So. Cal.  Fighter  Flys  -  2001

Observations: Mitch did indeed dig himself into the sand. He had quite a trench going for his feet <BG>
Charlie tested all the kites in his bag, using a different kite each time he flew a new match.
Steve and Johnny had fun with their competitive, inches-above-the ground spins. Of course, Johnny was way out over the short fencing that is used to separate the beach from the bike path, so the spectators on bikes and roller blades had a great view from their side <G>

I had a nice time chatting with all the guys there, and it was especially good to see Dorine and Paul Imbach again after such a long time. Later in the afternoon, Dorine got out a few chinese silk kites that she'd bought (one from ebay), and was testing their flying ability.

After the round robin, everyone just had fun flying and practicing. Johnny brought out his Hong Kong pants and reel for show-and-tell. Michelle dug another hole to China, and the afternoon ended sometime around 4pm.

Fliers who attended this event in beautiful Del Mar were: Bruce Lambert, Donna, Steve B., Tom, Scott Bogue, Johnny, Asif Zaheer and David Tan.

This is one of the few So. Calif. beaches that allows dogs on the beach without leashes. Needless to say, the dogs had a great time  swiming in the surf, chasing the fighter kites that flew, and making land mines all over the sand. 
Watch Out!! Seaweed clumps and Doggie number 2.

The fliers had to deal with the dogs (all sizes), clumps of dried seaweed on the sand, volleyball players and those distracting sun bathers, as they flew in a round-robin competition. 

Winners:
1st place  - Bruce
2nd place - Johnny
3rd place - Steve 

Charlie flying against Mitch. 

We made our way to Long Beach, and spotted Steve and Scott out on the sand. Charlie, Joanne, and Mitch arrived a few minutes after us, and a little while later Asif and his family drove up.

Steve had picked an excellent location this time. Restrooms close by, and No Dogs!! We had the beach pretty much to ourselves for the entire day.
There were 6 competitors for the Round Robin line touch competiton.

Winners:
1st  place - Johnny
2nd place - Asif
3rd place -  Steve 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We walked down to the water's edge with the kids a few times,
collected rocks and shells, and watched the kite surfers when the
winds picked up in the afternoon. 

By 3 pm, Charlie, Joanne, Mitch and Steve all packed up and left.
Asif and Johnny continued with impromptu fights for another hour or so. 
We finally called it a day by 5 pm.  The kids were exhausted and filthy, it was definitely time to hit the road. 

Another Great day at the beach!!
 

This year's 2 day event was one of the larger kite festivals Southern California has seen in the past 12 years.

Highlights: David & Susan Gomberg of Gomberg Kite Productions flew several huge kites both days. 
J.R. Tolman helped children make Japanese Kimono Kites.
Bob Harris and Jennifer Synder from Northern Calif., displayed their beautiful banners.