Date:	Tue, 18 Oct 1994 06:03:33 -1000
From:	johnsona@novell2.chnt.gtegsc.com (Al Johnson)
Message-Id: <380rkl$3a9@europa.eng.gtefsd.com>
Organization: GTE Federal Systems Division
Subject: A novice's view of the AKA convention

I had a ball in Wildwood.  I don't fly competetively.  I don't make kites.  I 
didn't know a lot of people when I got there.

That said I am sure glad I went.  I met a lot of really nice people.  I got to 
pilot a buggy (poorly though).  The instruction was good and it was nice of the 
people there (Peter Lynn people mainly) to let us use their buggies and kites.  
I could have worked at it a little longer and maybe done better.  I might also 
have done better on a quadline on shorter lines.  In any event I am glad I got 
to try and want to try it again.

I also flew a stack of 4 flexifoils.  They belonged to Bob Smith from Michigan. 
I was definitely impressed with the pull they generated in 10 MPH winds.  I 
have (maybe) an 8 footer but it was nothing like the stack.   The reason for 
the maybe was I flew it into the ground in a 20+MPH wind and am afraid I killed 
it.  Blew out 3 cells and bent 2 ferrules.  It is currently in Annapolis, MD 
being fixed or awaiting burial.  Not sure yet.

My non flying wife Sue went as well.  As near as I can tell, she also had a lot 
of fun.  She took seminars on Kite Photography and Kite sewing.  As soon as I 
call Hang Em High and get a catalog, we are going to attempt one of their kits.

The beach was great.  Five fields were set up and a lot of room was left over 
for people like myself who love to fly, but not compete.  I don't know if it is 
normally that way at the convention but this one was nice.

We met Corey Jensen early on and my wife swapped ID cards with him.  She 
ultimately found the rightful owner of the card Corey had and traded with him.  
On Saturday night she got her own card.  

If I have other thoughts I may post them too.  I hope I can go to Oklahoma next 
year.  If you have mixed emotions about going, you definitely go.  If the kites 
aren't enough to get you there, the people will be.


Al Johnson      



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