Power Kite Flying Tips

1. Find a flat, open flying sight unobstructed by trees and buildings. Ideally you should have around 200 metres of open space around you. Commons, beaches and fields are ideal.
2. Make sure that you are flying in a 10 - 15 mph wind to start with. If you fly in a very light wind, the kite will not perform to it's potential and if you fly in too strong a wind, you may crash and damage your kite.
3. Make sure that you have somebody with you to help you assemble and launch your kite.
4. Do not fly near people or animals at any time, especially when you are learning. You will find that most people are unaware of how fast a kite travels. If the kite or its lines strike somebody, they could cause serious injury. If people walk within your flying range, ask them to move out of your flying area.
5. Keep your kite as high up in the sky as possible to start with and practice gentle turns, getting used to the feel of the kite. This helps to prevent those early crashes!
6. As you get more confident, fly the kite faster and explore the whole "wind window". Try some stunts.

Note: All Flexifoil Power Kites come with comprehensive and easy to understand instructions. Not only that, the kite itself is very easy to assemble and set up and there are no complicated adjustments to make. You just unfold the kite, slide the spar into the sleeve, unwind the flying lines and connect them to the kite and flying straps. You are now ready to go.

Activities

The following are all examples of Power kiting activities where kites are used as the traction system:

• Stacking
• Jumping
• Scudding
• Body Surfing
• Buggying
• Kite Surfing

Safety point: All traction activities are safe as long as you are aware of your own limitations and those of your equipment. It is advisable to use smaller kites for stronger winds and larger kites for lighter winds. For example do not use a large kite in a strong wind as you will be overpowered; and could cause yourself or others injury. Seek advice from your dealer or from Flexifoil International if you are new to Traction kiting.

Stacking

The Flexifoil Power kite is a very versatile product. Not only can you fly them individually, but you can also stack them by joining two or more kites together using a set of stacking lines (one set included with every kite). Build your own stack, one at a time, or join up with friends. Personalise your stack by choosing from our large colour range.

You can adjust your stack to suit the strength of the wind or your fitness level. The more kites you stack, the more pull you will generate. You can stack any of the Flexifoil Power kites in most combinations, just remember to put the largest one at the top. Flexis can be flown relaxed and easy, or fast and powerful.

The current world record for the number of stacked Flexifoil Stacker 6's is 208. Please do not attempt to break this record without professional advice from Flexifoil International!

Jumping

Jumping can be done using either two line or four line kites. Use the power of the kite(s) to lift you off the ground both upwards and forwards. This is best done on the beach as the sand provides you with a soft landing. You can build sand launch pads on the beach to facilitate more effective and spectacular take-offs! It is possible to jump on grassy ground but a little more care must be taken when landing.

You can jump from just a few feet off the ground to 30 feet off the ground! It's entirely up to you how radical you want to be. Jumping well is an acquired skill and you need plenty of practice to get it right. The best way forward is to get an experienced jumper to explain the technique to you and show you how to do it. Please contact your Flexifoil dealer or Flexifoil International for advice.

Scudding

Scudding is the art of skidding along the ground on your feet. You can use either a two or four line kite for this but a four line kite will provide you with smoother and more constant power. For best results, bend your knees, lean slightly back and then bring the kite down into the Power zone until you feel yourself being pulled forward. Keep your legs and body flexible to adapt to the different rates of pull and the changing terrain.

Do not try to run, as you will probably not be able to keep up with the kite and will end up on your face! The longer you can keep the kite in the Power zone, the further you will skid. The stronger the wind, the faster you will travel.

Body Surfing

Stand in the sea with the water around waist height with the kite flying directly above your head. Bring the kite down in to the Power zone and lean forward at the same time. Keep the kite flying in the Power zone and you will be pulled forward through the water. You may find that at times you are pulled right out of the water by the power of the kite, considering the strength of the wind.

Depending how radical you want to be, a cross shore wind is ideal for body surfing. Do not try it in an off shore wind unless there is a rescue boat at hand!

Both Body Surfing and Scudding are excellent ways to discover the kite power before you move on to activities such as Kite Surfing and Buggying.