One Handed Kite Flying

by Donald Hawecker
(CA, USA)

Hi, my name is Donald Hawecker. About 13 years ago (Sep 4 2000) I was coming home from the park, just finished flying. Turned out the park got hit from behind by a truck doing 65.

Well, after I woke up and found out that I didn't have a left arm and a left leg below the knee, I thought my fun of flying was over. My kites were in the rafters and I didn't even think about flying. Or even going back to the same park. I got to thinking I want to try again.

Well I been flying every day for 4 months now at Deaza Narrow Park in Riverside CA on Jupera Ave. I fly my stunt kite with one hand, and I am very good at it. I feel the high of flying again. Come to riverside and say hi. I fly every day the wind blows. And in the Santa Ana river bottom it blows good. Look for me you can't miss me.

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One Handed Kite Flying

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April 1 2013
by: Anonymous

Hey bud, was good flying with you yesterday. The wind was a little choppy, must have been from the storm. I dig your new Prism kite. Still thinking about what you want to accomplish with trying one lead shorter so you have more control.

One idea I had was some sort of stationary control block, almost like a joystick or better off like a backhoe operator would use to where you could control kite with one hand by pulling back or forward on levers.

It was good flying with you again.

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One handed kite flying
by: donald hawecker

I got a video on YouTube check it out if you get a chance - "one handed dual line kite flying" hope you like it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xixk8556TmA

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Robotics
by: Humanoido

Great story and never give up! Being in robotics I can tell you what's coming down the pipeline and that's robotic hands, arms and legs that turn a person's disability and handicap into a great advantage! I wish you great luck in exploring everything available to advantage your kite flying and enjoyment of life.

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Thank you
by: Anonymous

Thanks for comm. I love to fly so much I try to everyday. I am the commissioner on disabilities so it's hard sometimes. And I got to make sure I don't run out of power on my wheelchair. LOL.

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Congrats
by: Tim Parish

That's a very unique and inspiring post about the joy of kiting! Particularly so since you are a multi-line stunt flier.

I can't visit any time soon since I'm based in Adelaide, South Australia - but a few other kite fanciers from CA might turn up, after they spot this post.

Keep cutting figures - and maybe drop into a kite festival or 2. Draw a crowd and share the story!

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