BEGINNERS TIPS - CHOOSING A KITE
A KITE: wind-supported flying device consisting of a wooden or similar framework covered with paper, cloth, or synthetic material.
A kite is a rudimentary airfoil; it can be flown for pleasure or for purposes of study. Attached to a long string, it can be sent aloft through the action of the wind on its surfaces.
Its distance or height is controlled from the ground by playing out the string.
Today kite flying is a popular pastime and a competitive sport. In eastern Asia, special competitions are held in which the kites are elaborately designed and decorated in the forms of birds, fish, or dragons and may be equipped with whistles or pipes that emit musical sounds as the wind blows through them. Kite-fighting contests are also held, in which competitors attempt to use their kites to attack and down the kites of opponents.
Kites are growing increasingly popular all over the world: Australia, America, Switzerland, South Africa. Also used for aerial photography, kites have become one of the easiest and most enjoyable hobbies. Endless hours can be spent running in the breeze with a homemade one-liner, or you can choose to spend your money on a strong stunt/power kite that will pull you along, maybe even lift you in a strong enough gust.
YOUR FIRST FLIGHT
You have your new kite in hand and you’ve found an open space to fly. Let's do it...
1). Assemble your kite, making sure none of the bridles are tangled around spreaders or standoffs.
See (On-line Field Cards) for assembly instructions for your kite.
2). Check the wind. How hard is it blowing? From what direction? Pick the place to fly which will give you the clearest, smoothest wind. For your first flight, we strongly suggest picking a day when the wind is moderate- between 8 and 12 mph.
3). Check your bridles and standoffs. Make sure everything looks clear and symmetrical. If necessary, adjust for today’s wind speed. If the winds are moderate, between 8 and 12 mph, your kite should need no adjustment.
PURCHASING AND FLYING A KITE
- Most kites make a very loud noise. Some make almost no noise at all, so consider this if you are planning to get a kite for a relaxing holiday!
- If your kite is too fast, then add a tail to it. Adding one will slow it down, making it easier to fly. Tails work with any kite and inflate with the wind to look great in the sky.
- A kite without a center spine makes it durable and crash resistant because there is no danger of the sail tearing or breaking in a hard crash.
- Multiple kite packs pull harder than singles, but are just as easy to fly.
- Don't forget the thrill factor when you select your sport kite - small kites can fly well, but can't change the laws of physics. Big kites pull harder, make more noise and are more exciting to fly.
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