. BTW I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to flying one of your kites. Although I'm a paragliding pilot (my wing also uses Porcher Marine) I'm looking forward to using the kite on those blown out days that are oh so common here in the UK. I have to confess that I have not flown a kite since I was a kid (I used to build my own) and through conducting a great deal of research into kite sites on the net, I count myself as fortunate to have come across your site before making a big mistake and buying the wrong kite. Carry on with the good work..." -- 8/01 email from England

"I think your WindDances are brilliant." -- 8/01 email from Holland

" . . . this afternoon on the way home I tried the WD1 [first one of the 3-Pack]. Lots of fun even though the wind was very variable. I'm no expert. I have a 6' flexifoil I've flown a few times and another no name delta. I was most impressed with the quality of the stitching and I've been sewing things for 40 years.
I flew it right out of the bag and it was exciting. Tonight I'll follow directions!
. . . I'll be glad to tout Seattle AirGear to anyone who asks." -- 7/01 email from MA

"It's beautiful [WD1-H]! Even with very light and variable winds I had a lot of fun. It was much faster than I was ready for. :) Looking forward to the next day with steady winds. Thanks a lot!" -- 7/01 email from OH

"I think I have the [WD3's] bridle setting close to optimized now. I had the kite in the air last Sunday at Ambleside Beach, in West Vancouver, on and off for the best part of 2 hrs. It is performing very well and flying quite nicely. I can tell now right away if it's right or not as I notice the first thing it wants to do when set right is fly straight up over your head if you let it.
My buddy was flying it as well, and now he wants one as well. I'm going to email him your website address. Hopefully he will place an order.
The real kite flying mecca here is near the Planetarium in Vancouver, where there's almost always at least somewhat decent wind. I've been waiting to go there till I'm at least partly competent, which I feel I am now. I'm sure this kite is going to get some attention there.
When I was flying on Sunday, a guy came down with one of those delta kites that was very expensive, and spent most of his time trying to get it to fly. When he finally did, it was truly lame. The WD3 made it look totally sick, and I don't really have a clue what I'm doing. Having seen that, I am very happy with my choice.
The wind was getting quite strong - (for Vancouver); probably somewhere around 12 knots or so. Since I am flying with the lighter lines, I was being careful not to pull too hard and ease up a little while making turns. I'm very happy I got the big kite as like I said I'm a pretty strong guy and I like the feeling of power (I'm about 205 lbs and do a lot of lifting). However Dave, who is also athletic but weighs around 160, was finding it a little much, which was okay because I got to fly it again sooner!
I also received your business cards today, and they look great! I will give them out to people who seem sincerely interested in the kite, and hopefully I'll be able to talk them into flying mine a little as well.
I wanted to say again how impressed I was with the speed the kite arrived. I've ordered things from the US before but your kite arrived at warp speed, and that was a nice surprise.
Thanks again Dan and Sue! You have a great product which I will continue to fly as often as possible." -- 7/01 email from BC Canada

"I agree that your WindDance kites deserve a voice. I think it's a shame that more stores don't carry them and sell them appropriately. I flew a Thunderfoil 7 foot kite once and didn't like it. Sure, it flew fast in a straight line and pulled like crazy, but it turned like a double decker bus with bad tires and a full load of tourists.
The other day we had some 20mph winds and I went out flying with someone new to stunt kiting. I naturally started him out with the WindDance [1] and even though it was moving VERY fast, he could control it readily. I was surprised at exactly how fast it really was moving! I've only seen it from the flying lines end in moderate to mild wind (15 mph or less). Since I was righting the kite after crashes, I got an up close and personal view.
He wanted to fly a framed kite I'd built after watching me do some framed kite tricks. Unfortunately, his inexperience and the framed kite's much higher difficulty level ended up in two broken tubes. Oh well. He says he thinks he'd prefer framed trick kites but wants a WindDance too. One can have the best of both worlds I suppose." -- 7/01 email from ME

We wholeheartedly agree. Although WindDances can do tail-down spin landings in light winds (in the user's manual we spell out the "kill pull to kill speed to kill FLYING" trick skill needed), they're just awful for doing tricks compared to what a trick delta can do. There are kites optimized for FLYING, and there are kites optimized for doing tricks. Wouldn't it be nice if the kite culture allowed both choices?

"Dan, I got the chance to fly my new WD2 last week. On the first time out, the conditions were not the best. Very light and extremely variable winds. I was able to fly it for awhile although it seemed to collapse frequently. I am sure that it was due to the rapidly fluctuating winds and operator error. I could tell that the kite had potential but my wife was, obviously, not impressed even though she couldn't even get her delta in the air. Then, on Saturday, my son and I went down to the Naval Academy in Annapolis and flew for several hours. The winds were a constant 8-12 kts with some gusts to 15. This was, without a doubt, the greatest kite-flying experience I have had. My son is also hooked. The best part was when my 230 lb son was leaning all the way back in the middle of a high-power turn when the kite crashed, dumping my son on his can. We both laughed hysterically. By the end of the afternoon, we were both exhausted! I did not realize just how much pull the WD2 would generate. I was using the 100# line, thinking that it would be plenty strong in that type of breeze. WRONG! After about an hour, the line snapped. Just as advertised, however, it snapped right at the first knot on the handle end. I simply put the 150# line on and kept right on flying. At home, I cut a few inches off the good 100# line and then made up both ends, good as new. The only drawback was that my wife couldn't be with us that day. After hearing my son talk about how awesome the WindDance was, she is looking forward to seeing it for herself. I'm sure that we can consider the sale as final. The only question remaining is, will my wife want a second WD for herself? We are going to try and get out again this weekend. I'll let you know after that.
Thanks again, . . .
P.S. Feel free to use any of my e-mails as testimonials on your web site. I am now a certified WindDance advocate!!" -- 7/01 email from MD

"Dan, I just wanted to thank you for being so quick with sending the kite [WD3]. I've had it in the air for a bit so far, it's been difficult to find the wind here! It's a lot of fun - I got a big crowd around me the time I took it to Ambleside. As you say on your site, everything else looked so lame and the WindDance was zipping around, and I don't even know what I'm doing yet.
I'm having some excitement playing with the bridle settings - I don't think I have it quite right yet. But there are times when I know the kite is doing what it's supposed to do, so I'm going to practice some more this weekend. Does your [business] card have your web address on it? I've already been asked by a couple of people where I got it... so when you send me your cards I will definitely hand them out. . . .
Take care and thanks again for your fantastic customer service. It's a pleasure doing business with you and you have a great product." -- 6/01 email from BC Canada

"I LOVE to fly my new WindDance1. It is awesome and people stand and watch....especially how easy it is to fly. It's a kick to watch people trying to get their delta kites airborne...and how difficult it is.... Not me. Piece of cake." -- 6/01 email from CA

" . . . I got a lot of interesting looks from bystanders. One out-of-towner asked me if I belonged to the local kite club, he must of assumed I was a proficient kite flyer, not a newbie with a cool looking WindDance."

" . . . another quick update on my flying adventures with my WD2. I spent two hours late yesterday afternoon flying my WD2. The wind was about 10 mph with some gusts, so the flying was nice. I had total control of the WD, so it was pretty cool. So after about 2-4 hours of total practice, I have mastered the basic type flying skills.
Here's a quick story that you will appreciate. There were several other flyers out there with there delta-style stunt kites. After I had been flying for about an hour, one of them decided to switch to some sort of flexi-foil that was about the same size as the WD2. He couldn't get it to fly, when he did get it up in the air, he couldn't make it do hardly anything. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed flying the WD2 yesterday, and my body is sore today so I know I was having fun. The lines and the WD2 were whistling loudly, which is pretty cool.
. . . I'm a happy customer. The user manual has been very helpful." -- 6/01 email from OH

"This WindDance is really mean. Great fun." -- 6/01 email from the UK

"Took the WindDance 2, and a few line sets on my recent vacation . . . we went to the beaches on the Mediterranean Sea around the Antalya region of southern Turkey, this place is really beyond words and will probably remain my top vacation spot . . .
The conditions were absolutely perfect, each day served up some different wind conditions . . . but I managed to get in several hours each day over a 10 day period. These folks had never seen anything like this before, especially on the windy (15-25 mph) days . . . so many people stopped by to watch, ask questions and try out the WindDance 2. It took several dives into the sea from the visitors, but a quick fresh-water spray fixed that. Sure glad I bought these kites a few months ago and prepared . . .
One fellow who was a paraglider pilot took to the kite right away, and he desperately wanted to buy it from me much too early in my vacation . . . otherwise I would have sold it to him for twice what I paid ! ! ! But I needed it for my own use . . .
All I can say is that the WindDance 2 truly made a perfect vacation that much better, and augmented an already relaxing atmosphere into something that made everybody smile . . .
Thanks again for your wonderful product and keep it all up . . ." -- 6/01 email from MA

"Thanks a bunch, got kite on Thursday just before we left on vacation, just had to let you know how much we appreciate your extra effort to get it to us. You run a good business! Thanks again, Love the kite." -- 6/01 email from CA

"I finally got a chance to try out my WindDance kites. I am extremely impressed!! I own a couple parafoil stunt kites and have flown them a lot, and there really is quite a difference with WindDance kites. I tried all 3 out in a medium/light, gusty wind. The WindDance 3 had a tendency to collapse, which was expected with the turbulent wind conditions. The WindDance 2 performed very well, hardly collapsing at all. Once I had tried both of those, the wind died down a great deal so I didn't think I'd be able to fly the WindDance 1 very easily but I decided to give it a shot anyhow. Boy, was I glad I did! That little kite performs better in gusty wind than any kite I've ever flown! I just couldn't believe how tight the turning is and how well it re-launches after "crashing" it! That crossover bridle is a wonderful idea! Turning really DOES feel much more responsive than other parafoil kites. Now I just can't wait until I try them out in a nice smooth breeze! I'm glad I bought all 3, because they really do feel like completely different kites.
Just wanted to let you know that I'm very satisfied . . . thanks!" -- 6/01 email from IL

We advised, "Want even *more* fun? Use "bumpy-wind" adapters in bumpy wind! (See TIPS on our website.) They prevent collapsing, smooth out the jolts, and kick up the speed -- just like theory says so! Smooooooth, stable power!! Wow! We used 'em a few days ago -- at times, the wind was so gnarly we saw the kites stop-and-start and shake in the air, yet they kept flying . . . at less-stable "fast" settings 3-4mm less than the "factory" settings!"

"I was flying with my eyes closed this weekend and thinking....hey, a blind person could fly a WindDance. From the sound location, and the feel." -- 6/01 email from WA

"Took my WD1 and WD2 to the gulf beaches of Florida. Both flew perfectly in light to moderate winds. They are fast, agile, and responsive enough that I could chase the seagulls around. Probably in violation of some law or other, but still lots of fun. And it didn't seem to bother them much; they would hang a few feet out of the flight envelope to see what the great green monster was all about.
Got lots of curious questions from the people on the beach.
Keep up the good work." -- 6/01 email from Nicaragua

"Edge-to-edge in about a second! So fast you could hardly follow it with your eyes!" -- 5/01 phone call from ON Canada

A WindDancer in Toronto (WD2 on 150#-75' lines with our recommended endloops), called in to share his fun! The wind? Very strong -- and very smooth. Usually, strong wind means rough wind. Smooth wind is the fastest and most powerful wind. The pull was so strong (to a large extent due the smoothness of the wind), he reduced the bridle setting from 24mm to 21mm to tame the power down to sane levels! What a wonderful treat from Mother Nature!

"I am so excited to get my kite [we shipped his new WD3 that afternoon]. . . . Last weekend we were all out at Alki. [My friend] had me flying one of your kites and I loved it. Thanks for making such a fun, relaxing, refreshing product. . . . " -- 5/01 email from WA

"What I HAVE noticed about flying the W.D.'s, as opposed to flying my R/C planes, is how relaxing it is. The R/C stuff has me in a bundle of nerves after about 3 or 4 flights. . . . " -- 5/01 email from FL

"Got the WindDance 2 in the air this week for the first time. To say I had a blast would be an understatement. For two solid hours while flying the 2 I forgot about any problems I had.
One of my co-workers has already bought one of your WindDances just from hearing me talk about mine. Two others at work have flown with me this week are thinking about getting one, too." -- 5/01 email from WI

"WindDances are crap."

A kite shop in the Midwest made the mistake of saying that to a happy WindDance owner. -- 5/01 phone call from NE

"Well, had my first experience with kite culture this past weekend . . . took the family and both kites (WD1 & WD2) south of town to a popular kite field right on the ocean. The breeze was steady from the east at 20 MPH . . . and there were perhaps 20 or so individuals flying everything . . . all styles of kites were represented . . .
There was only one delta that was really "entertaining" the by-standers and family members. The pilot was the owner of a local kite shop and came off rather arrogant about his skills, recommendations and overall attitude. Upon seeing me begin to set-up the WindDance 1, I believe he recognized the kite and came over to start belittling me for choosing this architecture, when all the "traction" kites were down on the beach pulling buggy's . . . well, actions speak louder than words, and he was shocked when it took to the sky and about 80% of the crowd came over and asked HIM if HE sold this kite in his shop . . . that little kite was really a handful on 75'/100lb lines, and I thought for sure I had underestimated the line capability and strength . . . but it held just fine . . .
Then took out the WD2 and 75'/150lb lines . . . well I'm a pretty big guy (6'2" and 190 lbs) . . . this thing dragged me now and then, but my arms were like limp noodles after about 30 minutes . . .
The best part of it all is that I never opened my mouth . . . not once, except to talk to my wife and child . . . only after I put everything away did I mention your company/prices/web site . . . etc . . . I let it all play out naturally. . . . " -- 5/01 email from MA

"Subject: Having too much fun!
This winddance parafoil kite is the best turning, fastest flying, and most forgiving kite that I've ever flown. This is the kite that I always end up flying out of my dozen or so kites. This is the kite that makes other people come over to see what you're flying. I've let people that have never flown stunt kites before fly the winddance and not worry about crashing. I figure that if my wife can't break it no one can. Just had to let you know how much I love this kite. Thank you for a great product." -- 5/01 email

"Just wanted to let you folks know how happy I am with the WindDance 1 we received last week. The aerodynamic response is so exciting . . . and I'm completely hooked on this activity from this point on. I've flown radio-controlled aircraft for a while, so this is something along the same lines (so to speak). I took the kite for an initial test run to a local park on Sunday afternoon . . . the wind was rather unstable . . . but the kite flew very well and I was able to master the basic controls and maneuvers within the hour. Many other kiters were there on that same day, and all came over to investigate. I can only imagine the attention these kites will draw once we become proficient . . .
Ordered the WD2 and another Accessory Pack today . . . my wife will keep the WD1 for herself now ! ! ! I was truly surprised about her passion for it, as she's not a real "outdoors type" of person to begin with . . . Not sure if we'll ever need the largest of your product line . . . but definitely expect some customers coming your way very soon from this neck of the woods (Boston, MA) to make up that difference." -- 5/01 email

"I am one of your happy customers and own a WindDance 1. I live in Chicago, however, and the "Windy City" moniker is no joke. . . . We frequently have wind speeds in excess of 25MPH, and even on 150lb lines, I worry about flying in those conditions damaging the sail. NOTE: I am not worried about being pulled myself, or for that matter having the kite break away from me, I am worried about bursting or deforming the sail itself. Am I mis-figuring my pull numbers? Is this too high a wind speed for even a WindDance 1? I really love to fly, but want to treat my kite right. Any potential for custom commissioning a WindDance 0.5 :-) Smaller wingspan / wing area specifically for the "Windy City" brand of winds? . . .
Thanks for your wonderful kite design!" -- 4/01 email

Our reply: "When customers write how they fly their WD2 in 40mph, their WD3 in 50mph, I wince. Somehow their WDs take it! But sometimes *they* can't take it: one WD3 customer broke his nose on his return to Earth after a liftoff in strong wind by his WD3.
I inspected, and test-flew here in Seattle, two WD2000s that were flown in the Antarctic in 50mph winds. They looked perfect, and flew *wonderfully* and identically to our demos at the same bridle settings. No sign of damage or distortion.
If the wind beckons, don't resist! Treat YOURSELF right!! I've flown the WD1 in winds that gusted to 40 I think. Use 150 lb line so it won't break when turning.
For best results, reduce the bridle setting. For a WD2000-1, set the bridle to 25mm (no tails) -- speed will be high! Adding tails kills off speed and thus pull -- with tails, try a setting of 23mm (tails require a bridle-setting reduction; the bigger and longer the tails, the more the reduction). When the pull is really high, punch-turn to keep the pull sane when turning.
I think you're going to have some really serious fun!"

"I DON'T KNOW WHAT GIVES ME MORE FUN, AIRGEAR STUFF OR MY SUZUKI BANDIT MOTORCYCLE. . . .
WENT TO KOHALA (NORTHERN-MOST TIP OF HAWAII ISLAND) TODAY AND GOT SLAMMED AND SKUNKED; WINDS WERE WILD; SURPRISED MY WD2 DIDN'T RIP APART. . . .
THANK YOU FOR A SUPERIOR PRODUCT!" -- 4/01 email

"Found a little wind just before sundown . . .
Invited a family to fly. I started out with their 13 year old son, but it was so nice we went back and invited the whole family. So 4 of 5 came and learned how to WindDance; the 5th had already done it and had homework.
It was fun listening to the 11 year old girl screaming when the kite made a turn for the earth and then escaped with a near miss. Her father was holding her wrists helping her when things got out of control.
The 13 year old had flown with me once before and did very well this time. Got dragged a couple of times and thought it was great fun. Nothing like a little excitement for a teenager.
I'm sure they will look up your website. . . . " -- 4/01 email

"I have flown my WD3 every weekend since Christmas for at least 3 hours if not more. I am addicted, and it's your fault. Grown men should not have to contrive reasons for going to the beach, the lake, the hill, the ballfield just to fly that 'stupid kite'. My wife is not too thrilled watching me WindDancing in twenty degree, thirty mile an hour winds at the beach from the confines of the car. So I sneak off.....feeling guilty.....until I'm airborne. You have created a WindDance junkie who would rather be flying his 'stupid kite', than taking the trash to the dump, cleaning the bathroom, or any other chore that cuts into his flying time.
Broke my first 150 lb lineset today in a wicked gust of about 40 mph. Even the dogs at the beach were laughing when I landed on my tail. The WD3 spun to the ground with the broken line streaming behind. In my right hand I had the T handle with a 4" loop of line broken right at the first knot. I secured the left handle around my line stake, walked to the kite and set it up with sand to weigh it down, then pulled the broken line back to the stake making a new 4" loop on the way. Secured the repaired line to the T handle, then cut and made an equal length loop on the left line losing only 8" of line. Time to get that 'stupid kite' flying again - 4 minutes. That's about 1/3 the time it took 3 weeks ago to disconnect, disassemble, and stow my forever breaking 10' delta back in the kite bag (for the last time).
The WindDance does all the things you say it will, and it does them exceptionally well. I can't say enough positive things about your product or the manner in which you present it Dan. If I were to have more fun - I would have to be twins!" -- 4/01 email

"hey guys, just want to thank you for a wonderful product. i just purchased a winddance 3 and it IS AWESOME!!! i have put in about 8-10 hours worth of flying. i am learning fairly quick. it's all in the pull just like you guys say!! i'm especially impressed with the durability, it's virtually indestructible. don't get me wrong i am not trying to destroy it, but i'm learning how to control it. it's all becoming easier as i spend more time in the air. once again thanks for the wonderful craftsmanship!!!!!!!!" -- 4/01 email

"The WindDance 1 is GREAT, I never knew that it would do all the great stuff more than my Psycho could do. Even my girlfriend can do some tricks after an hour of WindDancing. . . .
I regret not getting all 3 WindDances and get the 10% discount. . . . Been thinking of getting the WindDance 2 & 3 in the near future. . . .
One more plus point: the ergonomic handles made from wood. They feel good and I have better control over the kite. I tried it on my Psycho and I will never use the straps again.
Great stuff." -- 3/01 email

"I flew my winddance again today and it flies even better. The wind was great and I had a blast. I also took a new delta out for it's first flight. I have two other stunt kites and this spring I have gone on a buying spree (also waiting for the WD2 to arrive). Anyhow, I purchased an inexpensive intermediate delta from *************. As I was perusing the catalog for accessories I found these finger straps. It consists of two straps that go around your middle finger and ring finger. I buy them thinking that if I hate them I will only be $4 poorer. I get my delta up with these straps and immediately feel major discomfort. I look at my hands and see how the straps are like a noose around my fingers. I think, "Who designed these things....the Marquis de Sade?" About thirty seconds later I land the kite, and replace the straps with the ergonomic handles and viola! I am back in the game. Why doesn't everyone use these things. It's a mystery to me. I will have to use the finger straps on my itty bitty 30 inch delta...maybe. I flew the delta for about 20 minutes then I brought my winddance out again and flew for another hour.
P.S. The trick delta did more "sliding" through turns than "turning"" -- 3/01 email

"I received my order [WindDance 1 & accessory pack] and I am very pleased. My wife and I flew the kite for a couple hours last night. My little 2 year old boy could not stop laughing when the kite would crash, then re-inflate and pop up into the air. It also is an eye catcher in the community. Every car that passed slowed down to watch. One even drove up to us and asked, "What is that thing?" He didn't know you could get a kite without "sticks" to do that. I definitely want another one. I guess I will start saving my pennies...again!!!" -- 3/01 email

A few days later he ordered a WindDance 2 & accessory pack.

"i own a winddance 1 and loved it so much i then, a few years later, bought a wd3 and love it also. i looked into buying a wd2 to round out the sizes. the into-the-wind catalog i bought the 3 from (i purchased the 1 in kite shop, outer banks, n.c.) doesn't show your products in their new catalog. too bad. great product, really fun to fly . . .
it sounds like there are a lot of politics in kite flying. what a bummer. what a bunch of bulls--t. i skydive and sometimes politics rears its ugly head there too. it's supposed to be all about fun.
just thought i'd let you know your kites are awesome and i recommend them to everyone.
i'll be ordering the wd2 at some point in the near future.
thanks." -- 2/01 email

"I had the WD2 out Sunday morning. Great time, but probably too much wind for it. Made the Flexifoil seem positively tame . . . Your kites get around. An office buddy of mine was flying a WD3 off the Costa Rica beach last weekend."

"I flew the WD3 in light, fluky winds last night. They are certainly more effective than psychotherapy -- and a good bit cheaper." -- 2/01 email from Nicaragua

"I purchased WindDance 1,2,3 from you for myself and my friends and we love them. I've even been flying this winter in Nebraska. People honk and think I'm nuts, but I have a ball. All three are always in my trunk, ready to go. The friends I bought the kites for live out of town. My question is the possibility of finding out who has bought kites from you in this area to try to get together and fly. I live in Lincoln which is by Omaha in southeast Nebraska. I also want to get them out in numbers, so more people can see what great kites they are and order from you. . . .
Thanks again for such a great product." -- 2/01 email

"Just a quick message to express my genuine surprise at the WindDance2000 1. It is a real giggle.
The website convinced me to give one a try and it's all true, the kite has a 100% smile factor when up in the air.
Sitting it out at the edge of the envelope over the breaking waves usually gets the gen public slowing down to watch. (unfortunately, the performance degrades considerably when it is waterlogged...my mistake)
The delta I used to fly is now in bits and one of the spars is making a very lightweight wind indicator . . .
The handles are simply superb, I spent an hour tonight in 25 knot winds flying and crashing (easy crash recovery is a real bonus) without hand fatigue.
Thanks for the product, it is a genuine breath of fresh air to the present kiteflying fads." -- 2/01 email from Australia

"Got the WindDances on Wednesday, just in time for my younger brother to take his yellow WD2 to Florida. He's been having a great time of it, flying around four hours a day. My first opportunity to fly was on Saturday, in some of the least consistent wind I've ever seen. I had wind changes of over 100 degrees in less than two seconds. Even with the bad wind, I flew over an each hour on Saturday and Sunday. For now on, I'll remember to pack the bumpy wind adapters. My friend, the owner of the purple WD1, flew it for the first time on Sunday, and very much enjoyed. Thank you for your wonderful product. . . ." -- 2/01 email

"Thanks for your prompt service. The WD1 arrived Saturday morning [in New Zealand] and I only ordered it on the net late the Sunday before. It was good to track its travels on the net. No wind and heavy rain all day Sat could not get out to play.
6am Sunday Morning looked out the window and no rain and just a little wind. Up and out even my 11 year old son was keen to get up and fly. When we got to the park it was not really windy enough we still got some fun flying. After lunch a little more wind on shore so down to the beach to really fly. It was fantastic really enjoyed flying it even though it was still not strong enough wind to get our other stunt kites up. Anyway neither my two kids or myself can be bothered flying the others now. Just want to get more of your WindDances. We have flown them 3 times per day for two days now. Today two people said that was the best kite they had ever seen flying.
Are there any WindDance news groups?
Any ideas how to stop gulls trying to fly with them?
I had better not ramble on you probably get sick of hearing how good they are. Keep up the great work." -- 2/01 email from New Zealand

"Boy was I wrong! I wrote you yesterday on the difficulty I was having with a new 3 pack. I now know it was the flying conditions I was having trouble with. Not the parafoils. Today I took the WindDances to the beach knowing I would have good steady wind there. The WindDances performed way beyond my wildest dreams. In 17-25mph winds the speed was incredible, and I don't know how to describe the turning radius...on a dime?
Since my wife also flies, we put a WD1 and WD2 up together and played tag all afternoon. The WD1 literally dragged her down the beach and I had my hands full staying planted with the WD2, all the while going through the dual-line compulsories at incredible speed and smartness.
The highlight of the day had to be the looks on the faces of the traction kite gang. They knew very well that a parafoil could pull but had no idea that one could turn. When I started bouncing the WD2 I heard ohh's and ahh's from the gallery." -- 2/01 email

"I have been the very proud owner of your wonderful product (a WD2) for almost 3 years. In that time I have had a blast and there is always a grin on my face when the wind is up. I love flying in winds above 20mph and I have had a great time trying to think as fast as the WindDance moves in a 45mph wind on several occasions. Family and friends have fallen in love with it too. I know of at least 8 kites that you have sold due to them watching me fly. Who knows how many more from people watching them? I have caused many near accidents as motorists have craned their necks to stare at that white wing cut through the sky.
I have put that poor kite through hell, but other than not being quite as snow-white as it once was there has been no other effect on it. Too bad in a way, if I could break it somehow it might be easier to convince my wife that I really need a WD2000 model.
I wanted to relate one particular WindDance experience to you. It occurred at a kite festival in a not too distant city. I had been walking around talking to other kite enthusiasts and checking out their gear. When they asked what I flew and I replied "a WindDance" only a handful knew what I was talking about. Only a few of that handful had much that was positive to say about your product. One guy just kind of smiled and walked away. About an hour later I noticed this same guy flying a popular sparred foil with a delighted crowd of onlookers remarking at its speed. I went to the car, got my bag and sat up about 35 yards up-wind of him. When I had laid out my line and grabbed hold of my home-made handles (patterned after your design) I gave one sharp pull and my kite leapt into the air. He and I were both flying on 100' lines. My kite was only about 10' or so directly behind his back. He was slightly distracted by my launch...the crowd was very distracted. I began to match him maneuver for maneuver. This was difficult to manage though because my kite was blowing his away for sheer speed when crossing the window. It became easier when I realized that all I had to do was make my maneuvers larger than his. I could do this because my window was so much larger than his. An edge to edge pass was close to 20' longer for me than it was for him but I could accomplish it in the same time that he did. I got tired of that after a few minutes and started doing right-angle turns and tip stands. In only a few minutes all of his interested onlookers were asking me about my kite instead. Who was having more fun? Well one of us packed our kite away and walked off of the field. He wasn't smiling as he headed off that time though. I felt bad enough about dampening his fun that it almost took the grin off of my face, almost but not quite." -- 2/01 email

"Having a blast with my new WindDance 2, on the Navy base, on the Island of Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
I thought that I would be the only Kite Nut on the Island. But the day after I flew mine, a sailor from one of the ships showed up with his WindDance 2. Good thing it was a different color. We flew together for about an hour.
Keep up the good work." -- 2/01 email from Diego Garcia

"In really light winds I fly 360's with my WindDance 3! And just for kicks, I throw in some spins on the upwind side! Yesterday when the wind went dead, I watched a nine-year-old fly a 360 with a WindDance 3!" -- 2/01 phone call

"Got my WindDance 3 yesterday and have been flying all day today. You make great machines. I have been having a fantastic time. Great exercise too. Thanks a lot. You will be getting another order from me soon; a three pack. I can't believe that anyone would criticize your product . . .
Both my parents (in their 60s) flew it too, and LOVE IT!
Best Regards." -- 2/01 email

"Thanks Dan! [he just received his Spectra lineset order]
I imagine that you are the gentleman that I have spoken to on the phone when I bought the two WindDance's that I own. I have always found you pleasant and a pleasure to deal with. I have noticed, as you note on your website, that there are not many dealers who sell your kites for you. And I think that is a shame.
I was pleasantly surprised that the cost of the lines you offer was significantly less than the cost I could find in the largest kite supply store in the Pittsburgh area. Again, I am most pleased that you offer your products at more than competitive prices and I will continue to steer people to you whenever they stop and try out my kites!
Thanks." -- 2/01 email

"A saw a flyer having trouble with his WindDance. It would collapse at the edge. He was LETTING it collapse because he was flying by sight and not by feel. So I suggested that he close his eyes and fly, which would force him to fly by feel. The collapsing immediately stopped and he flew it beautifully! I swear WindDances are the only kites you can fly with your eyes shut! You should put this on your TIPS page." -- 1/01 phone call

"Ordered myself a beautiful WD3 for Christmas after visiting all the kite web sites looking for a FUN light wind/zero wind stunt kite. It seems the wind sees me unloading my kite bag, and then it decides to either stop or decrease to less than "flyable" for a 6-foot and 10-foot sparred delta.
I carry a kite bag to store all the field repair parts needed for a day at the beach. You know, duct tape, needles and thread, nose guard material, nylon lacing, and extra spars. All the things you need to fly a sparred stunt kite for more than 15 minutes.
The WD3 seemed like the right choice for light wind, which would not self-destruct in moderate to gusty wind.
After reading every line on your web site, I was convinced that you are either crazy or committed to bringing order to the kiting world. You are correct that the kite culture prefers non-flying acrobatics to speed, control and FUN. Training videos start out right by showing the novice how to launch, turn, and land, then plow right into slack line tricks. . . .
Took the WD3 out on a frozen snow covered lake. Sunny, 20 degrees, and of course, no wind. Well, maybe 1 or 2 MPH. . . . It is amazing how little wind is required to keep the WD3 up. . . .
Love at first flight, and can't wait for a windy weekend!" -- 1/01 email

"My WD3 was the only kite that was flying in a breezy 25+ mph wind at the Oregon Coast last year.
All the other kites came crashing down to the ground, but not mine. It was flying faster than I have ever seen a kite fly! It was truly a thrill.
The only description that I could give the experience is "WOW..". I stopped by the local kite shops in Lincoln City to tell them how exceptionally well my WindDance flies. (These kite shops don't carry your WindDances). I should sell your kites, I had a beach full of spectators asking what is was and where do they get one.
. . . keep up the good work." -- 1/01 email

"Dan,
Last August I purchased WindDance 2 after reading nearly every page of your WebSite. At the time I was skeptical of all your claims, statistics and detailed engineering data on WindDance. BUT, NO MORE !!
For reasons not worth going into here I hadn't flown my purchase till this past weekend during a trip to visit our son and his family in Morro Bay, CA. Still skeptical and intimidated by the "tangle" of the WindDance "bridle" system I carefully unfolded and set up for the first launch. ..........bottom line ......WindDance is everything you say it is and more !! All the kites in my bag "pale" to the WindDance. I couldn't be more satisfied or delighted !! None of the other dozen kites I own felt the wind this weekend. Not the 8' Flexi, or the "BOT", or the Airwaves, or the Rainbow Jam .........none of them saw the light of day. Although I have to admit I did put up my Rainbow Six Pack .....I like to show off once in a while. !! The WindDance 2 was in the air all four days we were in the area. The WindDance is "super" easy to launch and the easiest kite in my bag to stow away.
The Flying Handles you recommend are also excellent !! I much prefer them over the straps I've been using. They're less tiring. But the best feature about the handles is that it is so easy to transfer the kite to another person while it's in flight. I like to share the kite flying experience with anyone who's interested. WindDance and the handles make it easy to share. The WindDance 2 attracted more curious "beach strollers" than usual, and they all wanted to fly it.
I did manage to break the 100# lines, but moved quickly to the 150# set ......I'll repair the broken set this week, fortunately it broke exactly where you said it would at the handle. Only a couple of inches of line lost !!
It is my intention to own the WindDance 1 & 3.......I'm only sorry I didn't elect to purchase all three at the same time last August......and of course I'll need another set of handles, and maybe additional line sets !! My three year old grandson is still in the single line category, but I'll bet his Dad will order a WindDance.........or maybe Grandpa will order one for them..... !! Our Christmas shopping is done, but maybe birthday or ....???
Dan, I like your product. Can't understand why a kite shop owner would balk at stocking the WindDance. It sure seems with just a little sales effort they could increase their volume with WindDance.
Well, guess I did sorta run off at the keyboard......but had to tell you how excited I am about the WindDance. Keep up the enthusiasm." -- 11/00 email

"Just to inform you that I had managed to get the flying lines set up as advised and that I had an opportunity to fly the WD2 at Pismo Beach in California. As you had suggested the WD2 is quite agile and does generate quite a lot of force. As the wind was quite strong and blustery I found the WD2 quite a handful; an added complication being my lack of experience in flying a WD2. The session came to an abrupt end when a flying line broke at a knot linking it to a handle (useful approach to have the "weak link" at the end of the line). I quite look forward to flying the WD2 in London when I get the chance. Should you have anyone inquiring about the WD2 in the UK, I would be quite happy to give them a rundown of my experience." -- 11/00 email from the UK

"Love your WindDance 2, but it was too much for me in 20MPH winds, so I am getting the WindDance 1, too!" -- 11/00 email

"Just thought I'd let you know that I agree with your evaluation of your handles. I flew the WD-1 and 2 in very strong winds and for a sort of comparison I flew a flexi 8' with the wrist straps. Both kites wanted to drag me around and I have an aversion to body surfing across rough ground, stone walls and trees. The straps did cut off the circulation and caused some numbness. I'm going to stay with the handles. . . Also, YES again, the WindDance consistently flies further into the edge of its envelope than the flexi, or anything else for that matter. Thanks, good luck....." -- 11/00 email

"I received my kite [WD3] on Mon, tied the [flying] lines that night, and was able to fly it yesterday. Wow!!! You guys were not overstating your kite at all, that kite is everything talked about in the web site. Agile!" -- 10/00 email

"Nice dancing!" -- 10/00 comment from a smiling passerby as Sue and I WindDanced side-by-side in Seattle's Gasworks Park.

"Excellent flyer." -- 10/00 email from a new WD2 owner

"Dan,
Just want to let you know how much fun I had this past week flying my new WindDances 1, 2, and 3 in Florida. The first few days were in light wind, which is unusual for the Florida panhandle beach this time of year. Was good in that it let me try each kite, practice some skills and fine tune them. You are right in your literature when you say that each one is an entirely different experience. I couldn't say that I liked one better than the other.
With the approach of Hurricane Keith, the winds obviously picked up and it became serious WindDance 1 flying time. What a blast!! No one could believe how fast it moved and how quickly maneuvers could be expedited. Was a challenge to keep ahead of the kite---which I wasn't able to do all of the time. LOVE the sound when the kite smacks the sand and then takes off again.
A friend of mine who was flying it (and who weighs right at 100 lbs), fell over backwards as the kite lost its hard pull when it went into the sand. Then, as we were all laughing, the strong winds suddenly lifted the kite just as she was getting up, and she was pulled off her feet and dragged along the beach, face down, for a few feet before the kite planted itself firmly in the sand. I'm certain that is an experience she'll never forget, just as it was a sight I'll never forget!!
One more anecdote I'll mention what happened to me during the first days of lighter wind. It may also help you expand the definition of WindDancing. During certain times of the year when there is an offshore wind the beach is inundated with BITING black flies ---- and LOTS of them. The first few days of light wind brought such a condition. Wanting to try out my new WindDances I ignored my better judgment and the advice of my friends, as well. I was in a constant motion of hopping, swatting, waving, flying, running, spinning, etc, during the entire outing. As I was hurriedly packing up the flying equipment, a beachgoer who had been watching me for some time noticed the name "WindDance" printed on the kite and storage bag and asked me if that name was supposed to refer to the kite or the person flying it! Apparently my antics were as wild as those of the kite. Seems to me you'll have to add an addendum to the calorie burn chart!
I appreciate your design and manufacturing of the kite. I thoroughly enjoyed my flying experience. THANKS!!" -- 10/00 email

"I finally had a chance to fly my WindDance 2 and am totally excited with the results. The wind speed was a measly 7 miles (steady) an hour, but the kite's performance was exceptional. I now want your biggest version so I can utilize even slower wind speeds. Overall I am completely satisfied and exhilarated with its performance. . . By the time I was done flying I had a small crowd of people asking me, "Where did you get this kite?""" -- 10/00 email

". . . P.S. For the record, the WindDance would by far be my most "fun" kite (the best stress relief I can recommend to anyone)." -- 10/00 email from Australia

"Good Day Dan,
The WindDance 2 order was waiting for me . . . Thanks very much for the quick service.
. . . We (our 34 yr old son and I) finally managed to get a free day and while conditions for a first flight were hardly ideal (windy as blazes-- gusty and 25-35mph) I just had to try it.
We had a fight to keep it from flying and it literally shot into the air when released. We were both totally unprepared for such an incredibly snappy response -- but LOVED IT!!
Several crashes later, along with several unassisted relaunches, we decided to pack it in, the arms were getting stretched from the pull!! The handles are great by the way, as are your various line related procedures. Everything went together very easily and disassembled equally slick.
The next outing was only slightly less windy --gusty 15 to 20mph. With each of my 3 brothers, ages ranging from 46 to 37 having had a go, my 9yr old nephew was really chomping at the bit. He was all over the field due to the high pull generated but being determined, he refined his method of flying; he just sat down on the grass!! This worked fine until he was lifted off the ground. He was quite exhilarated by the experience, but being unusually perceptive for his age, decided that while he did want to fly, this was not the way he wanted to do it. A few days later winds were virtually perfect at 5-10 mph. He and I had an absolutely great time flying the WindDance together.
Next we went to Vancouver, British Columbia; just North of Seattle and was flying it there. Off in the distance were a flock of deltas trying to fly...winds were verrry light. It was quite a challenge to get and remain airborne given my extremely limited flying time. It worked especially well in the horizontal flights, but eventually I had to admit defeat due to lack of wind. . . .
I am back in Beijing China once again; the vacation is over. Winds have been virtually non-existent since our return so kite flying has had to wait.
I will get a photo of the WindDance flying over Tianamen Square for you at some point. Don't hold your breath, but it will get to you.
Thanks for the great kite." -- 10/00 email from China

"One is adjustable. The other is stackable." -- Sales pitch from a Seattle kite shop to a customer, citing the key difference between a WindDance and the stackable parafoil. 9/00

Product reviews in the Spring-99 and Winter-99/00 issues of Kite Lines magazine compared them more deeply:

WindDance: Skill level required: "novice." Responsiveness: "excellent." Straight speed: "fast." Speed in turns: "fast." Precision/tracking: "excellent." (That's better overall performance than most delta sport kites.) "These three new, dual-line soft wings . . . will turn on a dime, [and] scream across the sky . . . " Regarding the WindDance 1, " . . . an absolute blast in medium to high winds, able to recover from almost any sort of tangle, flip or fall. . . made sharp, angular turns. . . a good kite on which to learn two-line skills." (Those were the old original WindDances. The new WindDance2000's are even better.)

Stackable parafoil: Skill level required: "intermediate." Responsiveness: "good." Straight speed: "medium." Speed in turns: "medium." Precision/tracking: "good." ". . . slower than other comparably sized foils we have flown, both in forward and turning speed. In tight turns [it] showed a strong tendency to luff the sail. . . . It was distressingly easy to fold up the kite in midflight by turning too tightly . . ." "The pull of a single [stackable foil] was fairly light for a foil of its size, a detail which might be attributed to its slow forward speed . . ." ". . . not as nimble as some of its competition . . ."

Kite retailers hardly ever compare the real difference, the difference in how well they FLY:

WindDances fly superbly in the three essential ways -- 1) hot speed-&-turning response to basic turning skill, 2) exciting speed-&-pull response to the wind and when flying from the edge to the powerzone, 3) natural steering-&-turning feel for superior control and exercise -- so much so they have hotter speed & turning than delta 'performance' kites and provide higher-quality exercise than 'power' & 'traction' kites. These three basic FLYING qualities are the key ingredients of "airgear."

The stackable foil doesn't come close. Because a crucial portion of its bridle system is missing -- it's designed that way -- the kite loses shape and performance even when you begin to turn it; ad photos show the wing kinking in the middle. (The usual parafoils from other manufactures are designed that way, too.) That wing distortion also happens when you stack two or more. The bridle system and stacking system are fundamentally defective for sharply maneuvering flight; they do function OK when flying straight and turning gently, though. In short, the stackable "best stunt foil yet" FLIES poorly in the three essential ways, doesn't even have the FIRST thing to look for in a dual-line kite, and has relatively weak pull (comfirmed by the Kite Lines review) especially when you try to turn it tightly.

We analyzed that stacking system years before it appeared, and immediately rejected it as unsound. How unsound? When you attempt a sustained, hard, tight turn using basic skill, the entire stack collapses and comes down -- verifying what our simple engineering analysis told us on paper! We never dreamed anyone would actually produce and sell parafoils like that! Amazingly, top flyers and kite shops hype 'em as the best!

Why don't kite shops talk about essential FLYING qualities? Why aren't kite shops forthright when explaining products? Probably because their customers from the kite culture don't want that. But their customers from the general public would certainly welcome the truth.

"Hey Dan:
Got the little guy today [WD1 and accessory pack]. Went out and tried it immediately. Flies like a bat out of .... .
Thanks for a great kite!" -- 9/00 email

"We're going to give away our other kite [a stackable stunt parafoil]." -- 9/00 phone call

The couple ordered three WDs for WindDancing side-by-side.

"Thanks for sending us the kite [WD1] on a trial basis. We have flown it several times and my son likes it better than the delta kite his friend had at the beach. We have had many hard landings with no damage. You can charge my credit card for the purchase price of the kite." -- 9/00 email

"We do everything from synchronized figure-eights to high-speed dog fighting!" -- 9/00 phone call

The mom ordered her family's 4th WindDance, a WD1. The three of them -- mom, dad, son -- all WindDance side-by-side together.

"To the folks at WindDancing.com,
I just wanted to compliment you on your great kites. I've been flying delta stunt kites at the beach for over ten years. I like to FLY the kite and I'm not much into slack line tricks and such. This summer I bought a WindDance 1 and 3 and off to the beach we went. The first day I took my deltas to the beach (I had yet to make up a line set for the WindDance) and my 12 year old wanted to learn to fly the kite. After fifteen minutes of launch kite, crash kite, put kite back together, repeat, he got bored and went back to his surfboard declaring the kite too hard to fly.
The next day we took the WindDances to the beach. We had a steady 15 mph wind to work with and launched the WD1. Again, my son wanted to try and within 5 minutes he was flying like a pro and having a great time. After 20 minutes or so he wanted to try the WD3. It was hoot watching him fight the wind and having a ball. About 30 minutes later he pronounced judgment, "Dad, this kite is awesome!"
My sentiments exactly. Thanks again." -- 9/00 email

"Enclosed please find one WindDance 3 kite and a personal check for $40. Please replace the bridle . . . As you can see, the bridle has been severely used and a few lines broken over the last year or so. Note that this is not due to any deficiency in your fine product . . . It has been stuck in two palm trees, struck the ground hard and knocked over a 55 gallon barrel that our beach uses as trash containers. My WindDance 3 has been a wonderful flyer. . . . I usually fly it in our afternoon onshore winds, generally 15-29 mph. It never fails to amaze me with its capabilities. The physical workout in the stout afternoon breezes is exciting. In the lighter winds earlier in the day, the slow majestic maneuvering is almost hypnotic.
My grandson, at 12, is becoming quite proficient. My son is 30, and finds it a good break from his hectic 70-hour weeks. My Dad, an ex-pilot who is in a losing fight with Alzheimer's, is 81 and flying the WindDance 3 helps him get in touch with the here and now. It also rekindles memories of the countless hours we flew together many years ago. I just wanted top include this information to let you know that your product is more than a toy for our extended family. It has been a valuable tool in tying together four generations.
. . . When you next update your user's manual you might want to suggest that an essential accessory is a small vial of Vaseline. We have all noticed that flying the WindDance 3 caused constant grinning. After a few minutes in a stiff wind, one's lips stick to the teeth, yielding a grinning grimace that can scare the uninitiated. . .
Thanks again for making a great product." -- 9/00 letter

" . . . I saw him flying a delta and invited him to try a WindDance. He loved it, and said if he had tried the WindDance first, he would have never bought the delta. His 11 year old daughter tried it next and flew beautifully for 20 minutes. She even pulled off a crash, bounce, and fly away. She was being hauled around a little by the #2, but seemed to be really enjoying swooping back and forth and buzzing us as we stood downwind and talked." -- 9/00 email

"I purchased a WindDance2000 2 from you a couple of months ago, and I just wanted to let you know how stoked I am with it! It is amazing! Very precise, controllable, and easy to fly.
Your manual is very complete and well organized, making it easy to set up and fly!
I've hooked a friend of mine on your kites, and I want to order him one as a gift! . . .
I've got about 6 kites . . . and I find myself reaching for your kite everytime! It's so versatile, easy to set up and fly, that it works for every location I've flown at!
I've really been talking up your kite when I fly, too, as I've had people gravitate over, and I've gotten a few to fly!
It's amazing and fun to watch as their faces light up and they laugh out loud! . . .
Dan, thanks for producing such a fun product. I now carry it with me wherever I go, and I'm always looking for new places to fly, and people to enlighten. You have a new disciple!" -- 9/00 fax

"You don't want a WindDance . . . ," said the kite shop to a person inquiring about WindDances during the 2000 Long Beach WA International Kite Festival -- 8/00

The Long Beach WA kite shop, one of our WindDance dealers, was unaware their potential customer was a magazine writer under assignment to do a story about the kite festival . . . who during the first days of the week-long festival bumped into one of our mail-order customers, and discovered the excitement of WindDancing and how it might be of interest to his magazine's large readership. In his article, perhaps he won't mention the kite shop's strange bias against the pure fun he experienced.

"With my [trick kite], the pull rises when it turns just like a WindDance," an experienced flyer asserted during the 2000 Long Beach WA International Kite Festival -- 8/00

She said that before trying out a WD2, which has about the same in-flight wing area as an 8-ft-span trick delta. While flying the WD2, her body language said the opposite: almost every time she turned the WD2 it yanked her off-balance, showing how she was not accustomed to a kite with powerful turning.

"The WindDance is by far the best-FLYING kite I've ever flown!" claimed several recreational flyers during the 2000 Long Beach WA International Kite Festival -- 8/00

One, in jest, asked if we would accept his rarely-used six-month-old kite as a trade-in: a stackable stunt parafoil.

The marketing of that kite misleads consumers nationwide.

As several flyers pointed out as those kites flew during the festival, it flies poorly. Mainly because it has a bridle system & stacking system that function correctly ONLY when the kite is flying straight, a bridle system & stacking system that cause the kite to deform out of shape and lose performance whenever it is turned when flown singly or in a stack.

Years before the "best stunt foil yet" came out, we did an aeronautical-engineering analysis of its bridle system and stacking system. We found them fundamentally unsound for sharply-maneuvering dual-line kiting. Whenever we see such parafoils fly, or see photos of them even in a slight turn, it validates our conclusions.

In spite of those two major defects and resulting poor performance, it is promoted as the "best stunt foil yet" and is well-received within organized kiting. Due to their stereotype beliefs about kites, those deeply immersed in the kite culture are made happy by parafoils that don't fly as well as deltas, and are made unhappy by parafoils that do fly better than delta 'performance' kites. The general public, however, certainly doesn't think like that. If we took in a "best stunt foil yet" as a trade-in, probably none of our customers -- who are more aware than most, who can see reality through hype -- would ever want to buy it.

The designer of "best stunt foil yet" is a Seattle kite manufacturer highly regarded by kite retailers and organized kiting. In early 1997 as our wholesale sales of WindDances to kite retailers were just beginning (we had no intention of ever retailing), during a fun fly on Seattle's Kite Hill that company's key designer -- a kite-culture celebrity -- deliberately flew our WindDance 2 demo poorly. Although he has the ability to fly WindDances more skillfully than we can, he expertly made it look like a terrible kite that no one would want to buy. That blatant attempt to harm our business during its vulnerable startup stage backfired, however. It turned out to be an honest and credible testimonial of how superbly WindDances fly.

We firmly believe that company is the force behind the "You don't want a WindDance: you can't stack them" campaign by specialty kite retailers nationwide. Our customers from widespread areas have gotten the same pitch over a broad span of time.

Some of the kite retailers involved are officers and committee members of the kite trade association. In early 2000, the kite trade association listed the key designer who trashed our demo as head of their ethics committee.

Within the small, tight, insular kite culture, the bias against WindDancing Fun runs deep. But regular folks in the general public just love kites that FLY really well in the three essential ways and the great fun you can have with them.

The magazine writer above, a member of the general public, encountered that bias and unethical marketing upon his first visit to a kite shop in Long Beach WA.

During the 1999 Long Beach festival a boy purchased a kite and on the last day discovered what he should have bought, saved up money during the year, and finally bought a WindDance 2 from us shortly before the 2000 festival. Since he had never flown side-by-side with anyone before, during the 2000 festival I invited him to fly side-by-side with me. We then added Sue to create a three-some. On our first try we WindDanced side-by-side for about five minutes without mishap -- until I (Dan) messed up when beginning the unwind portion of a three-loop wrap-up and unwind of a WindDance 1, 2, and 3.

Note: this is recreational flying, where nothing is planned or practiced. The only skill you need is to be able to make your WindDance do approximately what you want it to do. If you collide, so what! If you tangle, it's only a few minutes out of your life to undo it, the mental effort required is good exercise for your brain (use it or lose it), and the short walk to-and-from is good physical exercise! What great fun!

Another happy WindDance owner pointed out the Big Picture in plain view as you looked up and down the beach: among all the dual-line flyers at the festival, a few were doing tricks, a few were getting dragged, and most were FLYING their kites. Many were flying WindDances, good PR for Seattle AirGear he noted. Those recreational flyers without WindDances could be having more fun, he said, if their kites were made for FLYING just like WindDances are. He wondered, why on Earth don't kite shops get this picture?

"I own a WindDance 1, 2, and 3. They are just awesome. I have been able to teach my step-dad to fly on the 1 and 2, he could never fly a delta. I have also been teaching my 6 year old sister. I love your product." -- 8/00 email

"Great thanks!!
I really enjoy my WindDance 1. I read the entire manual--very detailed!! It shows you really care about your kites!!
Can't wait to get the WindDance 2 & 3 in the mail!!
Thanks a ton!!" -- 8/00 email

"Dear Seattle AirGear,
Your advertising is persuasive. I've had a WindDance 1 for about 6 months. In that time I have had enormous pleasure from it, and many compliments about it from other kite flyers. It is the first decent parafoil I have owned, and from the comments of others, it is really impressive. Well done." -- 8/00 email

"I had a feeling that [a kite-store chain] would be on the "pushing" side of this issue [and will not sell WindDances]. It is a shame. . . Anyway I could go on and on, but you cover all the topics on your excellent web site. I will buy a WD2 first . . . Hang in there! It is obvious you have a superior product and if you get people flying your kites on the beaches and fields around the world the kite "pushers" will have no choice except to start "pulling"." -- 8/00 email

"I've been meaning to drop you a line to thank you for the fun and enjoyment I am getting from my WindDances. . . everyone that sees them and gets the hang of WindDancing really enjoy my kites. . .
Thanks again for making a great product." -- 8/00 email

"Enjoying the WindDance, love to watch the clouds behind the kite. I forget to look at them in this busy life." -- 7/00 email

Here in the heart of Seattle, you can sometimes see eagles soaring beneath those clouds. Sometimes they're being harassed by crows -- maybe someday we'll see the eagles accompanied by "fighter escorts," the Peregrine falcons that nest downtown. Watching this show is all part of WindDancing.

"Oh, and I also own a Flexifoil sized somewhere between a WD2 and a WD3... fun in its own way... but no comparison. Your kites are more fun, hands down." -- 7/00 email

"You guys should make more noise in your literature about how quiet the WD is!" -- 7/00 email

I guess we don't make noise about how quiet they are because 1) we avoid WindDancing where flutter-flapping delta kites are obnoxious, and 2) we delight in the loud sounds of a WindDance. Recently, I was spooked a little by the sudden loud, high-pitched shriek from my WD2000-2 as a gust hit and made it accelerate like crazy. I, 75 ft away, stood in near calm. Strange wind. We've accidentally scared people by landing (i.e., crashing) too close to them -- you can feel the impact concussion in your chest cavity. While bent over tuning my WD2, Sue has loudly bounced her WD1 off my "landing zone." You see, it's not always silent for us! Nor for the folks in S.Cal who are "dog-staking" their WDs: using double-length lines running through a dog-stake planted where they normally fly from, they stand (facing upwind) a few feet downwind of the power-zone and their flying WDs. Their WDs loudly rip past their faces at 60-80 mph. And I understand their landings are pretty loud, too! We are definitely going to try this -- and describe it on our TIPS page!

"I broke a bridle line [on my WD2000-3] on 7-2-00 in 40mph winds! And was bummed so on 7-5-00 I wrapped it up and shipped it to Seattle to get it fixed. On 7-9-00 I received my fixed kite!!!!
I unwrapped it, "Yes," I said, "it was perfect again!!!!!" Five hours later, I was ripping the wind in two with my 3. It was blowing about 30 mph, maybe harder. My 3 tore up the sky with passersby on the beach where I live. As I walk up from the beach I kept the 3 up out of the zone. As I passed one onlooker, I would say was about 65 years old, he said to me, "THAT WAS AWESOME."
THANKS FOR THE GREAT FIX ON MY WINDDANCE 3
THE EXTREME FLYER
SOUTHERN OREGON COAST WHERE THE WIND REALLY BLOWS!!!!!!!!!!" -- 7/00 email

I talked with this flyer. He loves the way his WD3 drags and lifts him. I don't think he ever flies it in winds under 20 mph, and often flies it in winds over 30 mph.

Obviously, the pull often exceeded the WD3's 167-lb Rated Pull Strength, which is abusive use of the product. So I was going to charge him a few bucks to replace the broken bridle line.

When I opened his kite bag, I instantly noticed how he had rolled up his WD3 perfectly (we had never seen that before). There not one grain of sand on or in his kite, it was perfectly clean (another first). In the bridle-setting area, the larkshead knots attaching the connector loops to the bridle were tight and perfectly shaped, proving how this kite had been flown smoothly and how the shape of that knot had been correctly maintained. Left and right bridle settings were identical, and the bridle-setting measurement seemed very appropriate for the high stress and wear & tear this kite had gone through. Clearly, this kite had been well cared for, and had been kept well tuned. I was wrong: this kite was not abused, but flown with exuberance and care.

What caused the bridle-line failure? Something sharp had nicked it.

I took the opportunity to inspect all the stitching. No indications of overstress anywhere, not even in the highest-stress areas.

I replaced the bridle line and mailed it back free.

"BTW, how did you shoot the videos on your site--e.g. what kind of video recorder? They were impressively done, and largely responsible for my choice to order from you. In fact I had placed an order for a different manufacturer's spar-less kite, which I subsequently canceled after seeing your videos!" -- 7/00 email

We shot it with a Canon Hi-8 ES6000. We chose Canon because of its superior image stabilization, which we desperately needed. My wife Sue, who shot most of the footage, had never used a camcorder before and neither had I. Keeping a WindDance in the viewfinder, rapidly bending and twisting and contorting your body, is a VERY difficult and strenuous thing to do. No way could someone whip a big pro-video camera around like Sue did with our tiny Hi-8. We lucked out with good lighting and the right kind of sky -- now we sort of know what to look for when we do it again.

"Just thought I'd drop you a line to tell you how much I'm enjoying the WD1 I bought last September. . . .
Last Monday I broke my first line - in winds I NEVER should have been even attempting, but couldn't resist. I was expecting a tangled mess of knots once I got the kite to land, but her feathers were barely ruffled. A few bridle wraps on the unattached side which sorted in less than a minute!
I LOVE this KITE! And, here's why I'm really writing. I just want to thank you for teaching us how to make the best linesets possible. Why don't all kiters use this technique? And, I finally bought some straps for my Prism Fanatic because I thought I ought to have some. Boy, was THAT a mistake. Not only do they kill your hands, they're the sloppiest control handles I've ever used. Going to give them away!
Also, I bought some 150# Spectra from [a kite retailer] (the stuff that broke), and it sure didn't feel like the beautiful line I bought from you. It was supposed to be "Pro" but I was wondering if Spectra from different manufacturers' has different qualities and characteristics. Maybe just because it was 150#? Don't know. Your 130# is so smooth and soft...not at all like the 150# I got.
So next time I buy line, I'm buying linesets from you! Thanx again for sharing your knowledge, finding us great handles, designing such a wonderful kite and most of all, for many hours of past and future WindDancing." -- 7/00 email

"greetings from hawaii,
getting to the point, i own all three sizes of WindDances,i enjoy them all(especially #3) also a heck-of-a-lot of other dual line, traction, a buggy (just one, the first got stolen) may get into kite boarding also. but.....it seems the only ones i can carry, in my small backpack, are the WindDances, hmmmm
our local kite shop meets every sat. & sunday at sandy beach park, BIG area. one of the guys questioned me when i took out #3, "why not use one of the BIGGER ones", my reply," it fits in my back pack", i just finished work, there i was enjoying myself, "tricking", sweating !, having a blast. i could have used something else, but i choose to use the Dancer, because that's what i had at that time, a great way to wind down at the end of the day i most times end the day using the Dancer, i sweat big time.
you have a great product, i enjoy it very much, and recommend it to others who are starting out and what to get the best BANG for the buck continued success to your company, and see you on a flying field one day.
mahalo," -- 6/00 email

Our reply: "Thank you for your email!! Someday you may WANT to pull out a *big* one -- a WindDance2000-EXTREME! This weekend (July 4th) we'll be finishing the CAD drawings for two WindDance2000-EXTREME prototypes for outrageous kite-sailing: 2.5 and 6.0 sq.meter models (2x and 5x the area of the WD3). If they don't work as well as expected, that's OK because we know what to do to get the hottest kite-surfing engines alive. Loads of power + high speed + ultra maneuverability = WTMF (way too much fun). Stay tuned and Happy WindDancing!"

"I have been flying [my WD1] many times . . . I have demonstrated the kite to several friends, one of which picked it up very quickly and says he plans to get one or more!! . . . I demo'd at the beach in Biloxi, MS and was truly amazed at how perfectly smooth the wind was coming off the water!! It was a steady 7-8 mph, and the super smooth quality of the air allowed me to effortlessly do a perfect square and also a horizontal pass with a 360-turn continuing on in the same direction. I knew what to do but the sheer ease with which I did it completely surprised me!! The wind back home [near Austin, TX] is usually pretty gnarly!! . . .
I must confess that although I would fly in almost any wind given the opportunity, I have become a high-wind junkie!! Several weeks ago I flew in 20-25mph winds with gusts to 30mph!! I flew without tails, but did set the bridle adjustment slightly lower than HP-setting...27mm for me. It was thrilling!! Even though it was great exercise, I never felt overworked!!...and I flew for more than an hour. Also, as I said before, the [Eclipse] handles were great...very comfortable.
I have a question about flying in 20+ winds though. Is it possible to damage my kite without breaking my flying lines? I wrote you before that I feel I was born to fly your kites, and I feel very confident in my ability to "give ground" and/or avoid the power zone when the wind surges. My approach to high-wind flying is this: if the wind has sufficient force to begin to drag me, I believe the force is approaching a level equal to my weight of 135lbs. Although I am flying with my 150# line, using this approach, I did not break a flying line and I believe I did not put my kite at undue risk. Please advise if this is basically sound reasoning. I don't want to destroy my WD1, but I really love high-wind flying !!" -- 6/00 email

Our advice: "Our RATED PULL STRENGTH specs are on the conservative side. This Spring we examined a WD1 and WD2, 2000 models, that were flown (and crashed) in the Antarctic in 30-50 knot winds which snapped 150 lb lines. Not even in the highest-stress areas, in the ribs immediately above the webbing loops, were there any signs of overstressing. Before those areas overstress, the bridle lines will fail at the knots. Also, we have received reports from customers who flew their WDs in 50-60 mph winds. So with your WD1, as long as you keep the pull manageable by tweaking the bridle-setting downward, go for it! When the pull is strong, punch-turn. Sharp hairpins and square corners -- when the WD1 is shrieking through the power-zone at 100 mph -- sure are great fun!"

"I've flown two days now, and it's been wonderful. I flew in a good strong wind Sunday. A lot of kids came to watch. I taught a few of them how to fly the WindDance 1 [2000]. I was really surprised at the durability of the thing, because the kids and I did plenty of crashing with no damage.
What really blew me away was flying Monday night at the same place under a wind condition that I couldn't even feel. I'm sure that the delta wing could never have flown in that light a wind. WOW !!! I was truly amazed at how well the WindDance 1 was handling in such a slight wind. I had just as much fun.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for this fun to fly, designed for power, WindDance joy toy." -- 6/00 email

"It feels so LIVELY!" -- 6/00, the first remark from seasoned delta-sport-kite flyer as he flew a WindDance for the first time (quote supplied by the WindDance's owner)

"By the way, EXCELLENT web pages. Very informative. A+++" -- 6/00 email

"WindDances are not your stereotypical "Parafoils", "Power Kites". See them as what they are: Superior flying performance alternatives to "Delta Sport Kites" and more exciting and better for working out than "Power Kites!" Easy and fun for recreational sport kiting with hotter speed and turning than most dual line delta kites. Virtually indestructible during high impact crashes." -- 5/00, "WindPower Sports" website

"Well I finally got the lines finished and got the WindDance 1 [2000] up in the air!! It was great!! Loved it!!
First I went to a spot close to home and noticed some interference. So I found a spot with cleaner wind and wow did it fly. The wind was fairly strong today in Nebraska. In fact, I broke the 100# I was flying with. I believe it broke where it was supposed to, so I should be able to repair. I finished out the day with some 150# I had for my delta. It pulled me off my feet a few times. I would love to try the 2 and 3. It created a lot of interest with the people passing by. . . . " -- 5/00 email to a dealer, who forwarded it to us

"dear sir: thank you for your no-bulls--t website (excuse the language) but i've been looking at getting into flying for a little while now but haven't because of not knowing what to buy. nobody likes to waste their hard-earned money . . . i was actually looking at buying two kites, 1 for light wind and 1 for stronger wind, both deltas. it is hard to find information even with the help of the net. and it is true that a lot of stores promote these hot kites that perform the way you have said (non flying).
but after reading your articles (which i enjoyed a lot, full of hard truths) i have changed my mind. . . .
anyway thanks again for the info . . . " -- 5/00 email from Australia

"Hey everyone.....I have a Seattle AirGear WindDance kite! It is by far the most durable, badass, rockin', most forgiving, high pull rate, most indestructible flippin' kite I have ever flown! (hands down)
I live in the Portland, Oregon, area and travel to the coast regularly just to fly my stunt kites in all day wind. Your kite beats my 2 Prisms and my 1 Tori Tako.
Just giving you a Thanks for creating a killer product....keep it up." -- 5/00 email

"I just spent over an hour looking through your entire site and was completely impressed by your thorough, detailed, and interesting content. The on-line videos almost made me go directly to the order page, but instead I spent time researching the differences between your three models, looking into the accessories, reading the tips, wrestling with color choice, etcetera. Ultimately, the presentation and content of your site made me completely confident in your products, commitment to customer satisfaction, and dedication to the love of wind dancing.
When I receive my WindDance2000 2 and take it out on the wind, I'm sure I will not hesitate to recommend the awed masses to your fine products and service." -- 5/00 email

"I have a WindDance 2 and it is one of my favorite kites . . . My brother has a [sparred-parafoil] which seems mushy by comparison." -- 4/00 rec.kites

For more performance comparisons between WindDances and sparred-parafoils, see our FAQs link on our homepage.

"WindDance2000's feel so solid it's like they're made of stainless steel!" -- 5/00 phone call from a WD owner

"This is a great site . . . lots and lots of info. I'm sold. I just need to check with the wife to make sure I can buy myself a new toy. Thanks for the great site and the cool MPEGs." -- 4/00 email

She approved, quickly!

"DEAR DAN, I TOOK MY NEW WD1 OUT TODAY FOR THE SECOND TIME. MY FIRST ATTEMPT WAS IN FLUKY LIGHT WIND AND WAS NOT A GOOD TRIAL. TODAY WAS SUNNY WITH ABOUT 8-12 STEADY. WHAT A BLAST! MISSED MY LUNCH AND WHO CARES.
I WENT OVER THE BRIDLE SETTINGS AFTER THE FIRST FLIGHT AND NAILED THEM DOWN A LOT BETTER THIS TIME, PLUS I DID GET A LITTLE FAMILIARITY ON THE FIRST TRY SO, IT EASILY INFLATED, AND GENTLY LIFTED OFF, AND THEN JUST BURST INTO FLIGHT AS I GAVE SOME PULL! SIMPLY AMAZING. NO SHUDDERING AS THE WIND PICKED UP AND SMOOTHED OUT OF GROUND EFFECT, JUST ACCELERATION. A STUNNING FLYER, SMOOTH AND SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL, WITH VERY SHARP TURNS POSSIBLE AND LARGE SMOOTH ARCS. AND FAST! LIKE YOUR LITERATURE SAYS, A REAL WORKOUT.
THE TIP STANDS AT WINDOWS EDGE ARE NEAT AND A BOUNCE IS QUITE SPECTACULAR. I MUST ADMIT THE FIRST BOUNCE WAS AN INADVERTENT BRAIN CRAMP, BUT THE FOLLOWING ONES WEREN'T.
I LOOK FORWARD TO SOME MORE FLYING THIS WEEKEND, AND SHOWING IT TO SOME OF MY FRIENDS. THANKS FOR THE DESIGN AND HAPPY FLYING!" -- 4/00 email

"I love WindDancing! It is the most "fun in the sun" activity that includes exercise that I have ever experienced. My whole family can get involved. It is very inexpensive and VERY thrilling. A person can WindDance wherever there is an open space with a "kite friendly" surface that is clear of trees and other obstacles. My wife and my son and I go to a nearby high school that is perfect for WindDancing after work and on weekends. We move around, laugh, fly, pull our arms, perform stunts, crash, exercise, zoom, and just marvel at the beautiful fabric painting colorful designs in the sky. I really love WindDancing! This is truly a thrilling and fun, recreational, sport kite parafoil. It will give you a workout and make you laugh with delight." -- 4/00 email

"I purchased my "3" about 18 months ago on the recommendation of great little kite shop in the middle of Iowa. I have not regretted it and it has become the one kite I always take along because it's just fun! I have let my 5 yr old grandson give it a try and even taught my 85 yr old mother in-law to launch it. It is just a fun all around kite and I don't have to worry about breaking expensive spars when I let someone try it. Thanks for a great kite." -- 4/00 email

"Hi Dan! Received the WD2000-2 on Thursday, thank you very much!!! Put the lines together on Friday. Will attempt WindDancing today!! At the moment it is like Seattle here: cool, overcast, wet and gloomy (no disrespect meant). Will let you know how it went. Thanks again. . . .
ps. Love the video!!" -- 4/00 email

" . . . stopped at a nearby high school with a very nice grass sports field. The wind was not as strong and there were no other people. The WD2 [2000] flew beautifully. I LOVED IT!! My ten year old son flew it, my wife flew it and I flew it a lot. I love the pull, the handling and everything! I REALLY LOVE IT!!" -- 4/00 email

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my three WindDance kites. I really enjoy my WD3 but I gotta tell you, the new WD2000-2 is much faster than the WD3's. I spent ten days in Honolulu doing nothing but flying kites all day ~ what a blast, the winds were perfect, i.e., they were nice and strong! I purchased a new WD2000-2 to go with my WD1 and WD3. It's too bad the WD2000 kites are so much better than the older ones because I'm going to have to eventually replace my old ones with the new WD2000 models." -- 4/00 email

"I am seriously considering opening a kite store in my area . . . If I became a WindDance dealer I assure you I would be a "good" dealer . . . " -- 3/00 email

We're happy there are business people who know what it means to be a good dealer.

"I completely accept and agree with your conditions for being a "good dealer." -- 3/00 email

"I have been flying a [different brand of] parafoil for several months and every time I fly it somebody asks me where they can buy a parafoil kite. Here in Puerto Rico, there aren't any kite stores I know of, so I always tell them to go to the internet. The other day I saw a WindDance and decided it was the kite I was interested in having and selling. A friend and I can be one of those "good dealers" you are looking for. Please send me information regarding becoming a dealer . . ." -- 3/00 email from Puerto Rico

We sure did!

"Thank you for your prompt reply. I really appreciate your sending me the User's Manual [the dealer he purchased his WD2 from had removed the user's manual and didn't sell hand-friendly control handles either so he ordered them from us]. . .
Previously, I had talked to two other stores . . . This was before I had ever heard of WindDances so the subject was foils in general. They appeared to be negative about foils - if you aren't interested in buggying, why would you want a foil? They don't seem to understand that some of us - at least me - want to feel the wind and not get dragged around by it, nor am I interested in showing off, drawing a crowd, doing fancy tricks, etc. . . .
Again, thanks for sending the manual." -- 3/00 email

"I can't tell you how much I enjoy my WindDance. I find it considerably more enjoyable that either my Benson Phantom (I'm always afraid its going to explode in air and repairs are very pricey) or my Revolution II. I had just about decided to fly only quadlines when I thought I'd give the WindDance a try. The price was right, I didn't have to continually worry about something breaking, and your information on your website convinced me to give it a try. I am really glad I did. You know, its rare these days to walk away from a purchase without feeling some "buyers remorse." You folks at Seattle AirGear sure do it right. Your kites and your service are unique. Thanks again." -- 3/00 email

"Dan, just an FYI from a VERY satisfied customer.
The winds were great this weekend, and I got to fly both Sat & Sun. Sunday the winds picked up to 10-12 during my last half hour. I found the HP bridle adjustment a little earlier at 29mm and the WD1 really responded as expected. Wind was good -- but with lots of bumps and short duration shifts in direction [which caused] several collapse/re-inflate/fly-aways...amazing. Also had a few crash-n-fly's.
I have to tell you, I feel like I was BORN to fly the WindDance 1. I grew up sailing, and flying the WindDance is very natural for me. "Sense & Respond" is a great description of the way one reacts to the dynamic nature of the wind. For me, I can't imagine any other way. Moving is very much a part of the activity, and again seems second nature.
I'm also extremely satisfied with the control handles. Even after 10+ hours of flying, my hands aren't tired in the least. As you said, it's a very natural position. I think you talked about enhanced "feel" that the dowel handles allow, which I agree with. But I think one of the best aspects of this is how natural it is to OPEN or relax your hands and hold the handles somewhat loosely. Many might be surprised to learn that even though a WindDance can pull quite a lot, one does not fight a constant battle simply to hang onto the handles.
On two occasions this weekend, the winds were light enough for my 6 yr old daughter to give flying the WD1 a try...with my help, of course. I wanted her to start getting a feel for the "aircraft", and she was very excited to do so. I held the handles outside her hands to help control, and she did great. Of course, we stayed out of the power zone, but with light winds this would not have been a problem. We mostly did lazy-eights, but she did great and was extremely proud. The neat thing to me is that I wouldn't hesitate to give her complete control in light enough winds, because she really couldn't hurt it!!
Thanks again for developing the WindDance." -- 3/00 email

"I finally got an opportunity to try out my new WindDance 2. I LOVE IT!!!! It's a lot more fun to fly than my delta stunts. I know that once I learn to tune it, etc. it will be even more fun. . . . If you ever want anyone to speak well of your kite or your flawless service, don't hesitate to use my name or ask for some comments. I feel so fortunate that I finally found such a truly exhilarating kite flying experience." -- 3/00 email

"I just picked up a WindDance 1 today from Gasworks Kite Shop [Seattle]. Afterwards we flew it around Gasworks - had an absolute blast!! The WD1 flies on less wind than my friend's than my friend's Delta Beetle (she was jealous too!). We're going to Ocean Shores tomorrow to fly and just play around. I'll let you know how it goes. If it was anything like today, I only have high hopes! The WD1 is a well designed kite - great job!" -- 3/00 email

"Flying the WD1 was a blast today. Couple of folks wanted to know where I got mine. I passed on the Seattle AirGear web page to them =). Ocean Shores was fun for the morning, but in the afternoon the wind stopped blowing. . . I read the tuning pages - but will go back there to keep the kite in top shape.
Take care!" -- 3/00 email

"Hey Dan,
Just dropping a line. Tomorrow there's a kite festival and I will be flying one of the set of 3 kites I bought from you last year. I probably will not be flying in any competition but somewhere in the park I will be flying one of your kites like I do anytime there's wind on the weekend.
After reading quite a bit of your site for the umpteenth time and seeing some of the ridiculous attitudes in kite magazines and in the kite culture about your kites, I realized that you had to be on a mission to get it through peoples heads that there is a better way. The handles you promote are quite simply the best. Never will I use strap handles again. I was flying a Nasawing recently with those handles and it was a good thing because if I had been flying with straps my right arm would be 4 inches longer because during an especially big gust of wind I had to let go for fear of hurting myself. You can't let go with straps. Framed deltas in my kite bag will be single liners because I will never go back to trying to imitate the pros in the kite world. The action I get from pulling your kites through turns is so much more fun than with slack line tricks with deltas. No I will not be able to flip my kite all over the ground or do a lot of the tricks the pros do, but I will have a whole lot of fun flying the WindDance. That is what it's all about for me.
I love to fly kites and your idea and mine fit together perfectly. Doing slack line tricks and whatnot that are so popular in the kite culture never appealed to me. I just like to fly.
I hope your message gets through. Anything that we can do to help just tell us." -- 3/00 email

Our "mission?" We're trying to prevent the kite culture from eradicating FLYING from kite flying.

To help? Educate receptive flyers (flyers who actually FLY their kites) -- and the general public -- about genuine sport-kite FLYING. Describe how it's hot speed & turning and great exercise from easy basic skill, using a pair of hand-friendly control handles linked with two Spectra lines to a kite that's carefully engineered to FLY extremely well.

Specifically, educate consumers about the three key elements of sport-kite FLYING:

Insist on a dual-line kite that has the three essential FLYING qualities aeronautical-engineered and built into it. The first step? Look for the "full bridle system" that enables full use of basic skill.

All you need is basic skill: "pull on one-or-both kite lines as needed to make it FLY, and to keep it FLYING." -- use that "instinctive" skill to make it speed & turn the way you want it to. That old, easy skill also happens to generate the sport's hottest-possible speed & turning performance. And it's so easy that even kids and grandparents can quickly become hot flyers. For this to work, however, you need a kite that's aeronautical-engineered to FLY well in the three essential ways.

Use comfortable, ergonomically-correct, performance-enhancing T-handles such as the Eclipse ergo handles.

Tell everybody how the kite culture prefers and promotes the opposite way:

It developed and glorifies low-performance 'performance' sport kites designed to be "killed" and not "FLOWN." Show everybody the kite magazines, kite catalogs, and kite videos filled with it.

It developed and glorifies 'power' kites that provide low-quality exercise.

It developed and glorifies dual-line kites that respond poorly to basic skill. Point out to everybody the fundamentally-defective bridle systems that prevent full use of basic skill.

It developed and glorifies dual-line kites that respond poorly to the wind. Competition 'performance' kites have the poorest response to the wind and are about the slowest kites you can buy, "vented" models especially. Hold a 'performance' kite upside-down by its bridle-ends, and by placing flat weights on it show everyone how readily the sail & frame deform out of shape and lose performance as it flies from the edge to the power-zone and as the wind strengthens.

It developed and glorifies dual-line kites that have an unnatural steering-&-turning feel, a feel that's the opposite of what you normally experience in real life. Explain to everyone how that unnatural feel makes learning and good control more difficult, and how it prevents powerful turning and good exercise.

It developed and glorifies difficult, unnatural skills that eliminate rather than generate flight performance, such as 1000 or so different ways to flip it in the air and tumble it on the ground. Show everybody the kite-magazine articles and videos that focus on this.

It developed -- and very-strongly insists on -- control handles that are uncomfortable for most people, and which thwart good feel & control of your kite and getting good exercise, and which have permanently injured people. Children flying with wrist-straps have complained to their parents, "Kite-flying makes my hands hurts." Have everybody try out those wrist-strap handles by hanging from them -- it feels like each hand is being strangled by a comfortable noose (those in the kite culture obviously like that feel, and want others to take pleasure in it, too). That's why NO other sports use wrist straps. Outside of organized kiting, everybody has the good sense not to use them. Ask hot water skiers, who experience 500+ lb pull and who crash at 60+ mph, why wrist-straps would be foolhardy -- and why they prefer grip handles instead.

Tell everybody about how nearly all specialty kite retailers impose their strange preferences onto their customers. And tell everybody how they offer no other choices -- especially not parafoils that FLY really well, or the concept of hot FLYING performance from basic skill, or the necessary hand-friendly FLYING handles either.

In kite-culture sources, try to find ANY of the above educational material. You won't. That's because organized kiting has evolved to point where in essence it forbids basic kite-FLYING knowledge in order to keep the peace within the kite culture. These days, straight information about kiting must come from outside of organized kiting.

Once educated about the three key elements of sport-kite FLYING (described above) -- and about how the kite culture is resisting those elements -- real kite flyers and the general public will eventually force organized kiting to veer back toward its kite-FLYING roots. Or at least embarrass them into also offering genuine "sport-kite FLYING." Hopefully in our lifetime.

"Just purchased a WindDance 2 and I'm having a blast. I found your web site extremely informative. Keep up the good work. Thank You." -- 3/00 email

"I have had one of your WD3's for just about a year, and loved the power, fun & performance found in each flight.
Having now flown the kite for nearly 1000 times (yes 1000) it has finally had cause to break . . .
The breakage is one of the bridle lines.
I can't think how I managed to break it as the kite has been dragged through Heather, smashed into trees, thumped onto rocks, run over by a CAR, and then mauled by a dog! None of which ever bothered the kite. . . .
A replacement line would be great . . .
Thank you for developing such a great educating and exciting kite as it continues to make me lots of friends.
All the best to you and your company in this the first year of the new millennium." -- 3/00 email from the UK

We mailed a free replacement line with instructions -- our normal long-term product support.

"Great web site . . . " -- 3/00 email from the UK

"I bought a WindDance 2 from you last May. Can't begin to tell you how much I've enjoyed it. I plan to by a WindDance 3 in the coming months. Been considering a quadrifoil. Cost is a bit more but I can't imagine it being more exciting than a WindDance . . . " -- 2/00 email

"Thought that you might like this story about one of your kites:

I was flying my 3 yesterday afternoon at a local park that is on a hill and gets good wind. We were in the clearing phase of a rainstorm and the winds were brisk - 10 to 15 - and gusty. I was getting tired after about an hour of lively flying so put the kite down on its nose, staked the lines, and started out to put it away. The wind gusted just then, and to my total surprise the kite came off the ground and took flight!

Unfortunately the ground was soft from the rain, which allowed the stake to pull out. The kite took off down wind with me in hot pursuit. Fate intervened in the form of a street light pole. The kite wrapped tightly around the light fixture - much too high for me to reach - and stubbornly resisted all efforts to pull it free. I finally gave up and decided to call for help. A few phone calls later I reached (our electric utility) who said that they would dispatch a truck with a cherry-picker, but had no way of knowing how long it would take because they had lots of trouble calls. I waited for nearly two hours until it became dark and the park rangers came by to lock up for the night. I wanted to continue to hang around but there is simply no place to legally park in or anywhere near the park after dark and it was too cold to just sit out on the ground, so I reluctantly cut and tied off the lines and went home hoping for the best.

Somewhat to my surprise, about an hour later a SCE truck pulled up in front of the house and delivered my WindDance - fully intact and none the worse for its ordeal. Yea!! I will be back flying again as soon as the a new storm that is moving through the area clears, only this time I am using a bigger stake! Thank you Southern California Edison!" -- 2/00 email

"The WindDance [2] is amazing and I have recommended it to all my friends in Trinidad and Jamaica . . . " -- 2/00 email from Trinidad

"I wanted to let you know that I love my WindDance. Keep up the great work." -- 2/00 email

"FLEW [new WD2] FOR 1ST TIME T'OTHER DAY - FANTASTIC. MANY THANKS. . . 1ST TIME IT WENT UP, WAS DRAGGED DOWN HILL ON ME ARSE EVERY TIME WENT INTO POWER ZONE! MUCH HILARITY - WATCHING PEOPLE TRY TO HOLD ON IS NEARLY AS MUCH FUN AS FLYING! THANKS AGAIN, ALL THE BEST." -- 2/00 email from the UK

"I bought one [WD3] about three months ago. I love this kite! I got to fly in some real hard winds, 50 mph gusting to 60 mph. Now I know why the recommended wind range is 3-30 mph. To get to the point it picked me off the ground and face planted me. It was great, I can't wait to try it again. I have been flying kites, dual line, for 12 years now and the WindDance 3 is the easiest and the most exciting kite to fly. . . Thank you for all the fun!!!!! -- 2/00 email

"After reading your site I have been inspired to once again take up a sport which as you so correctly pointed out has been tarnished by [its own] culture. Hopefully more people like me will take up what can be an enjoyable pastime after reading advice like yours." -- 2/00 email from Australia

"I have been flying stunt and performance kites for years . . . I have in fact looked at your product before and was steered away as you have explained on your web site. I would love to do anything I could to turn the opinions of the kite industries against them. Let them eat crow (or WindDance dust). . . .
PS: The wind is blowing great here, wish I had a WindDance." -- 1/00 email

"I have the bridle properly set up now and cannot believe the performance of the WD1. My son and I took it and a delta to the coast today to get some consistent wind to compare them. We put the delta up first and it was fine and we went through the tricks and had a good time. Then we put up the WD1. My son wanted to fly it so I put it up at the kite end; he crashed and crashed and crashed!!! I explained to him that he had to fly it; boy he flew it. It is SO fast. Within minutes he was doing everything he can do with the delta and then some more. Low level tracking along the beach is very stable, turns - well it turns on the wingtip. He said that he had to plan the next routine as he had to FLY it. . . . in general after 5 minutes there was little he could not do. . . . Interestingly, and he has not read your literature, he said that it was an exercise machine - he loved it! . . . " -- 1/00 email from the UK

"My daughter complained how kite flying made her hands hurt . . . ." -- 1/00 phone call.

The delta sport kite the father had bought for his daughter came with wrist-strap handles -- that hurt her hands. He called to inquire about WindDances, and the Eclipse ergo T-handles.

"This past year, my friend and I were interested in buying foils. After much researching, we decided on purchasing two of the green WindDance 2's. We have not regretted our choice. It is probably the fastest, quickest foil there is. We especially like their performance in 20+ mph winds. They become screaming, pulling banshees. . . " -- 1/00 email

"I just wanted to thank you for your assistance before Christmas. After speaking with you on the phone I found a local retailer with a WindDance2000. We took it to Illinois, flew it in the cold wind and had a GREAT time! The kite was a big hit! I never imagined a kite could be so much fun - and as a pilot I really appreciate a kite with an airfoil! Now I have to wonder which WindDance I should get for myself to play with...!
Keep up the good work - I really appreciate your attention to design and a dedication to providing _information_ on the kite and kite flying in general.
Happy New Year!" -- 1/00 email

"I bought a WD 3-Pack seven months ago and have had a great time with these kites. I was nervous about the bridle, and there have been some scary moments when the kite got fouled up midair in the lines, but as soon I stretched out the kite the bridle ended up in good shape. Not a mishap yet and I sure have flown a lot.
My deltas are getting moldy in their bags because I have not touched them since getting the WindDances. . . .
I spread the word about these kites where ever I fly. They sure get noticed.
Good work." -- 12/99 email

"Yesterday I received my WindDance2000 1 & 2 . . .
Unfortunately there was almost no wind and the only lines I had available were 40m (130ft), 100kg (220lbs) but I directly went to my favorite kiting hill and tried the WD2. I did not expect it to fly, but it did! Right out of the box it performed very well and I did not have to take it down for more than an hour. . .
My brother wants to buy a foil and I will suggest to him to buy a WindDance. When he orders, be sure I will order a WD3, too!
I inspected the construction of the WD very carefully because these are the first kites I ever bought and all my other ones I build myself, including two Paraflex. Construction and workmanship are really great, I didn't find anything to make better. . .
I wonder if my local kite shop would like to sell WindDances if they see the performance with their own eyes. . . " -- 12/99 email from Germany

"Thank you so much for the fast delivery of my WindDance-1 2000... It was flown the same day it arrived and although the wind was a little light, it still flew fantastic! A great early Christmas present...
I might even have to buy another one as my wife had a go and now she won't give it back! . . . " -- 12/99 email from Australia

"Reading the information on your website raised the expectations.
Trust was built by the precise description of details that we learned to appreciate because we had experiences similar to the descriptions.
The implicit battle for FLYING wings was a little too strong but proofed the drive behind the ideas.
So I ordered two WindDance kites.
Today I went for the first time outside and was very happy. Even [my friend] said that this was the best [dual-line] kite ever flown by him.
The performance came up to the expectations.
Congratulations with your product and your information!
I went to our dealer asking to purchase thru him. Honestly he said: "I can not take this as a product because I do not know about it." We felt convinced and ordered directly. This is the first person I will try to convince about the quality.
Thanks." -- 11/99 email from Belgium

"Thanks for getting back to me so fast. I love your kites." -- 11/99 email

"Greetings to the fine people of Seattle AirGear.
I'm writing to say good job -- and thank you for producing a fine product, the WindDance 2 soft kite. I had been wanting a parafoil kite. But was overwhelmed with all the opinions out there. No two kite stores seem to agree on the best dual-line foil. I found your website containing more information, tech and maintenance, than any kite product bar none. Confidence in your product shows through your detailed info and instructions. Your openness and genuine desire for the user of your product to get the absolute most that you can possibly insure, short of flying it for me was so much appreciated. That is true customer support.
I purchased a white WindDance 2 from one of your dealers. Part of your special pricing sale. From the moment I attached the lines (after some brief ground school with your manual) I loved it. I now wait for 18-20 mph winds. I have been flying with 45-ft plastic tube tails. Wore them out. Now will be looking for some ripstop 50's. I had the ride of my life a week ago. Went out during lunch to fly in what I thought to be 25 mph was really over 30. Whoa -- what a flight, brought to an end when I snapped my 150-lb lines at the bridle end loop. I got a little too aggressive turning. But flew long enough to get me breathing hard and my heart pounding.
I wanted to tell you, you were right. For some odd reason most dealers/kiteshops didn't carry them and had a lot of ignorant opinions about the kite among those who did.
Well Seattle AirGear I am a loyal follower now. I ventured the purchase of your product because you chose to say heck with the dealers and informed the market yourself with complete comprehensive information and support. That's what won me over.
I have recommended this kite to several of my kite associates as a simple fun addition to their bag for when the wind is too much for their deltas, or to just fly something fun and different. I also have used my WindDance 2 to teach some basic dual line flying to some beginners, and to let guests fly that had never flown a dual line before. This is a kite that can be flown by anyone, taking fear of crashing out of the equation and leaving more to getting the most out of the experience.
I will be getting another WindDance. . . I've got to try a 3 next.
Sorry to go on and on. I've never written to a company like this. I just wanted to let you know all that you have obviously have put into your product and your efforts to directly insure your customer's complete satisfaction is so much appreciated. It sure made all the difference with me." -- 11/99 email

"The Woodstock concert held in Rome, NY, is gone now. Our WindDance 2 flying 75 feet above the site is now the center of attention. The only sounds you may hear are the little screams of absolute joy as my better half and I pilot the parafoil through the autumn winds.
The delta kites haven't come out of the bags since obtaining this new flying machine..... It's absolutely incredible. We are having the time of our lives!
Thank you, we made the right choice!" -- 10/99 email

"Dan, how are you.
We spoke on Thursday morning on October 21st. If you recall, you convinced me to go with a WD2 2000 and then you updated me on how shipping to Canada is worse than shipping to New Zealand, and you informed me about the current state of the union in kite culture.
Well, having shopped around the net and in shops I couldn't believe how mixed up and silly the whole thing is. Retailers refusing to sell certain kites, defaming companies, putting down kites...it sounds like an election.
Just thought I'd share my thoughts concerning the whole "a kite has three corners or nothing nonsense". It seems curious to me that the people who are obsessive about their notion of rejecting the superior kite (regardless of its shape), may have never even tried flying a foil-type kite. Though we're only talking kites, this kind of tunnel vision can have consequences for everyone.
The type of people who are afraid of the fruits of technology in the kite world are the same kinds of people who once persecuted Socrates, Galileo et al. I don't believe I'm being histrionic when I suggest that the animosity stemming from the fractious votaries of the standard (and increasingly UN-flying) sparred delta kite, is rooted in evil. Yes evil, for anyone who decides to volitionally impede the course of progress in any field is doing a great disservice to society. And since these retailers/experts have deliberately decided to hinder the proliferation of a kite technology (any technology), then they are indeed unethical--evil.
Kite: a light frame covered in paper or cloth designed to be flown in the air at the end of a long string. The simple fact of the matter is that kites are meant to FLY. That means off the ground. Once off the ground, sky's the limit (pun intended). Why shouldn't there be deltas, single line, parafoils, revolutions, quad lines, box kites etc etc. What the heck is wrong with variety? It stands to reason that there will always be those who choose to rule the skies with kites that stall, flip and turn. For them, the joy is in cheating the very air itself and making the kite do the impossible in a static position. Great. Good for them. If they enjoy this type of activity, so be it. It has it's place, it's great for competitions, for show, for fun, for whatever. The question is, WHY shouldn't there be kites that thrill by sheer flight (like a WindDance), and why should the fliers of other kites (or retailers) put down different kites and detour customers from even looking at foils? Why would these people find it necessary to denounce, no, IMPEDE, the advances in kite technology which can lead to new, different, or--God forbid--even better forms of flying devices?
The answers to this are probably steeped in corruption, greed and ultimately mysticism. As is true in every field of human endeavor, one may observe an entrenched mysticism in this field as well. You know the words, guru, master, expert. These "self-styled" experts attach the reigns of their power to the whole of the subject of kites and then espouse the ridiculous and even the damaging. "Foils can't possibly fly as well as deltas". "Those aren't even kites". "Why do you want that kind of puffy thing". Eschewing the use of precision foils clearly says that these people are AFRAID of them. They are fearful for their profits, their reputations etc. It's the same old story from years past. "Fly? People can't fly". "Go to the moon, people can't go to the moon". And now, "Better than a delta, Foils can't fly better than a delta..."
It's all about control. In bodybuilding circles, a select few have dominated everything for more than 50 years and they have bulldozed over all who would confront their God-like stature in the industry--even those who had good ideas, ideas that could bring the whole of the sport to a higher place. Persistently undermining the advance of science in this field, regular articles have been written in the magazines claiming that the barbell is vastly superior to any exercise machine, especially those which were found to be most threatening--the BEST ones--the one's which people like to use, which help achieve results faster, which take a piece of the financial pie away from the barbell makers. 'Nuff said.
Quite simply we are talking about people who wish to denigrate reason. It is ludicrous. People have heard about foils. They go to their kite store to see them, try them. "No", says the retailer, "don't bother, they're no good". "But I heard--", "We don't carry them, why don't you try a delta..."
We built this continent, this world, by slowly bypassing, even struggling against the antithesis of reason, the oppressors of man. Well, unfortunately, evidence of the latter is clearly still with us today. It's just ironic that it should be a kite that helps to demonstrate it so clearly.
I say let the chips fall where they may. Back in the 50's I think 2 companies made Yo Yos. Your choice was plastic or wood. Today there are hundreds of manufacturers of top level yo yos and the precision yo yos allow for more tricks, longer spin times, better loops... It was because people got in there in the spirit of competition to design the best, and make a profit. Jeez, it's the American way ain't it? Well, it's time to let it happen. Kite Wars: Episode One" -- 10/99 email

"Thank you for your amazingly quick turn-around on my order . . . It is greatly appreciated!
I learned of your products last year from my brother and nephew during a visit back home. We spent many hours in the Kansas wind having a royal blast with a couple of your WindDance 2's. I was hopelessly hooked, and can't wait to try out at least one (!) of the kites today after work. My other four stunt kites will have to gather some dust, now that I've got the 3 WindDances [a "3-Pack"].
. . . only one store (that I've been able to find) in [a nearby town] carries your products, and that's too far for good access. (They also didn't seem to be pushing them too strongly---and that's a real drag.)
If I can generate some interest in WindDances here, I may just have to start up a sideline business to sell your products. They are the best!" -- 10/99 email

"Dan, Still enjoying my "clearance special" WD1! I've been flying lately across the Bay, at the Berkeley Marina. Seem to be more kite-flyers there than back in SF. Strange. Anyway, the kite is breaking in quite well, but I still have yet to see another WindDance kite anywhere...perhaps that's the main reason I still get approached by curious onlookers! A fellow flyer let me try one of his dual-line foils, I think it was a "Parastunter", or somesuch name (it was oval, with rainbow colors, wingtip flares, and it was just a little smaller than the WD1). I noticed the differences right away:
Line pull decreased during turns. During some admittedly very hard and sharp square-corner pull turns, the kite actually collapsed. My WD1 could handle such maneuvers with aplomb.
I was flying with straps, not handles. The less said the better about this.
Overall kite pull was inconsistent across the "power zone". The owner's excuse was that the kite was designed for stronger winds. The average wind speed that day was 8-10 mph, with gusts perhaps to 15.
The flapping tip flares made his kite sound like a wet fart. Not my cup of tea at all...
So, now you're going to break out with your "Y2K" models (as I like to call them). I still want to build up my fleet with at least a WD2 clearance model, then maybe swing for a Y2K WD3 in either the light purple or Fuchsia main sail colors. But I'm still having too much fun with the little guy, to even sit down and cut a check! (BIG GRIN!)" -- 10/99 email

"Love the handles [Eclipse ergo T-handles], much better than straps!" -- 10/99 email

"I came home from work earlier this week to find a US Postal Service box on the porch, w/a Seattle AirGear label. Yee-hah, I know what that is! I unpacked it and examined the WD1. Having made and flown kites since the late 70's, I know good workmanship when I see it, and this kite is no exception. Excellent stitching and attention to detail. The bridle took a while to figure out but once I determined what went where and did what, the simple nature was apparent. . .
. . . I finally got the chance to test . . . I first tried 100' of 100#, which was too heavy for the 9-12 mph winds. But the kite still flew with aplomb. I had to un-learn the "punch-turn" flying techniques I had used for years, with other dual-line kites (diamonds, deltas, the occasional sparred stunt parafoil). The WindDance lets you know just what you're doing wrong. Feedback through the lines is very good. The WD1 lets its operator feel and compensate to changing wind conditions; the kite almost feels alive. I decided to switch to lighter, 80# lines, checking the bridle settings. The difference was readily apparent. The WD1 now zipped everywhere like a hyperactive bird, especially when I pulled hard on the lines traversing the power zone. Several onlookers (joggers, kids practicing soccer nearby), stopped to gawk. I also noticed several car drivers and passengers had their faces plastered against their windows! This is what kite flying is all about! I played for a solid hour, only quitting because it was getting dark. As I was packing up, I was approached by a few people who had never before seen such a kite. After explaining, I'll just say there may be other future customers calling you soon! You have an awesome product, Dan, and I plan to complete my "family" with the two larger WindDances in the near future.
A funny postscript...warming up my motorcycle (WindDances are perfect traveling companions!), I noticed a delta flyer further down the Green. Compared to what I just experienced, his fancy 7' kite was literally crawling through the air, and merely flopping to one side or the other. It seemed so, well, crude! I considered breaking out the WD 1 again, but decided to wait until next time. I did leave laughing, though!" -- 9/99 email

"I never knew that kite flying could be this much fun!" -- 9/99

Overheard by a WindDance owner as two boys in their early teens WindDanced side-by-side together.

"This WindDance 1 kite is everything your website said it would be. Many thanks for bringing the fun back into kite flying." -- 9/99 email from the UK

"Why are they so much faster than other kites," asked a delta-kite flyer on Seattle's Kite Hill. -- 9/99

"We aeronautical-engineered them to FLY well in the three essential ways," we replied.

"That bridle adjustment is wonderful! I played with it a bit and was most impressed with the simplicity." -- 8/99 email

"I have just returned from my annual holiday where I made good use of my WD1. The strong sea breezes made WindDancing an exhilarating experience and great fun. Thanks for such a brilliant kite." -- 8/99 email from the UK

"They sure make sense! Not too much to ask for!" -- 8/99

That's what a new flyer remarked about the three essential FLYING qualities. At the 1999 Washington State International Kite Festival, Long Beach, WA, he purchased a delta sport kite, discovered it didn't fly so well, asked another flyer for help, who happened to be a WindDance owner, who sent him over to us. We pointed out why he was having trouble with his new kite, how and why it didn't FLY well in the three essential ways: 1) how it couldn't possibly respond well to basic pull-turning skill because it had only half a bridle (like all delta and other parafoil sport kites), 2) how it couldn't possibly respond well to the wind because the spars flexed and sail deformed so much (like all delta sport kites), and 3) how it had an unnatural feel because the pull dropped rather than rose when turning which makes learning and good control difficult (like all delta and other parafoil sport kites). He then test-flew a WD2, and experienced how WindDances FLY extremely well in the three essential ways.

"It pulls when it's supposed to pull!" -- 8/99

At the Washington State International Kite Festival, Long Beach, WA, that's how a flyer described the WD2's natural steering-&-turning feel: how the pull rises when you turn.

"They can't possibly fly precisely -- only framed kites can fly precisely." -- 8/99

At the 1999 Washington State International Kite Festival, Long Beach, WA, a delta-kite expert told us that to our faces as we performed snappy, precise, sharp square corners with our WindDances, side-by-side shadow loops, and breathtaking high-speed near-miss tail-crossings, all at much-faster-than-delta-kite speeds. That prejudice against parafoils deeply infects the kite culture, including most seasoned flyers and kite retailers. Since he said that to our faces, we wonder what he has told others about parafoils.

"I couldn't wait for [my WD1] to arrive. It arrived the exact day you said it would. I took it out for it's maiden flight . . . I had never flown a 2 handle kite before. This amazing parafoil turns and loops faster than you can see.......stops turning on a dime.....and unloops just as fast.....amazing. Everyone had a blast flying it. It's indestructible...crashed it a couple of times....it just bounced. . . Thanks Dan Ruuska for setting me up with the right stuff." -- 8/99 email

"I purchased the WD1 out of boredom flying a Trilby and a 6 ft "stunt" delta. Please don't take offense, but most advertising contains some inflated accolades (hype) about their product. Being a commercial pilot, I read and re-read your specs and concluded, "If this kite does half of what you say, it's by far more enjoyable to fly." Well, I learned fast; fly hard and enjoy every flight! Can't find the HYPE !
The WindDance 1 does what you put in print! Plus, took less time and no frustration to learn. I could never think of "edge-flying" my delta with the control the WD gives. . .
Know anyone who would enjoy a free Trilby or delta for wall decoration???" -- 8/99 email

"What would it take to sell your kites? Let's say -- true story -- I was at the park and my daughter was flying my WD2 and I had at least 9 people ask me where they could pick up this kite (of course I told them about your web site). Now I don't want to make a living selling kites, but do you have a plan I could do? On weekends? Just wondering. Thanks." -- 8/99 email

Our reply: "Yes! Nearly all the kite manufacturers have one-person part-time and spare-time mobile dealers scattered all over the country where no storefront dealers exist. Our requirements: Be a licensed business, and enthusiastically represent WindDances and Seattle AirGear's product support as described on this web site."

"I flew my new WD3, it really is a fantastic low wind kite, when the wind whispered, the kite danced so gracefully. I was surprised how much fun the WD1 was, I bought it mainly for my wife and kids but when the wind kicked in I was so delighted that they really didn't get much time with it...." -- 8/99 email from Sweden

"Hi there,
I have been a kiteflier now for about 9 years . . .
Your idea of kiting strikes me as being very true...
the first time when i picked up a kite, a simple speedwing uni, I flew it for hours at a time, just flying circles, groundpasses, and powerdives... just enjoying how the kite flew.
After that, I started making my own kites, I have now built about 25 kites, and I also discovered trick-kiting... but as you say... the excitement wore off... it was never like the first time... although I still like kite-flying very much, and also buggying, the pure thrill of kiting is gone... and i regret this very much... I can notice this especially when trick flying... the kites don`t fly... really... they stall every time, although this is very good for trickflying, they don`t really fly. For example the Alien from Prism, it`s a nice kite, but does not soar through the blue sky...
but the thing that i don`t understand is... why are your winddances so good? I have built for example 2 speedfoils, a Quadrifoil-like kite, a Krypton-S, several Nasa-para wings, and they all fly... why are your kites better?" -- 8/99 email from Holland.

Our reply: ". . . because of our very careful aeronautical and structural engineering. Aeronautical engineering is so much fun because tiny, near invisible differences in shape and construction can make huge differences in FLYING performance! I used more of my aeronautical engineering education developing WindDance parafoils than I ever did as an aerospace research engineer for Boeing! It's so much fun it's like being a kid again!"

"Thank you for your fast answer! I got positive responses from people on rec.kites also... well everybody thinks your kites are fantastic, and that they're a good addition to every kitebag.... who am I to contradict that? I think I'll buy one..."

"My son learned to fly my WindDance 2 very quickly. That's because he never flew my deltas. Deltas mess up your FLYING skill. I know. That's why I'm selling them." -- 7/99 phone call from a happy WindDance owner

"My new WindDance 3 collapses all the time . . . I'm flying it like my deltas . . . " -- 8/99

Phone call from an unhappy WindDance owner. We pointed out how WindDances need pull-on-your-kite-line skill to maintain and generate FLYING. And how delta-kite slacken-your-kite-line skill kills off pull & speed & FLYING which causes a parafoil kite to collapse. We also advised to fly by feel rather than by strictly by sight, and how feeling the wind and your WindDance through your lines & handles adds tremendously to the fun. Our advice: simply pull to make it FLY!

"Ahh, you're finding the sweet spot!" -- 7/99

A remark from a passerby at the July 24-25 Berkeley Kite Festival as I reduced the bridle setting of a WD1 from 30mm to 28mm. After the adjustment, the WD1 shrieked through the air faster and louder than before . . . until the line from a single-line kite accidentally severed both Spectra lines. The wind immediately blew the WD1 into San Francisco Bay and carried it toward the Berkeley shore. The outgoing tide also carried it toward the Golden Gate. What long, sad faces and sinking hearts. Later, after it became a pink dot in the distance, after all hope had vanished, we spotted a wet-suited swimmer backstroking toward it! He retrieved the WD1, and returned it to the owner! Earlier, he had started his fun swim from near where we flew. There IS a Santa Claus! At least in Berkeley!

"See how the wing keeps its shape when you pull hard on one line to turn? That's because of the full bridle -- the bridle from each flying line supports BOTH sides of the wing! Other kites lose their shape when turning because the bridle from each line supports only ONE side of the wing." -- 7/99

A bystander at the Berkeley Kite Festival, who had demo-flown WindDances earlier, explained this about the WindDance Bridle to other bystanders!

" . . . slack line flying . . . slack line tricks . . . slack line maneuvers . . . " -- 7/99

The announcers during the Berkeley Kite Festival said those words over and over as they described the advanced skill used for competition and trick flying. Not once did the announcers mention the joys of "tight line" sport kiting with basic skill: pull on your lines to make it FLY with the sport's hottest-possible speed & turning and receive great exercise in the process. Surely they witnessed it -- WindDances clearly had much hotter acceleration, speed, and turning than all the other dual-line kites at the festival!

"Have you ever flown a dual-line kite before?" I asked for the second time. "Nope. This is so natural and easy," he replied. -- 7/99

This bystander, who had never flown before, flew our WD2 for ten minutes before he crashed it for the first time. And this was in shifty unsteady wind. Many flew our WDs during the Berkeley Kite Festival, including other first-timers and a family of eight flying two WDs at a time. We all had great fun!

"Well I'm finally fed up owning only one WindDance, a 2. It seems I never get to use it as my so called mates always want to borrow it. Are they interested in my Rev SLE, or any of my three delta's (bought before the WindDance) - NO! Anyway, I'm going to take advantage of the clearance sale and order a WindDance 3 . . ." -- 7/99 email from Australia

"Let's fly together. Try to follow my WindDance 2," a happy WindDance owner taunted his buddy. "It's just a parafoil. It can't possibly be faster than my [expensive high-tech high-performance delta sport kite]," he replied. -- 7/99 phone call

The delta flyer quickly learned otherwise.

"Flew my WindDance 2 . . . Awesome!!! It was FUN and all that you claimed it to be. I even drew a little crowd at the beach. I guess my deltas will be collecting dust for a while. THANKS." -- 7/99 email

"Yours are so graceful and fast! They catch your eye more than all the other stunt kites! The others are so jerky and slow!" -- 7/99

Comment from a passerby during a 7/11/99 stunt-kite competition as Sue and I recreationally WindDanced side-by-side, our WD1 & 2 trailing pairs of 20-ft tails.

"If you want to learn more about sport-kite flying, ask the judges." -- 7/99

That's what the announcer advised during a stunt competition.

Did the judges explain the clear differences between the "WindDancing" they witnessed (easy high-performance FLYING) and competition flying (difficult low-performance FLYING)? Did the judges explain how basic skill, not advanced skill, generates the sport's highest levels of speed and turning performance? Did the judges inform people about the three essential FLYING qualities to look for in a sport kite, the bare-minimum standards that any sport kite should live up to, and how competition delta sport kites sorely lacking in those qualities?

We. Don't. Think. So.

"My wife just bought me a WindDance 2 for my birthday (I saw your web site and hinted). She got in touch with [the local WindDance dealer] . . . I have been flying flexifoils for 15 years and I just love the WindDance. It pulls harder and maneuvers 10 times better than the same size flexi! Not to mention that it packs up so small. Great for traveling. (I ride motorcycles too and I could never take my kites, until now)! Way to go and thank you!" -- 7/99 email

"I WILL BE VISITING THE SEATTLE AREA IN THE NEAR FUTURE AND WAS CURIOUS IF YOU HAD A OUTLET SHOP OR ANYTHING OF THAT SORT. I OWN A WINDDANCE 2 AND HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH IT. I HAVE YET TO FIND A KITE SO VERSATILE AND CHALLENGING TO EVEN COME CLOSE TO COMPETE WITH IT AND I HOPE TO ACQUIRE THE 1 AND 3 MODELS SOON. LET ME KNOW IF A POOR MAN IN LOVE WITH YOUR KITES HAS ANY OPTIONS." -- 7/99 email. We steered him to our Seattle dealers.

"Your WindDance 1 is incredible. . . fast as hell and turns like nothing I've ever flown. Turns on a dime and is tough as nails. The durability is visual. I looked into the cells and it looked superior compared to other kites. I had a ton of crashes and nothing. And it looks cool. I put away my flexifoil, it became boring. It had good straight line speed but the fun ended when you turn. Not with the WindDance. Kind of like comparing a fast car that does nothing else well to a high performance sports car that does everything well. The WindDance is the European high performance sports car, no doubt. Keep up the good work Dan. Thanks." -- 6/99 email

The above WD1 owner then ordered a second one so his friends could share in the fun.

"I read your web site info on WindDance kites with great interest and pleasure. Very interesting, informative, visually pleasant, and well organized! Lots of good professionally-presented information on kites and kite flying." -- 6/99 email

"All of your promotional literature (of which there is plenty) backs up the performance of these machines -- I guess they might be better called instruments. My grandchildren (ages 8 and 11) can easily fly them without the stress that goes along with crashing grandpa's delicate delta kites. The confidence built up in kids because of the forgiving capabilities of these kites (no crash damage) make the whole idea even more inviting to kids and their mentors." -- 6/99 email

"I'm sending this e-mail . . . just to say thank you for a fantastic weekend. Your kites kick ass. . . . The background on this is that last week I was feeling a little guilty about not having done something sweet for [my girlfriend] . . . So I bought her a white WindDance 1 and some 150 lb 100 ft line and gifted it to her on Friday night. Flew it at Shoreline on Saturday in winds so heavy that delta kite fliers would put their kites up and then promptly take them down. [My girlfriend] who has never flown a dual-line kite before picked up the basics in a few hours in those strong winds and then dialed in her skills on Sunday at Coyote Point in milder winds. Your kite, quite simply, rules! . . . I'm buying one for myself, shortening the line to 75 ft and am going to try out your handle recommendations. Also, having packed skydiving equipment for 2 years, I found your rigging to be ingenious. Bravo." -- 6/99 email

"I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed my WindDance 3. Three of my friends now own one since flying mine and almost anyone, regardless of age has had fun flying it. This year alone I have flown it at the Sphinx in Egypt, Maui, Deep Baja, London, and New York. Lately I started using it to kite surf on a surf board.
Here's my problem: Tuesday I came in from kite surfing, dropped my board and ran the kite to the edge of the envelope to gently land. As I was ascending, a gust wrapped my WindDance around a powerline in an instant, 30 feet high. I tried to retrieve it unsuccessfully using a long mast. I called the fire department and later [the power company] who said they would send a guy tomorrow. Unfortunately the technician cut my bridle about 2 inches before the main adjustment area and my WindDance is toast (very bummed) . . . can I send it to you for repair? . . . Thanks for a great product!" -- 6/99 email

We had the owner send it to us. The WD3's parafoil wing was fine but the bridle was toast: all the A-, B-, and T-lines were severed. Since it was "accidental bridle damage" we supplied replacement lines for free, our standard long-term product support. Our labor charge for installing new lines is [$3 + $2/line] up to a maximum of $30/$35/$40 for the WD1/WD2/WD3 + insured return shipping.

"They're way faster than the other kites!" -- 6/99

A passerby's observation about WindDances during a kite festival/competition -- five WindDances were zipping around in the sky at once. He said that to a WindDancing WindDance owner.

"It flies like a drunken swallow." -- 6/99

After flying his WindDance 2 for a few hours -- and then watching an expensive competition delta kite in action -- that's how the above WindDance owner described the delta's sluggish speed and wobbly side-slipping tracking and turning.

"The WD2 flies like a swallow on rocketfuel." -- 6/99 email from Sweden

"HI, all I can say is wow...WOW .. and Wow'EEEH .. I flew my WD1 today ..well the whole afternoon.... the wind was between 8 -12 mph .. very cool.
The ergonomic handles are so good that I am glad I bought 2 pairs.. I have never had so much control over my kites before - tried them on my [delta stunt kite] and again I was amazed by the control I had ... wonder why everybody has not used them all along???" -- 5/99 email from South Africa

"I didn't know there was such a thing as competition. This is kite flying! Why would anybody want to compete!" -- 5/99

Comment from a parent as we described the differences between recreational and competitive stunt-kite flying. As Sue and I WindDanced in the delicious sunny wind at Discovery Park, Seattle, his children laughed and gently played with our long swirling tails as we flew slowly near the ground at the side edge.

"Wow! It [the WD1] just pulled harder and went faster than the bigger one [WD2]!" -- 5/99

Same day at Discovery Park, comment from the owner of a new delta kite as he tried our WD2 and then the WD1. He had just felt -- and saw -- the effects of a strong gust. He -- and his friend who had never flown a dual-liner before -- caught on very fast. Maybe it was our 'expert' instruction: pull to make it FLY, pull to keep it FLYING, and if it's heading straight down at the ground then pull on one line and it doesn't matter which one! The wind? Difficult. Turbulent, bouncing between 5 mph and 15 mph with fast-shifting direction. Not once did they collapse a WindDance!!!

"Do you accept trade-ins?" asked the owner of the new delta kite.

"This is just a note to tell you that I love my WindDance 2. I wasn't a real avid flyer before I got my WindDance and I only own one delta. I was planning a trip to Florida and I wanted to get a parafoil. I came across your web site and now I'm hooked! I received my WindDance on April 3rd. Due to the conditions here I only had about an hour of flight time before I left on my trip to Florida. I was happy with the way it performed as I was breaking it in. Once I hit the sand on Clearwater Beach things got much better. Ideal winds made for ideal flying! I got my WindDance dialed in and you talk about control! I positioned myself such that my fiancé was on the edge of my flight envelope. I was able to lightly touch her in the back with the wind tip as she was lying at the edge of the water. Talk about fun! Talk about the looks I got from all the people walking the beach! It was GREAT! Thanks for providing such a wonderful product!" -- 5/99 email

The above stunt is called a "tipstand" but it isn't: a frameless WindDance can stand on its tip as well as a beach towel can stand on one end. Let's ease into what's happening here. When you fly a WindDance motionless in the sky directly above you (like a single-line kite) at point "U" on the edge of the flight envelope, it is FLYING. When you fly it motionless close to the ground at the side edge of the flight envelope, at point "L" or "R," it is also FLYING like a single-line kite -- but off to the side. When the lower tip of the WindDance lightly touches the ground (or the back of a loved one), it merely appears to be a real tipstand. For a delta sport kite, a resting-on-the-ground tipstand or a stabbing-the-ground tipstand is "ground work." For a WindDance, a tipstand is pure "FLYING" with the superb control described above!

WindDance review by Kite Lines Magazine -- 5/99

"Just read the 'Kite Lines' WD review. I cannot understand why it is assumed that we all buy kites to do "tip stands, edge and ground work." I buy my kites to fly them and experience the sensation of working with the wind. The last place I want to "fly" them is on the ground [standing, stabbing, rocking, spinning, cartwheeling, flipping, etc.] or in a stalled state.
Eventually, I think that you will see that the other kite manufacturers are going to realize that there is a very limited, special market for trick kites and that their sales will begin to decline once the saturation point is reached.
I do not think that we have to 'get back' to flying. A lot of us already do this on a regular basis. I do not feel any less competent because I fly my kites rather than do tricks. In fact, I take pride in flying and showing them off. Most observers seem to enjoy it more as well. I have nothing against trick flying -- it is a small area or specialty, such as any other activity may have -- but it seems to be the one that gets concentrated upon. I think that unless organizations, manufacturers and the various kite magazines start to change their emphasis, we may see a change for the worse in the kiting world. Just because some kites will do tricks, it does not make all the others seem like toys. Just the reverse I think. Hopefully, the market will dictate where we go from here.
Anyway, looking forward to receiving my fourth WD [from my local kite dealer]. And do not ever give up on your quest. Your kites are too well conceived and manufactured not to be successful. Best regards." -- 5/99 email

This WD owner is fond of FLYING delta kites, too!

"Large thanks for your prompt service. My WindDance 2 arrived just after lunch on Friday (about 24 hours after we spoke). I started making my lineset after work, picked up my wife and got in a good half an hour of flying and crashing on Friday evening before the wind died. Saturday the winds were bumpy 10-15mph. I flew and adjusted for about an hour and then, when I had it right, just plain flew and smiled for about another two hours. FUN! Sunday the winds were steady at about 5-7mph and I got in some good solid practice. I did though, feel a little sorry for the two delta flyers and one parafoil flyer with whom I shared the field. The families with their single line kites were watching my yellow wing carve the sky . . . I am thoroughly pleased with my purchase. I have already loaned the video and print info to a friend and have a short waiting list of folks who want to see it and are interested in your version of the sport." -- 5/99 email

"...I hate Dan..." -- 5/99 email

"I didn't have time to include this in my [WindDance 2] order but I wanted to let you know that I've been through your whole website from start to finish and your whole approach to flying is really refreshing.
My kiting exploits began just a few years ago and like a lot of new flyers I bought my first kite (a 6' Flexi) while on holiday.
I had a lot of fun and when I got back to the UK I tracked down my nearest kite shop and asked them for their advice on upgrading to something a little bigger (back then I thought bigger was better!).
The guy in the shop almost shouted at me when I told him that I wanted a foil and not one of his carbon-framed, Icarex-covered creations. He pretty much refused to sell me anything that didn't have 3 corners!
Until recently I actually flew mostly deltas but 2 weeks ago I received a message from some higher force that I should stick to foils...
I was flying at a newly discovered site near my home (we moved here recently) when the wind picked up to about 18 mph. I couldn't get my deltas to track properly and they were all pulling unevenly and flying 'lumpy'. . . another flyer arrived and came over to speak to me. He mentioned that he had a WindDance 2 in his kitebag but he wasn't big enough to fly it in strong winds. He asked if I'd mind flying it just so he could see it perform in a high wind and I was more than happy to oblige!
You can guess the rest!
I had more fun than a grown man should be allowed to have in a public place!
I sold my Rev. I'm selling my delta's. I'm thinking of sacrificially burning my Flexi ! ;-) . . . You have an incredible product and I'm just so glad that I found you... I owe that guy [who let me fly his WD2] a LOT of thank-yous too.
Great product. Great website. Great service. Great approach.
I spend a lot of my time publicly speaking all over the world about innovations in business, technology and communications and please believe me when I say that the world could do with a few more innovators like you...
My very best regards to you and to Sue and my sincerest wishes for your success in the future." -- 4/99 email

"Thanks for getting it to me so fast - one thing worth noting is that there were no UK Customs charges applied on import as it falls below the £100 threshold for personal imports over here - even better value than I first thought! . . .
To give you some idea of the price comparison between my WindDance 2 and another well known brand of sparred foil:
My WD2-A cost c.£65.00 (GB) delivered.
A similar sized sparred foil [bought here in Great Britain] would cost over £100.00 !!" -- 5/99 email

"Decided not to sacrificially burn my Flexi after all - I sold it instead! So...here's my order for a WD1-B... Thanks once again." -- 5/99 email

"Your kites are HOT!" -- 4/99 email

"I had a chance to put my new WD1 through its paces on the weekend. What an exciting kite it is to fly. So quick and accurate in the turns. Also, in low winds, i.e. about 2 mph and less, it seems to fly as well as my WD2 and 3. I guess because it turns so well, it just seems more exciting than the other two in the lower winds. I also had a chance to test fly (dare I say) a 'Stylus 1.8' from you know who, also from Seattle. The WD1 is much quicker and faster in the turns, (so is the WD2) and I guess, due to the relatively simple bridle and the closed wing tip cells in the Stylus 1.8, it tended to collapse at the wing tips in the turns. . . The WD1 is a delight." -- 4/99 email from a WindDance owner who purchased them from his local kite retailer.

"Are you practicing for competition?" -- 4/99

Asked a passerby as we WindDanced side-by-side on Seattle's Kite Hill. He said he knew a stunt-kite flyer who owned more than a hundred kites. "No way do we practice or compete!" we explained. "We fly together just for fun, and with hotter speed and turning than what you see in competition! It's so easy anybody can do it!"

"Despite the gusting and shifting winds in a somewhat narrow backyard, I had just successfully put [my brother's new WindDance] through its maiden flight, and was excitedly going to show him mine [a WindDance 3] doing loops . . . when the gusty winds suddenly stopped, shifted and reversed . . . the tree ate my kite and we had to cut down an 8 inch thick limb on a 40 foot ladder with a chain saw held over my head. It didn't quite bring down the fence below as it crashed down, and the kite was untorn. After untwisting the bits of branches from the bridle (the kite must have spun in the wind over 300 times after it snagged), we inspected the lines. They were all undamaged but after two hours it proved beyond our combined skill to untangle. Thanks again for your offer to put the bridle back together "as good as new." It shows a lot of class and a real concern for your customers. I very much enjoy your product, as does my wife and daughter (in lower winds). . . . It will drag my heels in the sand if I let it, but it's much more exciting to maneuver it through the sky. I love to let it hover almost straight overhead when my arms are getting tired, then power dive at maximum velocity, do a quick 90 degree turn at ground level, tear it through a 170 degree arc of air ten feet above the dunes only to climb sharply at the end and abruptly stop straight up and hover again. The pull transitions from easy through King Kong and back again in three heartbeats. It's a great kite TO FLY. Thanks again . . . " -- 4/99 letter from a WindDance owner who purchased from a kite retailer.

"Where are the people with the real kites?" -- 4/24/99

A boy asked his family that as delta sport kites were trick-flying as usual on Seattle's Kite Hill. He was looking for our side-by-side WindDancing he'd seen a few days earlier. By chance we soon arrived, and the family spotted our WindDances and came over!

"I bought a WindDance 3 when on holiday in Miami at Christmas. I then spent 3 hours having my arms pulled off, and loved every minute of it!. . . I also have a one and a half foot span delta, which goes like a bat out of hell (in a good wind), but the WindDance out-performs it (in half the wind). I know why delta resellers are so scared! I fly in London and the south coast of England, and whenever I get my big pink thing (great colour scheme by the way [code F]) out, the crowds swoon! The kite is surprisingly durable, however, after a 'friend' tried to fell a small tree with it (twice! doing at least 70 mph!! {The first time it came out fairly easily, but the next time it was a case of grab a handful of line and pull - poor kite, but the poor tree came off worst}), it has sustained a small injury. The fabric is starting to tear. About 1/4 inch of the underside fabric is coming apart. You mention on your web site that you have tape which can be applied to deal with small amounts of damage. How can I acquire this tape? How soon can you get it to me? Will it help stick my marriage back together also - she's getting jealous! I look forward to your reply, as I'm a bit wary of taking the kite out in case the tear gets any bigger. I'm fairly confident the ripstop will hold out, but my friends may drift away if I deny them flying time. Can I please have a set of the 'bumpy wind' adapters you describe?" -- 4/99 email from the UK

We airmailed free clear patching tape and bumpy-wind-adapter line.

"Why do dogs prefer WindDances over other types of kites?" -- 4/99 email

Our reply: "We think it's the sound emitted by the bridle lines ripping through the air. Humans hear only the audible portion of that sound, but canines also hear the ultra-sonic portion. Why do mainly male dogs come running? We suspect the WindDance Bridle's high-register signature is similar to the recently discovered ultra-sonic profile transmitted by female poochies eager for love."

"I created the web site for [a kite retailer] . . . I want to put together a page of general information about flying, including the physical principles of kite flying. Your site is excellent in the level of detail you've provided. On the page that I create with your information, I will place credit to you for the information with a link to your site -- both at the top of the page!!! What do you think? . . . I am an aerospace engineer by trade, and appreciate the performance and design qualities of your kites. I worked for Boeing for 10 years . . . I am planning on purchasing one of your kites, so you can expect an order from [my kite-retailer client]. Thanks for you help, and the time that went into the compilation of your site!" -- 4/99 email

Our response? "Yes, and Happy WindDancing!"

"Are your kites Y2K compliant?" -- 4/99 email

Uh oh. WindDances were designed & engineered, in part, using a computer that was not Y2K compliant at the time. So we've added Y2K compliance to our guarantee just in case. Who knows. Spooky things happen.

"Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. . . . I went out and really toyed with the bridle; and I tell you what a difference it made! I flew it for at least three hours and had a blast. My arms were a little sore today, I might add. Thank you again for your reply." -- 4/99 email

"We feel you have a product that could be conducive to both television sales via 800# direct response and mail order catalogs." -- 4/99

A letter from a marketing firm. We wish more kite retailers cared to cash in on that mass appeal.

"Well, the WD 1 is everything your web site said it would be. The wind was averaging 3 to 5 mph and 'gusting' to 7 mph! The WD 1 flew without fault and quite surprisingly well in the relatively low wind. This one is going to be a lot of fun in a higher wind. Even in the gusts, the WD1 was very stable and despite making sharp turns, showed absolutely no hints of any oversteer. In fact, none of the WindDance kites have any oversteer. You put them into a turn and they turn and come straight out without even the hint of a wobble. Now I have all three, what else do I need ?? !! After about six hours total flying time with the three kites, I am now beginning to feel and sense how unique they are. I am surprised at how often a collapse and crumple turns into a complete recovery and how frequently I can now do the traditional 'eagle' landing and take off again, especially with the WD 1 and WD 2. . . . Best regards and good luck with your kites." -- 4/99 email

"I took my WD3 to the beach for the first time yesterday, and after a couple of crashes I had that baby doing stuff I could not believe. My friend also tried it and he is hooked. You will be hearing from him soon!" -- 4/99 email

"I love your website, it conveys the type of information I want to see when making a purchase... I just wish I would have seen it before buying the other kite... live and learn." -- 4/99 email

"A quick technical question. Do you know, or is it possible to calculate the average air pressure inside one of the cells when say a WD2 is flying across the wind window in a 15 mph wind ??" -- 3/99 email

Yes, and we quickly calculated and sent a table of "edge" and "power zone" cell pressures for different winds.

"You were right.....the WD2 is a delightful kite to say the least. I had the chance to fly it today for about an hour and a half in a wind that was a steady 12 mph and was gusting to 16 mph. It is now broken in !! The WD3 would have been too much I think. Anyway, I am glad that I now have both sizes as it will give me some flexibility in different wind levels. Again, the construction is flawless and not a single error in the stitching. I am really impressed with the quality control and materials used. During the first flight today, the factory setting (30 mm) was spot on and I have now reduced it to about 27 mm in preparation for the next flight." -- 3/99 email

"Well, yesterday was the first time that I had flown [my WindDance 3] in a wind in excess of about 1 mph. It flew extremely well and I am very pleased that I bought one. . . . It took me several minutes to get out of the push/pull routine and to concentrate on pulling the turns. I didn't experience any tangles nor did I have any trouble landing and taking off from the grass. There were a lot of people watching and were very impressed with the kite and how it flew. I know that I am.
Good luck for 1999 and hopefully we can all get back to flying instead of trying to stop and stall our kites. A kite that is flying is always far more impressive in the air than one that is spiraling to the ground or stopped and jumping about in midair. I have heard this comment so often when out flying with regular delta sport kites, which by the way, I also fly and do not try to stall or stop in the air!!" -- 3/99 email

"Thanks for a great product and exceptional service. My WD1 arrived after only 7 days, not bad from the other side of the world. New Zealand customs didn't charge any duty on it either. I then had to wait 4 days for the wind to drop under 30 mph so I could take it out for its first fly. After about 30 minutes flying I tuned it and man are they fast. I think I will have to get longer tails on it to slow it down a little until I can get good enough to fly it that fast." -- 3/99 email

"WindDance -- the next step in foils. You won't believe how fast and tight turning these powerful, agile kites are. Unusually stable at the edge (where they handle more like deltas than foils) . . . Built to last a lifetime . . . Made in Italy of a ripstop nylon that seems to be bombproof, the kites are as well detailed as the instructions. . . . " -- 2/99, Into The Wind 1999 kite catalog

"As an owner of all three WindDance models I can attest fully to their incredible versatility in all wind conditions. With all three in my kite bag I have never been grounded even on the lightest of wind days. As to your text on the kite industry not accepting your designs, just have a retailer watch the response of spectators as a WindDance is put through its paces and he or she will realize you have developed an incredible product that has mass appeal to consumers. As all my delta kites have been shelved for the last year. I have little or no plans to purchase a delta type kite in the future but eagerly await any new products from Seattle AirGear!!!!!" -- 2/99 email

"You have developed an amazing web site. Thank you for providing such great information." -- 2/99 fax

"Just received my [WindDance 3] order this morning. . . much appreciated the free material for "bumpy wind" adapters, they really might come in handy. I really wanted to get her in the air today but unfortunately it's blowing heavy snow in some really gusty winds. . . I got to view the included video and was in very serious AWE! I've been flying deltas for years and I've never had one go that fast or turn that tight and square. . . . I wish you much luck and success and it's a pleasure doing business with you." -- 2/99 email

"It has been a month flying the WindDance 2 [here in West Malaysia]. I just came back from flying it two hours ago. . . Do you know that flying the WindDance 2 is a showstopping experience as motorists slow down to watch!!" -- 2/99 email

"You where exactly right, I received the kite in 5 days [to Australia] which was great! I didn't have to pay any customs duty. . . The WindDance 2 is very well made and is really fantastic fun to fly.
I've never been so excited when flying a kite. The WindDance can really get your adrenaline going when the wind cranks up. . . sensational in speed, turning, and power and there are no sticks to carry around and do damage. It takes up very little space in my back pack when I go bike riding. I'm going on a 9 day cycling holiday to Tasmania this month and I'll be taking my WindDance with me.
I had to fly it about half a dozen times to get it tuned to perform at near its best (2.8 cm setting at the moment) and it flies so well now. I think there's still some breaking in and fine tuning to do . . . It flies well at my local sports oval in the somewhat inconsistent winds there . . .
I have not really been across dual-line stunt kite flying developments and it was good that I read your articles about how non-flying is all the go before I saw someone flying a big delta stunt kite a couple of weeks ago. Sure enough he spent most of his time trying to park the kite on the ground! It didn't look like much fun to me. I did see him try doing a fast pass and the kite distorted badly. I used to fly hang gliders and if my glider had distorted like that, I'd have fallen out of the sky. The WindDance's shape is rock solid at high speed. I also had a fly of a couple of smaller stunt delta kites the other day and they just seemed unstable and very intolerant of choppy winds.
Well done, the WindDance is an all round great kite. All things being equal in the kite shops, I'm sure you'll do well with it." -- 1/99 email from Australia

"I have just left your web site and I would like to say that it is by far the most well thought out and presented site of its kind I have seen. . . " -- 12/98 email

"I was out tonight in the no breeze again and flew the WD3s - they will fly with just a wisp of air!" -- 12/98 email

"The 150 lb/100 ft lines worked out great with the WD3 in steady 10 to 15 mph wind. We went to the beach and WindDanced for about 2 1/2 hours straight. None of us could lift our arms after that!" -- 12/98 email

"These really are fun machines! I got the WD 1 and 2 for myself and the other WD 2 for a friend. I lent my WD to another friend and he wants to place an order. . . Untuned they fly just right. Tuned they are hot!" -- 12/98 email

"Subject: Maybe not just "virtually" indestructible... I had to write again about something that happened recently. My depth perception was not all I might've hoped and I (embarrassingly enough) steered my WD3 straight down onto a tree-top here in Wisconsin. The tree had no leaves of course since it's winter and the kite became tangled up in the branches. The tree was too thin to climb safely and too tall for a ladder. I ended up with only one option since I was out in front of my workplace: walk down wind to a favorable angle given how it was stuck and pull it out by the lines (cringing yet? I did.). I can't find any damage on the kite except one possible minor surface blemish on the back of the sail... it can't even respectably be called a scratch. I went over this kite carefully and cleaned it that night, so I looked closely. I thought if I was lucky I'd only find a small hole or two! Of course, we spent about 1/2 hr getting the *tail* down since it stayed up there when the kite came free... maybe I'll fasten it on a little better next time. Of course, this is not the *recommended* way to treat the kite... but it sure is easier to have fun if you're confident you're not going to kill the thing with rough treatment." -- 12/98 email

"I received the [experimental stretchy "bumpy-wind" flying-line adapters (see "Tips")] and had a chance to use them today in gusty winds. The kite performed much better. I do appreciate the service you have given since I purchased the WindDance 2." -- 11/98 email

"I meant to drop you a line earlier than this, but haven't had much time. I bought a WD3 at Kite Country in San Diego's Horton Plaza shopping center. It was my first kite and was recommended by the store. Prior to my purchase, a friend interested me in kiting and we flew his delta... I broke a spar by crashing it. The day I bought the WD3 we went down to the bay where everyone around here flies and within 30 minutes or so I was flying great... mainly because I was able to crash the kite and make mistakes without ruining it. This made it easier to learn to fly than the delta. Since then I've moved . . . I've learned how to stand the kite up at the edge even in turbulence . . . with care and not TOO much edge turbulence I can turn under and fly through the power zone. People stop to watch these slow-then-fast sorts of things more than anything else. An anecdote you'll like from before I left San Diego: I was flying down at the usual place along the bay and there were lots of people out... I went to talk to someone flying a delta because he was flying a nice long tail and showed him my WindDance. He flew the WD briefly and seemed impressed. The delta-fliers nearby were doing the typical stall-tricks, which I find interesting and beautiful, and which I have no inclination to try... one of them shouted "That kite makes you think too fast!" to me in a good-natured fashion. You see, it was flying incredibly fast in comparison to their kites. . . Good luck, and congrats on a great product." -- 11/98 email

". . . I am happy to report that your kite dances well to Jazz, Classical, Dance, and Rock and Roll. . . I enjoyed skimming your Kite Physics 102. . . Many frame kites have a high maximum L/D as indicated by the overhead angle which they can be sustained. However, they do not keep that L/D throughout the wind range. In fact, I would say that they have a very low L/D in the power zone represented by their speed. Once again, my compliments." -- 11/98 email

"The WD1 can be flown in 1 and 2 mph wind . . . best exercise yet!" -- 11/98 email

"Just thought I should add my testimonial and, noting that you've had problems with retailers, to say how pleased I was with the service from Gone With The Wind Kites. No one seems to supply WindDances in the UK but Dan [Dan Whitney, GWTW Kites, San Carlos, CA] had one over to me within 5 days of the order. I'm now thinking about either the 1 or 3!" -- 10/98 email

"Just to let you know the WindDances [1 and 2] arrived intact on 1st October. They had their first flights from a Scottish beach on Saturday and performed brilliantly. We are all looking forward to many hours of flying them. Thanks for all your help." -- 10/98 email

"When the 20-25 mph wind hits, my WindDance 2 pulls like a freight train, and is steady on line and fast! Does standard AMA Pattern with ease especially an Hour Glass . . . as well as or better than my deltas . . . great for triangles, any sharp, crisp pattern, as good as any framed kite and better than most - the only thing is for obvious reasons it won't "Axle", etc. but who needs it! . . . it flies well in very low wind . . . when the wind picks up it flies like a bullet! . . . Anyone who crabs about a WindDance, knowing that it is not a trick kite, is a little loose on the stick! . . . Ever need a testimonial on your product send them to me . . . " -- 10/98 email

"Make sure you bring . . . a plastic surgeon to remove the smile from your face when you fly the WindDance from Seattle AirGear! This "Hands Down" is the best flying machine ever invented! Say good-bye to deltas!" -- 10/98 email (cc) from a WindDance dealer to a friend

"I was mesmerized by the speed of the thing [WindDance 2]! . . . The craftsmanship is impeccable, and the bag they give you is a gem! It flies fast in big wind and yes it will square as sharp and crisp as my slow "Total Eclipse" and "Eclipse" . . . it makes this gnarly "swoooshh" . . . nothing like a sixty mph bounce! . . . I can do anything as far as standard Four Leafs, etc., sharp and fast! Real fast! . . . This thing does attract attention! A guy stopped in a car by the roadside and yells to me, "Hey man, what kind of engine does that thing have in it"? That was a definite smile!" -- 10/98 email

"I would like to say thanks for providing which I believe is the most detailed flight manual I have ever seen. The industry can learn a lot from you! It's also the best chuckle I have had in a while [last part of the Problems & solutions section in the user's manual]. More members of [the kiting] community should have a sense of humor!" -- 10/98 email

"I really love the WD1. Just taught two people to fly it, including one who's never flown before. Man, you should've seen the looks on their faces when that sucker hit the power zone in about a 20mph gust!!!!! Oh, my god! I really had fun with it!" -- 10/98 email

"If I had the money I would have bought all three! They seem to like speed -- so does everyone else around here -- the only kite [WindDance 2] I ever had people stop and watch a kite FLY!!!" -- 10/98 email

"Dan: Again I want to say thank you and I really do appreciate your treating me so well as a customer!" -- 9/98 email

"Video has arrived. . . Why are those deltas trying to stay airborne while the WD is whizzing about. It was so funny I woke the baby with my laughing. I noted the way they keep looking over to you. I had a friend edit it with the equipment in the station where he works, and you can zoom into them with a freeze frame, they look [displeased]. Good fun though. Many thanks." -- 9/98 email from the UK

"W. O. W. NEED I SAY MORE?" -- 9/98 email from the UK

In response to a WindDance 3-Pack.

"I bought 2 WindDance kites at Great Winds Kite Shop in Seattle, last December. One was for myself, and the other was a Christmas present. We love them. It's my favorite stunt kite. We love the way it handles, and the person I gave the Christmas-present kite is no longer afraid to crash & burn. She was avoiding her other stunt kites because she was afraid she was "going to kill something" if she crashed it. But now she's a "fearless flyer". We've discovered stunt kites are supposed to be fun! . . . Good job.....GREAT KITES!" -- 8/98 email

"What a great kite [WindDance 2]!" -- 8/98 email

"Thank you very much! I love the kite [WindDance 2]!" -- 8/98 email

"Cool web site!! Better than anybody else's!!" -- 8/98 email

"I'm VERY pleased with my WD3. It is everything I hoped it would be and more. I'm going to order a WD1 from you next month." -- 8/98 email

"Man, watch out for dogs! Some people came by the deserted park where I normally fly with two big black labs. As I was flying, one of them ran out to chase my WindDance 3 around. He barked and jumped several feet in the air. I thought, "This isn't good...." He tired of the game, but when I landed he bolted right for the dead kite. He grabbed a wing tip in his mouth, shook it vigorously and just dared us to come after him. When we didn't, he took off anyway. I was tempted to step on one of the control lines, but fortunately thought better of it. The owner and I chased him all over the park. He would stop occasionally, give the kite a good shake, then charge off again when we caught up. He finally got bored and we got tired. He dropped the kite and pranced off. Except for a very slimy, slobbery wing tip, the WindDance was completely unharmed. The bridles weren't even tangled. I shook it out, made sure the dogs were on their leashes, and took off again to dry it out." -- 8/98 email

"I received my WindDance 2 from Gone With The Wind Kites yesterday. By the time I got the kids fed I only had half an hour of light to fly. The kite was great and I flew well towards astronomical twilight. I bought the kite based on the info in your web site and it is every bit as good as the claims. Thanks!" -- 7/98 email

WindDance review by Wings Over Washington (DC) Club -- 7/98

"I have flown [my WindDance 2] for less than a hour in total (I have a six month old and a two year old) but have already been asked twice "what is that" and given one demo, after which the person said "where do I get one of these?" Thanks Again!" -- 7/98 email

"The WindDances are too much fun! I first bought a WD1, and then later, bought a WD2. I like the 2 best, especially the way it pulls. I imagine if the wind gets in the 25-30 mph range, the WD1 will be the only one a person could fly. The 2 has tried to drag me across the field a couple times in 25+ gusts. Ah, fun.... Hmmm, now I am wondering if I shouldn't invest in a WD3 for lighter winds....." -- 6/98 email

"I bought a WindDance 2 about two months ago and I can't believe how awesome a wing this thing is. I am a paraglider pilot. I took my WindDance with me one day to the launch on Tiger Mountain. The winds were blowing about 15 and gusting to 20. Much too strong to launch, so I broke out my WindDance and flew it for awhile. It blew other pilots away. About a half dozen pilots said they were getting one tomorrow. Because it packs so small, I have flown my WindDance in some other great locations as well. Time after time I am amazed at this kite. I have six high-end deltas that are fun, but not awesome like the WindDance. My compliments to the creator, you have put many a smile on my face, and a bit of soreness in my arms. Thanks!" -- 6/98 email

"I finally got a chance to fly my WindDance 2 in good air and what a thrill it was! I guess I don't have to tell you since you know the whole experience but I was really impressed, and hooked. Thanks for making such an incredible kite!" -- 6/98 email

"Hello, I am writing to let you know that I think your kites are awesome. I just recently purchased the WindDance 1, and it is incredible. I have never felt a kite respond like this. I am pretty much a beginner, so I was kind of worried that I wouldn't be able to handle it, but within 10 minutes (and a bunch of figure 8's) I felt very comfortable . . . The next day I had 15-20mph winds and hold on, WOW, talk about fun flying. I will recommend these kites to everybody. Keep up the good work and engineering." -- 6/98 email

"Cool, not only are you good at making your product, you have awesome customer service. Thanks for taking the time to reply." -- 6/98 email

"First of all let me compliment you on one awesome and very informative web site! . . ." -- 5/98 email

"I want to let you know I was very happy with the professional way you handled my recent order for a WD1. The shipment came in within 4 days of my sending you the m.o." . . . I do think I'll probably buy the WD2 also. -- 5/98 email

"Hello. I just wanted to thank you for producing a very enjoyable kite. I bought a WindDance 2 about a month ago from Gone With the Wind Kites in California, and I have really enjoyed the FLYING performance of this kite. This is a really fun kite! Your web site and User's Manual are both very helpful and informative. I check the web site frequently, and I appreciate the fine-tuning that has appeared in the pages. . . I think that I am going to add a WindDance 1 kite to my collection in the near future so I can have a smaller, quicker version of your kite design for windier days even though I enjoy the challenge that the "2" can provide when the wind is gusty. Thank you for the terrific product and the excellent web-based information. Keep on flying!" -- 5/98 email

"I received the two kites on Saturday and immediately took mine for a sail but not enough wind to get it up so I took it to a large dock out by the ocean and after several tries I got it up nice and high then the wind died and since I had run out to the end of the dock there was no place for me to go so I watched my new kite fold up and splat into the water. As it seemed to be floating, I started to pull it into me before a boat ran into it, since it was in the entrance to the harbor, and it got heavier and heavier as I pulled. I got it near the dock and realized that I could not pull it over the rocks, pilings, and rusty cables wound around the pilings, I climbed over the railing and crouched on the pilings to pull it up. No dice, so I crawled further out and sat on the edge, getting tar all over my tan pants, by pulling on only one line I got it up enough to get rid of some water and be able to grab the kite itself. I was able to pour the water out of it and then I discovered that the bridle was caught in the cables and the broken end of a cable was inside of the kite. I eventually got it all untangled and the cable out without ripping the material then packed the wet kite and went home. I think that it is undamaged and I will try to fly it tonight. I decided that some adventures are more fun than others." -- 5/98 email

We learned later the WindDance 3 came through unscathed.

"WindDances are faster, quicker turning, more powerful, and more responsive than [sparred-parafoils] of the same size!" -- SprSum/98

Comments from sparred-parafoil flyers and WindDance dealers.

"We have had more fun flying our kites! We have 2 WD2s. We look for any possibilities to fly. Our kites are always in our car....just in case we happen upon some wind! We just talked some friends (die hard delta flyers) into purchasing a WindDance 2. They are having fun getting to know it! See you at the beach!" -- 5/98 email

"The winds were 15-25 mph at Lake Crabtree Park, and I'm sure some of the gusts were ~30mph. This kite [WindDance 2] is FAST! After break-in, I tuned it and found it absolutely SCREAMS when going through the power-zone. I was flying on 100' lines and it would do a ground-pass from edge to edge in about 2 seconds. It will turn on its wing-tip and tracks beautifully. It likes pull turns much more than a delta. And PULL! It had me flying off the ground! Well, I'm entirely satisfied with my purchase. I had a BLAST flying it! I will definitely be flying it as often as there's wind." -- 4/98 email

"Just took my new WindDance 2 to Florida Beach. 25 knt. winds (miserable beach weather for sitting around). Put on a pair of 200# x 100' Spectra lines with straps and launched the sucker. A few crashes and I got the idea. (You're right about the straps. Not the best way.) WOW! Hovers like a kitten at 90 degrees left or right and at zenith straight overhead. Pulled me off balance and down the beach in power slot out front. Figure eights out front were a killer workout. My wife flew it too after some crashes and practice. We both crashed it in the surf several times and the waves threatened to take away our toy. I pulled it in more with each wave until I could grab it. I literally poured out gallons of water and sand and then launched it streaming water. It would fly with half the cells stuck closed and then open them all by itself and fly perfectly. It never actually tangled although it looked horrible after rolling over and over in the surf. On one beach crash landing it bounced and flew again instantly, but I'm not sure how and I couldn't do it again. At one point a tern flying by had to execute extreme avoidance maneuvers and squawked at us, angrily. It makes such a little sausage to throw in your travel luggage. What a blast!" -- 4/98 email

"The user's manual doesn't warn about hurting yourself from laughing so hard from all the fun!" -- Spring/98 comment from a happy WindDance 2 owner.

"Thanks for the info. . . . I did de-tune the kite drastically for those heavy winds (didn't have tails with me to add), and had to spend a fair amount of time hovering at the top of the window to give my arms a rest. We're really enthused about the WindDances. My brother is a "serious" delta flier, and he's kind of gotten me into the sport. A couple of years ago, while flying one of my brother's larger deltas at Copalis, I saw one of your kites. They were having great fun. He'd occasionally hit the ground, laugh, give a couple of tugs on a line, and re-launch. Once you get over cringing at the sound they make when they hit the ground, it seemed like the perfect kite. Flying my brother's kites has always made me paranoid that I was going to hit the ground and break one of his several-hundred dollar kites. Your kite just lets me relax and fly. My wife has always shied away from flying kites, even my cheap little delta. She was too afraid that she'd run it into the ground and break something. I think she's hooked after this last trip to the ocean with the WindDance. I got her to fly it to "help me break it in." I think you've done the sport a service by making a kite that takes the fear out of flying. (There's a pun there somewhere.) I have to wonder how many people have spent well over $100 on a delta, destroyed it in a crash, and given up on the sport. . . Thanks for listening to me beam about your product." -- 4/98 email

"I have flown my WindDance 2 from mountain tops, hotel roofs, paddle wheelers, and a bridge in Louisville Kentucky 75 feet above the raging Ohio River. I have flown in temperatures in the single digits, and in winds gusting to 40 mph. Today, in gusty winds of 30 mph I broke a bridle line. I've sent you the kite via snail mail. Please return it to me as soon as you can. I don't want to live without it." -- 2/98 email

The bridle line had been damaged before it broke. Probably by sharp ice, said the owner.

"I've been busy flying [my WindDance 2] through snow, sleet, and hail. Broke my flying lines yesterday. Winds out of the northeast at 20 mph, gusts to 35 mph, temp 25F, sleet. I need a good source of flying lines . . ." -- 2/98 email

"Now experimenting with attaching lines to the kite [WindDance 2], and storing the kite in bag with lines attached. This so that I can fly right out of the bag with no set up time at all. My fingers get really cold attaching lines at sub freezing temps and wind chill at zero or below. . . . Fun fun fun!" -- 1/98 email

"The chain link fence auto-launch! When were you going to tell me about this? Life is SO much sweeter with a chain link fence! . . . I was able to execute a few high speed insults to my [WindDance 2] at mountain top (temp 20F), no effect whatever on the kite." -- 1/98 email

"Last week I flew [my WindDance 2] at the summit of Mt. Cranmore to the delight of dozens of truly STUMPED skiers and boarders! Until, of course, I was asked to leave! (OK, I was flying on the wrong side of the ropes on a closed portion of the mountain...) It was a tough launch site because I was at the top of a very steep trail and couldn't see the kite AT ALL when I was launching, and I was self-launching! It was a long 150 ft round trip down and back up the slope in 2 ft of powder. Anyway, it was warm that day, about 20 degree F." -- 12/97 email

"We've had a few good windy days and I've broken in my WindDance 2! Wow! I love it. My wife even loves it, and she's a really hard sell. She had a great time on her first flight. She put it into a steep dive, while leaning back against the pull. And when it crashed the sudden slack in the lines sent her back on her butt, which was hilarious! But she got right back up and flying like a maniac. And she, of course, now wants her own WindDance." -- 11/97 email

"I bought a WindDance 2 on my vacation in Oregon. It is a great kite! Where can I buy a WindDance 1, 2, or 3 in Germany?" -- 10/97 email

"My father brought a WindDance parafoil from Anchorage Alaska to where I live in Wilmington, NC. We had a blast with it on the beach, and I'm going to buy one asap!!! I took a look at other parafoils today, and thankful I was able to see and feel the quality you put into the WindDance before wasting money and time on some other piece of junk..." -- 10/97 email

"Bought a WindDance 2 three weeks ago at Long Beach, WA. Great product. Again, Great Product. . . Thanks for hours of fun." -- 8/97 email

"Just to drop you a line about how much I like my WindDance 3. My father-in-law bought one a while back and I had so much fun with it, I bought one myself! Great job!" -- 8/97 email

"More fun than sex!" -- 8/97

Comment from a very-excited WindDance 1 owner exuberantly WindDancing in the delicious 20-30 mph wind that shut down the kite festival! Mostly WindDances remained flying (deltas could not handle the wind)! We flew nearby! OUR experience!

"Hello. I recently acquired a WindDance 2, which we are enjoying very much . . . your manual and website are remarkably comprehensive. You are to be commended. The kite itself appears to be quite well made, and after the experience to date I am less intimidated by the bridle than at first unwrapping . . . " -- 8/97 email

"I spoke with you last week just prior to buying a WindDance 3 . . . Well, I bought the kite and flew it straight away (after thoroughly reading the manual, of course). I'm impressed! This is without a doubt the best FLYING kite in my bag, and tons of fun!! I tentatively crashed the kite a few times onto the grass to speed up the break-in process as mentioned in the manual, readjusted the bridle, and within twenty minutes of flying time I could notice the increase in speed and pull. I crashed a few more times (hey, this is getting to be fun!), and then added a pair of long tubular tails from my Trlby stack, put on my Walkman headset and proceeded to Dance with the Wind. I must have played non-stop for a good hour or more (and I've got the sunburn to prove it) and never tired of the kite, though I did get tired from the workout as the wind was blowing about 15-18 mph. I attracted a small crowd and heard comments like "Wow, that kite's really fast! What happens if you crash at that speed?" (so I proceeded to show them, with "ooh's" and "ahh's" all around when I got it right back up in the air and kept flying), and "What makes it sound like that?" I told them "That's the sound of the wind having fun!" Thanks for building such a great kite! I'll be getting a couple of WindDance 1's for my sons in the near future, "'cause we want to have as much fun as you, Dad!"" -- 8/97 email

"I was recently on vacation on the Oregon Coast, when I came across the "parafoil" type of kites. After looking at several makes and costs, I settled on your WindDance 1. It was fairly easy to learn...after a few "crashes". My son and daughter both learned very quickly...enjoying the new kite flying experience." -- 8/97 email

"Hello, I have flown a WindDance 1 and find the pull to be too much in winds of around 15 mph. I am a small and lightweight adult. . . I want a very fast kite but with less pull. . . Please consider making a smaller WindDance [with less pull] . . ." -- 8/97 email

The pull of a WindDance can be reduced, sacrificing hardly any speed, by decreasing the bridle setting a little.

"We received them this morning first thing, and rushed out to try them. The winds here today were very lumpy and light so we couldn't do the kites justice but we still managed to fly them and enjoy the feeling of flying such wonderful kites. We tried some more straight line tracking and tight turning. We are still amazed at the accuracy to which they all perform. We can certainly see the effort in design that has gone into them." -- 6/97 email from the UK

"We were extremely impressed with their performance. They handled like a dream and we managed to put them through their paces. We tuned them to get the very best out of them and had some marvelous flying with them. Their handling, straight line tracking, speed and pull dazzled us from the outset. We certainly turned a few heads this morning with many making some very positive and favourable comments. We would very much like to include the WindDances in our routines where we perform 'aerobatics' to music and high speed flying, after seeing how magically the kites flew." -- 6/97 email from the UK

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WindDance dual-line parafoil stunt kites/sport kites are developed, sold, and backed by Seattle AirGear.
WindDance, WindDancing, Seattle AirGear, and AirGear are trademarks of Seattle AirGear.
Copyright © 1995-2017 Seattle AirGear.
This page last revised Mar-26-2007

"Monday afternoon. Watch the video - this is going to awesome - that Dan must be a great guy.

Monday evening. Set to work making the lineset. Ok, read step one. What? Ok, read step one again. What's he talking about? Ok, just read step one again. Forget step one - go to step two. Thread a vinyl cap? Thread with what? And what's this red and yellow cord for? I have a needle - just thread it. How come Dan isn't more clear on this. A camel could get through the eye of this needle easier than this kite string. Just cut a hole in the cap with a razor. That's better - I can stick a TV cable through this cap hole now. Making progress. OK, tie the knots. Praise God! A picture for those of us who have had the right side of our brains surgically removed. Step 5. An assistant? What? Call Dan and give him a piece of your mind. Who am I Pat Sajak - where's Vanna? There's someone outside. Hey, would you hold the end of this? O ya, same to you buddy. I hate Dan.

An hour and a half later - relax, breath in, breath out, that's it, you'll be fine. Ok, I must be done. Let's fly this puppy [WindDance 2]! Hurry up! It'll be dark in a half-hour.

Where's the wind? Was that a hair I felt move on my head? A 747 couldn't fly today. Give it up, try it tomorrow. Ya, maybe you're right. NO WAIT! The lake! There's always a breeze over water! It's close - only a half-hour away and I can make it in 20 minutes. Thank you officer. You're absolutely right, a seatbelt citation is much better than a speeding ticket. I appreciate your consideration officer (you communist). I hate Dan.

Half-hour of light left, plenty of time. Cool, the lake's half dry. I'll just walk out onto that grassy spot, a breeze is sure to come up. Set out the line - set the kite here. O GOD! WHAT WAS THAT! Relax. Remember, a moccasin is more scared of you than you are of it - right. I know Dan said this would fly in zero wind. He sold me the wrong one. I knew I should have bought a WindDance 3. Guess I have to send this one back. I hate Dan.

Tuesday, noontime. Nice wind today. I can become an expert flyer on my lunch break. There's a softball field at the bottom of the hill with trees all around it. Ya, that's the ticket, so what if it's 100 feet below sea level. The wind will be blowing nicely there. OK she's up. Wow, a 5-second flight that was cool. Do it again cool. OK, do it again, and again. Wow, 10 seconds, cool. I'm da man! Let's try the beach after work. Still not sure about Dan though.

Tuesday evening. Too much traffic. Look over there. A huge field on a hill and the wind's really gusting nicely now. The hill must be part of that big building - they won't mind. I'll just park under this tree and walk a ways. O GOD! Another serpent. It's not Dan's fault - this time. OK she's up. HELP, I'M BEING DRAGGED!! SMASH! Cool. SMASH. SMASH. SMASH. Hello officer. Federal property? Ya but I. Federal Prison? Ya, but you see, I just got this new kite and... OK, OK, OK, I'm leaving. Jeesh! That's a nice shotgun officer. Is it a... OK, OK, OK, I'm leaving officer (you communist). I hate Dan.

Soccer Field! Cool! She's up! Left, right, left, right, SMASH. She's up! Left, right, left, right, SMASH, SMASH, SMASH, SMASH. Fifty seconds! Just broke the Wright brother's record. SMASH, SMASH, SMASH, SNAP. Dan said it wouldn't break at the kite end loop. I'm going to the beach and fly my faithful old kites. I'm sending this defective monstrosity back. I hate Dan.

An hour and a half of light left. Beautiful. Steady 6-7 mile an hour breeze off the Gulf. Beautiful. My best star kite up. Now a large delta with 20' tail, now a French Army box. Beautiful. Look at those kites fluttering against the clouds. I'm at peace. Should I try the evil kite from Hell? Why not. I'm sending it back tomorrow anyway. OK, tie two new kite end loops. Overhand here, knot the flying line, larks beak the bridle, tune a little -- piece of cake -- why was it so hard the first time? OK, she's up! Left, right, left, right, circle left, now right, beautiful, up, up, up, swing her around nice and slow, now straight down through the power zone, SNAP HER UP QUICK! Did you see that!! Beautiful. Do it again, now high, now low. Hold it motionless, now max power - don't lose her! GO VERTICAL!! Incredible! What a rush. Again. Again. Now I can barely see this baby in the dark. What a performer! She glows as she reflects the distant flash of the lightning that's starting to come up from the Gulf. Beautiful. Arms are a little sore. It'll be even more fun tomorrow. That Dan, what a great guy. Maybe we'll have dinner together sometime." Back