Flying a kite on a windy day is a lot of fun and also very relaxing. So throw those video games away, get off the couch, and read the following instructions to get you on your way to being able to fly a kite like a pro.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Conditions
Step 1. Choose your kite
There are a myriad of them to choose from or you could even build your own. Classic shapes are easier to fly, but if you're looking for a challenge, go for a bigger, more imaginative one.
Medium or light winds (between 8 and 24 km / h) are ideal for kites in the shape of delta, rhombus or dragon. If the wind is strong (between 12 and 40 km / h) use a cellular or parafoil shaped one to better control the flight
Step 2. Choose the right day
If there is a substantial breeze, but that doesn't carry you away, it's time to fly a kite. The last thing you want to do is go out and wait for hours. With a nice breeze, you can make your kite soar in the air and make it dance, or maybe even make it do hoops and tricks.
- If there are leaves on the ground and they are fluttering around gently it's perfect. You need a wind between 8 and 40 km / h. Use a flag or windsock to test the wind before risking disappointment.
- Fly a kite only in safe conditions - that means no rain or lightning. Electricity in the clouds is attracted to the wet wire of a kite. Benjamin Franklin was an unconscious kite flyer.
Step 3. Choose the right place
Do not fly your kite near roads, power lines or airports. The best places are parks, meadows and beaches. When it comes to flying a kite, more space means more fun.
Trees may seem harmless, but the fewer the better. They are famous for making numerous kites disappear
Step 4. Find someone to help you get the kite up
Flying a kite is much, much easier with two people - plus, the fun lasts longer.
Part 2 of 2: Flying the Kite
Step 1. Hold the skein of line (called a bridle) in your hand while someone else holds the kite
The kite should face you and the wind. If the wind is behind the kite, it will just crash to the ground.
Step 2. Unwind about 15-23 meters of thread
Stand the same distance away from your friend. Make sure there are no obstacles near the kite launch area.
Step 3. Sign your friend to let go of the kite
It is best to wait for a gust of wind for the initial takeoff. Pull the line to create some tension and make the kite hover in the air.
Step 4. Pay attention to the wind direction
If it changes, you have to move with it. Try to think in the following terms:
- Imagine you are the "I" and the person holding the kite the "U"
- Arrange so that the wind blows from this direction: I ---------------------------------- U
Step 5. Make sure the wind is blowing in a straight line between you and the other person
If you pay attention to this, you will be able to fly the kite much longer.
Step 6. To make the kite fly higher, unwind the line a bit
Pay attention to when the line runs out - if the kite is poorly constructed, the line may completely detach from the spool causing the kite to fly away
Step 7. To lower the kite, simply pull the line
Rewind it onto the reel, the same way it was at the beginning.
Step 8. Make the game interesting
Once your kite is in the sky, you may find yourself thinking, "Okay… now what?" Together with your friend, make it more inspiring:
- See how long it takes for the wire to reach a 45 ° angle from your hand to its maximum length.
- See how quickly you can unroll 150 meters of line from a hand throw.
- Take note. See how long you can keep it in the air, starting from a minimum of 5 minutes.
- Drop the kite down to your hands without letting it touch the ground. From time to time pull the thread faster to keep it from falling out.
- Once you know how to fly a kite, take pictures seriously.
Advice
- It is advisable to fly the kite in an open area, such as a football field or lawn. You can even fly a kite from a terrace. Other open spaces can be a beach or near a lake.
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To prevent the kite from crashing to the ground:
- If there is very little wind: run (be careful where you put your feet), remove the kite tails or anything else that might add weight and try to make the kite as light as possible. Also, if your kite goes down, make the tip go up (unwind the line slowly) and pull the line as fast as you can.
- If there is enough wind, try the following: tug on the line and unwind it a little (this works great if you are swooping and could help you avoid the worst). If you've already crashed, consider using a frayed tail or brim, or something else to train the kite. This will add stability to your kite, especially in strong winds.
Warnings
- Do not fly kites in a thunderstorm.
- Avoid flying a kite on a road or near power poles or trees, as a kite needs a lot of space and moves a lot in all directions.
- Do not fly the kite near high voltage cables.
