| About Us > Press > 1 February1995 | Print This Page | |
| Archived Press Reports |
These pages contain press reports and articles relating to various activities of Hi Fly Kites. Each report is dated, therefore certain statistical information may vary.
| Kites that Can Pull Skiers (Midlands Mail - 1 February 1995) |
 |
Hi Fly Kites in Howick is the biggest manufacturer of kites in the country and their kites are of very high quality.
David Sampson started making kites commercially about six years ago. He started working in his garage and sold the kites at flea markets.
His current factory employs 10 people, makes 16 different original designs and sells to more than 25 outlets countrywide.
David loves kites. "I've loved kites all my life," he says.
The kites are made from parachute and paraglider fabric. The fabric is very light and strong.
The frames are made mostly from carbon fibre, a very light, strong and rigid material. He sometimes uses fibreglass or wood.
Most of the kites are two line kites which can be steered with great precision. These kites can do stunts and they fly at very high speeds. Most of the two line kites can reach speeds of more than 120 km per hour.
The fastest kite can reach a speed of more than 200 km per hour in fast winds.
The structure of the kites are so strong that they can lift you from the ground in strong winds.
David's latest design is a double surface kite with a wing span of 3.6 metres. This is specifically designed for water skiing.
The sport of using kites to pull skiers, paddleskiers and three wheel buggies is developing especially overseas. The kite can pull three wheel buggies at speeds exceeding 100 km per hour.
Flying kites can be a very precise sport. Kites can fly in formation with other kites, they can make loops, dives, they can land and take of again and they are designed to be able to crash at high speeds.
The designs built at Hi Fly Kites are designed so that they can take very hard knocks. Elastic fittings act as shock breakers when the kite falls.
| Back to Press Reports Index |  |