Having a whale of a time! Kite-fliers transform the sky into an air safari as colourful creations take off at the Festival Of The Winds

By KERRY MCQUEENEY

Shouldn't you be in the water, instead of above it? A kite in the shape of a humpback whale floats over the surf on Bondi Beach

They are more commonly seen beneath in the water, emerging at the ocean's surface only to top up vital oxygen supplies.
But this humpback whale stunned onlookers when it came up - and up, and up - for air on Bondi beach, creating a show-stopping spectacle in the skies above the surf.
Hovering above Sydney's world-famous beach, this gigantic kite - shaped like a whale - was one of the impressive entries in this year's Festival Of The Winds.

Spectacle in the sky: The incredible sight of the giant humpback whale floating in the air was part of the Festival Of The Winds, Australia's largest kite-flying event

Almost as big as the real thing: A group of children are dwarfed by the humpback whale as they help get the giant kite off the ground

The colourful festival is Australia's biggest kite-flying event and it boasted a dazzling display of floating creations.
Thousands of spectators watched as the sky above the surfing mecca was transformed into an air safari, with sea life, mammals - and even the odd teddy bear - floating side-by-side on the strong sea breeze.
From cartoon characters and giant flowers to manta rays and big cats, professional kite fliers from all over the country and beyond descended on the beach to meet and showcase their skills.
Members of the Flyer Society showed off their own creations along with designs from Malaysia, Japans, China and India.

Beach bear: Among the amazing entries was this giant teddy-shaped balloon, being prepared for take-off by a professional kite flier

However, some might say the best seats in the house were on the waves themselves, as daredevil surfers riding the surf were rewarded with an unrivalled view of the giant figurines lining the beach.
Flying lessons and kite-building workshops were also on offer at the event, and some amateurs were seen tentatively launching their newly-made contraptions in the nearby park away from the main event.
With uninterrupted sunshine, clear skies high winds, it is thought this time of year in Australia - as the winter ends and spring emerges - provides the perfect conditions for kite-flying.
As well as an international line-up of music, dance and global cuisine, spectators were also treated to an aerobatic display from the Red Baron plane.

With uninterrupted sunshine, clear skies high winds, it is thought this time of year in Australia provides the perfect conditions for kite-flying

Sea view: This surfer, arguably, has one of the best seats in the house as he rides a wave while the kites dominate the sky over the famous Sydney beach

From cartoon characters and giant flowers to manta rays and big cats, professional kite fliers from all over the country and beyond descended on the beach

Air safari: From mammals to sea life, a whole host of creatures were seen flying over the sand to the delight of thousands of spectators - including these two children

A surfer stands watching sea conditions as kites fly in the sky. Bondi becomes a kite-flying mecca for one weekend of the year

Flying lessons and kite-building workshops were also on offer at the event, and some amateurs were seen tentatively launching their newly-made contraptions in the nearby park away from the main event

source: dailymail