Ray Bethell

Ray Bethell flying three kites at the 2006 Berkeley Kite Festival.

Ray Bethell (March 1, 1928 - December 18, 2018) was a professional kite flyer who resided in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He holds multiple endurance world records related to simultaneously flying three stunt kites, one from each hand and one from his hips. Using the same technique he can fly multiple stacks of kites (up to 39 kites in total). Bethell has travelled extensively since 1991 displaying his prowess at International Kite Festivals.

He was the subject of a documentary short film by Matt Nie of the Vancouver Film School, "Good Stuff", which won first place at the 2005 TriBeCa Film Festival in New York City.

In October 2006, a commemorative bench was unveiled at Ray's home flying spot, Vanier Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This project was initiated by Michelle Welsford and Gary Mark of Toronto and an international campaign to raise funds for this bench began in January, 2006.

References

• Henry, Chris (March 28, 2009). "Record-Smashing Kite-Flyer Gives an Entertaining Lift to Kingston Fest". Kitsap Sun. The E.W. Scripps Co. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
• Lee, Nikita (October 7, 2008). "A real high-flyer". The Daily. APN News & Media Ltd. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
• "King of kite flies skies around the world, world record holder Ray Bethell will showcase his mastery to crowds in 20 countries this year". Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek). Bay Area News Group. July 31, 2005. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
• Werb, Jessica (June 22, 2002). "Sky dancing: "fly a kite for 15 minutes and you're a different person"". Beautiful British Columbia Magazine. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
• Kowalik, Pam (September 27, 2007). "Kite-flying icons to abound: 2007 festival opens three-day stand in Niagara Falls today". Buffalo News (Buffalo, NY). Retrieved 2009-05-19.

External links

• Bethell's website
• An amazing promo video of Ray Bethell flying three Kestrels