I T I N E R A R Y | S H O R T H O P S
Go Fly A Kite
Whether you’re a kite-flying newbie or a kite wizard —
the thrill of holding the power of the wind in your
hand is undeniable. In a time when being phoneless is
paramount to standing outside in your birthday suit,
this tech-free activity offers a welcome sense of freedom.
THERE ARE A VARIETY OF kites from
which to choose. Traditional one-line
kites give beginners the simple thrill
of launching and sky parking. They are
fun, to be sure. But for those who want
a little more engagement with their
outdoor fun, two-line kites treat you to
the delight of loops and tricks.
No matter what kind of kite you’re
flying, the most important element for
your success is location. You always
want to select an area clear of houses,
trees, and powerlines. Not only does
this keep you from hitting something
with your kite, it cuts down on disruptions
to the wind. Generally, beaches
and parks are good locations.
If you’re a beginner, it’s easiest to
have someone help you get the kite
launched. Have your friend face into the
wind and hold the kite upright. Holding
one winder in each hand, back up 30 to
50 feet, keeping your back to the wind.
Make sure there are no twists in the
lines and the lines are the same length.
Once positioned, have your friend toss
the kite straight into the air.
As your kite catches the wind, use
the winder in either hand to gently
direct it through the air, pulling back
on the hand of the direction you want
to go. To land your kite, turn the nose
of your kite slightly so it’s no longer
perpendicular to the wind. Slowly step
forward, winding the strings as you go
so the kite comes gently to the ground.
Watch out. This can become a very
addicting pastime.
Seattle based kite manufacturer Prism
Kites makes a wide range of kites for all
abilities. Kites start as low as $27 and can
be packed down small for easy travel.
prismkites.com
mark reed photo
3 KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL
BOAT TRANSFER When the
road ends and the sea begins,
it can be difficult to get
supplies or get home
quickly. But when it comes
to those far-reaching watery
destinations, a seaplane
can take you from isolated
to connected in a matter of
moments. The secret for most
far away locales is the ‘boat
transfer.’ While not overly
complicated, there are some
key considerations you need
to take into account to make
any seaplane-boat transfer a
success.
Use A Low-Profile Vessel In order to
make sure your boat doesn’t hit the
seaplane’s wings, you want to use a
vessel that’s no taller than 9-feet from
the water’s surface. Generally, this
means using a dinghy. However, you
could use a kayak, sea-doo, stand-up
paddle board or canoe.
Pick A Place With Calm Waters In
order for a seaplane to safely land,
the water needs to be relatively calm.
This is why seaplanes generally land
in protected coves and lakes. When
you’re arranging for a seaplane to meet
you, you’ll want to make sure the preagreed
upon destination offers a safe
landing zone. The seaplane operator
should evaluate this in advance. And,
they may make a recommendation
for a nearby location that offers more
protection.
Take It Slow Always approach a seaplane
slowly. This helps avoid creating
any excess wake that could make a
transfer more difficult. And, it allows
you to more easily pull alongside one of
the seaplane’s pontoons.
sara satterlee photo
28
explore:NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air