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: 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

Step 2: Cut Bamboo Pieces to These Lengths:

¾ to 1 inch diameter
            2 – 8 ft. long for the wing leading edge
            3 – 1.5 ft. long for the boom supports
            1 – 5 ft. long for the spar
            1 – 5 ft. long for the boom

½ to ¾ inch diameter
            2 – 1.5 ft. long for the wing tips
            1 – 6 ft long for the centerpiece

¼ to ½ inch diameter
           1 – 6 ft. long for the center batten
           2 – 4.5 ft. long for the middle battens
           2 - 3 ft. long for the outer battens

Step 3: Assemble the Wing: (the Wing Will Be Assembled Upside Down)

Tape together the wing leading edge pieces at a 120 degree angle

Step 4: Tape the Spar to the Wing Leading Edges

Step 5: Tape the Wing Tips Parallel to the Centerline Approximately 6 In. From the Outside Tip of the Wing

Step 6: Tape the Front Boom Support to the Front End of the Boom

Step 7: Tape the 2 Side Boom Supports to the Front End of the Boom

Step 8: Tape the Front Boom Support to the Center of the Wing Leading Edge Where the Left and Right Sides Meet

Step 9: Tape the 2 Side Boom Supports to the Wing Spar

The boom should be elevated about 1 ft. above the spar

Step 10: Tape the Centerpiece to the Middle of the Leading Edge and Then to Back End of the Boom

Step 11: Center the Boom and Tape the Centerpiece to the Spar

Step 12: Tie 1/8 In. Nylon Cord

to the end of wing leading edge then to a wing tip end then to the trailing end of the boom/centerpiece, opposite wing tip end and then the end of the other wing leading edge

Step 13: Covering the WingKite

Spread the 8 ft. by 12 ft. plastic tarp and place the ‘WingKite’ frame on top of the tarp to fit

Step 14: Tack Tape the Drop Cloth to the Frame

Step 15: Cut Away the Excess Plastic Material

Leave about 1 inch margin all around the kite bamboo frame and trailing edge cord for overlapping and taping

Step 16: Starting at the Center of the Leading Edge, Pull the Plastic Tight and Fully Tape It to the Bamboo

Step 17: Draw the Plastic Tight at the Rear of the Boom/centerpiece and Tape It Securely

Step 18: Draw the Plastic Tight, Fold It Over the Nylon Cord and Tape It Securely

Step 19: Measure 30 Inches From the Boom and Mark the Plastic at the Rear of the Wing

Step 20: Lay Duct Tape From the Leading Edge of the Wing Where the Spar Joins It to the 30 Inch Mark at the Back Edge of the Wing

Step 21: Measure 30 Inches From the First Batten and Mark the Plastic at the Leading Edge and Rear of the Wing

Step 22: Lay Duct Tape From the Leading Edge of the Wing to the Rear of the Wing

Step 23: Lay Duct Tape Directly Beneath the Centerpiece

Place a 6 in. tall item between the centerpiece and the plastic to give you room to work

Step 24: a Short Bamboo Brace Between the Centerpiece and the Center Batten, About Even With the Spar, Will Give the Wing a Nice Curve

Step 25: Make Duct Tape Pockets for the Ends of the Battens

Step 26: Cut the Battens to Length and Wrap the 'nodes' With 1-2 Layers of Duct Tape for Cushioning Then Insert Them Into the Pockets So That the Plastic Is Stretched Tightly

The Finished WingKite Weighs About 15 Lbs

Video of WingKite and ‘GrasSurfer’ coming soon!
Be Safe!!!
Kia Kaha!