Kite Lines
Of course, kites must have string. Depending on the type of kite you
are hoping to fly, it may need more than one handle and spool of string.
The everyday kites most are familiar with have lines that are mass.
Solar kites have lines that do not contain mass. Learning to fly a kite
above the average experience takes studying, which is the line best
suited to the kite. The kite line experiences wear and tear, just as the
kite does. They can be weakened by the weather, by chemicals and reeling
the line in.
There are different classes of kite lines. The toy kite that most
children grow up with is a very different grade of line compared to the
lines taken to fly a sport kite, which may take up to 4 lines to fly,
requiring a very low stretch in the line. The toy kite can do just fine
with one stretchy line to fly with made out of a soft cotton twine to
prevent burns or cuts on the little ones hands. Special control lines
for a sport kite are crafted in order to allow stable line length.
Giving the flyer control of the sport kite in maneuvering cool moves,
these lines may be specially dyed in the factory for more show and
appearance. More specialized stunt kites, such as dual and quad, require
Spectra stunt kite line. This line is one of the strongest ones made,
yet you will also find it’s one of the most light weight lines in the
world. It’s very durable and long lasting. In flight, you will find this
line literally floats in the air. It is obvious this line does well in a
lower wind than most lines can perform. The stretch in this line is
practically non-existent, perhaps the biggest plus of all. Unless you
weigh in the sensitivity of the line in your hands, then you may have a
debate! The sensitivity allows for better control, as you sense the more
subtle movements of your stunt kite, and can better gage its position in
the wind and what it is you have to work with.
How the kite line is attached to the kite is very important. If not
attached properly, there will be unbalance in the kite making it very
hard to keep the kite air born. You will use the lark’s head knot to
begin. Run your kite string out 15cm. That’s all that is needed to
start. Tie a loop at the end of the string approximately 5cm down.
You will then pull the two strings of the loop back through to form
another loop that will slide for tightening. Then pull the lark’s head
knot over the knotted end of the bridle which is what attaches the
string to the kite. Pull and tighten. Then slide the lark’s knot down
the line until it is nice and snug. The beauty of this particular knot
is it suits power kites as well as stunt kites.
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