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Tied to the Sky

We Fly Kites!  Kites are what we do!

We Fly Kites! Kites are what we do!


Great Canadian Kite Company is truly a well rounded Kite Pro Shop.  In addition to fun single line kites for all ages, and beginner trick kites, along with quality Sky Shark framing, parts, and the knowledge and expertise to provide solid advice and troubleshooting.

We are proud to provide our customers with quality Spectra and Dyneema line in dual line and quad line sets.  We also offer bulk line, kite line sleeving kits, Kite bridle line and much more!

We can also customize your Kite package.

  • change line, add line or if you have lots of line - sell you a kite only
  • add ground stakes, tails or any replacement parts you may require

With Revolutions Kites we can:

  • Customize your Kite line
  • Customize you Rev Kite handles
  • Help you design and order your custom-made Revolution Kite sail

Don't see it in our shop?
We do special orders all the time!  We pride ourselves in satisfying our customers with fast, knowledgeable service.  We are here to help you make anMike launching his kite informed kite purchase, and are committed to helping you even after you have made your purchase.


 

 


Kite Resources / Information

Information on Kite History?  Our website features an expanding array of kite resources to help make sure your kite flying experience is all that it can be.   These free resources cover everything from Kite flying safety, to how to tie a Larkshead knot.  You can find links to kite-flying tutorials, how to fly stunt kites and stunt kite anatomy.  You will also find helpful links to weather sites and much more!

We are 100% Canadian Family owned online Kite Company.  We are kite flyers.  We are passionate about kites, and we love sharing kites with others! 

  

  Great canadian Kite Company doing a kite demonstration for a youth camp

 

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Kite Flying is for Lovers!

flying Kites at Writing on Stone Provincial ParkThis year Andrea and Mike (owners of the Great Canadian Kite Company) are celebrating 30 years of marriage!   They are often asked what the secret to staying married so long is - to which Andrea usually responds -WINE! Lots of wine! LOL!

They will also tell you that developing hobbies and things to do together (aside from work and racing the children) allow you to make time to have fun together!  Kite flying is one of those activities that have provided many hours of fun for them.

Mike enjoys launching the larger single line kites and making a bit of a display.  HeGreat Canadian Kite Company flying kites
enjoys his dual line and quad line sports kites as well.  Andrea tends to reach for her quad-line Revolution kite.  It’s not unusual to find them flying in a local soccer field, or a provincial park somewhere.

The two like flying together and are working away at some semblance of a quad line kite team - which usually ends with laughs and one or two oops!   It has been good for communication, even if that communication involved a few colourful metaphors!

One lesson Mike had to learn was to relax more with his kites when flying with his family.  It took him a while to realize that kite flying needs to be fun for all involved and getting too uptight about the kite getting damaged, or how involved the family was tended to suck a lot of joy out of the family time.

Mike came to realize that kites can be fixed, and with the right attitude even untangling kite line can be a Zen experience too.  It is so great to help your children and friends learn to fly kites.  The big smiles as they complete their first loop is worth the effort!

Mike and Andrea snuck away last evening to a local park with their Rev kites - and even being eaten alive by mosquitos - they had a great time.

It was especially good for Andrea.  She has a stressful job in healthcare with long hours.  She has found flying kites is a great way to unwind, deal with stress and have some fun!  “Even setting up the kite, attaching lines is relaxing.” She said.

Great Canadian Kite Company is owned and operated by a Canadian family of kite flyers - people who enjoy kites - together.  Running one of Canada’s best online kite stores is just an extension of that passion.

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Kites: Not Just Another SKu

Kites: Not Just Another SKu

Great Canadian Kite CompanyThere is an old joke in the kite retail biz that goes:  How do you make a million dollars selling kites?  Answer:  Start with two million dollars!
It usually produces a chuckle, if not through a few tears!

The kite business has been good to us as we reflect over our past 12/13 years providing great kites and service to kite flyers throughout Canada and beyond.  It has been a joy to help people discover kites, and help them develop a fun family and personal hobby.

We are excited because right from the beginning the mission of the Great Canadian Kite Company was to promote the sport of Kites and share the fun.  We have endeavoured to do so by providing top-shelf knowledgeable service along with quality products at fair and competitive prices.

In addition, we have supported Kite Festivals, hosted numerous fun-flies, sponsored and supplied kites and information for kite exhibits in local libraries and schools, teaching people to fly, as well as being friendly on the kite field with onlookers, and the interested.  Its one thing for folks to look on, its quite another when you put the lines in their hands!

If you haven't guessed, we like kites - a lot.  We are proud of our kite shop.  We are a kite shop owned by everyday people who enjoy kites.   As such, kites are not just another Sku., not just another do-dad that we sell.   Kites are our thing!

While we work really hard to compete with larger online retailers, we offer something they simply can't - a professional, personalized kite purchase experience.   We know kites. We work hard to resource our customers with solid information to help in making a good purchase but also to be able to help trouble shoot when there may be a performance concern or you need parts to get your kite back in the air.

We pride ourselves on providing solid service both before and after the sale. And as our many repeat customers, referrals, and many 'Thank you' emails demonstrate, we are definitely doing some things right!


We can't be all things to all people, all the time, but for Great Canadian Kite Company, kites are not just another Sku. Kites are our main thing.  Our commitment is to do our very best to do that one thing really well.

 

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Top 5 Consideration when Buying your Kite

Top 5 Consideration when Buying your Kite

buying kites in canada

There are many businesses that you can purchase kites nowadays, but discerning shoppers are looking for more than just a low price. In addition to a competitive price, they are looking for quality and support to enrich their kite flying experience whether it be a family affair or for a single person hobby.

Quality kite retailers are such that they provide added value for their customers - its good for business and its good for the sport of kite flying. Not all retailers that sell kites know kites, and this difference can make or break your kite flying experience.



Here are 5 Things to Consider when Buying your kite:


1) Does the retailer sell quality kites from manufacturers who stand behind their products? - Not all kites are created equal, and there are a variety of materials that can be part of a kite. Some materials are great for durability and fly-ability, and some aren’t.
Look for a ripstop nylon sail cloth and fiberglass or carbon fibre framing. Also, consider whether they come with line and a storage sleeve or case.
Quality also is a measure of kite performance. Do they fly well and are they fairly robust to endure the learning curve?

2) Can you get replacement parts? Do they have your back after the sale? There are lots of people who will line up to take your money, but the quality kite dealer is there both before and after the sale.

Why? Because serious kite retailers want their customers to enjoy kite flying and experience success.

Why? Simple, because we enjoy kites too! And people who enjoy kites will buy more kites and happy kite flyers are really the best ambassadors for the sport!

All that aside, we deal with many, many people who have purchased their kites from retailers who don’t stock parts or provide after sale service. Lets face it, a quality kite that you spend money on, you want to fly for a good long time. Your kite retailer should be able to help get you back in the sky, FAST!

Also, quality kite retailers have good relationships with the manufacturers and can be a liaison for any warranty/defects or new and exciting products. In addition, this relationship helps with special orders, and troubleshooting, if need be.

3) Are you buying your kite in Canadian or US funds? This will save you serious money, and in most cases get your kite to you fast. Before you buy from a big box        e-commerce site, make sure you know what funds you paying with.

We have had several people tell us horror stories after purchasing from large .com retailers. They tell us that by the time the smoke clears on their credit card; after the exchange rate and credit card fees, import related costs and tax, they have paid considerably more for that kite compared to what they could have purchased it from us at the Great Canadian Kite Company.

Homegrown Canadian Kite shops are generally on top of their business and understand that in today's market place we compete globally, and we must be competitive with the US retailers. However, it is up to the consumer to be sure they are comparing prices correctly.

4) Are they knowledgeable about kites and kite line? It is always a good idea to purchase your kites from a company that is knowledgable about kites. A retailer who knows kites, whose focus is kites and not just another sku.

Knowledgable kite companies can help you make informed decisions and answer any questions you may have. Quality online kite retailers like Great Canadian Kite Company not only have free online resources but also have a Toll Free number that you can call and talk to a real person. They also have email addresses that are constantly monitored and will provide a timely response to your inquiry.

5) Are they kite flyers? The bottom line when choosing where to buy your kites is are they kite flyers themselves? Are they passionate about kites and do they have genuine, on the kite field experience with the kites they sell?|

Having someone with experience and passion can go a long way to enriching your kite flying experience, and dealing with any kite issues you may have. Someone who knows what it’s like to get to the flying field and there’s no wind or be able to give you practical tips to having a successful kite flying experience with your children. A kite flyer can also keep you abreast of new products, modifications, kite events and so much more!

Great Canadian Kite Company has distinguished itself for all these things - Quality products, Top-Shelf Service and kite expertise to support you before, during and after your purchase.  In short, We know kites and our commitment to knowledgable service is second to none!  We are your Kite experts.

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What is a Wind Shadow and how it impacts Kites

What is a Wind Shadow and how it impacts Kites

Choosing an appropriate flying location for your kites is often given little thought.  For many, they look at the trees or a flag flapping in the breeze and decide to head to their local green space to fly kites. But did you know that the landscape (topography) of the flying locations has a huge impact on your kite performance?

Trees, hills, and buildings affect the quality of the wind you have in the typical flying zone and can thwart the successful launch of even some of the best kites.  On the prairies, I often describe the wind as "trashy" and by this mean it is not smooth, rather it is gusty or rolling and choppy. 

There is another term to describe this phenomenon - Wind Shadow.  Wind Shadow is the term used to describe the disturbed airflow downwind of obstructions like trees, hills, and buildings.  

Think of it this way; have you ever stood behind a tree or a building to escape a cold wind?   The obstacle blocks the wind forcing the airflow to go around, under or over the obstacle. It is this air movement that creates disturbed (flakey, choppy, trashy) air flow.  This wind is often swirling and rotating which can sometimes create downdrafts that can keep your kite from taking flight.


Learn more: Understanding the Wind Window


Flying field selection is key and this means being aware of what's around you.  The rule of thumb is a wind shadow is approximately 7 times the height of the obstacle.  So, if a building is 20ft tall, it is a good idea to launch your kite 140ft downwind of the building.

 

Wind shadow affect on kites

Careful flying field selection and paying attention to recommended kite wind ranges becomes even more important when we fly performance stunt kites - where we are looking for smooth steady airflow. It becomes a significant safety consideration when flying large traction kites.  Being aware of the impact of the Wind Shadow can go a long way to making your kite flying successful!

At Great Canadian Kite Company, not only do we we pride ourselves in providing a variety of quality kites for many different interests, ages and abilities, we also want to do our best to make sure your kite flying experience is great, and that means we do our best to provide a selection of kite flying tips and advice in our Kite Resources section. Browse our online Canadian kite shop to buy your kites online. We ship throughout Canada.  

Don't see what you are looking for? Have a kite related question?  
Drop us an email!

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Stunt Kite Flying Basics

Stunt Kite Flying Basics

Have you seen our stunt Kite flying manual?

 Flying stunt kites is an exciting way to enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and relax.  Many people like to learn the latest tricks, while others like to fly their kite listening to music on their iPod.  Stunt kites are a wonderful way to spend your leisure time with friends and family. The following is our illustrated start up guide for flying two line stunt kites.  This material was collected from a variety of sources and presented here for your information and interest.

These basic tips will help you get in the air faster and enjoy more success as you take to the skies with your new kite.  Also have a look in our resource section for some great online kite fly tutorials to help take you to the next levels!

 Click on images to enlarge

Kite flying instructions.  How to fly a stunt kite

 

How to Fly a trick kite - two line kite

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Kites for Father's Day - June 19

Father's day, kites, gift

Father's Day is just around the corner, but it's not too late to get the special dad in your life a gift that will thrill!. Kites are a fantastic way to get some fresh air, fly stress away and have fun! Whether he is tearing up the sky with a Stunt Kite or chillin' with a Single Line Kite dancing on the wind, are great fun for the whole family!

We have a wide selection  of quality made, great flying single line kites for almost any taste!.  Easy to fly kites in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs make single line kites a great choice for family fun and relaxation!

Our Stunt kites will Thrill!!  Stunt kites allow the flyer to become a pilot as they take control of the kite lines; fly loops and spins, and with practice, you can learn some jaw-dropping kite tricks.  Stunt kites are a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Great Canadian Kite Company is your full service Kite Shop serving Canada and Great Canadian Kite Companybeyond from Alberta.  Check out our selection of quality kites in our online kite shop.  Quality Kites, selection and top notch service and support before AND after your kite purchase!

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