The Secret of Flying Kites
Ah, the joy of kite flying! If there is one thing that can take you
back to simpler days, it’s the thought of flying a kite. Whether it’s
your first time flying or something you want to share with another, like
riding a bike, it all comes back quickly! Go over these pointers, grab
your kite and shoot for the clouds!
The variety of kites available today, continue to be simple to a bit
more expertise needed. Consider the space you will be in and the weather
to expect in choosing your kite. The Diamond, Delta and Dragon kites
require light to medium wind to fly well. That is anywhere from
10-25km/hr. If it’s Box Kites or stickless Parafoil kites that turn
you on, you will need a stronger wind of at least 15-40km/hr.
You may want to try all the types available this season. Be certain to
follow the directions exactly as one little misstep can have you
dragging your tail, and that’s no fun!
It’s true that the wind has to be just right to fly your kite! Check
your weather forecast and consider the 10 day forecast. Note the days
that the wind is expected to fall between 8-40km/hr. Feeling
the wind on your face is a good indicator that this may be the day! Just
enough wind to let you play once you are in the air is just right. Pull
in and out on your string and let your kite play and dance across the
sky. Pick your flying area after giving consideration to population,
electrical lines, busy roads and such. Parks and beaches are great to
fly in and, perhaps wide open fields, where you can let that line go on
forever. It’s never safe to fly in rain. The sky should be clear before
you embark on an excellent adventure.
Getting your kite up in the air takes a bit of practice, but it will
all come back to you in no time, and if you have never flown before, you
will be wondering what took you so long! Here is how it goes. You shall
start by standing with your back to the wind. Pick up the kite by the
bridle. This is the point in the middle of the kite where the string
attaches. Start allowing some string out. When the wind is right, the
kite will catch flight. Pull the string in just a little with a tug of
the string, not a roll. This will allow the kite to climb slowly on each
tug. Once your kite finds a steady wind, you are stabilized and ready to
let out more string. You will feel the tension in the string, and this
will allow you to judge how much and when to let out more.
If the wind is light, you may want to buddy up with someone to fly,
and that way one can assist the other in getting their kites up. The
friend will carry the kite a small distance and, on command, will
release the kite. You will pull the string hand over hand until the kite
catches the wind. This technique does take practice. If you have no
help, try the old but true method. Prop the kite up against a bush or
post, then take off running! Allow the line out as you go when the kite
catches, stop and tug the line to obtain more height and stability.
If your kite continues to come down, then study on how it’s down and
this will help you determine if this is the day to fly or not. If your
kite comes down with the tail sinking first, the wind is not adequate to
fly. If your kite comes down head first or in a spin off, the wind is
too strong. As noted earlier, your type of kite has a specific wind best
suited to it.
Bridles are not as mysterious as they sound. Attaching the string to
the kite, they allow you to steer. If your kite comes with an adjustable
bridle, in high winds move it to the top, and in slower winds, lower it.
Adding a tail stabilizes the kite and can be a beautiful addition to the
kite if you make it so. Light weight material will allow you to add lots
of tail, the more the better!
Once you become an expert with the kite you have chosen, you may want
to move to the more challenging acrobatic sport kites. Be certain that
you understand how to put your kite together. Lay out the stunt kite and
its lines. Check all connectors and the tail. Undo any tangles at this
time. The bridles need to be adjusted for the wind strength being
experienced that day. They should be balanced on each side of the kite.
Don’t skimp on string. Shoot for 30m so you will have time to react
to the actions of your specialty kite. Double check your kite lines to
be sure they are all even. To put your kite in the air, step back and
pull both handles to your side. Don’t back up into something! Look
behind you before you begin. Remember being aware of your surroundings
is the number 1 consideration.
Once you are in the air, pull your left string to turn your kite left
and vice a versa. Hold them in the same place on each side to fly
straight in the sky. Go downwind as you learn to fly your stunt kite. It
takes practice to gain the feel of it and have confidence in flying it.
Practice flying a loop as opposed to spinning in the air. Your sport
kite is only for wide open areas. Other areas are not safe for your kite
or others that may be around.
In closing, remember to fly kites away from airports, never over
roads or during storms. Do not fly in close contact to other people. If
your kite becomes entangled with another, both kiters need to stop and
walk towards one another. As you become closer, the strings will slide
down one another and you can unwrap it. Be responsible, pay attention
always to surroundings. Gather your friends and family together and
teach them to fly!
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