CAKE - the Carolina Kitebuilding Event

For years, we've wanted to plan a kitebuilding event here on the Outer Banks. And friends, it's time! We're scheduled for March 8-10 2024 at the Hampton Inn Corolla.

After you've reviewed all of the information on this page, please fill out the registration form. 

Registration for the event is $125, and that will reserve you a table in the classroom and cover lunches. Craig Rodgerson will be teaching a sled workshop for $50 (all materials included) and Andy Burchfield will be teaching a banner workshop for $35 (you will need to provide fabric and a banner pole). You will need to supply a sewing machine and all notions needed. We will have a few loaner machines available as needed. 

All meals from Friday dinner through Sunday dinner will be provided as follows: 

The hotel will provide breakfast each morning. If you decide not to stay at the hotel, you will want to eat breakfast before joining the group for the workshop. 

Your registration fee will cover lunches on Saturday and Sunday. We plan on catering sandwiches from The Butcher's Block.

Dinners are being sponsored by our dear friend Ronda Galko (THANK YOU RONDA!), so please sign up for those on the signup form. We're planning one night at the Chicken Coop, a pizza night, and a TBD night. 

Here's the schedule that we expect (but may be modified if necessary!) Please note that if you are an extreme beginner, you may want to pick just ONE workshop to complete to give yourself plenty of time:

Friday 3/8/24 - We have the workshop room from 3-6pm.

This will be the best time to get your gear set up, as you will be able to leave your machine setup all weekend! Craig Rodgerson will be teaching on Saturday and will take some time on Friday afternoon to talk through his workshop and let you pick compass rose colors. Please plan to be present on Friday afternoon if you're signing up for his workshop so that you can get a head start!

We'll have a group dinner after the workshop is done for the day. 

Saturday 3/9/24 - We have the workshop room from 8am-6pm. 

Craig Rodgerson will be teaching us a large size pocket sled (finished dimensions 29"x29"). He's customized a Compass Rose graphic just for this workshop! 

If you choose this workshop, we'll send you an informational email with your color options. Please respond ASAP so that Craig can get your primary panels cut for the workshop.

Also, Andy Burchfield will be starting his workshop in the afternoon to get a head start on Sunday. We'll play that time by ear, allowing Craig to finish his workshop before we move to Andy's.

Lunch will be included and we'll have a group dinner in the evening after the workshop is done for the day. 

Sunday 3/10/24 - We have the workshop room from 8am-2:30pm.

Andy Burchfield will be teaching us pennant banners! This workshop was first presented by Jon Burkhardt at MKS, and Andy is presenting this workshop with his blessing.

You'll have 2 options for the workshop. You can either bring your own scrap material to make your banners with, or you can order fabric from your favorite supplier. (Please contact us if you need info on ordering fabric). Quite a few of us are planning on bringing fabric to share, as well. Some will be for sale (yardage), but there will also be scraps available for sharing from fellow kitebuilders. If your choose this workshop, we'll send you an informational email with yardage requirements of fabric. You will also need a 10' or 13' pole. See email for Andy's class on where to purchase a pole. 

Lunch will be included and we'll have a group dinner in the evening after the workshop is done for the day. 

Additional information

Our group rate for the hotel is good from the Weds before to the Weds after the workshop (3/6-3/13) in case you want to extend your trip to the Outer Banks. Once your registration is confirmed, you will need to contact the Hampton directly to book your room. Their phone number is 252-453-6565. Please call and mention that you need the Flying Smiles Kites group rate. $99 for non ocean view rooms, $119 for a partial view. (You must call. They don't have a way to do this online currently)

We'd also like to do a night fly, if weather permits, on one night at the beach outside the hotel. If you have kites that can be flown at night, bring them with you. We'll pick the night fly when we know what the weather is gonna look like! 

Don't forget to register here to claim your spot! Only 15 spots are available, so claim yours now!