What could be better than a beach or a wide-open field, a warm breeze and a dancing kite?
Regardless of age, kite-flying is a cheap, easy and extremely fun activity. Kids are naturally drawn to it, and besides the fun, it’s an educational adventure, teaching lessons in science, physics, history, culture, weather and ecology in a painless, practical manner. For adults, it’s a relaxing way to feel young again. It’s also a great no-pressure date activity.
For obvious reasons, spring is the best time of year to do it, and if you need more of an excuse — well, April was National Kite Month.
Kite-flying is a special joy, and it’s easy. There are a variety of types available, and some folks are quite serious about it, flying inflatable parafoil and acrobatic delta kites, or stunt kites with multiple strings for control in competitions and mock battles. Experienced flyers often carry different types of kites for different wind speeds and for the different experiences each type offers.
For most of us, though, the simple diamond and dragon kites are the best choices. They are easy to get up, and they fly well in light to medium winds.
A diamond-shaped paper kite and a ball of string can be had for less than $10 and will return a heck of a lot of fun. But be sure to put it together correctly, and don’t forget to run a line across the corners to put a bow in it. That helps give it lift and holds it steady in the air. A thin cloth tail adds stability in flight.
The tow point also affects the flight — connecting the string so that the kite flies at an angle will make it more stable in stronger winds, while a flat angle will get it up easier in light winds.
Then, all you’ll need is an area where there is plenty of space. It shouldn’t be necessary to run to get your kite aloft, although kids seem to love doing it. Just hold it nose up, stand with your back to the wind and let go. The breeze should pull it away gently — as the kite pulls, let the string out slowly. A gentle tug will pull it higher, and once the kite is off the ground, the winds are typically more consistent and steady.
Stay away from roads and power lines, of course, and be aware that buildings and trees cause the wind to tumble and act unpredictably. The more room you have, the more line you can let out.
For novices and youngsters, there is joy in merely watching the kite hang gracefully in the sky, so once it’s up, all that is necessary is to hold on. Or, you can make it dance by pulling in and letting out the line.
If your flying line becomes slack, roll it in a little to keep the kite stable. If the kite begins to pull too hard or fly erratically, let some line out. For more lift, tug the line in a few feet and then slowly let it out again.
If you’ve not been kite-flying in a while, I recommend it highly. The sky is plenty big enough for everyone.
If you find you like it as much as I think you will, you’ll want to be in Capitola for the annual Kite Classic on Saturday, May 1. Whether you participate or just observe, it will be inspirational. Every size and style of kite will be in the air — all of them will be beautiful, and some will be doing truly amazing things.
Steve Bailey of Boulder Creek has spent plenty of time in recreational activities. Contact him at
sb*****@cr****.com
.
