How to Fly a Kite in the Wind

Everyone loves seeing a vivid kite, bobbing in the air far above. The breezy, sunny season is coming, and one of the most pleasant things to do is to go fly a kite! Today's kites are bright and beautiful, and so easy to fly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a modern kite
• kite line
• a spool to wind the string on
• a nice breeze
• a safe, open area

1. CHOOSE YOUR KITE
   Today's nylon kites are light, durable, colorful, and affordable. Prices start at under $15. There are traditional kites; diamond and box shaped. There are airplane kites and pirate ship kites. There are animal kites, including those in the shapes of flying creatures, like butterflies, birds, and spectacular dragons.
   
   You will find kites that are recommended for beginners, as well as stunt kites, multiple line kites, parafoils, Asian sound making kites, and even fighting kites.

2. 
   Wind power!

   CHOOSE YOUR WEATHER
   Choose a pleasant, breezy day with no threat of rain. The wind should be moderate, under 15 m.p.h. Do not fly a kite when there is rain. Avoid any possibility of lightning. Dress comfortably for the temperature, and wear comfortable shoes.

3. OPEN AREA
   Choose a wide, open area, where your kite will not get tangled in trees or power lines. The beach is an ideal place to fly a kite. If your kite does hit a power line, leave it there. Be safe.

4. 
   It's a delta!

   LAUNCH IT
   To launch your kite, hold the spool of line in one hand, and the kite in the other. Start running, and toss the kite gently above your head as you let out kite line. Keep the line taught. What is happening is called Bernoulli's principle, which is when a moving object has lower air pressure above, and higher air pressure below. This creates lift. As your kite lifts, continue to keep the string tight, and let it out little by little, so your kite will go higher and higher and higher.

5. REEL IT IN
   When you are finished flying your kite, start wrapping the string back around the spool, little by little, until you have pulled it all the way back in.

6. MORE KITE THINGS
   See 'Resources' below for links to kite festival information, kite museum info, and lots more about the wonderful world of kites.

Tips & Warnings

• You can get accessories for your kite too. There are fancy spools, wind meters, tails, line spinners for cool visual effects, and even aerial photography equipment for your kite!
• April is National kite Flying Month.
• Do NOT fly a kite in the rain. Rain means possible lightning, and a kite line can conduct electricity right down the string to you!

Resources

• Kite Events Calendar
• The American Kitefliers Association
• Some Midwest Kite Festivals

[knowball]

on 4/16/2009 you make flying a kite so simple! great straight to the point guide!

[tachic]

on 3/3/2009 I was never good at this. Good tips

[lmccray4]

on 2/27/2009 me and my family love to fly a kite thanks for the tips 5*

[sonni57]

on 2/27/2009 I love flying kites great article

[PawPawFrankie]

on 2/26/2009 Great article on flying a kite. Challenge yourself by trying to fly your kite to the end of your line, then reel it all the way back in without letting it hit the ground :o)