By Jere Hough Meteorologist / Feature Reporter
Published: Fri, March 28, 2008 - 11:34 am
Last Updated: Fri, March 28, 2008 - 12:57 pm
Last Updated: Fri, March 28, 2008 - 12:57 pm
Jere Hough
Williams explains one reason he loves to fly kites, "...Got an hour? Got a few of those in the trunk of your car? Find an open spot, and a great stress reliever...Many people enjoy it for just that reason."
Williams is one of four thousand members of the American Kitefliers Association. Communities across the country host kite flying events. And like his fellow fliers, he can buy all kinds of kites and supplies from dozens of internet sites.
"The elaborate kites are, for the most part, made out of nylon or dacron fabric," he says. "Some of the very good flying kites you can buy for less than $100. Usually when they go up in size and complexity in sewing, they can literally go up into the thousands of dollars."
He says some custom kites have cost $50,000!
On the other hand, he has a high flier called a "trash bag kite." That's what Williams made it from...and it quickly takes to the air.
Incidentially, fabric and plastic have replaced the old tissue paper, diamond-shaped kites that sold for a quarter. But he says, one of those in mint condition is very collectible these days.
Meteorologist Jere Hough flies one of Williams' kites on 30-pound test line. He comments, "There's a saying from the 1960s, 'You don't need a weatherman to tell you which way the wind is blowing. Well, not if you have a kite!"
Click Here to Learn how to a Make a Trash Bag Kite.
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