TIPS/FAQs

Wind Scale - Kite Tips - Kite Anatomy - FAQs

Wind Scale

0 - 5 mph Light Breeze Wind felt on face, leaves rustle.

(Large Deltas)

6 - 10 mph Gentle Breeze Leaves and small twigs in constant

motion, wind extends light flag.

(Deltas, Dragons)

11 - 15 mph Moderate Breeze Raises dust and loose paper, small

branches move.

(Diamonds, Parafoils, Stunt Kites)

16 - 20 mph Fresh Breeze Small leaved trees begin to sway,

crested wavelets form on inland

waters.

(Small stunt kites)

21+ mph Strong Breeze Large branches move, umbrellas

difficult to control.

(We do not recommend flying in

winds stronger than 21 mph.)

Kite 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, have a friend take the kite

about 50 feet or more downwind and hold it up, pulling the

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

over hand until the kite gains altitude.

Launching a stunt kite: First, make sure you're using ALL of your line (too-short lines are a recipe for disaster!) and that the lines are equal in length. Have a friend stand behind the kite, downwind from you, holding the kite upright. Have your helper give the kite a gentle toss upward as you pull back on the handles to gain altitude.

Solo launches of stunt kites: Stake your handles with a tent stake or peg (so it won't take off without you!) and lean the kite back against the taut lines. Pick up the handles and pull back on them to launch. You may have to take a few step backward to gain altitude.

Landing: Releasing the tension on the line will allow the kite to

drift to the ground. Stunt kites should be flown to the edge of the "window" where they'll naturally lose altitude. As the kite settles, simultaneously point the nose up while taking a few quick steps forward - you've landed it on its wingtips!

Kite Anatomy

FAQs

1) What is a good beginner kite?

2) What ages do you recommend to start flying kites?

3) Does my kite come with string?

4) Does my kite need a tail?

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

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

7) My kite keeps stalling and won't gain altitude. What's wrong?

8) What is a good beginner stunt kite?

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

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

1) What is a good beginner kite?

4 foot and 6 foot deltas are easy to fly and really beautiful in the sky.

2) What ages do you recommend to start flying kites?

While even a toddler enjoys flying a kite 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 to 16 years. Stunt kites require a certain level of maturity and dexterity, 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 when the line is included in the descriptions. If the term recommended line appears in our description, it indicates that the line must be purchased seperately.

4) Does my kite need a tail?

All of our kites that need a tail come with one included. Many flyers add a tail merely for decorative purposes; however, in strong winds, any kite will benefit from the stability that adding a tail provides. Please see our Accessories page for some beautiful additions!

5) Should all 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 spars (sticks) in the seams on the sides to the bottom of the kite as described in the instructions.

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

Never. See Kite Tips for advice on launching.

7) My kite keeps stalling and won't gain altitude. What's wrong?

There is either not enough wind or you need to raise the tow point on the kite. We recommend that you change the tow point in increments of 1/8th of an inch at a time. The tow point is the point at which the line is attached to the bridle to maintain a balance between pull and lift to give the kite altitude.

8) What is a good beginner stunt kite?

Each of our stunt kites come with skill level recommendations (see descriptions). Soft stunt kites, like the ParaStunter, are easier to learn with and have no frame to break! For a beginner stunt kite look for either a flexible fiberglass frame (less breakage) stunt kite or a frameless (soft) stunt kite. These kites are 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 properly is that you have not let out all of your line prior to launching. Also, take a moment to enure that the lines are of equal length, or else your kite will always dive to one side. Refer to your Pilot's Manual (some even on CD-ROM!) for proper launch techniques.

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

The lengths of the flying line are not even from each handle to the bridles.

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	TIPS/FAQs Wind Scale - Kite Tips - Kite Anatomy - FAQs Wind Scale 0 - 5 mph Light Breeze Wind felt on face, leaves rustle. (Large Deltas) 6 - 10 mph Gentle Breeze Leaves and small twigs in constant motion, wind extends light flag. (Deltas, Dragons) 11 - 15 mph Moderate Breeze Raises dust and loose paper, small branches move. (Diamonds, Parafoils, Stunt Kites) 16 - 20 mph Fresh Breeze Small leaved trees begin to sway, crested wavelets form on inland waters. (Small stunt kites) 21+ mph Strong Breeze Large branches move, umbrellas difficult to control. (We do not recommend flying in winds stronger than 21 mph.) Kite 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, have a friend take the kite about 50 feet or more downwind and hold it up, pulling the line tight. As the kite catches wind, pull on the line hand over hand until the kite gains altitude. Launching a stunt kite: First, make sure you're using ALL of your line (too-short lines are a recipe for disaster!) and that the lines are equal in length. Have a friend stand behind the kite, downwind from you, holding the kite upright. Have your helper give the kite a gentle toss upward as you pull back on the handles to gain altitude. Solo launches of stunt kites: Stake your handles with a tent stake or peg (so it won't take off without you!) and lean the kite back against the taut lines. Pick up the handles and pull back on them to launch. You may have to take a few step backward to gain altitude. Landing: Releasing the tension on the line will allow the kite to drift to the ground. Stunt kites should be flown to the edge of the "window" where they'll naturally lose altitude. As the kite settles, simultaneously point the nose up while taking a few quick steps forward - you've landed it on its wingtips! Kite Anatomy FAQs 1) What is a good beginner kite? 2) What ages do you recommend to start flying kites? 3) Does my kite come with string? 4) Does my kite need a tail? 5) Should all the "sticks" in my delta kite be pushed all the way to the nose or the back of the kite? 6) Do I need to run to launch my kite? 7) My kite keeps stalling and won't gain altitude. What's wrong? 8) What is a good beginner stunt kite? 9) My stunt kite won't fly...what's wrong? 10) My stunt kite is diving to the left (or right) and crashing. What's wrong? 1) What is a good beginner kite? 4 foot and 6 foot deltas are easy to fly and really beautiful in the sky. 2) What ages do you recommend to start flying kites? While even a toddler enjoys flying a kite 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 to 16 years. Stunt kites require a certain level of maturity and dexterity, 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 when the line is included in the descriptions. If the term recommended line appears in our description, it indicates that the line must be purchased seperately. 4) Does my kite need a tail? All of our kites that need a tail come with one included. Many flyers add a tail merely for decorative purposes; however, in strong winds, any kite will benefit from the stability that adding a tail provides. Please see our Accessories page for some beautiful additions! 5) Should all 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 spars (sticks) in the seams on the sides to the bottom of the kite as described in the instructions. 6) Do I need to run to launch my kite? Never. See Kite Tips for advice on launching. 7) My kite keeps stalling and won't gain altitude. What's wrong? There is either not enough wind or you need to raise the tow point on the kite. We recommend that you change the tow point in increments of 1/8th of an inch at a time. The tow point is the point at which the line is attached to the bridle to maintain a balance between pull and lift to give the kite altitude. 8) What is a good beginner stunt kite? Each of our stunt kites come with skill level recommendations (see descriptions). Soft stunt kites, like the ParaStunter, are easier to learn with and have no frame to break! For a beginner stunt kite look for either a flexible fiberglass frame (less breakage) stunt kite or a frameless (soft) stunt kite. These kites are 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 properly is that you have not let out all of your line prior to launching. Also, take a moment to enure that the lines are of equal length, or else your kite will always dive to one side. Refer to your Pilot's Manual (some even on CD-ROM!) for proper launch techniques. 10) My stunt kite is diving to the left (or right) and crashing. What's wrong? The lengths of the flying line are not even from each handle to the bridles. Kite Farm Home Oregon Trail Mercantile Virtual Compass Museum The Whistle Store gumballprize.com Scientific Antiquities
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