How to Fly Stunt Kites
Stunt kites are so much fun! You can do tricks with these that no
other kites do. Once you gain experience with your stunt kite, you can
perform loops and dives and dance in the clouds to the astonishment of
the onlookers!
The length of the string should be no shorter than 25m and no
longer than 40m. Longer is better for the beginner to learn how to
control the kite and gain confidence in the many stunts possible.
Shorter strings take a more advanced kiter, as the response time is
critical since the kite will move very fast. Longer lines are harder to
maneuver the kite and accomplish the stunt moves. Once you have unrolled
the line make sure they are exactly even. Double check the strings
attachment to the handles and the kite.
When flying a stunt kite, it’s always best to have an assistant to
help you get your kite into the wind. The helper should pick the kite up
from the behind and hold it by the base and the center struts. The line
between you and the kite should be off the ground with enough tension to
keep it that way. To follow is a very specific list of rules to check
off before you attempt to fly your kite. Follow this list each and every
time you fly.
- Know your surroundings. Do not stunt fly in areas where many
people are doing other things.
- Check out what’s behind you as you may need to step back or even
run back at times.
- Check the tension in your flight lines to make sure it is
balanced and the lines are equal.
- Check the area and the sky for other kiters.
What if you wish to fly and no assistant? The following step will
allow you to do that. Stake your handles down and then go pick up your
kite and stand it up, using the lines as tightness opposing the wind. Do
not allow the kite to stand straight up or it will take off without you!
Pick your handles carefully, trying not to disturb the kite as you do,
keeping the tension constant in the flight lines begin stepping back
quickly and you should be in flight!
Flying a stunt kite is all in the steering. Of course, there are some
basic moves to learn and, once you have those mastered, you will have
stunt kite flying at the very tips of your fingertips! In any stunt you
perform there are 3 different moves you are always going to make: A left
turn, a right turn and straight lines. Straight line flying refers to
flying straight in all directions, not limited to only up and straight
ahead of you. To complete a loop, continue to turn to the right. You
will loop! Don’t worry if the lines twist a bit. This will not interfere
with your flying. If you want to eliminate the twist, just turn the
opposite direction of where you are going. To gain speed in the air,
pull back on the handles. If you are trying to avoid a crash, that is
not the time to pull back on the handles, for obvious reasons. Instead,
move towards the kite to slow it down. It may right itself or come down
in a gentle manner.
As you fly, hold your arms to your side. It will not affect the kite
if you are holding your arms out, but your arms will tire quicker. Your
kite will do all the work. All you have to do is guide it. A beautiful
field is a wonderful site for your first flying experience. A smooth
wind and little obstruction is perfect. Go away from the trees, power
lines and others.
Plan your landings and take advantage of the distance of the kite.
The farther out it goes, the less speed. As it begins to lose its drive
it will gracefully float to the ground. In closing, remember that a kite
in flight is a huge projectile in the air. It is capable of causing
injury and damaging property. A stunt kite is able to reach speeds of
100 km/h.
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