Podcast Episodes

029

Taking a break for a few weeks

028

Multi line flying with Patrick and Spencer

While at the Washington State International Kite Festival, host Nic O'Neill had a chance to sit down with TWO amazing guys that are known for flying multiple kites at one time. First up is Patrick Reibold who flies 3 Dual line kites at one time. Then a chat with Spence Watson who flies two Quad Line kites at one time.  It is worth noting that these are not stacks or kites in a 'train'. These two guys have really mastered the craft of flying several kites at once!!

027

An Adjustment to my Flying

Fresh off the beach from WSIKF host Nic O'Neill gives a personal anecdote of fixing a disparity between the left and right side with something as simple as a sharp turn. This is a short episode for other beginners out there. Stay tuned for more interviews and recaps from the sport kite field at WSIKF.

026

Northern Lights for Kites with Lindsey Johnson

In this episode host Nic O'Neill sits down with Lindsey Wisdom Johnson of Northern Lights for Kites and Phantom Star Kites. When a friend approached him with an idea for changing up the way that sport kite fliers light their kites for night flying, Lindsey created a new solution using his experience and knowledge with 3D printing, design, LED's, and a dash of 'magic'. What sets these lights apart from others? Well, let's just say that you the kite is the centerpiece, not the light. Find out more in this weeks episode. Check out Northern Lights for Kites on Facebook or contact him via: nlforkites@gmail.com

025

Describe your Kite.... and your flying

Wondering what someone means when they say a kite has good speed control, or that you as a flier are heavy handed? Or what about if things are soft, or aggressive? There are so many words used to describe the feeling of the kite, that sometimes it can be a little daunting for the uninitiated. In this episode host Nic O'Neill sits down with Paul de Bakker and discusses a few of the listener submitted terms and phrases used to describe either a kite or a kite flier.

024

Building Blocks to help with your learning

Knowing what the four building blocks of every thing you do with a sport kite, can really help you get in tune with what your doing, and help you build your own training plan for advancing your technique. 1. Speed/Timing 2. Distance/Body Mechanics 3. Inputs 4. Placement

023

Chat with Jimmie Nord - Humboldt Kiters

This week we are on a road trip meeting with fellow kite fliers and kite enthusiasts. Along the way, I stopped in Eureka, California to meet up with a new sport kite flier that just picked up sport kites right before the pandemic. Jimmie Nord of the Humboldt Kiters.

022

A Training Plan

I want to progress but I am not sure where to start. I am feeling a little lost while looking for teachers, training plans, or others to help out. Not sure where to get started, or even how to go about it?!?!?! These are all questions and thoughts that a lot of the solo sport kite fliers out there have. So in this weeks episode I go over how I am approaching my own training plan. It is a version of one that I use in another sport, and it may work for you as well.

021

Dual and Quad at the Same time?

In this episode I answer a question from a listener on whether or not you can fly a dual line sport kite and a quad line sport kite at the same time as an individual, pair, or in a team. Short answer.... Yes, but think about playing to the strengths of both instead of trying to make them the same.

020

Chat with Scott Weider Part 2

In this episode I sit down with Scott Weider for the second part of a two part chat about kites. For those that do not know of him, or his history… well, let’s just say that any introduction I try to do would no where do it justice. He is someone with decades of experience on the sport kite field in his competition years and his time on the big stages around the world. A side note before we get started. I recorded this on the beach, so at times there is some wind noise. Also this is rather raw discussion without editing, and maybe a few curse words here and there. This is just what it is like to sit and chat and listen to two friends hanging out between some kite flying. So, wherever you are, imagine yourself sitting on a big open beach, the sun on your face, a warm wind blowing up the beach, and you are just hanging out with some of your friends.

019

Chat with Scott Weider Part 1

In this episode I sit down with Scott Weider for the first part of a two part chat about kites. For those that do not know of him, or his history… well, let’s just say that any introduction I try to do would no where do it justice. He is someone with decades of experience on the sport kite field in his competition years and his time on the big stages around the world. A side note before we get started. I recorded this on the beach, so at times there is some wind noise. Also this is rather raw discussion without editing, and maybe a few curse words here and there. This is just what it is like to sit and chat and listen to two friends hanging out between some kite flying. So, wherever you are, imagine yourself sitting on a big open beach, the sun on your face, a warm wind blowing up the beach, and you are just hanging out with some of your friends.

018

Interview with Canvas Kite Designs

In this episode host Nic O'Neill sits down with two folks that have been a part of the Sportkite podcast that have just announced they are launching their own boutique high end sport kite brand, Canvas Kite Designs. We get to know more about their efforts, their intentions, and what spurred them to branch out on their own.

017

Getting Started with flying multiple kites

This week we answer a question from a listener on how to get started with flying multiple kites at one time. Not to be confused with flying 'stacked kites' which we will get into in a later episode. Hope you enjoy this intro into multiple kite flying, and to find out more and to see some of the inspiration for this, google Ray Bethell. The man.. .the myth... the legend, and a whole lot of ' Good Stuff' when it comes to multi kite flying. 

016

Competition in 2021, New Kites, and a little bit of other stuff

Last weeks episode disappeared!!! Oh no!! We will have to re-record that one, and in the mean time here is a short episode about some of what is ahead in 2021, from whether or not there is Sport Kite Competition, new boutique builders, new kite models, and training clinics! This may be news you have already heard, or have heard parts of it, or maybe something new!

015

5 Frequently asked Beginner Questions

If you are a beginner, this is an episode for you!! If you are not, this is a great episode to recommend to someone that is just getting into sport kite flying. Why? because in this episode, Nic O'Neill answers 5 of the most frequently asked questions from a beginners perspective.  What if my lines are twisted or crossed? I broke a rod, can I just duct tape it? Or I broke a line can i just tie it together? I tried flying but the kite keeps spinning to one side and falling out of the sky…  The kite wing folds in and it just collapses... help!!! Where do I attach a tail? Don't forget to hit the subscribe button!!

014

Unraveling the Basics of Lines

Kite lines are usually the last thing people think about, and one of the first things they complain about. Lines can make or break your flying experience, and they can turn a good kite into a poor flying one. There are many factors that go into line making and line selection, and knowing the differences between the various options can help you get the most out of your kite.

013

Getting to know your composite spars, rods, tubes, carbon fiber, fiberglass.... and more!

In this episode Nic O'Neill sits down with Paul de Bakker, a frequent guest on the Sportkite Podcast and not only an avid kite flier and designer, but in his professional life he is a composites engineer for Goodwinds.com. He dives into the nitty gritty about the differences between the kinds of spars you might find in a sport kite (specifically carbon fiber and fiberglass). The same technology and techniques used to make your kite flexible or rigid, are the same used to make the landing gear for the Ingenuity Helicopter on Mars!! (Yep, he designed and made those too). This is just the start to better understanding the materials that go into sport kites. Hope you enjoy!

012

Virtual Kite Chat Review

What is the difference between nylon, cotton, kevlar, and Spectra? Are there benefits to one over the other?  Check it out in this weeks episode where host Nic O'Neill unravels the basics of lines. 

011

Always Be Walking - Seriously.... move those feet!!!

In this episode Nic O'Neill talks with Paul de Bakker about the importance of your feet and legs when it comes to sport kite flying. Whether you are interested in trick flying, or just refining your control of the kite, your legs are often times the most overlooked tool in your toolbox.

010

Background of sportkite.org and call for your questions!!

In this episode I talk about the website and why started this podcast. Why there seemed to be a need for it, and a call for your questions and expertise!

009

How do Elements of Design influence your flying?

In this episode we rejoin Devin Cobleigh Morrison, Zach Gordon, Hunter Brown, Spencer Watson and Paul de Bakker, all with varying levels of experience in flying and designing. We discuss how different elements of sport kite design influences your flying, your style, your progression, and more. 

008

Pulling Tail

In this episode I venture out solo to talk about something that I think is fun and awesome, and sometimes the hardcore sport kite fliers shun and shy away from, and that is…. Tails. I figured this was a good time to get into a discussion about pulling tail, what tails do, and why tails can be a super fun.

007

New School vs Old School kite tricks, part 2

In this episode we continue with Part 2 of the old school vs new school conversation with Paul de Bakker, Hunter Brown, Zach Gordon, Devin Cobleigh Morrison and Spencer Watson. Thank you for listening to this episode of the sport kite podcast. We hope to be bringing you something new every week! Like next week we will be doing another episode for just the beginners out there with more tips, tricks, and talk of some of the fundamentals. Don’t forget to find sportkite.org on Facebook and give it a like and follow, and check out the website sportkite.org and watch this resource grow! If you have any questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you, you can reach us at info@sportkite.org or drop us a line on Facebook. By the way, if you like what you have heard here and would like to see it continue, consider becoming a supporter. Go to buymeacoffee.com/sportkite. Thank you for listening…. Till next time!

006

Is it New School or Old School?

In this episode I talk with Paul de Bakker, Hunter Brown, Devin Cobleigh Morrison and Spencer Watson about new school vs old school tricks. How do we define it, is there a clear definition? Does it really matter? You may notice that my microphone has a few issues when I am moderating the conversation. Thankfully the guys deliver with some great viewpoints and thoughts and the conversation just moves right along!

005

One for those just getting started

In this episode we are taking a little bit of a break from the group discussion, and I am going to take a moment to dive into some basics of sport kite flying. If you are a super experienced flier, this might not be the episode for you, or maybe you will hear something and it might encourage you to share your thoughts. As always, we would love to hear from you, whether you agree, disagree, or find yourself talking back at the podcast like we are in the room with you. Find us on facebook under sportkite.org. Or, you can always shoot us an email at info@sportkite.org By the way, if you like what you have heard here and would like to see it continue, consider becoming a supporter. Go to buymeacoffee.com/sportkite.