Stunt Kite Flying Tips

• This is a basic introduction to the sport, with the intention of easing the learning curve, and to promote fun, safe flying. A flyer's first time out is often characterised by frustration and sometimes a damaged kite. This is not a good thing !!! The learning process can be generally made more pleasurable by a few guidelines (and a sense of humour).
• KNOW YOUR KITE
  Before even attempting to fly your kite, get to know it. Unpack it at home without wind blowing everything all over and things like instruction sheets getting lost. Make sure that all the 'bits' are there and that you know where they go. Check that all is symmetrical (superglue can crack and bridle knots can slip). Practice the assembly of the kite and ensure that you can attach your flying lines correctly. It is equally important to pack your kite correctly and carefully; this is often when 'bits' especially your top spreader, get lost.
• SELECT YOUR FLYING SITE
  A lot of frustration is caused by a poor choice of flying site. The ideal site is a flat, open area.
  
  
  1. Don't try flying downwind of big buildings, trees, hills, cliffs etc, as these block the wind and create erratic, turbulent conditions.
  2. Don't fly near people or animals people can get annoyed / hurt, and animals can destroy your kite!
  3. Don't fly near roads, trees, power lines or during storms
  4. Crashes are inevitable when learning, so try to fly on a softish surface: beach or grass - in a lightish wind.

• GETTING SET UP
  Tips to help your first attempt
  1. Have a helper for launches and retrieval. (Let him/her have a go or they won't help again.)
  2. Wear sunglasses and a cap to avoid the glare, eyestrain and sunburn.
  3. Check your line lengths and make sure that they are equal.
  4. Relax and have fun, don't panic - its only a kite!

• THE FIRST FLIGHT
  Your first flight should be made in a steady light to moderate wind. Unroll and attach your fiies, set the kite up and get your assistant to hold the kite by it's sides directly downwind. Give a signal to release the kite and pull both lines firmly toward your chest. The kite will take off and fly to a point above you. Control is by increasing or decreasing line tension. Keep your elbows in and make small movements. Pull left - the kite flys to the left, pull right - it goes right. Practice flying from one side to the other and take note of the effect of your kite's position relative to the wind. On the left and right, kite speed and pull will be low. As you fly to the center - pull and speed will pick up.This is fundamental to stunt flying. Do your initial flying high, and as you gain confidence, gradually work your way lower. Note that as you fly lower - speed and pull increase. Practice speed contol.
• LANDING
  To land your kite - simply fly to the extreme left or right. The kite will lose speed and can be lowered gently to the ground.
• SELF LAUNCHING
  Self launching is the first skill that should be achieved. It avoids the need for an assistant and increases your flying time. :-) Set up your kite as normal and lay it on it's back with the nose pointing downwind. It may be necessary put a bit of sand on the trailing edge to prevent the kite from being blown around. Pick up your grips and pull firmly and evenly. The kite will rise and take off.
• MAINTENANCE
  Most kites require little maintenance. Always ensure that your spar connectors are in the correct position and that they are firm. If stoppers slip - re-glue them with superglue, as this could affect bridle settings and hence performance. Unless you are sure of what you are doing, avoid adjusting the bridle. The bridle is set for optimum performance at the factory. The kite may be washed with mild soap and water but must not be packed when wet as this will cause mildew and sail damage.
• SAFETY
  One of the most important aspects of kite flying is safety. Do not fly near roads, cars, pavements, paths, powerlines, near airports, in storms, near other flyers and other kites. The safety of the spectator is the responsiblity of the kite flyer. Always be aware, alert, considerate and courteous as kites are normally flown in public areas. Never "Buzz" dogs, children or spectators. Kites are fun, but potentially hazardous in unthinking, untrained hands.
• FINAL NOTE
  From here, the best way to learn is to fly! Fly lots and fly often! The more you fly, the more competent you become - the more competent you become the more you will enjoy yourkite. There are several good books on the subject - please contact us. Hopefully this has helped you in your growth as a kite flyer. The sport is growing rapidly with myriads of kite types and complex flying styles and techniques. Remember the fundamental point of a kite is to- HAVE FUN !!!!

• Stalling
  Stalling involves removing momentum from the kite. The easiest way is to get your hands behind you and then throw them forward while simultaneously stepping towards the kite. This will momentarily stop the kite. If you continue to give slack by moving toward the kite you can hold the stall. Try to keep stalls as solid and balanced as possible.
• Slides
  Slides are basically stalls done at the edge of the wind window. Fly your kite to the edge of the window and stall it so that the nose is pointing up. Push the wing furthest from you away and give slack, the kite will slide toward the centre of the window. See how far you can hold the slide!
• Axels
  An axel is essentially a 360 degree flat spin. Stall the kite and give a sharp push-pull (pop) to the wing closest to you, at the same time give lots of slack to the opposite wing. If done correctly the kite should fall on it's face and rotate through 360 degrees, pulling both lines will recover the kite. All these moves should be done smoothly and quickly; they are also best done in light winds.
  
• Other tricks More tricks to try are:
  Tip stands; holding the kite stationary on it's. wingtip,
  Tip stabs; flying the kite to the ground and stabbing the wingtip into the ground (gently) then continuing flight,
  Tip scrapes; flying across the window with one wingtip scraping the ground and for the more physical the 360. A 360 is executed by flying the kite in a complete circle around yourself!
  Kite ballet is another popular area of kiting. Select (initially) a medium tempo piece of music and choreograph a routine to it. A good way of easing into this is to practice doing turns, dives and ground passes to the beat until the moves come naturally.