Kites

The muyuan, or wooden kite, is believed to have been invented by the Chinese and was used for everything from fishing to delivering messages over enemy lines during wartime. For such an historic item…

Adventure-seekers can combine a love for speed with the freedom of flying with a kite trike buggy. Basically, stripped down go-karts where the rider holds a large parachute, kite trike buggies allow…

Incorrectly tying the string to a kite can result in you losing the kite. Not just any string works for kites. It’s best to use strong string made specifically for kites. Weak string can snap on…

The Chinese invented kites almost 2,500 years ago, and their mythology includes stories of the stately and proud nature of dragons. In order to celebrate the Chinese New Year, crafters can create…

Building a kite offers an activity that both adults and children can enjoy together. Once you have built the kite, you and your child can fly it together as well. While a single-lined kite is a more…

Foil kites represent a relatively easy way for children to build their own kites. If your child has a rip in his foil kite, you can replace the foil on the kite and have it up and flying once again.…

Fighting kites have a long tradition, reaching back to feudal-era Japan. Over the centuries, the basic components and designs of these kites have changed very little. Modern fighter kites often use…

A kite is a polygon whose two pairs of adjacent sides each share a length. The kite is symmetrical across a single axis and has diagonals that intersect at right angles. The most common method for…

A bow kite is a type of kite shaped like a crescent moon that is often used for extreme kiting sports, such as kite surfing and kite skiing. It has a lightweight frame and construction that allows it…

Kite fishing for sailfish is a technique that harnesses the power of the wind to cast long fishing lines with multiple hooks offshore or from a boat deck. Kite fishing has become increasingly popular…

Kiteboarding is an extreme sport that mixes windsurfing, surfing and wakeboarding. A kiteboarder holds onto a large kite that pulls him across the ocean and into the air. Skilled players can perform…

People have been putting kites in the sky for centuries. According to the American Kite Flying Association, the kite originated more than 2,000 years ago in China. However, kite flying as a…

Delta kites are a type of light wind stunt kites, that are both easy to construct or assemble and reliable when flying. This type of kite takes its name from the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet,…

In the sport of kiteboarding, pigtails are used to facilitate easy connection between the kite and the lines that control it. A short length of cording with a loop at one end and several knots along…

In "Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly," all of the baby dragonflies in the Dragon Realms have been captured by the evil sorcerer, Ripto. When Ripto's magic backfires, though, the dragonflies are scattered…

Although Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly was the first game in the series to be released for the sixth generation of consoles, it was also the first not developed by Insomniac Games. Instead, the fourth…

Kites first appeared centuries ago in the islands of the Pacific. By the 1500s, kites were popular throughout Asia. You can build a classic diamond-shaped kite quickly and simply using recycled…

Kiting is an activity for both young and old. Designing kites, flying kites and hosting kite competitions are some of the activities people can undertake with these colorful flying creations. Making a…

Fancy napkin folds do not have to be limited to restaurants. While flowers are common napkin folds seen in restaurants, you can decorate your home dining table with napkin folds of animals. Create a…

Before modern building techniques, builders used stone blocks to hold up buildings, and beyond 10 stories or more this became too difficult to be practical. However, several technological innovations…

Kites have been around for thousands of years and appear in the culture and history of several countries. They can provide hours of entertainment and have many uses throughout the world, such as in…

While many people think of kites as a simple children's toy, there is actually a broad range of kite designs and a depth of technical tuning, adjustment and variation that can have significant effects…

Like learning to ride a bike or swinging a baseball bat, flying a kite is a time-honored childhood rite of passage. The first time you take control of a kite and watch in awe as it weaves breathtaking…

Two-handed stunt kites are larger and more controllable versions of the kites that children fly on gusty spring days. These kites fly even in low-speed wind, and are designed to perform aerial tricks…

For simple beach fun, the phrase "go fly a kite" takes on a whole new meaning. Flying a kite on the beach is an enjoyable activity when wind conditions are right. The majority of kites bought in…

According to the Glenn Research Center at NASA, kites have been around for thousands of years. Designing and flying kites has been a part of many different cultures around the world. Kites were even…

When there's a nice breeze outside and nothing to do, make a kite with your kids and fly it. Of course, you can always look through department stores and purchase one. However, you can create a…

Kites have been around for so long that their actual origins aren't precisely known, although the earliest recorded use of kites dates back to China more than 3,000 years ago. Despite the antiquity,…

Kites come in a variety of price points and sizes from large, exotic kites to the basic diamond kite. Most kite kits come with all the parts needed to assemble the kite, making it easy to put the kite…

Drag is an important physical quantity in the study of fluid dynamics. Drag is a force that an object experiences as it moves through a fluid. The drag force resists the motion of a body as it moves…

Kites are part of the culture and heritage of many countries and go back thousands of years. They can be beautiful gliding through the wind and exquisite in design. Kites can range from basic diamond…

Delta kites, named for their triangular shape, are among the most common kites on the market. Because of their stability in winds of 5 mph to 20 mph, single-line delta kites are relatively easy to…

Kites come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, no kite style is more iconic than the classic diamond kite, like the many Charlie Brown flew into the kite-eating tree. The diamond-shaped kite…

Kite flying is an endlessly entertaining activity that can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. Easily learned with practice, kite flying is also incredibly versatile. Kites vary from toy, to…

There are many different kinds of surf kites on the market. A surf kite is a kite used to allow the passenger to glide above a body of water. Anyone wishing to begin kite surfing is urged by experts…

The first written record of someone using a kite was 200 BC in China, when a general flew a kite into enemy territory to gauge the length of a tunnel his troops would have to build to get past the…

Air cylinders (also called pneumatic cylinders) are mechanical devices which produce forces which are produced by compressed air within the air cylinder. This is done by converting the potential…

Two important concepts in the science of aerodynamics are the lift and drag on a body. Lift is a force which acts perpendicular to a body moving through a fluid (such as air), while drag is force…

According to NASA's history of kites, these flying forces have been in existence for many thousands of years. From ancient China to the Wright brothers' flying experiments and beyond, kites have found…

The kite was invented about 2,300 years ago in Ancient China where "the inspiration for the kite [likely] came from ancient Chinese watching the effect of the wind on leaves, bamboo hats or sails." -…

Kites are entertaining for people of all ages and can be an educational and rewarding craft for youth. Making a kite that will fly simply requires following instructions in a book or on the Internet.…

As enthusiasts elevate their kites high into the sky they are demonstrating the scientific principal of torque. In order for a kite to fly, the torque lifting the kite from the wind's aerodynamic…

Recycling is an earth-friendly way to dispose of materials that are no longer wanted or needed. As society has become more aware of the negative effects landfills have on the environment, people have…

Flying kites is a hobby that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Some find the flight of a kite to be relaxing. Others enjoy the many different designs floating in the air. Some cities even…

With a few materials, you can make a cat fly -- in the form of a kite. Kites come in hundreds of shapes, colors and designs. Create a cat kite to look like a pet or character. Both kids and adults can…

Ben Franklin discovered electricity with kites, and the beloved fictional character Mary Poppins recommends that everyone should give them a try. Kite flying is enjoyable for novices and experienced…

The origins of kite flying can be traced back to ancient China, with the first written account occurring in approximately 200 B.C. Since that time, kite flying has become a global pastime. Kite…

Flying kites is an ancient skill that remains popular. The Chinese used kites 3,000 years ago to send messages and spy on their enemies. Today, there are many specialist shops catering to enthusiasts,…

Electrical power generated at power plants must be transmitted to its ultimate users. This process requires transmission lines to carry the heavy power loads over long distances. These transmission…

Overhead power lines provide far higher voltages than a human can normally withstand. About one in three accidents involving power lines result in death, so anyone situated or working near power lines…

Making a kite is project you can do with children that doesn't require a lot of money or supplies. A simple diamond kite is the iconic image most people have of a kite. The shape is not hard to form…

Flying a kite helps children get outdoors and burn calories. Encourage children to make their own kites before you head outdoors. CanadianLiving.com suggests that kite-making is an activity that helps…

A stunt kite, unlike traditional kites, uses two control lines to guide the kite through twists and turns in the air. While it is possible to launch your stunt kite alone, another person will help…

Styrofoam is a term trademarked by the Dow Chemical Corporation. The product's generic name is polystyrene, which is a type of plastic. Styrofoam is an excellent material to make a kite out of because…

A dopero kite is a diamond shaped kite that has two sections with an open space in the middle. Although it's a complicated process, you can learn how to create a dopero kite of your own. The unique…

Kite flying can be a fun outdoor activity for people of all ages. Flying a kite can also provide an intuition into the different factors that affect the flight of a kite in the air. For those who are…

Stunt kites are perfect to use for extreme sports and as an extraordinary pastime. Its stabilizing keel and unique triangular shape makes it one of the most challenging beginner kites to use. The dual…

Kites come in all shapes and sizes, but when most people picture a kite they think of a diamond kite first. The diamond is a simple, sturdy kite which can be made or repaired in minutes. This shape is…

One of the most crucial steps to building and flying a kite is making sure that it is properly strung. The string of your kite is your connection while it is up in the air. It gives you full control…

Stunt kites offers a higher level of maneuverability than other kites. Kite flyers use these traits to perform stunt exhibitions or shows--and sometimes just to show off. The design of the kite…

The shape of a 3-D tetrahedral kite makes it an eye-catching sight in the sky. The bridle is the way the string is attached to the kite for kite control and movement. Attaching the bridle is one of…

Flying a kite is more than just a great way to spend a spring afternoon. Launching and flying kites is great exercise. Flying kites teaches basic aerodynamics such as lift, thrust and drag. Building…

Elaborately folded napkins add character to a dinner table. Napkins can be folded into many shapes, such as pyramids, fans, birds, flowers, and even neckties and ice cream cones. Folding napkins into…

Kites are built for many reasons. A stunt kite is made so that the flyer can get the kite to do several tricks in the air. They are typically made from a lightweight material such as nylon. There are…

If a kite power dives--falls quickly from the sky--it can injure or even kill bystanders. Power diving kites can also distract drivers and cause auto accidents. Kite flyers should know how to launch,…

Kites are an iconic symbol of summer's lazy days. Parafoil kites are a type of stunt kite whose design inspired the chutes used by paragliders, according to My-Best-Kite.com.

For the extreme sports enthusiast, kite surfing offers a new level of excitement in water sports. The kite board rider is pulled rapidly across the surface of the ocean, lake, or river by the power of…

Flying a kite can be a way to enjoy the weather during a spring, summer or fall day. In the areas of the country with warmer climates, kids and adults alike can fly kites all year long. There are some…

The traditional, diamond-shaped kite can be made using basic items that you probably already have in your home. This is a wonderful craft for a family or other group. Making homemade kites will give…

Flying kites are an entertaining way to spend your day at the park or beach. A kite is typically a device designed to fly in the air, tethered to the ground. Over the years, the kite has evolved to…

Stunt kites have many abilities that a normal kite does not. Stunt kites can do flips, loops and a variety of other tricks. It is recommended that a beginner first learn the basics of flying a stunt…

You can make a simple kite from materials you may already have at home. Challenge your children to make their own kites and decorate them before heading to the backyard or park for a kite-flying…

Kites are more than just toys for children. They can be objects that signal a celebration, helpers in battle and foundations of scientific experiments. Leonardo da Vinci's idea to span a river using a…

Kites come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like dragons, others look like airplanes and all are capable of flying high in the air. They are both entertaining and offer an opportunity to teach…

Kites come in many shapes, sizes and styles, from simple flat kites to complex box kites to expensive stunt kites. The easiest kites to make and use are diamond-style kites, typically with a 3-foot…

This fun and easy kite-making pattern is the perfect activity for giving kids something to do on boring summer days. Not only does it allow them to get their creative juices flowing, but it provides a…

Unfortunately, historians do not know the exact date that the first kite was flown or the person responsible. However, according to legend, the kite was born when a Chinese farmer tied his hat to a…

Flying a kite is entertaining, but having a camera taking pictures from the kite will let you see the world from an entirely different perspective. Attaching a camera to a kite involves more than just…

Kite flying has been a part of childhood since the basic principles of flight were discovered. Many kite flying enthusiasts take their hobby to another level and enjoy designing their own kites. Kite…

Diamond kites are just what they sound like--kites in the shape of a diamond. They're the type of kite that Charlie Brown tried, but so frequently failed, to fly. You should have better luck--but…

Kites have been a popular source of recreation in the West for centuries, ever since their introduction by traders who first saw them in Asia. Today, you can buy all kinds of kites, from miniature…

Power Kites are much larger than the traditional kites that most people are used to. These kites are large enough that the person flying it is actually able to soar up to 20 feet off the ground for a…

Creating diamond-shaped kites can be a simple arts and crafts project that is satisfying once the kite you've made is flying high up in the air. A kite will typically consist of the spine and spar…

Making a simple diamond-shaped kite is an easy, fun task. Any kid can assemble a kite in a few minutes with some very simple objects and then take it outside to fly in the breeze. Building a kite can…

Power kites are enjoyed by adults and even some teenagers. The sport is referred to as "kiteboarding." In kiteboarding, the kite has a little bit of control over the person as it pulls him along in…

Kites come in many shapes and sizes, but all have the same basic parts. Most kites need a tail for stability and proper flight--without a tail, a kite will come crashing back to Earth. Tails can also…

We all see the spectacular natural light shows that occur when a thunderstorm passes through, and stories abound of the power of lightning. Power grids fail, computers are ruined and data is lost,…

It's a sunny day, the sky is blue, and a warm summer breeze stirs the air--a perfect day to get out and fly a kite! Kites are not a new invention, by any means: they have been crafted and flown for…

Box kites are a popular kite constructed of paper or plastic attached to lightweight supports made of wood. Called box kites because of their shape and appearance in the sky, these kites are more…

Kite flying is a popular pastime. An operator on the ground controls the craft's movements by means of long strings. The kite turns to catch the breeze, moving up and down or from side to side. Paper…

Tying the kite line to the underside of a kite is important for kite flying success. Make sure that you incorporate all four points of the kite into the tying so that the kite will be supported…

Kites fly because of two things: the flow of air around and over the frame of the kite; and the kite's resistance to that wind, which is provided by the string that is held by the person flying the…

For many years, kites have been thought of simply as the bright, colorful toys flown by kids in backyards and on school sports fields, but kites have a much richer history than that. Developed in…

The shape and size of a kite affects how it operates under various wind conditions. Beginners should start with a basic design and smaller kite to gain an understanding of how the shape and size of a…

Need kite flying tips? Learn how to use string winders in this free video clip from a professional kite flyer.

Fly a kite like a professional! Learn about kite string winders in this kite flying instructional video.

Let's go fly a kite! Learn how to fly a dragon kite with a hand launch in this free video from a kite expert.

Fly a kite like a professional! Learn about kite buggies in this kite flying instructional video.

Let's go fly a kite! Learn how to fly a revolution kite in this free instructional video from a kite expert.

Fly a kite like a professional! Learn how to fly fixed bridle foil power kites in this free video.

Need kite flying tips? Learn how Ram Air fixed foil power kites work in this free video from a kite flying expert.

Let's go fly a kite! Learn how to fly a delta kite in this kite flying instructional video from a kite expert.

Fly a kite like a professional! Learn how to fly an ozone kite in this kite flying instructional video.

Need kite flying tips? Learn about the components of a delta wing sport kite in this kite flying instructional video.

Fly a kite like a professional! Learn how to attach line to a kite in this kite flying instructional video.

Need kite flying tips? Learn how to untie your kite line or string by turning with the kite in this kite flying instructional video.

Learn how to fly two line delta kites in this free video from a kit flying expert!

Flying stunt kites is nothing like flying regular kites. Learn how to fly stunt kites and have an acrobatic thrill-ride complete with tricks and high-speed drama.

There are thousands of types of kites, categorized by purpose, shape, material, number of lines and dozens of other variables. There are even kites designed to "fly" in soil, water and even plasma,…

Ship kites are designed to resemble flying ships. The kites most commonly look like clipper ships or pirate ships, and assembling them takes some ingenuity. Some ship kites look like famous sailing…

Flying a large kite or a kite in higher winds can be difficult or dangerous. There are several safety precautions that you should be aware of. Most kites will fly with only a small breeze and won't…

Once you finish flying a kite, it needs to be stored safely so it can't be damaged when not in use. While different kites may have different ways of storage, the following is a simple way to fold and…

Tying the thread onto a kite is an important step in the whole kite-making process. This is the process of attaching the finished kite the flying line that you are going to use to fly it with. This is…

Kite buggies were invented in ancient China but did not become popular in the United States until the 1970s. A kite buggy is a three-wheeled steel scooter or bike, similar to a go-cart. The buggy is…

If someone says, "Go fly a kite," it can be an insult or actually something fun to do. Delta kite riggs are great entertainment, and once you purchase the initial kite, the wind is absolutely free.…

Fixed bridle foil kites have four lines. They fly in a similar fashion to sports kites, except that they also have a line affixed to the trailing edge of the wing. The added line enables you to better…

It's a lovely spring day, and conditions are just perfect for flying a kite. The next thing you know, she's up and dancing with the wind. But soon it's time to go, and now you're winding the kite…

Flying a two-line stunt kite is as challenging as it is fun. You will want to learn the basic motions of controlling the lines to make your kite turn, dive and twist. You can guide your kite with…

There is a useful, easy-to-learn trick to winding up kite string. For those who hate fighting the wind while trying to wrestle a kite out the sky, this simple and effective technique of using string…

Attaching line to a kite is the important first step to a great kite flying experience. An improperly attached line will throw off the balance of the kite, making it difficult or even impossible to…

A delta kite consists of a basic, stable design that performs well in light to moderate winds. You won't need a kite tail because of its stabilizing keel but you can add streamers for effect. A delta…

With its triangular shape and stabilizing keel, the delta kite is a great beginner's kite. A two-line delta also makes a good stunt kite. When you learn to control your kite using body rhythm, you can…

Sew a kite as a family project, a hobby or a great way to enjoy a windy day. Kite building has existed for centuries in China, Japan, Korea, Bali, Malaysia and Thailand. Kite flying symbolizes many…

Kite flying is a great experience whether it is a cool windy day at the beach or a hot and breezy day in the neighborhood. You can enhance the fun of kite flying by learning how to build a kite from…

Kites are raptors with long wings that spend a great deal of time soaring. They are such graceful fliers that paper kites made by man were named after them. Grab your binoculars and get ready to…

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.