An enjoyable way to pass a windy spring or summer afternoon is kite flying. If you are a beginner, start with a single line delta or diamond kite. If you are looking for a challenge, then try a dual string box or parafoil kite. Always fly your kite in open spaces, away from trees and power lines. If you are having trouble getting your kite in the air, then have a friend hold up the kite for you.
Picking Your Kite
Try a delta or diamond kite. Look for kites that are shaped like triangles or diamonds; these are the delta and diamond kites. Because they are relatively easy to fly, these two types of kites are great for beginners. They fly well in light to medium winds, about 6 to 15 mph winds.
Choose a single line kite. Look for kites with a single string; these are single line kites. Because they are easier to control, single line kites are recommended for beginners. Single line kites are most suitable for light to medium winds. However, if you want to fly your single line kite in stronger winds, then add a tail to it.
When choosing a tail for your kite, choose one that is made of lightweight materials
Select a box or parafoil kite. Look for kites that are shaped like a four-dimensional box, sled, or arch; these are parafoil kites. Choose one of these kites if you want something a little more challenging than the delta or diamond kite. They need stronger winds to fly, about 8 to 25 mph winds.
Parafoil kites usually contain tunnel-like passage ways for wind to pass through.
Try a dual line kite. Look for kites with two strings, these are dual line kites. Dual line kites, also known as sport or stunt kites, require more experience to fly. You can fly dual line kites in light, moderate, and heavy winds. Additionally, with two lines, the flier has more control over the kite.
You can also do maneuvers and tricks, like loops, with dual line kites
Visit your local discount retailer. Your local discount retailer should have a variety of kites available for you to choose from. If you cannot find the kite you are looking for, then visit specialty kite stores online
Choosing the Right Conditions
Fly your kite in 5 to 25 mph winds. This wind speed works for most kites, although medium speed winds are ideal. It will be difficult to fly a kite in winds that are either slower or faster than this speed. Check the weather app on your phone or computer to see how fast the winds are blowing on a given day.
You can also look at the tops of trees, bushes, and the leaves to see how fast the wind is blowing; for example, when the wind is able to move leaves off of the ground, the flying conditions are ideal.
Choose big, open spaces to fly your kite. Parks, the beach, and open fields are great places to fly a kite. Try to avoid flying your kite near power lines, buildings, roads, airports, and trees. Additionally, if you are flying a dual line kite, create distance between yourself and other people in the park, and make sure others know to stand behind you.
Remember that the more space you have, the more line you can let out and the higher your kite will fly.
Avoid flying your kite in rain and lightning. The electricity in rain clouds is attracted to wet kite lines. To avoid getting shocked, never fly your kite in a rain or thunderstorm.
