The Journal of the American Kitefliers Association Kiting includes a Kite events calendar, kite plans, local club activities, committee and policy reports, a list of Merchant Members, and more. Kiting is mailed to each member on a quarterly basis and is just one of the benefits of membership. Join now and start receiving the premier magazine for the kite enthusiast. Searchable Index of articles that have been published in Kiting Kiting encourages everyone to contribute. Here are some basic guidelines. Articles There's a lot happening in the kiteflying world, and unless you tell us about it, it'll go largely unnoticed. If you have any questions about whether something is worth writing about, please contact the editor. In general, most articles are between 300 and 1000 words, depending on how many photos are available. The preferred format for submissions is Microsoft Word, but other formats may be acceptable; check with the editor. We can not guarantee that all submissions will be published. Photos High resolution color digital photos are preferred. Pictures taken on cell phone cameras or on digital cameras set on VGA are generally unacceptable. Photo prints can be mailed to the editor; please include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like them returned. Sorry, we can not print photos copied from the websites of other publications (such as newspapers). Letters to the Editor Got a short something to say? Letters to the editor are always welcome. Letters may be edited for length. Send e-mail to:

Visit Kiting+ an online supplement to the magazine Kiting

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Many of the following publications are published as PDF files.
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Rule Books

The AKA publishes various rule books for kite competitions:

• The International Sport Kite Competition Rules
  are used for events focusing on maneuverable kites with two or more lines. Competitions include Precision and Ballet for individuals, pairs and teams.
  1. Competition Rules v2.3 08/01/06 (68.4 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  2. Judge's Book v2.1 08/01/06 (462 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  3. Precision Compulsories Book v2.1 08/01/06 (1.27 MB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
      • Figure Diagrams on-line
  4. The AKA Appendix v2.6.2 01/15/08 (213 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
     Includes:
     • Conferences and Standings
     • Open Individual Outdoor Unlimited
     • Open individual Indoor Unlimited
     • and International Rule Book Addenda
  IRBC Bulletins
  • 02/10/07 Compulsories Book correction (47.5 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  • 10/23/06 Rules Book correction (21.6 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  • 08/01/06 Clarification: MI 22 – The Felix (19.3 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  • 07/25/06 Clarification of Wording (11.0 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)

  Get all of the above in a single zip archive. (1.74 MB Zip file)

  Sport Kite Rules Archive (These documents are made available for historical purposes only.)

• Rules and Guidelines for Kitemakers' Competitions
  details categories, judging criteria, and the scoring process for AKA contests evaluating handmade kites.
  
  Updated 2006
  1. Preface and Acknowledgments (73.4 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  2. Chapter 1 - Getting Organized (12.9 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  3. Chapter 2 - Overall Rules And Regulations (9.99 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  4. Chapter 3 - Competitive Categories (368 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file) (updated Sept. 2007)
  5. Chapter 4 - Procedures For The Competition (10.5 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  6. Chapter 5 - Responsibilities Of The Competitors (16.9 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  7. Chapter 6 - Judging Criteria And Scoring (23.2 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  8. Chapter 7 - Modifications To These Rules . . . (18.9 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  9. Appendices (26.4 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  
  
  • Get all of the above in a single zip archive. (469 KB Zip file)
• The Fighter Kite and Rokkaku Rulebook (Revised 11/27/2007)
  describes a variety of contests, fights and battles for single-line maneuverable kites. (154 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  • Reglamento para los Combates con Barriletes 2005 (160 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
    Spanish translation courtesy of Barriletes a Toda Costa of Argentina.
• Kite Buggy Racing Rulebook
  These rules were adopted AKA Traction Committee in order to give the American buggy racing community a guideline for worldwide buggy racing competitions. (91.9 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)

Manuals

The AKA publishes various manuals and flyers for kitefliers and kitemakers:

• How to Fly a Kite is a basic introduction and overview of kite flying techniques, wind and weather, types of kites, and safety. Newly revised (2005) by Glenn Davison (1.28 MB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
• Kites in the Classroom By Glenn Davison (revised 2002) explains how to organize kitemaking workshops and provides plans for many different kinds of kites. (896 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  • Barriletes en el Aula (1.88 MB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
    Spanish translation courtesy of Barriletes a Toda Costa of Argentina.
• The AKA Kite Event Organizer's Manual provides instruction on how to organize and manage different types of kite festivals and competitions. (963.3 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
• The AKA Club Organizers Manual provides information on how to organize and manage a local kite club. (762 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  • Manual para la Organización de Clubes de Barriletes (607 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
    Spanish translation courtesy of Barriletes a Toda Costa of Argentina.
• The Team Flying Manual is a basic primer for those interested in trying their hand at forming a sport kite team. (1.05 MB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
• The Traction Kiting Manual introduces the reader to the many interesting uses of the power generated by kites. It has information on Kite Buggying, Ice and Snow Kiting, Kite Boating, Kite Skiing and racing. It also describes the conditions that make a spot suitable for each type of traction kiting. Necessary equipment, safety concerns and other issues are also addressed.
• The Kitesurfing Manual
• A Day in the Life of a Field Director By Kathy Jarvis
  The ultimate guide to sport kite competition field directing by the premier STACK Field director. Based on the 2005 rule book. (220 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
• Announcer's Handbook By Dave Shattuck
  So you want to announce at Kite Festivals? The Announcer’s job is to communicate with the audience - to be the “bridge” between the event itself and the public, including the other event participants. (126 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)

Safety Guidelines

Job one.

• Safety Guidelines for Buggy Pilots
  When practiced in a responsible manner, traction kiting is a safe and enjoyable sport for all. (36.6 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
• Safety Guidelines For Kite Surfing
  These guidelines are intended for all riders making use of a wide variety of launch sites, using all types of kites and boards. (60.6 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)

Pamphlets

These are ideal freebies for spectators at your festival.

• Professor Kite and the Secret of Kites is a simple, one page leaflet on single and multi-line kiteflying.
  revised 2008 (81.4 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
• Modern Kiting Something for Everyone
  We remember as children taking a dime-store kite to the park and running like mad. Well, things have changed.
  formatted for Z-fold, 2 sided printing (37.4 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
• Flying Basics For Fighter Kites
  Fighter kites can do things no other kite can do. All you need is a little information and a bit of practice.
  formatted for Z-fold, 2 sided printing (40.6 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
• Getting Started as a Sport Kite Competitor
  Becoming a sport kite competitor is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy your new sport kite and to meet fellow kitefliers.
  formatted for Z-fold, 2 sided printing (22.8 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
• Spectator's Guide To Sport Kite Competition
  When you see sport kites flying low to the ground, spinning this way and that, even "flopping around" on the ground, chances are that most of what you're watching is intentional. (109 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
• Member Recruitment
  • Ten Good Reasons For Being A Member The title says it all. (85.1 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)
  • Come fly with us! tri-fold recruitment phamplet (34.4 KB PDFAdobe Reader Required file)

Other Publications

• The Complete Aerial Eye CD contains all 18 issues of the quarterly journal published by the Kite Aerial Photography Committee of AKA between Fall 1994 and Summer 1999. The journal contains articles on every aspect of kite aerial photography, and hundreds of pictures and diagrams and aerial images. Although some material is dated, the Aerial Eye remains one of the most comprehensive resources on KAP for serious newcomers to the craft.

  The disk contains PDF files of each issue as well as a directory of sources, plus Adobe Acrobat Reader and a cover picture that may be printed to use in a CD jewel case. It may be viewed and printed on both Macintosh and Windows platforms and is priced at $30.00 including postage anywhere in the world.

  The Complete Aerial Eye can be ordered from Brooks G. Leffler
  Kite Aerial Photography
  Post Office Box 34
  Pacific Grove, CA 93950-0034
  
• The AKA Membership Directory and Fact Book includes names and addresses of members in both alphabetical and geographical order. The Directory also lists officers, Merchant Members, affiliated clubs and the Association bylaws. The Directory and fact book is available to members of the association as either a printed book (e-mail xd@aka.kite.org)
  or the E-Directory program.