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| 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.
| David Sampson Is "Flying High" (Howick and District News - 2 September 1994) |
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A young local businessman, David Sampson, has seen his hobby, kite-making, rapidly become a successful business.
"No-one thought that I could make kites for a living," he said.
David's interest in kites developed from an early age. His father, John, used to make kites for him and when he was older he started learning the technique.
"Flying Family"
According to David, there has also been an interest in flying, in his family. His father used to fly model aircraft and his brother, Chris, was interested in hang-gliding. Chris is also involved in the kite business.
David has received tremendous support from his family, including his wife, Nadia, and mother, Betty.
He matriculated from Howick High in 1986 after which he went to the army.
During that time, David was a chef and worked at a hotel in the Eastern Transvaal which was a holiday resort for officers. He also assisted with the catering for the Eastern Transvaal unit.
However, he decided not to pursue catering as a career, and when he returned to Howick he did not know what he wanted to do.
David then started making kites from home and has subsequently moved his business into a factory in Howick.
Initially he started making just one model and sold these at flea markets - he now manufacturers 18 different models, not only single line kites but also stunt or sport kites, which is where the bulk of the market is. The advanced stunt models can travel up to 180km/h.
David has 28 distributors countrywide, and is planning to start exporting his kites overseas.
"I never envisaged that making kites would become such a successful venture," he added.
Although it is difficult for many young people to start their own business, David was not afraid of taking a chance.
He flies many of the kites himself and gives demonstrations.
During his spare time, David investigates new developments in the kite industry.
He wants to keep his business small, although there is room for expansion.
David believes that flying kites as a sport and a leisure pastime, is developing in this country. About 98 percent of his sales are to adults.
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