Located right in the Berkeley Marina, the Highline Kites mobile shop is a convenient place to buy your kite right next to some of the best windy kite spots in town. The owner Tom is super friendly and knows a lot about kites, and you can tell it's his passion. I am a complete newbie to kiting but knew I wanted a quad-line kite since I saw it years ago from the Berkeley Kite Festival. When it wasn't too busy, Tom was kind enough to help show me how to set it up and get started. It looks like they had a range of kites ranging from beginner single lines all the way to the stunt quad line that I bought. After some time practicing and several kite crashes later, I finally was getting the hang of flying it with control. Highly recommend getting a kite from here! read more

Highline Kites - Sporting Goods Near Me - Berkeley, California

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All your kite needs, right at the best kite flying hill in the Bay Area, sold by people who really know and love kites. We've gotten less expensive models here that were easy to fly and have lasted a few years. They have never tried to upsell us. But if you are more of a hobbyist or expert flyer, I am confident you'll find all you need. A story from one interaction with these kind folks--years ago, we went to the hill to fly kites with our young cousins, and we somehow put together the kite we brought partially inversed. One of Highline hippies hanging out on a lawn chair saw us in danger of not succeeding, and he trudged up the hill and fixed the issue in seconds. They've helped us a couple other times with tangles and broken lines. If you visit Berkeley, an authentic activity would be to come to Cesar Chavez park, get a psychedelic kite, and fly with SF and the lovely Bay at your back. It is truly an only in Berkeley experience. read more

Conveniently parked in the Cesar Chavez Park kite flying area so I was able to purchase a kite then fly it right then and there. I'm not sure if Highline has an actual brick and mortar shop or if it's only the mobile truck. I wasn't too confident about my kite-flying skills since the last time I had touched a kite was back in elementary school, so I opted for a single-line to start. Prices are fair. Credit card accepted. They ran out of the turtle design, so I settled for the gecko, which was very nice and had a beautiful tail. It was durable and stayed intact even in the strong bay winds and after being dragged through the grass multiple times by me. I wish they had more than just 4 designs so I could feel like I had a one-of-a-kind kite. read more

Greta (a seven-year old girl who lives in Berkeley and who likes story telling) and her grandmother were enjoying a day of kite flying at the Berkeley Marina when suddenly, Greta said, "Oh no, Bubbie! My kite just broke" Her Bubbie looked up kites and toy shops and said, "Let's go across the way over there to see what the kite truck has and see if they can fix it". Well not only did Tom help Greta fix her single line kite that was starting to get too easy for her, he helped her pick out a new, two line kite was harder to learn to use but less likely to break when it fell because it had no rods. Tom showed them how to launch and steer the new kite and said, "its a good thing I'm not too busy right now...I can give you a lesson!" Greta wants to let you know that Tom is great and helped her learn in just one day. She also wants to say that he is very helpful but that you need patient and do not hog his attention if he is busy because that would be rude. read more

Highline Kites - Sporting Goods Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Got a kite from Tom. Have tried kiting on 8 other occasions with no success. The smile says it all! Thanks for the quality kite Tom! read more

Highline Kites - We have tried and failed more times than I can remember to fly a kite. Got a nice kite from Tom and finally tasted sweet kiting success. - Sporting Goods Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Fair prices, it's a mobile unit that he brings on the weekends. I'm sure you can get cheaper kites online or something, but seriously, his prices are perfectly fine. PLUS, the guy is super nice, told my friend how to set up his fancy kite with 2 strings and the parachute looking thing, my friend got me the easy peasy octopus (score!) and we were off. The man is really helpful in explaining everything, was really patient with us and even went out of his way to tell us how to put back the string and everything. I loved the kite flying so much I came back to the marina the next day to fly my kite....yep, by myself. lol read more

One day I dream of riding the waves propelled by the wind, to skim over the surface of the water and catch some air on a big crest. Hey, if Sergei and Larry can island hop while kitesboarding, why can't I?! Highline made possible the first rung on the ladder to kiteboarding heaven. A one-stop mobile kite shop parked at the Berkeley Marina, it's situated on the foot of some of the best lift terrain in the East Bay. From mylar ladybug diamonds to two parafoils with seven foot wingspans, novices to pros will find everything they need to take flight. The owner is not only patient and helpful but quirky and knowledgeable. We scored the a sweet Prism Snapshot parafoil for ten bucks more than it would have cost on Amazon! No premium for convenience. If you're wind inclined, let this be your first step to soaring! read more

The guys at Highline are really nice and super-helpful. I did some research on the kite I wanted and they had it in stock. I could not have asked for a better kite-buying experience. They are very knowledgeable about all things kite-flying. They even gave me information about the upcoming Berkeley Kite Festival, and encouraged me to participate. I will buy all my kites from them from now on. read more

A person will never understand what a real kite and kite flying experience until purchasing a kite from Highline Kites. As a kid I experienced horrible department store plastic kites and strings, would have strings that snap or kites that collide. With the kites from Highline, they flew even at ground level. Unlike the department stores, which sell plastic substandard kites, these kites are nylon with fiberglass frame and high quality line. The sales staff was even helpful of assembling the kites. Once airborne, the kites constantly flew. It was even flying at 1 foot above sea level, that I had to use my hand to capture the kite. For a real kite, go to Highline. If you try to go to a major department store to buy one, they will just sell you a junk worthless kite. Real kites at Highline Kites. read more

Highline Kites has been fueling my kite habit for the past year. I've now spent more on maintenance than the kite cost to begin with! I think it's just the nature of the beast, not Highline's fault. The guy who works there has been really helpful, and my kite's actually in much better shape than when I originally bought it. Also, I followed his recommendation and bought myself a tail-- he's right, the main problem with them is you want to buy more. One thing to keep in mind: the van's only out there on weekends (including fridays, I think). It's hard to do any real kite maintenance on site, because it's so windy on the marina, so you may want to plan ahead if you need to replace a spreader or something. read more

Somebody told you to go fly a kite? You can get one here. They have some really beautiful kites and a wide selection. Best of all they can show you how to fly a kite like a pro. They have everything you need for flying kites. They sell out of a truck in the Berkeley Marina at Cesar Chavez Park. Mostly there Fri-Sun. If you have ever been to the Berkeley Kite Festival a lot of the big and real nice kites came from this company. They are very friendly, knowledgeable, and low priced. Highline Kites will be part of the A Day On The Water 2 festival. Another good reason to go to it. Come enjoy the kites. read more

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This is really cool stuff.... if you are into it... if you aren't... if you are just passing buy, or if you are a little more hardcore and are looking for parts for your kites... this guy has it all. So it was a beautiful day and I had just picked up a delta kite from REI... a friend went with me and had some experience flying delta kites and was nice enough to go out and show me the ropes... needless to say, we both ended up breaking them... mine... easy to fix, go back to REI.. exchange for a new one. My friend? not so much... special parts are needed..... who has parts like this? little rods, little connectors... bungee cords.... Highline kites does. So we trek up to Berkeley marina to find this "store".... not really a store... just a truck that is parked up at the glorietta at the end of the Berkeley marina. He sells it all!!! cheap little kites... more expensive and complex kits.... and drawers and cubbies full of all the parts that my friend needs! pretty cool stuff.... I can't really attest to the price, or put in relative terms because I don't know where else you would go to get stuff like this. Go out.. get a kite... have a nice day! read more

Stopped by last Sunday to buy some accessories for my kites and ask some questions. Tom was a great help and a wealth of knowledge. I will try to buy all my kites and supplies I can from him in the future. How lucky we are to have a guy like this local! read more

Highline Kites - Sporting Goods Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I bought a simple kite to fly on a wonderful windy day. I loved how enthusiastic the owner was about kites and the stories he told. Buying a kite and flying it (and watching the more skilled kite flyers) made for a fun first date. Wheelchair accessibility notes: The shop is just a mobile unit which has steps to get inside a tight space--so not accessible. I imagine the guy who owns it would be happy to bring things out to show, but you also have to walk roll over grass (low grade) to get there. Go with a friend? read more

Wasn't able to find kites anywhere. Thanks to yelp for helping me find HighLine Kites. I bought a cheap colorful Octopus kite for less than $20 for my 2 year old. read more

Highline Kites - Sporting Goods Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great shop! Has all the kites you need from single, dual, and quad string. I bought a dual line and a quad line just this past week. Impeccable customer service, I got an itch to fly and wanted a new kite and Tom made that happen when the shop was closed. Amazing! Prices are very competitive and are the same, if not cheaper than online. read more

Quick. Easy. Reasonably priced great kites. Takes cards, which is VERY nice! Lets you spontaneously buy a kite and have tons of fun! Recommend Parafoil 5, 35$. No sticks or wires to break, comfortable round handle, VERY easy to get into the air, and a long, long string that seems to be fairly strong. Super portable! It comes with a small bag that you can just stuff the kite into. Nice long tail too. read more

This little shop on wheels definitely has everything you need to start or maintain your kiting habit! I've bought four kites, two tails, and replacement parts here and can't say enough about how helpful Tom is. He'll even show you (or give you tips) how to fly more advanced kites (dual-line or quad-line). Oh, and he has something for everyone really... just drop in if you're curious. read more

Decided to stop by the Berkeley Marina this past weekend and came by Highline Kites because we wanted to get a kite and hang out on the hill for a little while. The guys are very knowledgeable and we ended up walking away with a very basic $20 octopus kite (one of their best sellers). They do sell fancier kites and all in different price ranges. The bf and I had a fun time soaking in the view of SF and letting our kite fly. The Berkeley Marina is super windy which is ideal for flying kites, I wish I could say the same about my hair after the experience though. Oh well. read more

Highline Kites - The kites, the view and the mobile store - Sporting Goods Near Me - Berkeley, California

The gentleman who runs this little shop-on-wheels is very knowledgeable, helpful, and has basically everything you could need either to get into kiting or to support your habit. Their online shop is pretty good as well. The prices are fair (I've looked at other web sites) and the convenience of having the shop drive to the Berkeley Marina on weekends is great -- I broke a leading edge spar on my quad-line kite last weekend and I just walked over to the cul-de-sac where he parks his shop and bought a new one! Overall a great little shop and a good experience! read more

I bought a kite here 2 weeks ago as a gift for someone, who ended up receiving the same kite from someone else. When I called to ask about returning this unopened kite with the receipt, the man who answered (who I think is the owner), abruptly said they "don't do that anymore," with no explanation. I would understand this stance had I opened the kite, lost the receipt, or kept it for an extended period of time. I was surprised to hear about their no return policy, which was never communicated when first purchasing the kite. This, by no means is a tragedy, but rather a semi sleazy/hustler way to do business. read more

This is the place that got me back into kite flying. Definitely recommend for the entire family! I bought about 4-5 kites from Tom. Great guy! read more

Nice people, beautiful kites with friendly service in this mobile shop. Such a sweetie, this friendly guy gives good advice and service. As others have noted this shop is not really very wheelchair accessible, but I will ask next time I stop by if this lovely, smart, sweet guy (I am forgetting his name at the moment) could/would step outside to accommodate someone not willing and/or not able to squeeze inside. I bet he would try his best to be more accessible. He was extremely kind and accommodating when I arrived using my cane last spring. Very solicitous and welcoming, not condescending nor overbearing at all. I will update this review after my next visit. read more

It's great that he's here,, only he's not here... Check the website, there isn't a store here, just a mobile cart... Only weekends!

I've been going to Highland Kites at the Berkeley Marina for over a dozen years I think. Tom is super nice and uber knowledgeable. He's helped me fix my kites too many time to number. I also have purchased at least a half dozen kites from him. Highland has a cool kite for any budget and taste. Tom's friend, John, is also out there a lot and a quick to lend a hand and swap kite war stories. See you out there! read more

Responds to customer email inquiries. Nice guy he's been in the kite business for decades now and has a great inventory of branded world class kites. Unfortunately the prices are not very competitive, simple Google search yields same kites at a significant lower cost to entry after shipping. But it's just Bay area business, everything costs extra by just being here. read more

My wife and I had no experience with dual line kites but wanted to learn. Tom is incredibly helpful. The prices here are surprisingly reasonable and with Tom's tips, we picked it up right away. read more

What else do you want from a kite shop?! Tom is as friendly and encouraging as can be, his stock is extensive, his kites are high-quality and BEAUTIFUL, he has something for everyone in every price range, and I mean seriously...this guy has been doing this since I was in my teens. HE LOVES KITES!!! LOVES THEM!!! We are fortunate to have someone as passionate as Tom providing his wares and expertise to our community. -John, Oakland, CA read more

no better match. Berkeley Marina and Highline kites for an afternoon of fun.