Home ยป Minutia
Minutia
Choosing & Flying a Kite
By Staff Writer
Flying a kite is a great way to spend the day. Here is a list of different kinds of kites to choose from when you want to sail with the wind.
Diamond Kites
The classic kite shape, unchanged for centuries, is now available in a huge range of styles and sizes. The diamond is a suitable first kite for children and is a very easy to fly although some consideration should be given to the size of the kite- some of the larger kites may be unsuitable for smaller children. Diamond kites generally require only the slightest of breezes to fly and can reach a high altitude quite easily, most can also be easily adjusted for the angle of flying to ensure a stable flight in a wide range of wind conditions, although they are best flown in a moderate wind coming from a constant direction. Diamond kites can usually be disassembled easily by removing the horizontal strut, which makes them easy to store and transport.
Creature Kites
Creature kites are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and as the name suggests they represent a creature, which could be something you'd expect to see in the sky, like a bird or butterfly or something you may not expect to see soaring through the air like an octopus or frog. Some are diamond in form, some are delta, but some are purely custom shapes to represent the creature. They are 99% single lined, and therefore an easy kite to fly for the novice pilot and very appealing to the young pilot. Usually requiring a moderate wind to fly they are a low drag kite which means they're not going to pull you about when you fly them but can easily reach a good height with little effort.
Box Kites
Another age-old design, the box kite, flies in a different fashion to other kites in that the air passes through the kite to create lift rather than push against a solid face. They usually look as though they shouldn't fly, but in fact are one of the most graceful flying kites there are. Every one is beautiful in it's own way. They are suitable for children as they produce very little drag, but may also appeal to the adult flyers out there.
Stunt Kites
Getting a bit more complicated, stunt kites get their name from their ability to perform tricks in the hands of the pilot, due to their 2 string control method, which by shortening or lengthening one of the strings by pulling or extending one of the control handles makes the kite take a different course through the air. Practice will allow the pilot to perform amazing loops, dives and climbs with ease. Not the perfect choice for smaller children, but will be greatly received by older children, and also adults. Stunt kites are divided into different sections; children's, novice, advanced and expert, this is generally dictated by the size of the kite - the larger ones produce more pull and require more tug on the lines to perform their tricks.
Safe Kite Flying
Location - Select a location that is free of obstruction such as houses and trees that can pose a danger to your kite and the public, and even more importantly do not fly your kite anywhere near power lines, substations or airports. Make sure wind conditions are right for your particular kite. Also make sure that as well as preventing damage to yourself and your kite, that you are going to fly in an area where you are not going to cause harm to anyone else or any wildlife, a beach is a perfect place, but make sure that there are no people around you if you are using a large or powerful kite. Also be aware of changing weather conditions, if you think there may be a storm approaching, quickly and carefully cease your flying activities, a kite can act as a lightning conductor when it is damp, and even if there's no lightning, excessive winds can damage or destroy your kite, or just pull it from your hands.
Launching - With the wind at your back, take the kite about 50 feet or more downwind and have a friend hold it up, pulling the line tight. As your kite catches the wind, pull on the line handle until the kite gains altitude. Smaller kites can be launched from a smaller distance than this. Quickly give the kite lines some length after launch as the wind tends to swirl close to the floor and can quickly bring your kite back down. Ensure that there is no chance of wrapping the lines around another person or yourself.
Landing - Release the tension on the line of your kite and this will allow it to drift to the ground, then quickly retrieve or immobilize your kite as it can easily take off again. Choose a suitable place away from water and busy public places. You may also find that you can just wind your kite back onto the string and as your kite is approaching the ground it can be caught and held for you while you finish winding it up.
Above everything else USE YOUR COMMON SENSE, and constantly be aware of your environment, the wind is always changing and can only be guessed at. Keep aware of other people coming close to you and always supervise young children when flying kites. When you follow the necessary safety steps kite flying can be one of the most enjoyable pastimes all year round. Fly safely.