Interview with Algoma Kiter Tim Feld
What makes a kite festival - the kiters! These dedicated fliers drive from around the state to provide our attendees with shows of giant stunt kites, gorgeous handmade kites, zippy stunt kites and more.
Tim Feld, Algoma native, is with the Wisconsin Kiters Club and flies on the Quad line Kite Team from NE Wisconsin called ‘Three Sheets.’ Tim has been interested in kites since he was a kid but got serious about kiting after meeting some of the Wisconsin Kiters at the first Algoma Soar on the Shore in 2015. As a young kid, his dad would help him get kites to fly that were purchased from the Ben Franklin store in Algoma. Sue Hepp, Soar on the Shore PR Chair, interviewed Tim to find out more about kiting and his passion for kiting.
How often do you go ‘fly a kite’?
I like to get out as often as I can but wind direction and locations available can be limiting.
Winter surprisingly can actually be a busy flying time because any area that has a frozen lake can provide a flying field that wouldn’t be accessible at any other time of the year.
What are the ideal conditions for kiting?
Most kites will have a recommended wind range listed on the packaging for the optimal wind speed and kite performance. As a general rule, most kiters like a wind range somewhere between 8-15 mph in a vast open area with an easterly wind.
If someone is interested in kiting, what would you tell them?
Start small, purchase a kite from an actual kite store owner or one who maintains an online store. Talk with them, or a kiter, to be sure to purchase the correct kite that is suited for you, your flying area so that your first kiting experience is enjoyable.
What are some things one needs to know about kiting?
Kiting is enjoyable, relaxing, and most of all … fun! Find a good entry level kite, a wide-open field with plenty of distance from buildings, trees, powerlines, and launch your kite with the wind at your back. You don’t need to run; let the wind do the work!
Do you make your own kites?
Yes, I sew/build some of my own kites and haven’t actually counted how many I have made, perhaps somewhere around a couple dozen. My favorite kite is a 12-foot Genki-style kite that I made to represent the harbor in Algoma.
How far have you traveled for a Kite Festival?
In February, myself and a fellow Wisconsin Kiter travel to Clear Lake, Iowa for the ‘Color the Wind Kite Festival’. The town remind me of NE Wisconsin and easily pulls in 30,000+ spectators.
How would you describe ‘Soar on the Shore’ in three words?
“Great Family Event!”
Join us Saturday August 17th from 11-4pm on the shore of Crescent Beach, 1025 Lake Street, Algoma for Soar on the Shore 2024!