Kite enthusiasts are hoping the winds at Clinton Lake will push the old saw “go fly a kite” to a new level.

The Kansas City Kite Club will have its first-ever Spring Kite and Kite Surfing Festival from noon to 5 p.m. today at Bloomington State Park on Clinton Lake.

The festival will include kite flying and demonstrations of kite surfing, which involves the surfer on a surfboard or wakeboard being pulled over the water while harnessed to a kite that is 15 to 20 meters square.

Sean Beaver, festival organizer, said kite surfing was the fastest-growing water sport since the Jet Ski, so if people haven’t heard about it yet, they soon will.

“It’s like skiing behind two speed boats, except you can drive the boat while you ski,” Beaver said.

Depending on the wind, kite surfers can reach speeds up to 50 mph and be pulled as high as 50 feet above the water. Kite surfing equipment can cost $500 to $2,000, but for those interested in simply trying the sport out, lessons in kite surfing will be offered at the festival.

Scot Thompson, Lenexa, a club member who kite surfs, has an unusual Kansas perspective on the growing popularity of the activity. For him, it was a way to replace the thrill he got ocean surfing while growing up on the East Coast.

“It gives you the same thrill, if not more so,” Thompson said.

Today’s event, which is free — except for admission to the park — will feature food, music from E-105 FM, prizes and an adult moonwalk. Kites of all sizes, most made by club members, will be on display and for sale.

Some club members have camped out at the lake since Thursday, and Beaver encouraged attendees to camp overnight.

Clinton Lake’s windy conditions and nice beaches made it the perfect choice for the club’s first spring event, Beaver said. The club has a number of members with disabilities, which made the wheelchair ramp near the beach appealing.

Conditions today should be perfect for the festival, with 10-15 mph winds and temperatures in the 70s.

— Caroline Boyer is a Lawrence journalist.