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With atypical East Coast August weather, that being hot, humid, light winds, and a threat of afternoon showers, the 3rd NERFC (northeast regional fighter-kite competition) assembled again on the 4th in Albany, N.Y. This was at Frisbee Field, the home field of NYKE. Mike Coons and Paul Peters hosted a great day of fighter kite action. A short note here, many thanks to Mike and wife Lisa for the fine Bbq. spread, also to Paul for the use of the lawnmower.
Paul Peters doing some field fixing
Mike Coons cooking (his kites cook too)
Lisa's Spread, Thanks a bunch
A round robin between the eight competing fliers was decided upon, with the matches to consist of the best of 3 out of 5 points. Our flyers consisted of 5 Canadians’, Pierre, Normand, Mario, Bert, and Larry, with Larry being new at this opting out. Mike, Paul, Will and myself represented the American contingent. With the eight competing fliers this made for 28 matches.
A little bit of paperwork.
Early in the day, before noon, the winds were light to nonexistent. Normand Girard and myself decided to try a match. Being the possessor of a light wind Bruce Lambert fighter kite I was eager to try it out. In light winds this kite is capable of doing 360’s. On the first over point I made such an attempt. Mishandling the kite while upwind cost me the point. During a second over-point the result was the same, and eventually the match went to Normand. But as they say the competition experience was priceless and I’ll be better prepared the next time.
left Will Dyer, foreground: Mike Coons and background: Andy Selzer, warming up their kites
It was decided after the match to take a break and enjoy the fine bbq of our host, the hope being to have better winds in the afternoon. Our patience was rewarded with better breezes of around 4 to 5 mph. The southerly breeze being better across the street the venue was moved there. Soon it became apparent the weather wasn’t the only thing that was hot. With all the fliers evenly matched the action was as thick and heavy as the August air. More than once a top point was decided within ten feet of the opposing fliers head. If memory serves correct Normand and Pierre traded such top points in just one match. The bottom points were also decided in great fashion, most being flown below the waist level, position and a quick hand to sneak under your opponents line being key here.
As stated earlier the fighter kite pilots were pretty evenly matched. This bore itself out during the matches that afternoon. I’d say 80% of them went the whole 5 points. As a fighter kite flier you can’t ask for better than that. I think most of us won as many as we lost. In the end Pierre Gregoire bested us all with only 1 loss all afternoon.
Mother nature had the final say and the late afternoon thundershowers approached as the matches ended. Quickly packing up and thanking our host we departed and eagerly await the next meet.
