How to Fly a Kite

A windy day in the park might keep you from flying a paper airplane outdoors, but it could be the perfect day to practice launching a
kite.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Kite Spools
• Kite Strings
• Picnic Basket
• Picnic Blankets
• Strips Of Cloth For Tail
• Kites

1. Check your local weather report to determine if conditions are favorable for kite flying. Look for light to moderate winds if you're a beginning kite flier or gustier winds if you are more experienced. A wind speed of 5 to 15 mph is best for kite flying.

2. Find a large and windy open area free of trees and power lines - two things that are notoriously dangerous for kites and their owners.

3. Hold the kite in both hands and toss it lightly into the wind until the wind catches it. This works well when the wind is moderately strong.

4. Alternatively, let out a small length of kite string and, holding the string in your hand, run with the kite behind you until the wind lifts it.

5. Begin letting out string until the kite reaches a height with which you are comfortable. Good heights generally range from 50 to 100 feet.

6. Keep an eye on your kite, as it may come crashing down because of sudden changes in wind. If it dips, run or pull in the string a bit to give it some lift.

7. Bring the kite down by slowly winding the kite string around a kite spool.

8. Reach out and grab the kite before it hits the ground to avoid damaging it.

Tips & Warnings

• Tighten the string around a spool and secure the spool to the ground if you want to tend to other activities.

• Tie additional ribbon or strips of cloth to the tail to increase the stability of diamond kites in gusty winds.

• Stay away from electrical lines! If a kite becomes entangled, leave it there. And never fly your kite during a thunderstorm.