Kites fly in almost no wind

My 961st kite video. With almost no wind today, I had to search my car for kites that stood a chance of flying in the conditions. Luckily, I found a few that stayed up for a while.

[@ianvirco5897]

A valient effort that yielded serene results, i see Peter has changed to a sparred head in his attempts to charm his snake to rise. I guess the Spitfire will have some connection with the Warbirds at Wanaka, the web says there is a big airshow there at Easter, a long way to go from Christchurch but within striking distance of Dunedin, that could be a weekend of historic aircraft and kites.

[@JimNicholls]

The snake has yet to fly with the new head, but I think Peter will get it to succeed. The Spitfire has appeared before, but I don't know the reason for its visit this time. The Warbirds Over Wanaka show is a two-yearly event, and the one currently advertised will take place in 2018.

[@ianvirco5897]

I didn't notice the 2018 bit, airshows are normally annual in the UK so i just assumed it was this easter, should pay attension, The Spitfire could be from elsewhere or even live in one of the quieter corners of Christchurch Airport. I have every faith in Peter taming his snake, so far his rapid uptake of kiting has resulted in a series of successes, i doubt that this creation will resist the lure of the open skies for long.

[@kiteflyingdownunder....car6272]

Great to see my old friend , Mr Bonito doing his best to fly again. A good choice on a light wind day. I was a little anxious for Peter trying to inflate his snake with little wind. He appears to have made a nice update to the snakes head. Look forward to seeing it again when the wind returns.

[@JimNicholls]

I hope you'll get a chance to fly the Bonito again sometime, Carl. That kite is no longer available, so if you were saving up for one, you can stop now!

[@halaasen3416]

Red oval roller is a fantastic kite! Glad I have one. Nice video Jim.

[@JimNicholls]

Thanks, Hal. Yes, a great kite, and I must fly both of mine together again soon. I don't know why it isn't still made - it was certainly the best roller available, but I guess not enough people appreciated it.

[@leahcim967]

Missed out on my chance at a red oval roller. Always on the lookout for a used one.

[@JimNicholls]

It's a lovely kite for sure. I don't know why it was discontinued.

[@okayokay9569]

Hi

[@amycuaresma]

Was not sure on the snake...got it up tho! You know what I like about this, is the cooperation of yourself and friends. Everyone gets a turn and everyone cooperates. I need to film and share with you. I live in Anchorage Alaska, I have a beautiful backdrop! I don't have a kite crew though

[@JimNicholls]

There is a group of kite-fliers near you: facebook.com/Alaskiters/ . One of the members, Tim Tullis, often comments on my videos: facebook.com/tim.tullis.14 . Perhaps you can get in touch and share the fun.

[@kiteguy8576]

I like the Bonito. Does it have a lot of pull or not because of the bridal angle.

[@JimNicholls]

It has almost no pull, really, for the size of it. The smaller Pointer kites, which are still 11ft tall, can be easily held by the smallest child. Unfortunately, neither is available any more. I guess there just weren't enough people buying them.

[@jmm95076]

The tow point on that Bonita appears to be high above the sail. Is it actually connected to the tip of the protruding spine? Fascinating design.

[@JimNicholls]

The tow point for most conditions is right at the top of the spine, which as you say is well above the sail. The low-wind point is on the spine just at the top of the sail, and that's what I should have used here but didn't for some reason that I can't remember. You can see that in use in my latest video which I'm about to upload in a few minutes' time.

[@CirrusRC]

That Bonito is almost as impressive as the Spitfire! Hope you heard the engine. Peter must be a masochist to attempt flying those snakes in that weather :)

[@JimNicholls]

When Peter is determined to do something, it takes a lot to stop him. But the lack of wind is impossible to overcome!

[@user-fr1zc1jy3j]

Bonito kite is very beautiful

[@JimNicholls]

And very expensive (although it's not made anymore.)

[@grahamev1]

You did well on that day Jim.

[@JimNicholls]

Thanks, Graham. It was quite an effort to fly anything, as you saw.

[@jayinhoff6877]

Pretty display especially for a low/no wind day. I can always use new ideas for those days. Pls can you remind me who made the roller and the bonito?

[@CirrusRC]

For the Bonito - Ceewan, also known as Leong, specializes in making ultralight kites

[@JimNicholls]

The roller was made by Premier Kites, but discontinued several years ago. The Bonito was designed by Ceewan in Malaysia, and he made the sail, which was then sparred by Jon Trennepohl in America and sold by his company, Kites and Fun Things. It's no longer available from there. I would guess it wasn't a big seller, because of the price.

[@Fitflix656]

No wind, their shirts are blowing

[@JimNicholls]

If there was no wind, the kites wouldn't have flown either, which is why I said ALMOST no wind. The lady's shirt that was blowing was made of very light fabric. I hope it makes you feel better to have pointed that out, anyway.

[@christianlebordelais]

Beau visuel

[@JimNicholls]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@ivanhernandez1447]

Buenos papalotes

[@JimNicholls]

Thank you!

[@fotonmom]

It was swell while it lasted.. As for us in the land 'up over'..we have had a crazy weather week. 3 days ago we had 70 degrees followed by tornado weather and now today snow flurries and around 35. So now kites will be allowed out , I'm afraid. Those deltas are such reliable fliers in low breezes, aren't they..:) Looking forward to getting my collection out soon! Question...I noticed you use the same type of kite reel for almost every kite in your arsenal..is it your favorite type? Or do those come with most of your kites ?

[@JimNicholls]

I use hoop spools for all my lines, Priscilla. And they don't come with the kites - only "kiddy kites" usually have line with them. I find those spools the easiest to use and they've never let me down. I hope your weather improves soon.

[@revawoods4205]

Oml you can see you have wind 💨 or it wouldn’t have stayed up plain and Simple

[@JimNicholls]

Kites are not balloons, so of course they need some breeze to stay up. But they vary tremendously in just how little they need to fly, and most kites would not be able to stay up in the conditions shown here.