Jekyll Island has commissioned a group of highly skilled artisans from across the U.S. to create an array of stunning, hand-worked glass creations. This wonderful collection includes brilliant art glass floats, beautiful starfish, wondrous glass sand dollars and other extraordinary pieces.

Originally the hollow glass balls were woven into the rope line of large fishing nets, and proved to be buoyant as well as economical. Copying the Norwegian designs, many European countries soon began using glass floats for their commercial fishing nets. Although it wasn’t until around 1910 that far eastern countries, primarily Japan, began manufacturing and using glass floats, today these glass balls (which are highly prized by collectors) are popularly called Japanese Glass Floats.

To accommodate different fishing styles and nets, the Japanese experimented with making many different shapes of floats, from two-inches to 20 inches in diameter. They even made a float that looks like a miniature rolling pin, crimped on each end to make it easier to secure to the net. Most floats were made in shades of green or blue. Other brilliant jewel tones such as emerald green, cobalt blue, purple, yellow and orange were primarily made in the 1920’s and 30’s. Red and purple floats are highly prized by collectors and are thought to have originated from the Royal Fleet. Denmark, Czechoslovakia, and Scotland copied the idea of glass floats later in the 19th Century. By the 1940’s England, France, Germany, Russia and the US were all making and using glass fishing floats. Plastic, wood and cork were used for a while but glass was more durable, and inexpensive. After WWII, fishing accelerated, especially for the Japanese, and glass was again the float of choice, though the US continued to make some wooden floats until 1956.

Trademarks and embossing were used on the floats to identify the users and manufacturers, and are used today by collectors to identify their origin and authenticity. About 20% of floats have some type of trade mark. Unfortunately for net fisherman, glass floats often escaped their nets when the rope rotted or storms tore them away.

Millions of glass floats are still riding in the world’s ocean currents today. Many of these floats are thought to be traveling in one particular ocean current. The Koroshio Current (meaning the “black stream” and called so because of its dark color) sweeps in a figure 8 pattern from Japan across the Pacific to Alaska and then down the West Coast from the Aleutian Islands all the way past Mexico and then turns east again, past the Hawaiian Islands and back to Japan. It takes a minimum of four years for a float to cross the Pacific, and experts think that 40% of the floats lost by fisherman are still afloat and drifting today. When tide and weather conditions are just right, you can find glass floats that wash up on the beaches of Hawaii, California, Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Often, these floats roll safely onto shore tangled in seaweed or other flotsam. They also can be shattered if they land on a rocky coastline. During stormy periods they can be thrown hundreds of feet onshore and will remain there until some lucky beachcombing hunter should find it.

Collecting these glass floats became a hobby in the 1950’s but with the decline in commercial fishing and with the advent of plastics, glass fishing floats became more rare and are highly sought after and very valuable today. Collectors worldwide display their finds in their homes as well as museums, fairs and exhibits. Original glass floats with an identifiable trademark bring hundreds of dollars in swap meets and on Internet auctions today. These hollow glass spheres are also highly sought after by interior decorators who exhibit them in offices, homes and gardens throughout America.

On Jekyll Island, from January 1 - February 28, Island Treasure art pieces will placed above the high water line (not in the dunes) for lucky winter beachcombers to find. The virtual treasure hunt will begin January 1st. For more information visit www.jekyllisland.com/islandtreasures

Tags: ancient fishing, art glass, beach combing, beach treasure, coastal Georgia fun, colored glass, glass blowing, glass fishing float, glass starfish, island treasures, Jekyll Island Events, Jekyll Island Treasures, online treasure hunt, treasure hunt, virtual treasure
Posted in January/February 2009 | 5 Comments »

Pyromania
Pyromania, located in beautiful Newport, Oregon, is a family business. Husband and wife, Dennis & Patricia Schmitz, and their daughters, Jessica and Andrea, work together to create glass floats. Each colorful orb is individually crafted with the same techniques that have been used for 2000 years to create glass art pieces that celebrate the spirit of beachcombing. Each Pyromania float has the Studio’s name and the year engraved near the plug. These collectible floats are lively, bright, and multicolored pieces of art.

Mark Ellinger
Mark Ellinger is a professional glass artist and a native of the Puget Sound area of Washington State In 1998 Mark built and founded “Glass Quest” his own modern glass blowing studio in rural Stanwood, Washington. Mark’s unique designs are inspired by his love of the Art Nouveau period and the beautiful surroundings of Puget Sound.

Leaning Glass Studios
Together, husband and wife team — Jennifer and Paul Steinke — make up the glass blowing team of Leaning Glass Studios. For over 20 years, Paul has been creating unique glasswork. To date, Paul has produced over 3500 glass ornaments, multiple vases and dishes, and fused glass pieces. Paul’s wife Jennifer began working with glass in 2000. Under the study of Eddie and Barbara Streeter, she learned that everything in glass making is HOT! Jennifer works on producing unique bowls and vases.

Treasure’d Glass
Treasure Collupy was born and raised in Skamokawa, Washington. After attending two years of college, he yearned for a change. On a trip home from Seattle, he went into a local “hot shop” where, by twist of fate, he was asked to help. After a couple hours of assisting, he was addicted. Three months later, Treasure quit his job and moved back to Skamokawa to learn the art of glassblowing!

Fern Hill Glass
Claude Kurtz was born in Portland, Oregon, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Claude uses dichroic glass and lots of bright, pure and often reactive colors. He enjoys experimenting with colors to create different and often unexpected results.

Tags: art glass, beach treasure, beachcombing, blown glass, coastal georgia treasure, fishing floats, glass art pieces, glass floats, golden isles events, island treasures, Jekyll Island Events, Jekyll Island Treasures, leaning glass studios, mark ellinger, pyromania, treasure hunting, treasure'd glass
Posted in January/February 2009 | No Comments »

The Jekyll Island Salt Marsh Wildlife Viewing Platform officially opened on November 10, 2008. Located next to the Visitor Information Center on the Jekyll Island Causeway, the Wildlife Viewing Platform is a two-story structure built to provide the public with an extended view of the expansive salt marsh adjacent to Jekyll Island. By providing a better view, the platform will bolster an appreciation for this rich habitat. Among the many wading and shore birds that guests can view from this spot are the beautiful Roseate Spoonbill, Bald Eagle, Woodstork, and Clapper Rail.

“Providing non-invasive access to natural areas is a key component of the Jekyll Island Authority mission,” said Christa Frangiamore, Conservation Manager for the Jekyll Island Authority. “We are proud to have the Wildlife Viewing Platform as part of this mission.”

The Jekyll Island Salt Marsh Wildlife Viewing Platform is made possible by the monetary support and in-kind donations from: The Atlanta Audubon Society, The Coastal Georgia Audubon Society, Shearouse Lumber Company, The Georgia Ornithological Society, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife Resources Division.

For more information on the Wildlife Viewing Platform, as well as other birding and nature walk opportunities on Jekyll Island, please call the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at 1-877-4JEKYLL.

Tags: atlanta audubon society, bald eagle, birding and nature festival, birding platform, clapper rain, coastal georgia audubon society, Coastal Georgia Birding, coastal georgia wildlife, georgia department of nature reasources, georgia ornithological society, golden isles wildlife, jekyll island birding, Jekyll Island birding platform, Jekyll Island viewing platform, Jekyll Island wildlife, roseate spoonbill, salt marsh, shearouse lumber, viewing marsh wildlife, Wildlife Viewing Platform, woodstork
Posted in January/February 2009 | No Comments »

Binoculars are a very important, if not essential, part of birding. Aside from our own eyes and ears, they are the primary tool by which we can differentiate between birds at a distance. There are many brands and models to choose from, and picking a pair that is well suited to your needs is key. Here we hope to provide you with some pointers on choosing, using, and caring for your binoculars.

WHY ALL THE NUMBERS?
Most binoculars bear two numbers printed somewhere on the body, separated by an “x” (such as 7×35 or 8×40). The first number in front of the “x” (7x, 8x, 10x, etc.) tells you what level of magnification (or power) the binoculars will deliver. A pair of 7 power binoculars will make the goldfinch at your feeder seem 7 times closer. However, the higher the magnification, the smaller the area (or field of view) you’ll get to see through the binos, and the steadier you have to be while holding them. Although a pair of 10 detail than a pair of 7 or 8 power binos, you will end up seeing less of the area around the bird, and may find the image a little shaky. These factors can make it powered binos.

The second number (after the “x”) tells you the width of each the front lenses in millimeters. Why would you want to know such technical details? Experiment by comparing an object through 7×35 and 7×40 binoculars to find out. You should notice a difference in the clarity of images you see. The larger the front lenses, the more light they will “gather,” and the brighter and crisper the image should be.

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH BIRDING?
Generally speaking, 7×35 or 8×40 are the most practical binoculars to have for birding. They work well in the forest or in the backyard, gather a fair bit of light and have a relatively large “field of view.” Although 10 power binoculars tend to be heavier and have a narrower field of view, many experienced birders prefer the higher magnification they provide.

OTHER FACTORS
When purchasing your binoculars consider weight, durability, degree of weatherproofing and overall size. The price will vary with brand name, lens quality, magnification, lens size, weather proofing, and other more technical design matters. Hold and look through as many different types of binoculars as you can before purchasing. Keep in mind what you will do with them. Will they be comfortable to carry around? Will they fit in your glove compartment or backpack? Can you hold them up for more than 10 minutes? Does the bird you’re looking at seem to be sitting in the fog on a sunny day in Reno, Nevada? Take your time, and get the pair of binoculars best suited to your needs and your budget.

AND NOW, FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE…
Once you’ve bought or borrowed some binoculars, you’re going to want to do a little practicing. To some, spying a Purple Finch at the top of a pine tree and easy as can be. To others, locating a bird through binoculars can be a little more difficult. The key is to practice finding and focusing on fixed objects various different angles and positions. There are a number of other little tricks to learn as well.

HERE ARE SOME QUICK TIPS:
1) The “Two for One”
Most binoculars have a hinge joining the sides together. This hinge allows people to adjust the binoculars according to the distance between their eyes. (We all have different sized heads.) If you don’t adjust the binoculars correctly, you may end up seeing large black spots when you look from side to side, or see two blurry images of the same bird. Just push or pull the sides apart until you see one circular image.

2) “What Eye-Ring?”
Focusing binoculars is a two-part process. The main focusing wheel (usually at the top near the hinge) will bring the image into general focus. You may, however, have to adjust your binoculars to accommodate for differences in the strength of each eye. In order to correct for your eyes, put your hand over the front lens on the side with the adjustable eyepiece (which is usually the right eyepiece), and focus on something in the middle distance (like your feeder at 30 feet). Then move the eyepiece as far as you can in a clockwise direction and look at your feeder through both sides of your binoculars. The image will now seem a little blurry. Now, while still observing the feeder, move the eyepiece in a counterclockwise direction. This should start to bring the image into focus. Keep turning until the image you see is as crisp as you can make it. Keep your eyes as relaxed as possible while doing this. You should not have to strain them to see small details such as an eye-ring on a flycatcher or the company logo on your feeder. When you’re done adjusting, take a look at where you’ve ended up on the eyepiece’s scale, and be sure to keep it at that number whenever you use these binoculars.

3) “A Good Look at a Bush”
Now we’re ready to tackle the most crucial part of using binoculars: getting them to your eyes while still keeping track of the bird. This can be more difficult than it
sounds, and only becomes “natural” with practice. Again, find a stationary object, such as an empty coffee can or
your bird feeder, and focus on it. Then move and try it again from a different angle. Could you find it? Ignore the binoculars as you’re bringing them up, and keep your eyes on the object. Chances are, you’re not going to
bring the binos up to your mouth or bonk your nose. If you keep an eye on the feeder, as opposed to your hands, your binoculars will automatically be pointed in the right direction when they pass over your eyes. Try it. Look at the feeder, don’t move your head, and raise the binoculars up to your eyes. There it is!

Article reprinted courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, www.birds.cornell.edu.

Tags: binocular tips, bird viewing, coastal georgia birds, Georgia Coast Birding Festival, jekyll island birding, Jekyll Island wildlife, marsh birds, purple finsh, testing binoculars, using binoculars, wildlife viewing
Posted in January/February 2009 | 1 Comment »

By Lydia Thompson

It was a very interesting article. I stopped to read it because of the picture on the first page. There in the picture was a pale Red-Tailed Hawk sitting on a gray cement building. The bird was the only living thing in the picture on that page. There were no living plants, no blue sky, just the bird sitting on the gray hard surface. Pale Male, the Red-Tailed Hawk, is a celebrity. He became a controversial celebrity when he was evicted from his home. He had lived on that building for years but the people he lived with were not happy with the wildness of their hawk neighbor. After all, he was messy, but they had to live with him. The nest of this bird was protected. But with the loosening of an environmental law the nest itself could be removed when the bird was not using it for nesting.

So on December 7, 2004 Pale Male’s nest was removed from its exclusive address in New York City. The fact that Pale Male had lived and nested at this address for eleven years didn’t matter to this law. The only fact that mattered was that the nest was vacant. Never mind that for eleven years he was watched, monitored and cheered by a large group of admirers, some were birders, others were just fans of this wild bird in their large city. This group was stunned to see the nest heartlessly removed. Then Pale Male started coming back with sticks to rebuild his nest and those sticks would roll off the building. You see the neighbors had removed the pigeon guards as well as the nest. The pigeon guards are what held the nest in place. This incensed the group of admirers. The fight was on. The crowd of admirers had watched for years as this wild aristocratic bird sailed on and off this building. They had watched this bird bring sticks, then food, to this nest year after year. Each year the chicks would be watched and cheered as they left the nest.

This living symbol Pale Male had to reclaim this home. The result was, not only did Pale Male get his home back, he got an architect to build him a more stable structure to hold the nest. The article goes on to ask the question “why this particular bird”? While reading the rest of the article I stumbled on a new word for me. The word was biophilia. It is a fascinating new word. It was invented by Harvard etymologist E. O. Wilson in 1984. He uses it to describe an innate human yearning to connect with nature. This word is meant to describe what you can see, touch and be a part of. Not an abstract idea of nature. Pale Male is a bird that the crowd of admirers could see, not just a bird perched on a tower out in the country somewhere never seen or caringly watched. These city people had a connection to Pale Male.

“Wild America” is a book by Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher published in the late 1940’s. In this book James Fisher concludes that with the new invention of the air conditioner for buildings that people would become more cut off from the out of doors. In doing more research on this word biophilia I came across a definition that includes and expands on James Fisher’s idea to say that this alienation started with the industrial revolutions, which moved more people indoors. With more people working indoors sealed off from the elements, rain, wind, cold, and hot, the connection with nature is suppressed, canned and we lost our sense of interdependence with our wild neighbors.

Here, on Jekyll Island, there is a unique opportunity to reconnect with our wild neighbors. In fact Jekyll is a little of both worlds. Jekyll Island can offer a comfortable place to stay and the opportunity for any person, to go outside. We can walk the beach, a trail in the the marsh. We can connect to that natural real world. Now nature isn’t clean and neat. It can be very hot. It can be cold. But a walk will also allow you to connect to creatures that that balances out those messy elements. This reconnection to the wild side inspires us, and renews us. Oh, by the way, on the facing page from the photo of Pale Male on the building was an out of focus area of greens and blues. The two pages seemed to be two separate images connected only because they were side by side. It was the living bird, Pale Male, that connected the shape edged, man made façade of building to the distant blurred greens of trees and blue of the sky beyond. It was an image of biophilia. The bird connected us back with nature.

If you would like to read the article on “Understanding Pale Male”, it is in November/ December 2005 “Bird Watcher Digest.” It was written by Paul J. Baicich. Paul Baicich has been one of the people who inspire me in the bird conservation work I do. Enjoy nature and take some time to watch birds while on Jekyll Island.

About Lydia
Lydia’s major focus is to intertwine her bird studies and her art. In 1983 she left her safe job and for over a year she traveled and learned about birds. She has traveled widely in US, Canada and Mexico. Now living in the Golden Isles of Georgia she continues her studies of birds & the art of the intaglio print. Preservation and Conservation of bird habitats are her major concerns. Visit Lydia on Wednesdays at the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in the Jekyll’s Historic District or visit her web site www.lydiabirdsinart.homestead.com. She is blogging at: www.coastalgerogiabirding-lydia.blogspot.com.You can also go on a Thursday Morning Bird Ramble from 8 am to 11 am. Seating is limited. Please call for reservations. 912-634-1322.

Photographs of Pale Male and Lola are courtesy of Lincoln Karim.

Tags: biophilia, bird nesting, bird viewing, birdchat, Coastal Georgia Birding, e.o. wilson, etymology, Georgia Coast Birding Festival, golden isles bird watching, golden isles birds, jekyll birds, jekyll island birding, jekyll island historic district, lola and pale male, lola hawk, lydia thompson, marsh birds, marsh wildlife, natural habitats, new york hawk, pale male hawk, red tailed hawk, urban birds, wild america, wild birds unlimited, wildlife viewing
Posted in January/February 2009 | No Comments »

By Dr. Terry Norton, DVM

I am often asked: How many sea turtle rehabilitation centers are there in the southeastern US? How is the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) unique?

There are actually several facilities in Florida that do sea turtle rehabilitation, some focus solely on sea turtles, while some work with a variety of wildlife and captive animals. There are no other sea turtle rehabilitation centers in Georgia but one in South Carolina and North Carolina and a few more further north. The sea turtle rehabilitation community is very close and we often collaborate on a variety of levels.

Although there are many unique aspects of the GSTC including rehabilitation, education, research and training, the most unique feature of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is our engaging education program. The entire staff educates the general public starting with our gift shop personnel, then the education area where educators and volunteers engage the public, then our treatment room window where our veterinary staff can talk and show people how we care for the turtles and deal their injuries, next to the pavilion where our educators and interns do patient updates and our visitors can read about and see our patients and learn about their problems. I am a veterinarian and a scientist. Until now my career has been focused on clinical medicine and surgery and publishing scientific manuscripts. The GSTC has allowed us to continue to do the veterinary care and science but to go a step further and actually educate children to adults from all walks of life. This has a huge conservation impact. The more people we engage in our work, the more things will change for the better. The driving force behind all of this excellent work is our educators and they should be commended for the fantastic programs they have created in just over one year. I am totally amazed how the GSTC has blossomed in so many ways. Alicia Marin heads our education program as the education coordinator. Kelly O’Keefe came to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Sarah Mathias was one of our first interns who we decided to employ as a permanent staff member. These three individuals have done so much to enhance our programs and mesh science and education. We have had numerous education interns train with us in our short existence. All of them have left with a new perspective on education and sea turtle conservation. The sea turtles that come through our doors are ambassadors of the marine ecosystem. A turtle that has severe propeller injuries and is being treated gives us the opportunity to explain the impact boat strikes have on sea turtles and other marine wildlife. This is how we can really make a difference. Please come visit the GSTC and support our staff and our overall vision.

Education Update

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center was full of holiday spirit last month, hosting two holiday events and attending the Brunswick Christmas Parade. On Wednesday December 3rd, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center hosted the Atlanta Southeast Airlines Santa’s Sleigh event. 30 children from the Atlanta area were flown down to the Brunswick Airport and then bused over to Jekyll Island for a field trip to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and our Amazing Adaptations program. After a trolley ride to the Convention Center, the group visited with Santa and were presented with Jekyll Island gift bags. Santa made another special appearance on Saturday December 20th for our 2nd Annual SEA-sons Greetings Event. The children each received a mini sea turtle toy from Santa himself, and listened to a special Georgia Sea Turtle Center-inspired version of “Twas the Night before Christmas.”

Tags: , Dylan the Sea Turtle, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, georgia sea turtles, jekyll island nature, jekyll island sea turtles, marine ecosystem, sea turtle education, sea turtle hospital, sea turtles, south east sea turtles, turtle rehabilitation, turtle science
Posted in January/February 2009 | No Comments »

The Jekyll Island Arts Association invites everyone to Beachside Hall in Jekyll’s Convention Center on Tuesday, January 13th at 7:30 pm for an evening of Shag Dancing. Come and learn all about Shag dancing from The Golden Isle Shag Club, under the direction of Wayne Bennett. They will demonstrate the Shag, tell the history of this Southern dance and off audience participation.

This will be a fun evening for all. Admission is free, although donations will be gratefully accepted.

You’ll not want to miss the wonder of nature brought into the gallery of the Jekyll Island Arts Association during its exhibit running January 2 - 29. The show features the stunning photography of Randall Hollisand the unique and thought-provoking sculptures by Anthony Quickle.

Also, visit our shop and gallery in Goodyear Cottage in the historic district. Hours are Mon. Fri. noon 4pm and weekends 10-4pm. Everyone is welcome.

Tags: anthony quickle, coastal artists, georgia shag dancing, golden isle shag club, goodyear cottage, jekyll gallery, jekyll island art, jekyll island arts association, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island shag dancing, randall hollisand
Posted in January/February 2009 | No Comments »

The 2009 JIBE Kite Buggy Rally will be held on a stretch of beach in front of Blackbeards Seafood Restaurant that has become known as Kite Beach. The site is favored by local kiteboarders and power kiters because it is never too crowded to safely launch and fly the large and powerful kites used in the sport. The kinds of kites used in the event are four-line, highly controllable parafoil shaped kites ranging in size from about 9 - 25 feet across, depending on wind conditions. They are highly maneuverable and when pulling a buggy they can achieve speeds of two to three times the speed of the local wind and they can even travel upwind, just like a sailboat.

On Friday and Saturday of the event, there will be free trainer kite clinics open to the public. People are welcome to come and ask questions and weather permitting, try their hands at flying a four line traction kite. The kites used here are easy to fly and are big enough (about 3 sq. meters) to give you a thrill and drag you around a bit, yet small enough not to get you into trouble if you make a mistake. Experienced pilots will be on hand to offer advice and safety guidelines. Suitable ages for participants is about 12 and up.

Angus Campbell of Coastal Wind Sports and event director of the JIBE can often be found flying traction kites or driving his kite buggy on Kite Beach time when the wind is out of the east and the tide is low.

“An east wind gives me long, broad reaches in the buggy of up to four miles and the low tide gives me enough room to safely pass other beach-goers”, says Campbell.

If the beach is crowded, he will generally stick to the quarter mile of Kite Beach where reduced crowds enable him to buggy safely away
from people. Anyone is is encouraged to contact Angus for a demo and a chance to try their hand at flying a trainer kite to experience the thrill of traction kites for themselves.Kiteboarders also like the water conditions at Kite Beach due to the sand bar that offers shallow water that is excellent for training and that generates
favorable currents. Kiteboarders and traction kiters who are visiting the area are encouraged to fly here since there are fewer crowds and more room, plus there will likely be knowledgeable local flyers on hand to assist them. Robb VanWie, local certified kiteboard instructor can often be found here working with students new to the sport.

Ride the Winds on Jekyll Island

Have you ever seen the people surfing or buggying at the beach with the giant colorful kites? Have you ever thought, “I’d like to try that?” Well you can now trykiting right here on Jekyll Island.

Coastal Wind Sports is owned and operated by Angus Campbell and specializes in kite buggying, kite boarding and kite surfing. As Mr. Campbell puts it, “Coastal Wind Sports is committed to getting customers outside and flying with a big grin on their face.” The use of kites to propel boards and buggies really came of age in the 90s and has grown in popularity ever since. Traction kites are used to pull buggies, for kite boarding on wheels and kite surfing. A power kite or “traction kite” is a large kite designed to provide significant pull to the user.

“We like to fly traction kites and drive kite buggies”, says Angus Campbell, “We fly or drive just about everything we sell so that we feel more comfortable talking about our products.” Kite buggies can routinely achieve speeds of over two times the speed of the local wind. “With a 10 knot breeze, you’re doing 25 mph, but with your bottom four inches off the ground, it feels like 50!”, says Mr. Campbell. Buggies can tack and reach across the wind and even point up-wind, so you are not walking back to your starting point. They are not hard at all to drive, once you know how to fly the kite. Traction kites (a.k.a “power kites”), are a lot of fun and provide a great workout. According to Mr. Campbell, the smaller 2-line foils are inexpensive, easy to fly and can provide great enjoyment with good pull for an upper body workout. Full sized four-line kites can pack a lot of energy and really drag you around for an “Xtreme” workout. A fourline kite gives you complete control. You can drive it through the sky to generate power and lift, you can stop it, back it up and land it wherever you choose. Four-line kites are pretty intuitive to fly and just take some practice.

It is important to talk to a professional before getting involved in kiting, because the wrong kite in the wrong conditions can hurt you. Coastal Wind Spots can set you up so you have fun and not frustration. For their customers (Southeast Georgia, Northeast Florida) Coastal Wind Sports is happy to meet on the beach and set up demos for any of their products. If you are in the Southeastern Georgia, Northeastern Florida area, call them to arrange for a free on-the-beach demo of any of their kites or buggies. They almost always have one of every item on hand to play with (not every size). “There is never an obligation. We’re gonna’ be out flying anyway!”, says Mr. Cambell.

You can reach Coastal Wind Sports at 912-265-1149, toll free at (800) 592-1195, or e-mail Angus Campbell at angus@coastalwindsports.com.

Tags: Angus Campbell, beach buggying, beach sports, beach traction kites, blackbeards, coastal georgia buggying, coastal kiting, Coastal Wind Sports, golden isles kite buggy, jekyll island activities, jekyll island beach, Jekyll Island Blackbeards, Jekyll Island Kite Buggy Expo, jekyll island kite surfing, Kite Beach, kite boarding, kite surfing, May events, power kites, south georgia kiting, traction kites, water sports
Posted in January/February 2009 | No Comments »