FORTUNA FOUND - YOUR KITE COMMUNITY
bell challenges
Recess Time
This is a video challenge, and for the sport kite fans out there. Take your sport kite to the playground. Show how it would play at recess! How you interpret that is up to you.
RULES
1. This is a video submission. If you do not want to load your video to a public platform (such as youtube) please email kiteflyingpres@gmail.com about other options
2. In the Comments/notes section for the submission include the kite name, and style of kite. (Dual line, quad line, etc....)
3. Entries will be judged on how well they interpreted the idea along with execution. There is no set time length for the video, however sub 5 minutes would be appreciated. :)
MORE INFO
For a bit of inspiration... Check out this video from Brett Marchel. This is just one way to play on the playground, we can think of a bunch more! https://youtu.be/eUtTzb44B88
Accessory Craftsmanship
This is a build challenge, build an accessory that either is used by a kite, or helps a kite flier.
RULES
1. Include a photo or video of your accessory in your submission.
2. Explain in the comments/notes section what your accessory is, how it is useful, and who might use it.
3. Entries will be judged on perceived usefulness, and intent. Craftsmanship is important, but really the point is to elevate the idea and share that.
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Fight Me!!
This is a video challenge. Using a single string fighter kite (of any origin) make contact with two targets while flying the kite that are at least ten feet apart. You can choose to knock the targets over OR simply 'touch them' with the kite. You can use any kind of target, fly at any length, and take as long or as little time as needed. The targets can be resting on top of another object, on the ground, or in any way that works for the flier.
RULES
1. This is a video submission. If you do not want to load your video to a public platform (such as youtube) please email kiteflyingpres@gmail.com about other options
2. In the Comments/notes section for the submission include the 'Style' or 'Origin' of the fighter kite (i.e. is it a patang, pipa, buka, etc....) and a short description of the targets you used. Also include whether you were attempting to knock the target over or simply 'make contact' with the target.
3. Entries will be judged on how well they knocked over the targets. The quicker it is done, the better the score!
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The Old is New
Time to pull out those old photographs, or some of those old patent plans, and build your own version of an 'old kite'.
RULES
1. Your submission must include a photo/video of your recreation along with a photo/video of the inspiration
2. In the comments/notes section include your resources and your materials list. You will not be disqualified for using substitute materials.
3. Judging will be based upon how accurately the recreation of the kite looks to the original. While there is no 'timeframe' to determine what is old and what is new, it should be obvious to the casual observer that you are recreating an older kite.
MORE INFO
This is a very useful group about 'old kites' : https://www.facebook.com/groups/KiteHistory
What about recreating a Target Kite or Gibson Girl Kite?!?!: https://youtu.be/qoM5ciLfFgM
Tail Talk
This is a photo challenge and will require the use of a kite (sport kite will be easiest) and a tail, and probably a friend. Try to fly in a way that spells out a letter with the tail. Snap a photo of the 'letter'. Piece the photos together to spell out a word.
RULES
1. Your submission must include a photo of the completed word. If you can not create a composite photo with each letter, then note that in the comments section.
2. In the comments/notes section, say why this word is important, meaningful, or has a purpose WITHOUT actually saying what the word is.
3. Please also include in the comments/notes section why flying a kite with the tail is fun!!
MORE INFO
One in the Hand Bird Challenge
This is a build challenge inspired by Scott Skinner. Start with a diamond-shaped swatch of fabric; 2 units wide, 1 unit tall, end points at 1/2 the height.
With this shape, alter it in any way to make a flyable bird kite.
RULES
1. Complete the build and photograph the end result. Include the photo (or video link) in your challenge submission
2. In the Comments/notes section for the submission include the materials used and what bird the kite represents
3. Entries will be judged on their creativity and their craftsmanship.
MORE INFO
Note from Scott: You can cut away portions of the sail to create the bird shape, it doesn't have to be about putting a bird on a kite, it can be about making a bird FROM the kite using the given dimensions.
Kite Craftsmanship
This challenge is for all of the beautiful kitemakers and builders out there that pour their heart and soul into building their kite. If you have competed in previous kitebuilding competitions, this is your challenge! All kites will be included into the same category, however individuals may be selected for special accolades based on beauty, first time build, etc....
RULES
1. All kites should have the following photographs/videos. A) Full Front - showing the fliers perspective B) back of the kite including spars/fittings C) close up of the part you are most proud of D) kite in flight.
2. In the Comments/notes section of the submission please include the 'type' of kite, or variation and a materials list. The more you include in the Comments section, the better!!
3. Entries in this catagory will be judged on craftsmanship and artistic ability. Ultimately part of accurately capturing that will be up to the individual. For the close up photo, show what you are most proud of and tell us why.
4. List any influences or help you had in building it (these will not be considered deductions :) ) Also list if this is designed by someone else but built by you, or if it is a design of your own creation.
MORE INFO
The American Kitefliers Association has long held kitemaking competitions and you can find many photos of past kites at : http://www.kite.org
The Kiteplan Database is a good place to get started if you are looking for plans and want to add your own artwork to an existing platform: https://www.kiteplans.org/
Fortuna Found Youtube Channel has a few tutorials on skills that might be helpful to your building, like this one: https://youtu.be/Q9-QmLqCcmI
Into the Wild
This challenge is all about going out into our natural surroundings, and finding materials growing around us. Before their was ripstop and carbon fiber, there was bamboo, there was leaves, there was a world of materials in front of us! So, go outside, find something and use it to make a kite, kite art, or a wind display.
RULES
1. The bulk of the item should be 'natural' material and easily identifiable as such. A mulberry leaf is easy to identify as a leaf, when pulverized it can be made with paper. While the paper is 'natural', the goal of this challenge is to use the leaf not the paper.
2. Some non natural items are permitted. If you need to use a marker, or tape, or even a ball of string that is completely understandable.
3. Your project does not need to be a flying object, it could be a 'wind influenced' ground object made from natural sources. Or a piece of kite themed art to hang on the wall!
4. For the submission, please take a photo that clearly shows the item and include the materials used in the comments/notes section.
MORE INFO
Check out this video about 'Leaf Kites': https://youtu.be/tdefwuEqQbw
Here is an interesting article with lots of resources about 'natural kites': https://www.notechmagazine.com/2014/02/kite-fishing.html
By submitting an entry to one of the challenges you hereby agree to allow your submission to be made public and shared with the relevant information you supply. (Yes, you can use an alias :) ) Please provide the best email address to contact you at for follow up. Your email address WILL NOT BE SHARED OR MADE PUBLIC without your explicit permission.