From flying a simple single-line kite to participating in full-on “kite battles,” the tradition of kite-flying is a pastime that spans generations. At the heart of the timeless activity within the park-laden St. Louis metro area is the Gateway Kite Club, which has been around for more than 30 years.
According to Mitch Cordover, an executive member of the club, the historical roots of kite-flying trace back almost a thousand years, when it was once used as a military strategy. Today, of course, it’s a recreational pastime that fosters creativity, relaxation, and community engagement.
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Gateway Kite Club serves to encourage locals interested in picking up the hobby by providing kite-making materials, a designated space for gathering, and a one-of-a-kind experience and community.
“[When you fly a kite, it] almost feels as though you are flying. You can feel the wind through the string,” Cordover says.
When & Where
Gateway Kite Club meets at a large open field across from the Chesterfield Amphitheater, close to the Samuel C. Sachs Branch library. The group typically flies on the third Saturday of each month and hosts additional events and gatherings throughout the year.
The next time you can catch the club is on April 12 from 1–4 p.m. in Union, Missouri, at the Veteran’s Memorial Park fields.
Can’t make it? Reach out to the club to set up a time for you to fly when you are available. “Our only prerequisite is that you want to have fun with kites,” Cordover says.
Make Your Own
For those interested in building their own kite, the club offers the opportunity to construct and decorate custom kites. Cordover provides kite-making materials for participants who don’t have their own.
Cordover says hobbyists can purchase kite kits at an affordable price, with most costs ranging from $5–$7. Cordover recommends Fly Market Supply and Kites and Fun Things for a variety of materials. Items such as carbon tubes, fabrics, and creasing tools are important essentials to have on hand for anyone interested in getting into the craft, he explains.
To find the right kite, Cordover explains, consider experience level and the desired activity.
“You don’t want to start your kite-flying career with an exercise in frustration; you want to find a kite that’s really quite reliable,” Cordover says.
For beginners, a single-line kite (a delta kite that’s triangular in shape) and an eddie kite (a diamond-shaped kite with bent wings) are recommended due to stability and ease of flight. Once more familiar with kite-flying, consider a sports kite, which has two or four lines, allowing you to maneuver and perform crowd-pleasing tricks.
Go Big
The Gateway Kite Club can assist with bulk orders for group events, creating a larger experience for celebrations, parties, or team-building exercises. And once you’re ready for the big leagues, the American Kite Flyers Association offers competitions and events for enthusiasts nationwide.
To learn more about upcoming events and workshops, visit the Gateway Kite Club’s Facebook page.
