How to Select a Kite

Kites hold a special place in the hearts of the American public. Not only was a kite responsible for increasing our knowledge of electricity, but they are also what inspired us to build planes and take to the skies. Modern kites can do more than just float on wind currents, though. In fact, there are kite competitions all over the country which allow contestants to show off their kite-flying skills.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Select a Kite

1. Consider the size of the person using the kite before you select one. For children, you may want to consider a small, sturdy kite with bright colors. Adults, on the other hand, will need a fairly large kite, measuring around 7 feet.

2. Take a look at the selection of kites currently on the market. You can select stunt kits, power line kites and basic kites. An online superstore, like Kitty Hawk Kites (see Resources below) can help you become familiar with the look and function of each different type of kite.

3. Choose a kite which is light, no matter what the size. A lighter kite is better, as it will catch the wind faster and will be easier to keep up in the air. To figure out whether a kite is light or not, you may want to lift several styles of kites and choose the one which feels the lightest.

4. Make sure the rod of the kite, also known as the spar, are not made from fiberglass. The ideal material for the spar is something called carbon fiber. You can find out what the spar is made of by checking the packaging of the kite.

5. Select a kite that uses fine bridles connected by knots instead of hooks. The bridle is the part that connects the line to the actual kite, so it's important to find a kite with lightweight, sturdy bridle construction.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you've chosen your kite, be sure to practice good kite safety when using it. This means only using your kite in an open space, such as an empty field, away from other people, trees and even animals when possible.
• When choosing a kite for a child, make sure you pick one which is constructed of quality materials. It may be tempting to purchase an inexpensive kite just to 'introduce' the child to the sport. However, since poorly constructed kites break easily, this idea may backfire and cause the child to lose interest.

Resources

• Select kites at Kitty Hawk Kites