Longtime San Diego Kite Club member Mitchell D. Andersen stopped by Tecolote Shores this week to donate a large collection of kite gear back to the club. Rick Spurgeon, Ziggy, and a few Kite Club Kids met Mitch at the club’s longtime stomping grounds to catch up, do a little flying, and share some of the newer developments happening within the organization.
For many of us, Tecolote Shores has always been more than just a flying field. It is where friendships were built, where members spent countless weekends together, and where stories from decades past still seem to float through the air with the kites. Sitting with Mitch on the field quickly turned into one of those conversations.
We sat with Mitch and asked him some questions. Mitch is a San Diego native, born and raised. When asked how he first got into kiting, he explained that it all started with RC airplanes back in his 30s. At the time, he was single, had free time, and loved getting outdoors to play. Eventually, he stumbled across the San Diego Kite Club and was introduced to many of the personalities who helped shape the club through the 1990s.
One of the first people Mitch became close with was Charlie M’Clary, who many club members still remember fondly today. Charlie made a lasting impact on countless people in the club community, and Mitch spoke about him with real appreciation and respect. You can read more about Charlie in the club tribute section linked here.
Mitch joined the San Diego Kite Club in the early 1990s and quickly became deeply involved. During those years, he was out on the field almost daily and regularly attended club meetings and events. Over time, he eventually stepped into the role of equipment manager, a job many people probably underestimated. Being equipment manager meant far more than simply storing gear. Mitch kept club equipment at his home, packed and loaded vehicles, transported supplies to events, set up shade structures, folding tables, speakers, coolers, and whatever else was needed to help the club function smoothly. Then after long flying days, everything had to be broken down, packed up again, and stored away until the next event.
Like many longtime members of the club, Mitch was also known for always being willing to help others on the field. Whether it was tuning someone’s kite, lending a hand during setup, or offering flying advice, he was simply one of those dependable people others naturally gravitated toward.
Eventually, health issues made it difficult for him to continue coming out regularly, and over time he found himself away from the field for longer stretches. But even after years away, it was clear the connection to the club and its members never fully disappeared.
When asked what he enjoyed most about the club, his answer was something many of us understand immediately. The club provided a social outlet, that simple but important human connection thing.
As the conversation continued, memories of old club members and flying days began surfacing one after another. Mitch remembered Ron Despojado, Susan Shampo flying quads, Dan William the club founder, and tribute members Virgil Dalton and Jim Skryja. But out of everyone, Charlie M’Clary remained the person he felt closest to.
Before leaving, Mitch was asked what kites he loved flying the most. Without hesitation, he mentioned a dual-line kite called the California Wasp, built by Miguel Rodriguez. He also spoke highly of the Black Hole, another Miguel design, and the Wild Child by Peter Betancourt, which became his favorite trick kite.
Mitch competed once in Long Beach during a time when dual-line competition heavily emphasized precision and ballet routines. Trick flying had not yet fully taken over competitive flying, but Mitch was already pushing in that direction. His routines focused heavily on tricks, and other flyers would often ask him how he was accomplishing some of the moves he was performing. True to his nature, he was always willing to explain techniques and help others learn.
One of the best moments from the visit came when Mitch spent time teaching one of the Kite Club Kids how to properly position her hands and focus on the center of the wind window. It was one of those small but meaningful interactions that quietly reflects what the club has always been about passing knowledge forward.
The donation itself was substantial. Mitch donated kites, rods, fabric materials, and roughly 1,000 kites for kids programs. Some club members have already begun inventorying and organizing the equipment. A large amount of fabric scraps will also be going to kite maker Ray Miller, who plans to continue putting the materials to good use. More than anything, the day served as a reminder that the San Diego Kite Club has always been built by people willing to give their time, energy, knowledge, and generosity to others. Mitch’s donation now becomes part of that continuing story.
The club looks forward to keeping in touch with Mitch and sharing updates as the donated equipment continues finding new life within the organization. Mitch is being formally invited to join the club on July 11th for our 36 year anniversary fly at Coronado Cays Park. Lookout for him and be sure to say hello.