February flight plan

Feb. 14, 2007

If you think that February is the perfect season to “go fly a kite,” then chances are you’re a fan of snow kiteboarding.
This weekend, Feb. 16-19, an intrepid band of wind riders will gather at the south end of Lake Leelanau for the region’s Second Annual Kite Derby, sponsored by Grand Bay Kite of Traverse City.
“This event was a large success last year and was the largest snow kite event in Michigan,” says Brian Buchler, owner of the downtown kite shop. “We draw a large group of people from all over the Midwest.”
This year’s event will feature snowkite demonstrations and trainer kites for the public to play with. Spectators will also have a chance to see the Traverse Bay Liners Kite Club in action out on the ice.
“We are expecting 30-plus riders to be attending the derby this year,” Buchler says.
Since the snow has been poor this
year I expect there will be more
riders from downstate and around the Midwest who venture to Traverse City to partake in the fun.”
Besides ripping along the ice at speeds matching those of motorized vehicles, kiteboarders harness the wind to “catch air” for spectacular jumps.
For more on the event, check out www.kitederby.com or www.grandbaykite.com. Most of the action takes place on South Lake Leelanau from 2-5 p.m. on Friday and from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, with a low-wind makeup day planned for Sunday and free rides available on Monday.