Untitled - KiteLife

y RICHARD PECK, SKQ Associate Editorphotos by Edmond GrignonThis year's Hawaii Challenge brought 52 individualflyers and 12 teams to test their skill in the fickle winds ofKapiolani Park . The one thing flyers can count on inHawaii is the unexpected . Unlike last year's strongwinds, this time around participants were treated towhat the natives call "Kona winds" . These are breezesthat blow in off the ocean which caused considerableturbulence as the ocean side of the park is ringed withtrees. Contestants, however, seemed to have a goodtime in spite of the rough going .Several special crowd pleasing events were includedin this year's Challenge . Four new ones were added :Individual and Team Train Kite Ballets along with Individualand Team Quad Line Ballets. These eventsthrilled the spectators and gave 13 individuals and 9teams a chance to show their stuff . Seeing multiplekites with tails, flown in such a beautiful setting seemedto exemplify what kite flying is all about .In a repeat of his last year's performance, ScottAughenbaugh was the flyer to beat . Winning eachevent that he entered, Scott continued to amaze thecrowds with his flying skill, Team High Performancecame up Open Team winners followed closely by thePrevailing Winds . The Challenge showed the internationalflavor of this young sport again this year withteams from both Japan and Australia displaying goodflying skills . In the Experienced Team events, Precisionwas won by Jams, with Team Banzai OSNAS dominatingthe Ballet . In all, 19 events were flown .Each year, the Hawaii Challenge seems to bring tomind its own unique nature . Nowhere else on thenational circuit can be found the beauty, internationalflavor, and relaxed atmosphere that is Hawaii . Allnational contests have their share of serious competitors,but the Challenge seems to be more fun thanbusiness . This year's event was three days in the running,allowing ample time for demonstrations and funevents . The Action Challenge, for example, is a popularcontest which allows all flyers to compete against oneanother just for fun . Having time for demonstrationsallows flexibility in the schedule to accommodateever-changing conditions . Almost everyone wantingto fly his or her special routine had a chance toperform before an appreciative crowd .Each year, the organizers of the Challenge seem tocome up with a quality sponsor . This year, OSNAS, fromJapan, was no exception . Their participation told theworld just how serious Japan is about kite flying .Coupled with the countless volunteers that are theheart of any event, this year's Hawaii Challenge addsyet another success to their record!Winners in the Open class, The High PerformanceTeam. Below, Experienced class top slot went toBanzai OSNAS .Complete event standings in results section