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Choose the kite that best reflects the power kiting activities you are interested in. Power kites come in three basic forms--foil, the leading edge inflated kite and the supporting leading edge kite.
The foil kite is the most balanced type of kite. It has multiple open cells that are inflated as wind passes through them. It is generally the cheapest and most durable type of kite, but the open design means that it is restricted to land use. When inflated, this kite forms an airfoil, like the wing of an aircraft, to produce lift.
The leading edge inflatable (LEI) kite has inflatable bladders that provide structure to the kite. This type of kite is used mainly for kitesurfing, as the inflatable bladders enable the kite float. This type of kite cannot generate much pull when directly overhead.
The supporting leading edge kite has a distinctively pronounced C shape. Due to a wide range of wind attack angles, this kite has the ability to de-power quickly and catch wind at a wider variety of angles than other kites.
The training kite is another option open to beginners. It has simple control systems and generates small amounts of pull, making it a great learning tool. -
Be aware of the different control systems that are available and how different systems will affect your experience. Kite control systems come in several different string configurations, ranging from two strings to three-, four-, five- and even six-string setups. The fewer strings a control system has, the easier it is to set up and control. More strings offer a greater degree of control over the kite, as well as increasing the responsiveness of the kite.
Before starting any kiting, have a basic knowledge of how wind generates pull on a kite. The most important things to be aware of are wind speed and direction. Balance is key with wind power--too little and you wont generate enough pull, too much and you risk injury and damage to your kite. The "wind window" is the area relative to the direction of the prevailing wind that will allow your kite to generate pull. The more in-line with the wind direction your kite is, the more pull you will generate. The wind window is roughly 100 degrees to either side of the direction of the prevailing wind, though at the edges you will generate little to no pull. -
After experimenting with a training kite, take the opportunity to engage in one of the simplest forms of power kiting--kite jumping. Kite jumping will allow you to gain experience with control systems and the wind window with simple steps and motions.
Find a good site, free of people and obstacles, like a beach or park. Trees, buildings and hills will create wind turbulence, so the clearer the site is the better the wind will be. You will need a minimum of 220 yards of free space, the more the better. If you have never tried kite jumping before, anchor yourself to the ground as a safety precaution, especially if you are attached to your kite with a harness.
Once your kite is in the air, fly it at roughly 50 degrees relative to the wind window. Run towards your kite, and at the same time let your kite drift towards the direction of the wind. As your kite generates more pull, you will find yourself floating through the air. Direct your kite away from the wind window once again to slow down and land.
