Close your eyes for just a moment and go back to when you were just a kid. Remember those breezy spring days that beckoned you to build the best kite in the neighborhood. Surely, your masterpiece flew to never before seen heights! Fun days for certain with the only real challenge being “where do I launch.”
Although groups have always visited the Myrtle Beach area for shows, shopping, dining and amusements, the beach is still the major attraction. With the Grand Strand’s 60-miles of wide, sandy beaches, “where do I launch” is never a challenge. Adding a kite flying activity to your itinerary is really quite easy and makes for a fun morning. Here’s how.
First of all, it’s necessary to share a few facts and a little “kite history” to impress your clients and friends. March 27 – May 2, 2010 is National Kite Month® sponsored by The AKA (American Kitefliers Association) in cooperation with the KTAI (Kite Trade Association International). They have a really great web site at http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/.
Although the date and origin of kite flying is unknown, the first written record came about 200 B.C. A Chinese general flew a kite over a city he was attacking, measuring the distance his army needed to tunnel to get past the defensive walls. Over time kites have been used to fly messages to lovers, deliver bait over fishing waters, signal during wars and of course scientific applications to learn more about wind and weather. With just this little bit of knowledge, let’s proceed.
We suggest you divide your group into teams. Each team will have builders and aviators. This addresses any mobility issues, while still allowing everyone to participate. Of course the builders are charged with the construction of the kites, while the aviators are your kitefliers. Hard hats, goggles and an air traffic controller are optional.
There are two ways to proceed. Purchasing a pre-packaged kit from a Myrtle Beach area retailer is certainly an option. We suggest you visit Klig’s Kites with locations at both Barefoot Landing/North Myrtle Beach and Coastal Grand Mall/Myrtle Beach. As the name implies, they are all about kites. From the simple to the extravagant you can choose from hundreds of styles. It’s one stop shopping for everything you’ll need, including some advice on what styles are easiest to construct and fly. Call them at 843-448-7881 or visit online at http://kligbro.com/.
For the more adventuresome group that’s ready to build from scratch and really test their skills, visit http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/plans. Kite plans for the beginner and links for builders with intermediate experience and the very experienced are available. All the materials and direction you’ll need are clearly laid out. In addition there are teacher resources for celebrating National Kite Month.
Kite constructing really doesn’t require a great deal of room, unless your building something that resembles a hot air balloon. When weather permits working by your hotel’s pool or picnic area might be suitable. Possibly, the use of a meeting room for a few hours can be arranged. Covered picnic areas at either Myrtle Beach State Park, or Huntington Beach State Park are great for assembly and provide plenty of accessible beach area for flying. There is a modest fee to enter South Carolina State Parks.
With the teams in place and construction completed, the next step is to cover the sky with brightly colored flying objects. At least on paper that’s how it should work. Regardless of the outcome you can be assured of a fun filled morning.
To keep the memory alive and reward your teams, some trophies and prizes are in order. We suggest a “First In Flight” (with all due respect to Ohio and North Carolina) award, the “Kute Kite” award and of course the “We Didn’t Know It Was Suppose to Fly” award(s). Have fun and enjoy!
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