Russell Hammond.
Brisbane Australia
Current QKS Treasurer

1998. Melbourne Victoria. Bought my first kite while on holidays in New Zealand (Ground Zero Sparky). I enjoyed it so much I started buying bigger Ground Zero Kites and taught myself to fly.

2001. Bought my first soft cell Kite (Thunderfoil 2) from Bob Dawson at Leading Edge Coffs Harbour, then not long after that, a Peter Lynn Pocket Peel.
Really enjoyed the power and got interested in bigger 4 line traction kites.

2002. While holidaying in Port Fairy was shown how to Kite Buggy and was instantly hooked.
Bought a 3.5 Metre Airea Raptor Traction Kite & Peter Lynn Competition Buggy with wide axle.
Joined Geelong & District Kite Club and AKA. Went along to Victorian Kite buggy races to learn how to buggy.
I was encouraged to race in the lower Intermediate Class (joined mid series) which I did.
Bought more traction Kites and honed my buggy skills.

2003/2004. Raced in Victorian Kite buggy Series Intermediate Class. Bought more Airea Traction Kites.
Won 1st Place in the Intermediate Class series.
Oct 2004 Moved to Brisbane for work and introduced myself to the local kiters.
Joined Queensland Kite Flyers Society. Met Jason from Briskites whom I had met previously in Victoria at a buggy meet.
Bought several kites from Jason to add to my collection.

2005. Continued to buggy socially with Alan Bayley and fly sports kites at QKS monthly flyins.
Met Steve Donavan at one of the fly days and was amazed at his flying expertise.
Went to Coolum Kite Festival as a spectator.

2006. Had the chance to fly in team formation for some fun with Steve and some of the guys which I found very enjoyable.
Coolum Kite Festival - Watched Vortice Kite Team in action.
I then decided after previously been asked to join the team by both Steve and Jason to give Flying with Vortice Kite Team a go.
Introduced to Level One Kites.

2006/2007. Buggy when I can. Practice Precision flying for the team.
Flew sportkite demonstrations with Vortice Kite Team at Coolum International Kite Festival, the Inaugural Townsville Kite Festival and Brisbane Kite Festival (Buggy Demonstrations also).
Purchased a Revolution Barressi Series. After flying this have renewed my interest in quadline flying.
Started to fly team Revolution Quadline.

2008. Travelled to Weifang (China) the home of kiteing for the 25th Weifang, 4th International Championship Kite Festival.
As we could not get a full team from Australia I teamed up with 2 sport kite flyers from The Netherlands (Team Mascote) so we could compete in the Sportkite Ballet Competition. They had sent me the flying pattern and the song we would fly to via email for me to get use to. I had 1 day to get used to their kite and the fact that these guys run to keep the kite on time with the music.
13 Teams were entered with 9 teams flying in the competition. We Won the Gold Medal.
After Weifang I attended Quindao International Kite Festival and flew with team mate Steve Donavon, we were given an award for our team flying demonstrations.

I FLY: Buggy (Airea Raptor II) and Team (Level One Kites)
I own Ground Zero, HQ, Prism, Level One and Revolution Sports Kites.
ENJOY Bugging, Flying Sportskites, Flying Quadline and Flying in Vortice Kite Team.

Aims: To improve my team dual and quadline Flying
Learn more Tricks

My Motto: You can never have enough kites
Vortice Kite Team Nick name (Captain Crack)

I am proud to be a member of Vortice Kite Team and look forward to flying in the up coming Kite Festivals.
I encourage everyone to fly a kite and you will soon see the enjoyment it can bring using the power of the wind.
I also encourage anyone to come along to the QKS fly days. You will be made most welcome.