Duct Tape/Bamboo/Drop Cloth 'WingKite'

Bamboo is a tough, natural, multi-use substance that is readily available in the summer and has been used for ages in a wide range of activities. Here’s our Instructable for how to make a duct tape, bamboo and ground cloth ‘WingKite’ for use with a skateboard, kayak, surfboard, etc.

This ‘Kite’ has a 14 ft. wingspan and covers about 4.7 sq. yd. (Be safe! Don’t ‘fly’ without a parachute!)
Seriously, this ‘WingKite’ can be scaled down for heavy wind or smaller surfers. Don’t use this size kite in more than a 10 or 15 knot wind unless you’re skilled!

Step 1: Step 1: Gather materials

Materials: Duct Tape, Bamboo, 1/8” nylon cord, 8’X12’ Plastic Drop cloth
Tools: Saw for cutting Bamboo, Scissors for cutting tape, cord, and drop cloth

Comments

[dimtick]

do you have a video of this?
I know kites but I don't know anythign about kite wings. just by looking at the photos it doesn't look like you have enough area to generate enough pull versus the weight.
I'm wondering if coming up with a parafoil design and eliminating the bamboo altogether may give you much better pull with a fraction of the weight for the same area.
I also wonder how strong the plastic drop cloth is? i wonder if something like mylar (space blanket) may work better? it's strong without adding weight.
I realize that you were doing this for the duct tape challenge but I also think that clear packing tape may work better. it's just as strong but much lighter than duct tape.
just talking off the top of my head. I definently commend your inginuity. I'd like to build one of these but I don't think i get good enough winds where I live.

[LeonArchiTesla]

yeah..this was all about the duct tape challenge. I've had some good winds and it tugs like crazy but I haven't finished my landsurfer yet and I'm chicken to try it with my inline skates. certainly mylar is a better choice and packing tape also in this particular case would be good, too. this is not a kite for height rather for traction nearer the ground...like this...

http://www.kitewing.com/

[dragonsniper]

where do u tie the nylon cord to ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[LeonArchiTesla]

nylon cord was used along the trailing edge. just tie it at the back end of each of the wing spars. it gives you an 'edge' to fold the sailcloth over.

[ninetailjake]

mabie if you used a light tarp and aluminum rods and make it bigger you could add lots of asfety harnesses and fly on it yourself

[fire_drakon117]

looks like something that davinci would fly. nice job sir. but can i use pvc and connectors

[LeonArchiTesla]

I've not tested the tensile strength of duct tape...but the bamboo is MUCH stronger than pvc...not nearly so brittle...the duct tape has some 'give' to it which seems to help under a load...I'd call around to local nurseries or just ask somebody with a field of bamboo...they're often happy to let you take as much as you need...good luck!

[dombeef]

Hey McGyver!

[iminthebathroom]

no kidding, they tested that episode on mythbusters

[LeonArchiTesla]

I recall that..didn't they try to put an engine on it? THAT'S the myth they busted (I know...they burst). this isn't intended as a hang-glider but as a 'KiteWing'

[dombeef]

Yeah, it was because the engine was too heavy or something like that

nice design anyways! I am waiting for a video

[LeonArchiTesla]

Atlanta area's not the best for a summer breeze. 8^{

[dombeef]

D:

Well when you get a video make sure to put it on!

[lindalou0259]

What a good looking scientist!!! Someone has a lot of time on their hands :0)!!! Thumbs up though!!

[rimar2000]

It is beautilful!

[kristylynn84]

looks like the one Wicket and Cindel used! haha :D

[LeonArchiTesla]

lol! perhaps I should change the name to "Duct Tape Ewok Hangglider"

[ehudwill]

lol

[ehudwill]

Glad to see bamboo getting some love. Great build.

[rickharris]

Nice build - Could be lighter!  Design would be ideal for vector thrust control