FlugTag in German means “flying day”. But it isn’t just the flying that will bring thousands to Tampa’s waterfront. Over 400 teams submitted plans for homemade “aircraft” to sail from Tampa’s Convention Center into the warm waters of Tampa. 40 teams have been selected to participate in the Tampa event. Recent events were held in London where over 80,000 gathered in Hyde Park to watch. Organized by Red Bull, the Tampa event planned for Saturday, July 19 , will be the first of three held in the US. Additional events will be held in Chicago and Portland. The craft requirements are simple: maximum weight for the craft including the pilot, cannot exceed 450 lbs. Maximum width of 30 ft and maximum height of 12 feet. The crafts are human powered. Teams will have a maximum of 5 members to push, pull, jump, or whatever. And not to worry, participants will be equipped with a helmet and flotation device. The event is scheduled to begin around 11 AM and last until about 3:30. There is no charge for spectators to watch as the teams dance, jump, crash, and (just maybe) fly. Each team will have a one minute skit as well. Contestants will be coming from everywhere to participate in this fun event. We met with three local teams to talk about their plans and to find out just why they would participate in this unusual event.

The Five Fine Flying Fishermen is made up of a group of fishing friends. Pilot Brad Kendell with team members Sid Boughton, John Reinholt, Scott McLam and Sean Kendell have been building a craft in the South Tampa area. Scott indicated it was the challenge, fun, and opportunity to do something different that got them involved in FlugTag. Guessing they will have about 100 hours in the building of their craft, the basic framework of heavy Styrofoam was being designed for “movement, speed, and to get wind under me to glide me away.” On a more practical note, the Flying Fisherman were clear that their craft was also being designed to become a giant cooler after the event. They called this an “experience of a lifetime.” Two of their members are pilots. www.myspace.com/fivefineflyingfishermen

We travelled to Plant City to meet with the Tampa Baywatch team. Organized by pilot Keith Humphrey, twin brother Kevin Humphrey, David West, Kevin Riley, and Chris Elmore, this team seemed more philosophical as Keith said “people need to do crazy things to get out of their daily routine.” They saw this an opportunity to “come together and to share an experience.” Calling this a continuation of the “Wright brother’s spirit,” their craft is being built using a garden cart base, pvc ribworks, and insulated light paneling. Tampa Baywatch team has roots in South Tampa and the SOHO area as well, and is being sponsored by As I Bclthing and Hawk’s Grill where they plan a pre-party on Sat, July 12 and a post event party as well.

The Tampa Bay Derby Darlin’s are known for their speed on the skating rink as true roller derby players. The team is now participating in roller derby events across the US, but in between their events, they are working in Zephyrhills to build a FlugTag craft. We caught up with pilot Brooke Haller aka Spank Sinatra of Davis Islands, at the Home Depot assembling their materials for their craft. Team members include Maria Smith aka Drew Burtyemall, Ryan Smith, Rich Vernsey, Kelli Ryman aka Mae Lest, and Lisa Ponssa, aka Roho Grande. Brooke was clear that her goal was “fame, fortune, and glory.” Although exposure for roller derby was a thought as well. She expressed a fear of doing something embarrassing. The team was concerned about the craft dissolving as soon as it hit the water. But otherwise committed to their “spirited team.” www.tampabayderbydarlins.com

Red Bull Flug Tag will be a really fun event for all of the participants. And the sight of these colorful teams, home made crafts, and flying efforts should not be missed . Keith Humphrey of the Tampa Baywatch team said “people need to do crazy things to get out of their daily routine.” With a tough economy, this unique free event should bring a smile to every observer’s face. We wouldn’t miss it.

Get more info at www.redbullflugtagusa.com

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