You probably know that I already have one project on the go, but here's another I started a few days ago.

I've been in discussion with Matt Taggert, one of Ozone's principle designers, and he has given me permission to replicate one of Ozone's current kites (the Ozone Manta 3, 12 metre) to use as the basis of a raffle to support NABX (North American Buggy eXpo).

NABX is a not for profit organisation that runs one of the biggest power kiting events in the USA. Each year kite buggiers from all over the world gather at Ivanpah dry lake in Nevada for 5 days of racing, endurance and freestyle buggying. Last year the kite buggy world speed record of 81 mph (I think - correct me if I'm wrong) was set at NABX.

As it's an American event I've decided to use the Star & Stripes as the basis of the design. It won't be as complex as my usual kites, so even though it's a big kite, I should have it finished in plenty of time for NABX; as usual the design is being sewn in, rather than printed. I'll be constructing the foil and Ozone are supplying a brand new bridle & speed system.

So, the kite will be a one off Manta 3, 12 metre, (a de-power snowkite for those who don't know), based on the American flag. Tickets for the raffle will be available for the first four days of NABX with the raffle being drawn on the final day.

Here are a few photos of the early stages of the build: these show the lower skin of the kite (the flyer's view), ready to be sewn together to form the wing.

You can find info about NABX here: About the NABX and info about the Ozone Manta 3 here: Ozone Snowkites > Products > Kites > Manta M3 2011 > Info

In my humble opinion the Manta 3 is very nearly the best de-power foil that's ever been made; the best one was also an Ozone design! The 12 metre is an absolute peach of a kite - if you want to get into the air and have wing that'll glide you down gently, this is it. I've also heard a rumour (not from Ozone, somewhere else) that 2011 is the last year for the Manta - so get one while you can!

Click any image for a larger version:

can you buy a raffle if you dont attend NABX....?

i just saw this over on KB

somebody is going to be VERY- VERY lucky

@ cheezycheese

I'm not sure, but I kind of doubt it - you'll have to ask the NABX organisers about that. I suspect though that they'll want to make sure that the person that wins is someone who's there when the raffle is drawn. I'm sure they'll post details on their site sometime soon.

So very nice of you, Kieron, to do this for the NABX org.! A big to you! Thanks!

Well you could always give a friend that was going money to buy a number of tickets for you and then keep track of your tickets as numbers are drawn. A few of us buy tickets and then as usual we are leaving saturday eve again and miss all the saturday night activities so we look for a friend to watch our tickets just in case - funny they always seem to wind but we don't ....??

To bad we are not going to be there. I would pay the price to loose. (as I never win)!! Wicked cool kite man. I hope an east coaster wins it so I can see it in person.

This is such a generous offer. I sure am looking forward to meeting you.

Susan (npw goddess)

that is going to be super cooool

I think someone on here showed how you could do it. The deal is this, since our raffle is a participation thing, for participants, your ticket must be there to win.

So, if you can figure out how to make that happen, we are happy for your support.

Each year we fall a little short of our budget. The raffle is how we are able to do what we do, and how we manage to make the event better each year.

Thanks to folks like Kieron, the raffle becomes more fabulous each year.

This year is no exception. We have other surprises, and hope it takes at least an hour to call out winners!

Quote:

Originally posted by cheezycheese can you buy a raffle if you dont attend NABX....?

WOW,

That is amazing :cool2:

So if I get some cash to a friend that is going he or she can buy my tickets as soon as possible. Send me the numbers and stay for the raffle and I can loose within the rules?
THis sounds awesome. So who do I know that is going?

So, now I've cut all the panels, I've started sewing; the first stage of which is to sew all the seams on the colour changes in the panels themselves.

Here's a close up photo of what I mean (click for larger image):

I'll be there Saturday night and will buy raffle tickets and text you the numbers. I fell into the "consolation" group last year. But its' all fun anyway.

thx to technology we can FaceTime you so you can say THANK YOU in person.

Kieron - props to you! I must say you've already inspired me long ago and filled my "one day" file with all kinds of crazy kite ideas and now this.....inspired by your generosity. I know the amount of time and effort you're putting out here for the good of NABX.....I know because I don't know how I'll ever find the ambition to take on something like this but hope and dream all the same.

Re: the pics. Yours are the same as mine. I post to my server and link because I can never seem to get the file size right for PKF. If you right-click your photos and "open them in a new window" they are nice and scaled up.

The forum software resizes everything, so you just have to post something like this.

Code:

[ url=http://www.kj-kites.com/forumphotos/StarsandStripespanelsewingsmall.jpg][ img]http://www.kj-kites.com/forumphotos/StarsandStripespanelsewingsmall.jpg[/img][/url] Click for larger image.

Click for larger image.

Today I finished all the separate panels, and started sewing them together; which involves getting the seams that cross from cell to cell to match.

Here are a few more photos:

Click any image for a larger version.







On a totally unrelated note: the new Radiohead album is stunning! Listening to it as I write...

Wow....Kieron, this is such a generous offer, I have seen your fabulous kites up close, the attention to detail is quite outstanding, his kites are almost too good to fly, they should be hung up somewhere in a gallery....

Count me in for sure for a few raffle tickets

and for anyone sitting on the fence here...this is towards the funding for NABX...long may it continue

CHECK THIS OUT Let it load...adjust to full screen, sit back and enjoy

Not only is Kieron a master at making kites, he can produce outstanding videos too...a true craftsman

Just noticed one of his latest creations...


HERE....

Carl, that means more to me, coming from you, than if anyone else said it: thanks mate. Are you all set to go now?

The comments are more than well deserved, period...

Only got to Hire the car now....my buggy should be in Vegas right now...he he

I'm simply blown away.

Really.

I'm very nearly finished! Just the bridle to attach now.

Here are a few more photos (click images for larger versions):

Kieron is sick and in the hospital. Please send some loving energy his way.

If anyone on here is close to him, please let us know how he is doing.

I agonized over posting this, because of privacy issues, but he did not ask me not to, and the power of positive thought and prayer can not be under estimated.

Wishing you well Kieron.

dean

I contacted Kieron the other day via email, I was asking if he could cad some plates up for me, when his email returned he said of course he will, but at that time he didn't have his laptop as he was in hospital with pneumonia..."what????", he then went onto say someone was bringing his laptop and he would get the plates done as soon as he could, they were in my email within 6hrs, hows that....amazing, from his email he seemed in fine spirits though, I just reminded him he has 3 weeks to make a full recovery for NABX, and I am sure he will be with us all on the playa.

He is one of the nicest and modest chaps you can meet, and many of you will enjoy his company on the lake bed

Get well soon Kieron

He needs to take it easy!

Kieron, slow down, breathe, we'll be there for ya, just get well.


aoxoawaitsoxoa

Get well Kieron.

How much will the raffle tix be?

I hate "me too" posts... and I generally detest sounding like a cheerleader... but I just have to say...

Fantastic work Kieron and most generous of you to donate on this scale to NABX. Somehow I think the NABX raffle is going to be even more interesting this year!

But, as Dean said... just get well, we'll be there for ya.

Darrin

Howdy buggy folks:D I'm offering up for raffel/auction one of my hand crafted didgeridoos:D


http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1871183544147&...
Dean Jordan requested I post this for all to see so here it is.


Can you post that to the forum post that Kieron already started!


dean jordan


www.nabx.net
www.jordanairkites.com
aoxomoxoa


On Mar 10, 2011, at 9:27 AM, Raymond Howard wrote:


Here is a face book video link of the didgeridoo I'm offering up.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1597359418715
I nicknamed it Lil Barky as I left the bark on this didgeridoo instead of striping it as usually done.

It is a fun player for traditional style of play. Has an overall gruff & gritty tone similar to a vintage Arnhem Land Aboriginal made Yidaki. The mouth piece was made using a combination of organic beeswax & Sugar Bag ( Australian Black Sting-less Bees ) wax.
The key feature to this particular didgeridoo is the ease of shifting the drone pitch. It is a silky smooth player & loads of fun once you get used to it☺!

The Didgeridoo is sealed with a glossy protective coating inside & out. The coating is called Envirotex Lite.
http://www.creative-wholesale.com/Envirotex%20Lite.htm

Were this didgeridoo to be offered for direct sale to public by me. I would ask at least $200.00 as both aesthetics & tone quality are very good☺
Hope Lil Barky finds a good home☺!
Good Winds! & keep on Didging!☺

can someone embed the picture and vid please?