By Edward Green, Editor

kHiTe has always taken a recreational view of sport kite flying. There is a reason for this, many years ago in the UK when kHiTe started there was something of a divide between competitive kite fliers and freestyle fliers - there was always some crossover - but more than a little tension too.

Well, things have changed and kHiTe has changed.

kHiTe.org is now an international site gaining readership from across the world, not only that but the kHiTe team is made up of fliers the majority of whom have flown in competition both in Freestyle Leagues and STACK Ballet events. I cannot pretend that I accidentally stumbled into the STACK Masters Freestyle Competition this year and without meaning to fell into third at Bristol giving me a good overall placing for the year. Roy Reed, Robin and Sasha all did well too. With both of them also competing in Ballet competitions kHiTe cannot be separate from the competition scene.

Then there are the kites we review. Two of the best kites we have laid our hands on this year are Ballet kites - the Fury and the Transfer. Then the Gemini UL, a proven Freestyle Knockout and Tricksparty performer.

As for the UK scene, more and more Freestyle fliers have been competing in Ballet and Freestyle Competition. The divide between STACK fliers and trick fliers no longer exists. Yes, there are still some tensions, but the tireless work of STACK National Director Andy Phelps has soothed those strains and stresses. The UK Novice class this year has been exemplary of a positive relationship between STACK and Freestyle.

Speaking personally my attitude towards competition has been transformed by this new breed of competitors and by the welcome STACK has given to freestyle fliers. I want the freedom to compete too: In the past I have been negative about what I rightly or wrongly perceived as the attitude that if you didn't compete then you were not serious about your sport. Now the atmosphere feels very different. It is time to move on.

As editor of kHiTe I am packing my bags ready to cover Eurocup in Scheveningen - who made it as easy as possible for me to go. I Intend to fly some kites, meet up with friends from other European countries, but also keep a very close eye on how the best in Europe are flying and come back with a full report.

So kHiTe.org moves on: the home of recreational and competitive freestyle.