How to Make Stunt Kites
Stunt kites are unlike typical one-line kites, due to their use of dual, pre-cut flying lines. Stunt kite operators use these two lines to fly and maneuver the kites with greater control and precision, performing acrobatic dips and dives. And while flying stunt kites might appear difficult, putting one together requires minimal effort. Follow these steps on how to make stunt kites, and with any luck, you'll have yours up in the air in no time.
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Instructions
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1
Remove the kite from its sack. Lay it flat on the ground, and account for all pieces. Aside from the main body of the kite, which consists of the two leading edges and a spine, you should also have one top spreader and two bottom spreaders. Additionally, kites may differ with regard to the number of stand-offs they use.
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2
Insert the spreaders. Secure one end of the bottom spreader in the spine connector and the other end in the leading edge connector. Repeat for the opposite side. Insert the top spreader from one leading edge connector to the other, near the nose of the kite. Don't hesitate to use some force to push the spreaders snugly in place. This is what gives the stunt kite its shape and yet allows it to remain flexible for flying.
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3
Attach the stand-offs. The stand-offs give the kite its three-dimensional shape. Insert the stand-offs in the stand-off fittings on each bottom spreader. Position the stand-offs so they run perpendicular to the bottom spreaders. Smooth the bridle lines and look for symmetry in the kite. Symmetry is crucial to the kite's ease of flying and maneuverability.
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4
Connect the flying lines using a lark's head knot. Begin with a loop at the end of the flying line. Place your thumb and forefinger in the loop, bring them back around the outside of the loop and pull up. This creates another loop in which you can insert the toe point of the bridle. Pull to tighten.
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5
Straighten the flying lines. In order for the stunt kite to fly correctly, the lines must be of even length and untwisted. Unlike a single-line kite in which the operator lengthens the line as the kite flies higher, stunt kites have flying lines pre-cut by the manufacturer to a specified length to retain symmetry. If you find your lines are uneven once you've straightened them, adjust accordingly. Also, double-check your lines so the left and right lines run to the left and right of the stunt kite operator.
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