The Great Lakes Kitefliers Society (GLKS) began in 1998 when a group of local kite fliers came together with a shared passion for flying and competing. The club soon joined the American Kitefliers Association (AKA), participating in stunt‑kite competitions across the country.
Judges scored routines based on takeoff, precision turns, landings, and overall execution — much like a diving competition. Members later expanded into free‑form flying to music, both individually and in teams, creating what is known as Kite Ballet, a graceful “dance in the sky” that continues to impress spectators.
GLKS is a welcoming community of kite enthusiasts from all backgrounds and experience levels. Our members enjoy a wide variety of kiting styles:
• Single‑line fliers who appreciate the peaceful, relaxing beauty of kites in the sky
• Two‑ and four‑line fliers who enjoy the sport, speed, and precision of maneuverable kites
• Kite makers who design and fly their own handcrafted creations
• Collectors who admire the artistry, colors, and craftsmanship of kites from around the world
Whether you fly a simple plastic kite or a custom‑built specialty kite, we all share one thing:
a love for kite flying and the joy it brings
GLKS is dedicated to promoting kite flying across Western New York and the Great Lakes region. We support new fliers, share knowledge, host events, and celebrate the art, science, and fun of kiting.
GLKS is proud to call the City of North Tonawanda our home. We fly at Gratwick Riverside Park, a beautiful open space along the Niagara River. The steady river breeze and unobstructed wind make it one of the best kite‑flying locations in Western New York.
To visit our field, enter:
1300 River Road, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
into Google Maps or your GPS