Berkeley
Kite Festival
West Coast Kite Championships
Berkeley, California 2003
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Doing Berkeley last year was a dream come true. To be able to return again this
year was all the sweeter because it almost didn't happen and I knew what to
expect and how to make the most out of the experience. I even put a couple of
kites in the air this year. The disappointment about this Berkeley was the
"second-class citizen" status that the sport kite competition arena was given. Berkeley has always been synonymous with the Best of the
Best dual-line and quad-line flying and to see the competition relegated to the
lower field with Big Kites and Demos taking center stage was an interesting
change. The
competition was still fantastic and well run (good job BASKL), I'm just sorry
that more people didn't get a chance to enjoy that part of the show.
My enjoyment of Berkeley was enhanced by participating in the kitemakers
competition sponsored by the Bay Area Sport Kite League. (Thanks Arnold for
letting me know about the competition.) It was a chance to put "Native Tribute"
in the sky again and test it against the strong Berkeley winds. I knew that the
hexes would like the velocity but was grateful to Brian for helping me beef up
the spars so that I could fly the train without fear of anything breaking and
ripping a sail. (Not sure I paid Brian for the spars that are now on the prairie
with me...guess I'll have to think of some way to repay him in Dayton.)
Berkeley was the last stop on my "Endless Summer" on the west coast. What a
great venue to greet and then say adios to my California friends. To Susan
Shampo, Ron Despojado, Dan Whitney, Dan Burnham, Aaron Champie, Robin
Sutherland, Jim Strealy, Tim Helwig and Evan, Dave Hoggan, The Lummas, and The
Gombergs (Californian's for a weekend)...it was great seeing all of you and
sharing the sky again. I can't wait to travel west again to say another hello.
And Brian, thanks for putting up with your house guest from the prairie for so
much of the summer. Your hospitality, generosity, encouragement and support are
gifts that I will treasure forever. Thank you.
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Avispados flying their ballet routine |
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The team Air Zone competing infront of half a dozen spectators |
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Native North Star was honored to share the sky with Brian Champie's 550 Sutton |
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The octopi tentacles are hypnotic |
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Feels like Big Brother is watching |
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"Native Tribute" in kitemaking competition. And this really was at Berkeley. |
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Tim and Jim's 252's...lots of rainbows...luckily no rain all weekend |
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The camera just loved the bowling pin arrangement of the octopi |
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Dan Whitney's Gecko and three of his "Manta" friends |
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Brian's midi gets added to the mix for a grand total of 8 |
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"Don't look now Brian but I think you are being watched." |
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A display like this makes Brian look petite |
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Big hearted guys, Dan Whitney and Brian Champie |
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The pyro twins are reunited and flew well most of the day |
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The best sky that money can buy |
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Native North Star flying at Berkeley...the spectators liked it |
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Bay Area Sundowners doing a demo |
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A special perk at Berkeley is the awards banquet aboard ship that cruises out into San Francisco bay |
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My host while in California...what a great shirt...thanks Brian for everything |
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Big kite man, Dave Hoggan and the littlest Hoggan |
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Brian getting recognition as a "Big Kite" flyer...I knew that 550 would make you famous |
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MIP winners...1st Aaron, 2nd Brian, 3rd Miguel...Chacmols rule!!!! |
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Me with trophies. Simply amazing. "Most Incredible Kite" award for my star and a first place finish for my train. Berkeley, I'll be back!!!!! |
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skydance@bis.midco.net
