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Although digital technology and access is changing the use of our written world, we were proud to start our communication through the Journal. This wonderful “printed” blog approach came mostly from the editorial direction and pen of Scott Skinner, Ali Fujino, and our man in the field, Ben Ruhe. From years of Journal publications, we changed the format to be not a few individuals' view but to have individuals of the kite community use their own words to bring forth something innovative and exciting about the world of kites. Enter the current edited version of Discourse by Katie Davis, Scott Skinner, and Ali Fujino. Below are archived articles from both the Journal and Discourse.

Most Recent Articles

  • Kite Flying at Blue Hill
    The technical aspects of flying kites to obtain meteorological records in the upper air at Blue Hill Observatory remain fascinating. Following are facets of this pioneering scientific work, as outlined by director A.L. Rotch in a paper for the 1903 St. Louis Exposition: -The height of the kite was obtained by attaching a barometer to it and by taking trigonometrical measurements when the upper kite in the train was visible. -Kites were flown of steel music wire having a tensile strength up to 650 pounds. -The steam powered windlass used at Blue Hill was designed by S.P.
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  • Kites Key to Early Weather Studies at Pioneering Blue Hill Observatory
    At the turn of the last century, meteorology became an important new science around the world and kites played a major role in the compilation of data for this work. A major research center was the Blue Hill Observatory at Milton, Massachusetts, established in 1885 on the highest point of land near Boston.
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  • An Ancient, Remarkable Fishing Method
    The use of kite to catch fish is very old technique, possibly dating back to the Stone Age, but can still be seen in selected regions of Southeast Asia where it remains a daily activity. Kite fishing occurs across 65 degrees of longitude, from Singapore and Java in the west to the Santa Cruz islands near the Solomons in the east, and it straddles the equator over that length of large and small islands.
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  • Florida Skipper sees Kite Fishing as "The Better Way"
    Kites are well known for fun and games. Their ceremonial significance in Asia and elsewhere is also clear. What is less understood is their ancient and continuing utilitarian use.
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  • Tour Offered for Third Indian "Desert Kite Festival"
    One of the richest and most rewarding kite adventures ever experienced is that of a trip into the heart of India to be a participant in the living heritage of Indian fighter kiting. Members of The Drachen Foundation were guests of the Indian government in January of 1998 and traveled extensively through this Asian country exploring India's passion for and development of the fighter kite. Foundation staff discovered that India is not difficult, but one of the last honest and accessible kite adventures to be explored.
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