By R. Keith Rice

First, make sure you have the kiteJ , some kite line, a large spinner and something to use for a tail. Normally, you can purchase a decorative tail from the same source that you purchased the kite from. The spinner can be purchased at any good kite store or at a fishing store. The latter will be the cheapest.

Next find a safe place to fly your kite! Stay away from all power and telephone lines. A park or a beach is a safe place to fly your kite, but again you will want to stay away from trees and large structures. Avoid any place with hills close by or any large building, as well as tall trees. These will cause very erratic wind conditions. Normally, a baseball field is a safe place if you stay in the center, away from fences and light poles. Just don't let your line out too far, so if you loose control of the kite it will not come down crashing into something. Remember, if you are in the center of the field, 150 foot of line is the limit inside a baseball park.

There are specifics and ratios that are used to allow for distance, but you can learn them later. We do not want to get too complicated in this first lesson.

You also want to have good kite etiquette. You are responsible for anything your kite might hit or injure. So stay away from others and urge them to stay away from your flight area. Always remember who was there first!

These safety tips are just the basics. Almost any good book on kites will have safety tips, as well as other good ideas.

First, try to determine the wind speed and the direction of the wind. If the leaves are not rustling on a tree, there is not enough wind for most kites. Tear some paper into small pieces about one inch square. When you drop them on the ground, and they just lay there, there is not enough wind. If some of them blow away, there is enough wind to try to fly a kite. The direction that they blew is the opposite direction the wind is coming from. Generally, you can turn a full circle and feel the wind in your face. For me, if the wind blows in one ear and out the other, that is the direction the wind is coming fromJ .

Attach the spinner to the end of the kite line, and then to the bridle of the kite. (The bridle is the string that runs from top to bottom on the face side of the kite). For most kites, you will want to unwind about 15 - 25 feet of string. Have someone hold the kite in the air as high as they can, facing the wind. The flyer will want to stand with the wind at his back. The holder gently lets go, and the kite should take off.

Now, if the kite does not stay in the air, you have another problem. The trick is finding out your problem!

You may need to add a tail to the kite. A kite tail can be just an old rag. If it is too heavy, the kite will not lift off of the hands of the holder. If it is too heavy, remove some of it. If it is still not balanced, add another piece to the tail. (In the 1930's, the harder the wind blew, the more tail you would needJ . Today's kites are not recommended to be flown in winds higher than 21 - 25 mph.

You may need to adjust the line where it is attached to the bridle. In this case, move it only about 1/4" at a time, up or down. It generally works best if you go only one direction at a time.

The secret is to get the kite to fly at an angle about 15 to 30 degrees from level. That will generally give you the most stability!

Have a ball flying your kite! Many, many people have enjoyed the sport of kite flying for centuries. Once you have had your first successful flight, we are certain that you will want to return at the very next opportunity.

Plan a picnic and just go somewhere that is safe to fly a kite! You can have a whole day of fun.

In the olden days, of the late 1930's, we flew our "old homemade" kites as long as we could stand up against the windJ . When we couldn't stand up any longer, we tied the string to a fence post, just too see how many days we could keep it in the airJ .

That is no longer recommended. Besides, now you have other things to do to entertain you, like watching TV. We didn't have electricity, so we could not even read a good book, after daylight. Those old shows are full of it, when it shows people reading by candlelight. Try it sometime! When they are reading, just look at how bright the room is. It's lit by more than candlelight!

Another trick, was to send a note, up the string, to the kite. Just to see if it would go all of the way to the top. That is how we handled our e-mail in those daysJ !

R. Keith Rice

http://www.artcraftinc.com

1. What is a good beginner kite?

   The 4.5 Deltas, and the 6' Sky Dancers are both easy to fly and beautiful to view.

2. What ages do you recommend to start

   flying kites?

   While even a toddler enjoys kite flying with an adult, the general rule is 6 years old to pilot solo. For dual line stunters and large kites: Depending on the skill level and size of the kite, we recommend a minimum of 10 to16. Stunt kites require a certain level of maturity, so adult supervision is always recommended for children under the age of 16 years.

3. Does my kite come with string?

   Almost all of our kites are ready to fly and we note that the line is included in the catalog specifications and on the packaging. In the catalog we also use the term "recommended line" which indicates that the string must be purchased separately.

4. Does my kite need a tail?

   All of our kites that require a tail come with one included. Many people add a tail merely for decorative purposes, however, in strong winds, any kite will benefit from the stability that adding a tail provides.

5. Should the "sticks" in my Delta kite be pushed all the way to the nose or the back of the kite?

   You need to gently work the two sticks in the seams on the sides to the bottom of the kite as described on the header card.

6. Do I need to run to launch my kite?

There is either not enough wind or you need to raise

8. What is a good beginner stunt kite?

   Each of our stunt kites come with skill level recommendations (refer to our catalog). Soft stunt kites, like the Parastunter, are slower flying and easier to learn. For a beginner stunt kite look for either a flexible fibreglass frame (less breakage) stunt kite, or a frameless (soft) stunt kites. These kites easier to control and less apt to break upon crash landings.

9. My stunt kite won't fly…what's wrong?

   The number one reason a stunt kite won't get off the ground is that you have not let out all of your line prior to launching. Also, refer to your Pilot's Manuel (enclosed with each kite) for proper launch techniques.

10. My stunt kite is diving to the left or right and crashing. What's wrong?

More Kite Flying Tips

Location: Select a location that is free of

obstructions.

(i.e. houses, power lines, trees, etc.)

Make sure wind conditions are

proper for your kite.

Launching: With the wind at your back, take the

kite about 25 feet or more downwind

and have a friend hold it up pulling the line tight.

As kite catches the wind, pull on the line, hand

over hand until the kite gains altitude. (see

diagram at left)

Landing: Releasing the tension on the line will

allow the kite to drift to the ground.

 Anatomy of a Kite

 Kite Flying Wind Scale

It would be wise to print this our and carry it with you on your kite outings.

     0 - 5 mph          6 - 10 mph      11 - 15 mph       16 - 20 mph        21 mph +

0 - 5 mph LIGHT BREEZE wind felt on face, leaves rustle (Large Deltas)

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