VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Found this https://bigwavedave.ca/forums/topic/11062.html , https://bigwavedave.ca/forums/topic/3629.html , and https://bigwavedave.ca/forums/topic.html?t=7346 but they don't answer all my questions, although similar.

1) I actually kited a session, or two, with the items in the attached photos in '21 at Nitinat when taking a break from winging. It is all Liquid Force stuff I bought new in 2008 (kites are 8 and 12 m LF Havocs). I assume it would be silly, possibly unsafe, to use the bars/kites anymore. Is that fair to say? I did try to keep it all clean over the years but now I simply don't use it. If there is zero point in using the bars/kites is there anyone that would use them (for non-flying purposes) or they go in the trash? The last link above mentioned Matai Canada (no longer active?) and mafiabags.com (not in Canada).

2) If the bars/kites are history is the board useful? Would anyone use it? Too old? It is a LF Recoil 136x41 cm.

3) What about the LF travel bag itself? It's old.

I was going to drop at a thrift store if they had any interest but thought I'd check here first. And worry about someone trying to fly old gear, if really a bad idea. Maybe better to go to waste/recycling center.

Curious to know what folks here do with extinct? obsolete? old? gear.

1) Old kites are tricky. I recommend against donating to a store for resale as you could endanger someone. The purchaser likely won't be experienced. Unfortunately, not many people are repurposing kites either. Possible hobby/business venture for someone who likes sewing or wants to learn!

2) Boards age much slower, and it looks like someone could put yours to good use.

3) I suspect the travel bag is still useful if it's in good shape and would protect gear a bit in transit. I doubt bag tech has changed much.

• When I was in Cabarete pre-pandemic, there was a kite school that was pushing an upcycling initiative. Old kites we're being cut up and sewn into some nice bags/etc by locals, and then retailed in the school's shop.

• There's a news post from 2022 about an island company doing something similar with old big boat sails.https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/mobi ... ipId=68596

• Don't know where Red Flag https://www.westernliving.ca/doty/eco-d ... ag-design/ is, but they tried this back in 2008 or so. I saw their designs and workshop, and it was nicely thought out and making some fine products.

So if there's a viable upcycling option out there, and you find it, please post about it.

My brother is looking for a for a board as he is just starting out.


At Comox Kite Repair we often re use old kite fabric to make bags and wind socks.