Early towups
 

Not sure when these sort of kites were first used for skiing towups. They were fairly common in Florida in the 1960's. I remember seeing signs for an elephant that was towed aloft using one of these flat kites in the early 60's in Ft. Lauderdale. Wonder what sort of traction kite elephants are flying these days? Also wonder what do you wear to protect against falling elephants with kite, line or control failures? A helmet built like a bomb shelter?

Geez, an elephant? Wow, that seems almost impossible. I wouldn't even want to see that. :)

You know now that I think about it, maybe the impressions in the mind of a 7 year old were confused, uh screwed up? Our original hotel on Ft. Laud. Beach and almost us silly Ohio tourists had almost been taken out by Hurricane Cleo. I know for a fact that they had a ski show using the flat kites and I also know that they had a skiing elephant at least on the sign. Question is did they have a skiing, kiting elephant??? We may never know for sure.

As you go forth mulling over that question, here's a skiing elephant probably from the same ancient vintage. Wouldn't want to be the guy in the caboose when that pachyderm unloaded some processed hay.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8Sg-2dlQHY

Damn, that guy must be a GIANT. He is bigger than the elephant. :)