Early towups

[ricki]

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?