Australian flies kite for over 24 hours to break record, raising thousands for charity

While the wind whipped through the sky in Killarney, Victoria, Australia, Angus Johnstone (Australia) steadfastly gripped his kite string, keeping a careful eye on its fluttering blue-and-purple wings as it rode on the air.

For over 24 hours, he remained in that field, watching it fly – even as the peach sunrise brightened into a brilliant midday blue, then faded again into a black night. Surrounded by a group of friends and witnesses, the Kyneton local was attempting the Guinness World Records title for the longest kite flight by an individual… and with his gaze on the string, and his charity mission in his mind, he wasn’t going to give in easily.

With the hopes of raising money for health and education resources in Myanmar – a country in which he lived, taught, and fell in love with his wife – Angus embarked on an audacious display of solidarity this spring.

Kite flying is popular in Burmese culture, and as the region struggles through a civil war, he wanted to take this opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the people on the ground. Angus is also a kite-enthusiast, and he thought that taking this record would be the perfect way to represent the cause while getting the world’s attention. 

And that it did. In addition to raising AUS$18,843 ($13,391; £9,898) on his GoFundMe, Angus officially took the title in the early morning hours of 15 March, after his kite spent 26 hours, 15 minutes, and 15 seconds in the sky.

“I feel amazing,” Angus said to The Standard right after taking the title. “I am overwhelmed. Having so many people here is just wonderful.”

He also remarked that he was “beyond tired”, yet “the excitement has carried me through” – later adding that: “I am blown away by people’s generosity, and I am so thankful we can send that money to Myanmar.”

Read more stories about passionate record holders in our dedicated Hobbies and Skills section!

Angus started flying kites during the COVID pandemic, when the winds were strong and there was no place to go. His love for the aircraft led him into kite flight Facebook groups and down collector’s rabbit holes, as well as into the record books for endurance titles – which are a deceptively difficult task. 

It appears that you just have to hold the string – yet true kite enthusiasts know that you also have to locate a spot with consistent winds, maintain the necessary height and angle as conditions change, as well as keep yourself awake and entertained.

Luckily, Angus recruited a large group of supporters to help him with his attempt, including 10 official observers and two timekeepers. They would operate on shifts as they monitored the stopwatch, kite, and Angus’s condition, and make sure to keep him hydrated and inspired as he went about his mission.

Finally, at 7:37 a.m. on 14 March, while the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, Angus unfurled his kite and pulled out the string, preparing to make history.

In front of a crowd of sleepy (yet excited) attendees, he yanked on the cord until it was taut – allowing a breath of wind to slip under the kite’s colourful wings, and carrying it up into the sky. 

Angus's timekeepers at work

And for the next 26 hours, it was a waiting game.

Assuming his position in a lawn chair, Angus watched as the winds yanked his kite back-and-forth, occasionally checking in with his timekeepers to get an update on his status. 

Entertained by his friends and supporters – as well as a massive Spotify playlist – he monitored the sky as the gusts faded into a gentle nighttime breeze, and the stars came out to illuminate the aircraft’s flapping wings.

And though he was exhausted, by the time the sun had returned to the sky the next morning, Angus knew that he was almost through.

After nearly 26 hours of determined waiting, a large crowd had appeared, cheering him on as the kite spent its final minutes dipping about in the sky.

Eventually, Angus let it return to Earth – and as it reached his hands they all erupted into celebration. 

26 hours in the air had resulted in tens of thousands of dollars and one world record title… so all things considered, it was a good flight for the little purple kite.

So congratulations to Angus, and everyone that helped him get this dream off the ground  – you are Officially Amazing!