A Tribute to Abd Samad bin Mian - Samad Lefthanded

I am very grateful to Samad - one of Malaysia's best ever guitarist from rock band Lefthanded. He was the one who introduced me to making and flying wau; the traditional malaysia kite. We first met at a Town Park where kids were flying kites. We practically learn to make and fly wau together from scratch. The Above picture was taken during our first outing at 2005 Asia Kite Festival in Kelantan.

As an artsman, Samad has the superb ability to learn quickly. The 'wau bulan' above is one of his first work; but already a wonderful piece of art. It was fielded during the 2006 11th Pasir Gudang Kite Festival. It is still well kept at his home.

Samad was the Champion in the National Competition in the Moon Kite Category at the 2008 4th Borneo International Kite Festival in Bintulu, Sarawak. As I look through my lense to capture his greatest moments on the night of 24 August 2008, I did not realize that his success will be shortlived and brought to an abrupt conclusion. Samad passed away on 23 October 2008. He will be sadly missed and this note is a tribute to him. AL-FATIHAH.

My Fourth First

My fourth First was in the Hornbill Beauty Kite Category at the 2008 4th Borneo International Kite Festival, Bintulu, Sarawak. It is now owned up by the festival organizer; the Bintulu Development Authority.

My other entry in the competition was placed Eighth. It was presented to the Pasir Gudang Kite Museum.

My Third First

My third First was in the Big Moon Kite Category at the 2008 Asia Kite Festival in Kelantan. It measured 10 feet but it was very light, flew almost vertical and the pull was so grrrrrrrrrreat.

My Second First

My second Championhood was a wau in the Modern Moon Kite Category at the 2008 13th Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival. This same kite however was Sixth at the 2007 Asia Kite Festival in Kelantan. It is now owned up by the Pasir Gudang Kite Museum and had since then flown at the 2008 Adelaide International Kite Festival and 2008 Houlgate Kite Festival, France. I also achieved third and sixth placing in the same category and festival.

My First First

My first achievement as the Champion was in the 3D Creative Kite Category at the 2007 12th Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival. The theme was ASEAN Culture; the concept was a box kite; and the object created was a Tuk-Tuk, a common public transport in Bangkok, Thailand. No doubt that it was a team work, but I claimed the mastermindship. To view the Video Clip click here.

My First Achievement

My first achievement was getting 9th Placing out of almost 100 competitors in the 9th Johore International Kite Festival in 2006. I was very happy with such achievement in my first competion. The success inspired me to improve and enhance my skills. Following which, I had greater achievements credited to my name. I look forward to many more good kiting years and greater accomplishments.

My First Wau

These were my first attempt to make wau with 'sobek' (decoration) in early 2005. Although they did not meet expectations, they were great accomplishments and beginning for me.

My First Kite Festival

The Johore International Kite Festival 2004 was the first kite festival I attended after developing an interest in making and flying Wau. That was my first step in a journey of one thousand miles.

Types of Wau

There are many types of Wau. The most widely known is Wau Kikik (Malay Kite). It is the simple tailless diamond-shaped kite similar to that of Eddie Kite. An evolutionary design varies from the basic shape and feature a tail.

Wau Kikik (Malay Kite)

The other widely known Wau are; Wau Bulan (Moon Kite), Wau Kucing (Cat Kite) and Wau Jalabudi (Woman Kite). These Wau are considered as the National Kites and are made compulsory items in national kite competitions. Wau Daun (Leaf Kite) is made optional in the national competitions.

Wau Bulan (Moon Kite) Wau Kucing (Cat Kite) Wau Jalabudi (Women Kite) Wau Daun (Leaf Kite)
There are other types of Wau that are owned-up and popularized by some states in Malaysia. They are:

Wau Helang (Hawk Kite) Wau Seri Bulan (Seri Bulan Kite) Wau Kapal (Ship Kite)

(owned-up by states of Perlis, Perak and Selangor respectively)

Wau Seri Negeri (Seri Negeri Kite) Wau Merak (Peacock Kite) Wau Dodo Helang (Dodo Helang Kite)

(owned-up by states of Negeri Sembilan, Johore and Terengganu respectively)

Wau Puyuh (Quail Kite) Wau Kangkang (Stride Kite) Wau Kenyalang (Hornbill Kite)

(owned-up by states of Kelantan, Kedah and Sarawak respectively)