Storm Foil 2.1m (In stock)
Great for training or just having fun on the field. This two line power kite comes complete with a top quality bar developing an extremely powerful pull in higher winds. Featuring reinforced bridle attachment points and leading edge inlets also optimized cross venting ensure stable, steady, predictable performance and power.
Brief history of modern kites
During the second world war, some naval antiaircraft gunners were trained using steerable 2 line kites that flew like modern stunt kites with two control lines. A pilot on the ground would fly the kite around, making it hard to hit. The concept was developed by Paul Garber, a U.S. Navy Commander. However, until the 1960s, 2 line stunt kites for the general public weren't to be seen. These kites really started to become more popular in the 70s. Most kite flyers have heard of the Peter Powell Stunt Kite, which Powell came up with in 1972. At last it was much easier for anyone to buy and fly a stunt kite. His design was a diamond with a very long, inflatable tail. The idea at the time was to trace big patterns in the sky with the tail! Surprisingly, this design is still popular today.
A lot of manufacturers came out with delta shaped stunt kites in the 80s. Watching or competing in kite flying contests became a cool thing to do. At this point in the history of stunt kites, team flying became a spectator sport with stacked kites performing colorful precision maneuvers in the breeze. People flew deltas, diamonds or flexifoils, depending on their preference. Apart from the still-popular Peter Powells, these kites had names like Hawaiians, Hyperkites, Flexifoils, Trlbys, Rainbows and Skynasaurs.
Flexifoils were similar to the parafoils which had been invented in the early 60s, but had a flexible spar running the entire length of the leading edge. These flexifoils flew really fast through the air!
Any history of stunt kites would not be complete without mentioning one particularly notable design of the period, the Mirage. This was a cleverly designed tailless delta that managed to win a lot of contests in the mid to late 80s. The design was inspired by the writings of two kite experts, David Pelham and Peter Ianuzzi. In those days, flyers would do 3 compulsory maneuvers rated 1-10 plus a 1-3 minute freestyle demonstration.
The 'big wing' stunt kites were also invented during the mid 80s. These kites were deltas with wings up to about 2.5 meters (8 feet) across. The first of this kind was called the Hawaiian Team Kite.
Starting in the 90s, the early parafoils were developed into traction or power kites. The main idea here was to get pulled along on a surfboard, kite buggy or snowboard. However, some of these parafoils remain in use as sparless stunt kites by a lot of people because there's nothing rigid to break! But say 'stunt kite' today, and it really means 'delta stunt kite' to most people. Rip-stop nylon has become the favorite material for kite sails. This material is tear-resistant, light and doesn't let any air through. It is used in all types of modern stunt kites.
Brief history of modern kites
During the second world war, some naval antiaircraft gunners were trained using steerable 2 line kites that flew like modern stunt kites with two control lines. A pilot on the ground would fly the kite around, making it hard to hit. The concept was developed by Paul Garber, a U.S. Navy Commander. However, until the 1960s, 2 line stunt kites for the general public weren't to be seen. These kites really started to become more popular in the 70s. Most kite flyers have heard of the Peter Powell Stunt Kite, which Powell came up with in 1972. At last it was much easier for anyone to buy and fly a stunt kite. His design was a diamond with a very long, inflatable tail. The idea at the time was to trace big patterns in the sky with the tail! Surprisingly, this design is still popular today.
A lot of manufacturers came out with delta shaped stunt kites in the 80s. Watching or competing in kite flying contests became a cool thing to do. At this point in the history of stunt kites, team flying became a spectator sport with stacked kites performing colorful precision maneuvers in the breeze. People flew deltas, diamonds or flexifoils, depending on their preference. Apart from the still-popular Peter Powells, these kites had names like Hawaiians, Hyperkites, Flexifoils, Trlbys, Rainbows and Skynasaurs.
Flexifoils were similar to the parafoils which had been invented in the early 60s, but had a flexible spar running the entire length of the leading edge. These flexifoils flew really fast through the air!
Any history of stunt kites would not be complete without mentioning one particularly notable design of the period, the Mirage. This was a cleverly designed tailless delta that managed to win a lot of contests in the mid to late 80s. The design was inspired by the writings of two kite experts, David Pelham and Peter Ianuzzi. In those days, flyers would do 3 compulsory maneuvers rated 1-10 plus a 1-3 minute freestyle demonstration.
The 'big wing' stunt kites were also invented during the mid 80s. These kites were deltas with wings up to about 2.5 meters (8 feet) across. The first of this kind was called the Hawaiian Team Kite.
Starting in the 90s, the early parafoils were developed into traction or power kites. The main idea here was to get pulled along on a surfboard, kite buggy or snowboard. However, some of these parafoils remain in use as sparless stunt kites by a lot of people because there's nothing rigid to break! But say 'stunt kite' today, and it really means 'delta stunt kite' to most people. Rip-stop nylon has become the favorite material for kite sails. This material is tear-resistant, light and doesn't let any air through. It is used in all types of modern stunt kites.
