Date:	Mon, 28 Jun 1993 17:11:37 -1000
From:	kobi@netcom.com (Kobi Eshun)
Message-Id: <kobiC9D4vD.Dss@netcom.com>
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Subject: RE: California Wasp - Info (Shameless plug for an independent Kitemaker)


In article <C91x9E.7B5@news.Hawaii.Edu> kevin@Hawaii.Edu (Kevin Mayeshiro) writes:

   Does anyone have any experience with the California Wasp 
   (a.k.a. Miguel's Wasp?)  I finally got a copy of the 1992
   Berkeley Kite Festival/West Coast Stunt Kite Championships 
   video and noticed that a number of people were flying the 
   CA Wasp.  

I own several California Wasps. I have been flying them for 3 to 4 years.
You may have noticed one of mine on that video!

   I am looking for any information on this kite.  (Construction 
   materials, performance, price, who actually makes it, how to 
   order one, etc...)  All comments are welcome.  

Miguel Rodriguez custom manufactures the CA Wasp.  It was originally
known simply as the WASP, an acronym for `When Anticipating Superior
Performance...', but that name conflicted with a kite made in Texas, so
it became the California Wasp. (It is probably smaller than the TX Wasp...)

Construction :	1/2 oz and 3/4 oz ripstop nylon.  Frames can be specified,
		but I think his current default is one of the Prospar carbon
		products.  I have seen kites with Beman/Diva 15,16,20,22,
		Wolfe 5.5mm, Easton Carbon/Al. 3/30,4/18,4/49, AFC 2200,
		2400, 2540, Sky Shark IIIp, IVp...

		Build quality is excellent.  Wingspan ~6ft.

Performance:	I am a little biased, but judges in Long Beach, WA awarded
		1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th to Wasp fliers in the Master's Individual
		Choreo. at the Stunt Kite Championships last weekend.

		I can safely say that Miguels kites encourage a somewhat radical
		style of flight...and they are a _BLAST_!!!  

		My Wasps cover the wind ranges as follows:
			1/2 oz; Diva 16			0.5 -- 8mph
			1/2 oz; Diva 20			3.0 -- 12mph
			3/4 oz; Diva 20/Wolfe		5.0 -- 20mph

		Miguel has also made a few "vented" kites (some of the sail
		area made of bug-mesh) which fly in 25mph+.

		An interesting comment: all of the variations are the same size,
		and have the same feel in their respective wind range.


Price, Who:	I am not sure what they go for these days.  He can be reached at
		home in Richmond, CA at:

			(510)233.6503

   Thanks  

   - Kevin

If you get one, let me know how you like it!
Kobi.
kobi@netcom.com (personal)	kobi@adaclabs.com (business)


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