Experience the Thrill of Kite Sports Enjoyed by Over Half a Million Flexifoil Enthusiasts in 96 Countries Since 1972
Having Fun and Making Memories…
Credit: @rob_flybro
Credit: Richard Boudia
Credit: Matthijs Jansen
Credit: Flexifoil International
Flexifoil at Mount Everest Credit: Steve Strickland
Credit: Ross McCance
How a Wind Sculpture Ultimately Led to the Fastest Kite in the World (and the Flexifoil Stacker Kite was born)
Ray Merry and Andrew Jones who were graduates from Newcastle-upon-Tyne University, spent many hours testing and talking about their strange wind inflated wings during the early 1970’s in England. Seen here with the ‘Limpit’, a vinyl wigwam type shelter used as an operations base for early test flights. It was the structure you see above the wigwam, made of bamboo, plastic sheeting, counter balance weights and string, that ultimately led to the Flexifoil Stacker Power Kite. Kites and kite flying were never even thought about during the very early stages of a project exploring the force of wind.
The Flexifoil Windbag Demonstration Credit: Van Dort Family Archives
The Flexifoil Windbag Formation Credit: Van Dort Family Archives
The Flexifoil Windbag ~1983 Credit: Van Dort Family Archives
Flexifoil Inventors, Ray Merry and Andrew Jones Credit: Van Dort Family Archives
Van Dort Brothers with the Windbag Credit: Van Dort Family Archives
Windbag Aerial Photography Credit: Van Dort Family Archives
The ‘Flexifoil Stacker’ was the First Commercially Available Power Kite in 1972 and went on to Reach a Top Speed of 193kph
It was September 1989 in Maryland, USA. Pete DiGiacomo flew a Flexifoil ‘Super 10’ Stacker Kite which achieved a top speed of 193kph (120 mph) recorded with a police radar gun.
The BBC Ident With Over 10 Billion Views of Flexifoil Kites between 2006 and 2017
Majestically launching the circle theme at 9:58am on Saturday 07 October 2006, a group of kite flying enthusiasts featuring members of the Turbulence group gathered together to create a circle formation with Flexifoil Sting kites. Filmed on Ynyslas beach in North Wales, UK and directed by Matthias Hoene. This formation was shown to viewers ahead of BBC News broadcasts for over a decade.
3 Guinness World Records with Flexifoil and Sir Richard Branson and Family
In 2012, Flexifoil teamed up with entrepreneur, adventurer and avid kitesurfer, Sir Richard Branson and his family to embark on accomplishing 3 Guinness World Records kitesurfing between England and France.
Sir Richard went on to achieve the Guinness World Record for the Oldest Person to kitesurf across the English Channel, son Sam became the Guinness World Record holder for the Fastest Kitesurf Crossing of the English Channel and many of the Branson family and friends went on to achieve the Guinness World Record for the most number of people to kitesurf the English Channel.
Flexifoil’s Kitesurfing History: A Legacy in Wind-Powered Watersports
Flexifoil has a rich history in the world of kitesurfing, a sport that combines surfing and wind power to create an exhilarating water experience. Flexifoil has been a pioneer in kite technology and innovation, playing a crucial role in shaping the modern kitesurfing industry. Known for precision engineering and high-performance kites, the brand has consistently delivered products that cater to both casual riders and competitive athletes.
Flexifoil’s entry into kitesurfing began in the early days of the sport during the late 1990s and early 2000s when kitesurfing was still in its experimental phase. The company was already established in the power kiting world, manufacturing kites for land-based activities like kitebuggying and landboarding. Leveraging our expertise in aerodynamics, Flexifoil transitioned into water-based kiting sports by producing kites specifically designed for kitesurfing.
In the early stages of kitesurfing, Flexifoil’s development was focused on refining the power and control of kites, which were often unpredictable due to the rapid development of the sport. By creating kites with greater stability, stronger materials, and more efficient designs, Flexifoil contributed significantly to making kitesurfing safer and more accessible to a broader audience.
The 192 Page Flexifoil Book of Power Kiting by Freelance Writer, Journalist and Translator, Jeremy Boyce
Jeremy Boyce is a freelance writer, journalist and translator working almost exclusively in the field of traction kites and kiteboarding. Originally published in September 2002, Jeremy Boyce wrote the Flexifoil book of Power Kiting as the key to unlocking the mysteries of kite-power. All the way from buying your first kite to carving up the sand, sea and snow on buggy or board.
The Joys of Kiting: A Timeless Activity for All Ages
Kiting is more than just a fun outdoor activity—it’s a timeless tradition that brings people together, no matter their age or background. From the wide open fields of the UK to the lush, mountainous landscapes of Bhutan, the simple act of flying a kite sparks joy, wonder, and connection. Watching a kite soar high in the sky is an experience that resonates deeply with children and adults alike, offering a unique blend of excitement and tranquility.
Recently, a group of Bhutanese schoolchildren had their first experience flying Flexifoil kites, and the results were magical. Laughter and smiles filled the air as they learned to launch their kites, feeling the thrill of control as the colorful sails danced with the wind. Kiting offers an escape from the everyday and invites participants to focus on the beauty of the present moment, making it a perfect way to bond with nature, friends, and family.
With Flexifoil kites, everyone can share in the joy of this beloved pastime, creating lasting memories with every flight.
Flexifoil, the Pioneer of Power Kite Sports Since 1972
Throughout time, Flexifoil has grown from a modest British kite company into a global brand with more than half a million kites sold in 96 countries and across all continents. Flexifoil believes in making a difference. We stand for value for money, quality, innovation, fun and a sense of competitive challenge.
At our core we believe business must be a force for good. Kiting is a great way to bring family and friends together. Healthy competition and big smiles are a great result! Each and every kite we produce has had a lot of attention to detail. Product quality and performance are at the foundation of Flexifoil. That is why a kite purchased in 1972 will still fly like a kite purchased today.
We’re equally committed to growing the sport by spreading the word and encouraging as many people as possible to join the growing kite community worldwide.
Flexifoil kites are engineered with speed in mind. We use aerodynamic shapes, lightweight materials, and robust build quality to ensure minimal drag while maximising power. The canopy shape and profile of the kite are designed to create smooth airflow, reducing resistance and enabling higher velocities. Flexifoil kites often have a higher aspect ratio (the ratio between the kite’s wingspan and its width), which is key for generating speed. Kites with a higher aspect ratio can fly faster across the wind window (the area where the kite flies) due to their increased efficiency.
