Let’s Go Fly a Kite

Kite flying is a fun pastime for kids or a great thing to do at the beach, but for some people--including members of the American Kitefliers Assn.--it’s a lot more than that. “Serious hobbyist is the best way to classify them,” says Jim Miller of the 200 or so kite fliers who are converging on Santa Monica Beach for the 19th annual Convention and Grand National Competitions of the American Kitefliers Assn. this week.

Kites of all shapes, colors and sizes will fill the sky around the Santa Monica Pier for the competitions, which include ballet flying, in which routines are choreographed to music, and sport kites, which are duo-line kites that allow the handler to do “controllable loops, dives and figure-eights. It’s precision flying,” Miller says.

Besides showing off their aerial skills, contestants will also compete in kite building. Other highlights include tonight’s “night fly,” in which kites adorned with lights are launched after dark, and a mass ascension of kites each day at 1 p.m.

The event takes place on the beach just north of the Santa Monica Pier, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Saturday. Free to spectators. (500) 447-5516.