Posts
Wow...
So....five years ago I started the website up as a way to help out kite builders get their product out to the kite world.....
Now, I have shipped packages to all over the globe and especially all over this continent! I have moved about 45 times since the site started (there has only been one issue of a shipment being sent to an old address - luckily the new address was about a mile down the road and I had the same post man!)
As some may know I worked at High Flyers in Newport, Rhode Island, for 9 years....I learned soooo much at that shop..made wonderful life long friends and had a blast! (Newport Saint Patrick's Day parade with Irish coffee streetside is just one example) I learned so much from Sue about this world of wacky kite people!
High Flyers closed at the end of 2005 and I was stuck out there with only my environmental education job to keep me going....I kept in touch with many of the kite people from the shop; during one conversation with Scott Hampton I started thinking that I should generate an outlet for the kite makers and kite public as well.
I am now working with 16 kite makers (discussions are in place for #17 right now), these people are based in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, US, Canada, Singapore and France. Getting in packages from these makers is great, I love it! I also love then sending out new designs to those interested kite fliers. Experiencing customers finding out that new and different items are out there and not being mass produced is awesome.
Then shortly after I started the website an old customer from High Flyers called me and asked if I could liquidate his collection for him. Turn of events had him not flying at all and putting all of his free time into other avenues. He drove the van over to my house and unloaded a bunch....that first van load was the beginning of The Yard Sale, a place where used/preloved kites and items are offered up on good deals.
There have been a lot of amazing kites that have passed through The Yard Sale.....many boutique kites....kites from many years ago....pieces that have been sought after....some pieces that i have regretted sending along to someone else too ;)
I will admit that it is all on a shoe string budget....very little money comes in, just enough to pay for the website...and any extra $ goes right back into getting more products...It is busy for me sometimes, but I still love it, and plan on keeping it around for a long time!!!
Here's to new kites for everyone!
Good winds
Rob
The website will be closed for a couple of days due to a death in the family.
Back in a few.
Rob
Over the years I have had different jobs that allowed different liberties.....some of those jobs were restrictive, or demanded a good bit of my time mentally (whether or not I wanted them to).
\WsK
Looking for a deal on a kite?
The Yard Sale has been updated again with new prices and a bunch of new kites too (New to us kites).
Some classic Prism kites and others too....
Head on over to www.windsweptkites.com!
Lots of kite flyers keep a kite in their car for spur of the moment flying....
A R-sky bird'x is mine.....I have always enjoyed the simple clean design.....the durability....the active flight that it gives in 2mph wind.
The bird'x is not a gliding kite in any sense.....just a very efficient skin design that gets it up and flying in low winds.....I have flown it a bit indoors, but prefer to be outside with this one.
It is not necessarily easy to find one......they can still be purchased from a couple of shops out there.
This is one kite that if you are looking into xUL active single line kites then try to bring a bird'x home...you will not be disappointed!
good winds
r
Just wanted to put a quick note out there that the Yard Sale has been updated again!
Go check it out!
Windswept Kites
Yes, these super stable xUL wind singles are here again. The page will be updated very soon with the PayPal link.
We have the standard colored ones (white main skin, black stripe, colored wing tip) and ones with a black main skin (white stripe and colored wing tip), as well as one Zebra print!
The zebra print is a bit heavier than the standard vapids since the edge is fully hemmed and the stripes are all appliqued. This one looks great!
Get out and fly will ya?
WsK
A big box of Vapids are coming in soon from Robert van Weers in New Zealand.
These are great stable UL wind stable flying kites!
Pix and more info when they box gets cracked open!
Up here it is turning into spring........still good flying weather though, indoors or outdoor.
Hope that everyone out there is tuning and repairing and building kites.
Good winds
WsK
- Patriots win
- iFlites are on order again
- Some new surprises have been added to the website
- Vapids are coming from NZ
- We will be helping build a set for a show at Radio City Music Hall (you will be able to read about it from the Drachen Foundation website afterward)
- There is snow on the ground
- From mass produced kites there are some very special kites coming out-check out the ZeroG (you will recognize this as the Plutz variants that we have had for the last two years) and the Emong, the Soar, the Flick - just a couple that have caught our eye
- The dogs are not shedding as much this week and that is good!
Due to a death in the family we will be closed this week, January 8th to the 14th.
We got a large number of kites up for grabs: power foils, single lines, dual lines.......
Also keep watching the website for new offerings as well!
Hints: initials are PT & JL & also SH! Any guesses???
Cheers everyone, keep flying!
Here is a picture of our New Years Day @ Colt State Park.
More of the newest phenomenon indoor kite, Patrick Tan's iFlite, are on the way. Hopefully we will get them in time to ship some back out for the holidays. What better way to spend Christmas day then flying an iFlite around the tree, kitchen, and holiday revellers.
Keep an eye on this blog or the windswept kites Facebook page for news.
The new kite to get is the iFlite made by layangman in Singapore. Our shipment just arrived, check the website to see when his page gets uploaded.
A super sweet indoor fighter style kite at a great price, these will go quickly!
Good winds
Profile
Experience
- May 2012 - PresentSector Manager / Northeast Fishery Sector 3As Sector Manager I will be coordinating the effort and business practices of a group of commercial fishing vessels. Northeast Fishery Sector Inc. 3 (NEFS 3) is a non-profit organization comprised of individual Federal limited access groundfish permits in the Northeast. NEFS 3 is comprised of fishermen using gillnets, hooks and hand gear. NEFS 3 members harvest a variety of regulated stocks primarily out of the Gulf of Maine, but also fish in George's Bank and Southern New England. Our vessels predominantly land in the port of Gloucester, Massachusetts.
- Jan 2008 - PresentOwner / Windswept KitesArtistic hand crafted single line kites and ground display items. Available for artistic installations, and displays. We also have a large selection of used consignment sold kites on the website as well. Check out the Yard Sale!
- 2007 - PresentGear Tester / Mountain TechsMountain Techs are contracted to WL Gore as a product testing and market research group.
- Sept 2011 - PresentIDI (Industry Data Investigation) Task Lead / REMSA, Inc.Coordinating a staff of 13 people in three factions of IDI investigations for the NOAA/NMFS Northeast Regional Office. -Catch Share - quota managed species i.e Scallops, Fluke -Archive Data - historical landings data for the region -Field - developing and coordinating current federal seafood dealers reporting QA program -Worked with a small internal team and ASQ to Value Stream Map the Field IDI dealer data correction process, as well as our Catch Share IDI RTL investigation process
- Feb 2011 - PresentData Quality Specialist / REMSA Inchand in hand with a North East Fishing Sector (NEFS) sector manager (SM) in reconciling the incoming data surrounding commercial landings - Held biweekly meetings with SM to address anomalies in the data stream such as landings weight differences, dealer reporting and fishing vessel reporting issues - Monitored two sectors' Annual Catch Limits in real time, in reference to percentage caught as well as transfers of quota - Reconciled two sectors data (NEFS 2,5) during the final two months of fishing year 2010 - Assisted in developing protocol for data reconciliation - Worked as a code tester for statisticians developing data modeling programs - Assisted SM in identifying and removing imputed trips - Developed visual aids for the Raw Trip Level (RTL) data stream manual - Organized all fishing vessel contact for fishing year 2010 - Acted as contact person in the FDSD for real time, and archived fishing vessel tracking - Formed a connection between the FDSD and Office of Law Enforcement for data quality purposes - Requested to audit three additional sectors in fishing year 2011 (NEFS 2,3,5,13)
- May 2010 - PresentSales Guy / New England Small CraftWorking with Joel selling boats and gear.
- Mar 2009 - PresentPort Agent, Environmental Technician / REMSA IncContracted to National NOAA NMFS Fisheries Statistics Office - Collected biological samples from commercial fishing industry landings - Roving biological sampler covering the fishing ports of the Northern New England Region - Collected length measurements for all commercially landed species of fish, invertebrates, and shellfish in the Northeast region - Extracted otoliths (internal age structures) for population studies from the fish species landed - Assisted in starting an Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna (BFT) age structure sampling program for the Northeast region - Created video and printed documentation for BFT sampling protocol collecting otoliths, vertebral column sections and dorsal fin spines - Formed a strong relationship with the largest BFT dealer in the Northeast that resulted in over 100 BFT age samples in FY2010 and currently being sampled by Port Agents in FY 2011
- 2007 - PresentKayak Instructor / Osprey Sea KayakTeaching and guiding kayaking groups and playing in the water.
- Feb 2004 - PresentEducation Specialist / Audubon Society of Rhode Island (ASRI)Developed new educational programs at the Environmental Education Center (EEC) - Created the highly attended "L'il Peeps" (1-2 year old) program; increased participation 400% - Promoted Audubon's educational, advocacy and conservation goals - Recruited members for ASRI at special events, family programs, and day-to-day public interactions - Managed education volunteers and interns - Assigned and supervised volunteers, retirees, and interns with short- and long-term projects - Guided exhibit hall docents, grounds keeping staff, and family program helpers through their daily activities, self-run projects, and at special events
- 2006 - PresentKayak Instructor / Eastern Mountain SportsOut paddling.
- Nov 2003 - PresentAssistant Manager / Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)- Managed retail store operations by supervising floor staff and guides in daily standard operating procedures - Motivated staff to reach shift, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual sale goals
- Jun 1997 - PresentManager / High Flyers Flight Company, Inc- Managed in-store, online, and off-site festival operations
- Nov 2001 - PresentEMT / Med-Tech AmbulanceEmergency medical response; post hospital transport; transport of unstable patients to medical offices, & testing facilities
- 1999 - PresentEMT / Alert AmbulanceEmergency medical response; post hospital transport; transport of unstable patients to medical offices, & testing facilities
Education
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2008 - 2019Dept. of Homeland Security Emergency Management InstituteFEMA Incident Command SystemActivities: Animals in Disaster, ICS-00010, ICS-00011 Introduction to the ICS system ICS-00100 National Incident Management System ICS-00700
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2011 - 2012Aveta Business InstituteSix Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Lean DFSS
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1994 - 1999Roger Williams UniversityBS in Marine BiologyActivities: Stage Crew (set up of furniture for special events) Tech Crew (set up and implementation of sound systems, lighting systems, projection systems, as well as stage management for concerts, MC as needed)
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1991 - 1994The Winchendon SchoolHigh School studies
Additional Information
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When: Sat 15 Jun 2013 to Sun 16 Jun 2013
Where: Dorey Park, Richmond, VA
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Eastern League Sport Kite Competiton
When: Sun 9 Jun 2013
Who: Kite Events Calendar
Where: Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: ConnectiKITERS Kite Club monthly fly. Red, White, and Blue Fly to celebrate Flag Day (June 14).
When: Fri 23 May 2014 to Mon 26 May 2014
Who: Kite Events Calendar
Where: Wildwood, NJ
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Take Exit 4-B off the Garden State Parkway and follow Rio Grande Avenue to the beach for the East Coast Sport Kite Championship.
When: Sat 17 May 2014 to Sun 18 May 2014
Who: Kite Events Calendar
Where: Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Fun for the whole family and kids of all ages. Come fly kites and see unimaginable kites. See national level kite competitors demonstrate their skills. Watch Rokkaku (kite) Battles and the Running of the Bols. Bring a kite or buy one there.
When: Sat 19 Oct 2013 to Sun 20 Oct 2013
Where: BilMar, Treasure Island, FL
Event Status: confirmed
When: Sat 30 Mar 2013 10:30 to 15:30
EDT
Where: National Mall, 17th and Constitution, Washington, DC
Event Status: confirmed
When: Sat 13 Apr 2013
Who: Kite Events Calendar
Event Status: confirmed
When: Fri 3 May 2013 to Sun 5 May 2013
Who: Kite Events Calendar
Where: Virginia Beach, VA
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Archie Stewart sez: This is a festival that I have been going to from the beginning. It is the ONLY kite festival that allowed on the beach and is only one that I know that will offer lodging and most meals. It is a weekend of pure fun and sun on the beach.
Mark your calendars and think about joining us.
When: Sat 27 Apr 2013 to Sun 28 Apr 2013
Where: Ocean City, Maryland
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Mid-Atlantic Sport Kite Competition and Maryland International Kite Festival
On the beach between 5th street and Division Street.
When: Sat 20 Apr 2013 10:00 to 16:00
EDT
Where: Green Hill Park, Salem, VA
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description:
Blue Ridge Kite Festival
The 15th Annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival
Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 10 AM – 4 PM
Green Hill Park
Free Admission • Free Parking
It’s a day of outdoor family fun with free children’s t-shirts and kites (while supplies last).
The Richmond Air Force Kite Club provides an entire day of quality entertainment with their professionally choreographed routines and kite flying tricks.
There will be food vendors and arts & crafts vendors on site.
This is a rain or shine event.
When: Fri 8 Feb 2013 to Sun 10 Feb 2013
Where: Turf Valley Resort, Ellicot City, MD
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: The MKS retreat format is unique. Kitemakers bring their sewing machines and supplies, and everyone sets up in a large conference room. All presentations are made in the same room so there's no need to carry machines around. There are projects for both the beginning and advanced kitemaker and some for non-kitemaking spouses. The retreat is a wonderful place to see old friends, make new ones, and learn and play!
When: Sun 10 Feb 2013 09:00 to 17:00
EST
Where: Masonicare, 22 Masonic Ave, Wallingford, CT 06492
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: We will be in the Auditorium in the main building. We are making the SquareFlake Facet Kite. This is an ideal project for a first-time kite maker or workshopper.
When: Sun 24 Mar 2013 12:30 to 15:00
EDT
Where: Chelmsford Center for the Arts
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Chelmsford Center for the Arts | 1A North Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Their web site is: http://www.chelmsfordcenterforthearts.org/
It is close to 495, just south of Route 3, North of Route 225 near Chelmsford center on Route 110.
Please come! We will be providing the main meal, please bring baked goods for dessert or your favorite non-alchoholic beverage to share.
When: Fri 17 May 2013 to Sun 19 May 2013
Event Status: confirmed
When: Fri 12 Jul 2013 to Sun 14 Jul 2013
Event Status: confirmed
When: Sat 16 Feb 2013 to Sun 17 Feb 2013
Where: Lake George, NY
Event Status: confirmed
When: Fri 18 Jan 2013 to Sun 20 Jan 2013
Where: Treasure Island, FL
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Treasure Island Sport Kite Competition. Lots of room. Plenty of space for Single-Line kites. Come play with us!
When: Sun 13 Jan 2013 13:00 to 15:00
EST
Where: Franco American Club, 95 Liberty Street, Meriden, CT
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: ConnectiKITERS Kite Club Annual Meeting where Club events for the year get decided and workshop projects are officially chosen.
When: Sat 15 Sep 2012
Where: Taylor Park in Ashland, VA
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: The Richmond Washington Regional Sport Kite Competition will be held once again at Taylor Park in Ashland, VA. RWRSKC provides a laid-back, educational competition for novice competitors to learn from and prepare for Eastern League and AKA competitions. Registration information plus more details to follow. You can also check out the Facebook event page -- Richmond Washington Regional Sport Kite Competition.
When: Fri 25 May 2012 to Mon 28 May 2012
Where: Wildwood, NJ
Event Status: confirmed
When: Sat 19 May 2012 12:00 to 16:00
EDT
Where: Franklin Park, Seaver Street, Dorchester, MA
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Official Website: Boston Kite & Flight Festival
Location: Franklin Park, Seaver Street, Dorchester, MA
Phone: (617) 953-5315
Dates: Saturday, May 19, 2012
Hours: 12pm-4pm
In/Outdoor: Outdoor
Cost: Free
The Playstead is located between the Franklin Park Zoo and White Stadium. By MBTA, take the Orange Line to Forest Hills and the #16 bus to the zoo. By car, the park can be reached from Blue Hill Ave., Seaver Street, or Circuit Drive. Ample free parking. Fully handicapped accessible.
When: Sat 14 Apr 2012 12:00 to Sun 15 Apr 2012 17:00
EDT
Where: Voice of America Park, West Chester, OH
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: www.airwaveskitefest.com
When: Sat 5 May 2012 to Sun 6 May 2012
Where: 17th Street Park, Virginia Beach, VA
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: May 5: 17th Street Park, Virginia Beach, VA
May 6: Portsmouth City Park, 140 City Park Ave., Portsmouth, VA
When: Sun 13 May 2012 10:00 to 16:00
EDT
Where: Hammonasset State Park, Madison, CT
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: We do not plan to have demos, Bol races or Rok battles. If anyone wishes to manage these venues, they will need to step up and take over … including the running of the Bol races and any requirements for demos and Rok battles.
For 2012 this is to be a FUN FLY for all to enjoy.
When: Sat 12 May 2012 11:00 to 13:00
EDT
Where: Auburn, IN
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Location: National Military History Center
Address: 5634 County Rd. 11A, Auburn, IN 46706
Time: 11am - 1pm
Contact: Maggie Johnson, 260-920-3602, maggie@ILoveFroggy.com
