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IntroIf your memories of kite flying are tangled lines, kites in trees and running backwards trying hopelessly to get your kite into the air, then you are in for a big surprise. Kite flying has come a long way over the last 20 years and many are now high tech, high performance machines. There is no complicated assembly and you are ready to explore it's incredible performance within minutes. Power Kiting is a workout in itself. As you improve, you will be performing the most challenging of stunts such as stunning aerobatics, scudding (skidding along the ground), jumps and body surfing. The following are all examples of Power kiting activities where kites are used as the traction system: |
If you are using one of the Flexfoil power kites (Stacker 6, Pro Team 8, or Super 10) then you have a very versatile product. Not only can you fly them individually, but you can also stack them by joining two or more kites together. You can adjust your stack to suit the strength of the wind or your fitness level. The more kites you stack, the more pull you will generate. You can stack any of the Power kites in most combinations, just remember to put the largest one at the top.
The current world record for the number of stacked Flexifoil Stacker 6's is 208. Please do not attempt to break this record without professional advice.
Jumping can be done using any type of power kite. Use the power of the kite(s) to lift you off the ground both upwards and forwards. This is best done on the beach as the sand provides you with a soft landing. You can build sand launch pads on the beach to facilitate more effective and spectacular take-offs! It is possible to jump on grassy ground but a little more care must be taken when landing.
You can jump from just a few feet off the ground to 30 feet off the ground! It's entirely up to you how radical you want to be. Jumping well is an acquired skill and you need plenty of practice to get it right. The best way forward is to get an experienced jumper to explain the technique to you and show you how to do it.
Scudding is the art of skidding along the ground on your feet. For best results, bend your knees, lean slightly back and then bring the kite down into the Power zone until you feel yourself being pulled forward.
Do not try to run, as you will probably not be able to keep up with the kite and will end up on your face! The longer you can keep the kite in the Power zone, the further you will skid. The stronger the wind, the faster you will travel.
Stand in the sea with the water around waist height with the kite flying directly above your head. Bring the kite down in to the Power zone and lean forward at the same time. Keep the kite flying in the Power zone and you will be pulled forward through the water. You may find that at times you are pulled right out of the water by the power of the kite, considering the strength of the wind.
Depending how radical you want to be, a cross shore wind is ideal for body surfing. Do not try it in an off shore wind unless there is a rescue boat at hand!
Both Body Surfing and Scudding are excellent ways to discover the kite power before you move on to activities such as Kite Surfing and Buggying.
There are basically two types of kites you can use as your traction tools. You can choose between those with spars and those without. Which type of kite you use depends on the activities you want to get involved in.
With Spars
Precision made from high performance fabric and incorporating a carbon fibre/glass fibre spar, the kite works like an aeroplane wing. The unique aerofoil design is inflated by the wind through the gauze vent at the leading edge of the kite. The patented design of the aerofoil transfers all the lift and power provided by the wind to the multi-tapered spar which lies under the vent. These sophisticated aerodynamics ensure that the kite is always at the optimum angle to the wind, delivering maximum performance at all times.
These kites provide plenty of power on their own and even more when stacked. This stacking ability can give you the ability to choose the sail area you wish to use for the conditions concerned, for instance if you own a 10ft kite and an 8ft then you can pick from 3 sail area configurations, if you own a 6ft as well then you have 7 configurations to pick from. They fly fast, which means that the pilot has to be aware of where the kites are in the air as well as the activity he is doing. They need to be flown at speed and in the power zone of the wind window in order to keep the power on. The two lines are used purely for steering.
Without Spars
These kites generally have larger sail areas which mean greater and more constant pull. They generally have two top lines which are used to steer the kite and two bottom lines which are used as brake lines, (although it is possible to fly most of them on two lines only). The bridle supports all areas of the kite surface, presenting the full face of the kite to the wind.
These kites pull across a wider area of the wind window than the spar carrying kites which makes them more suitable for traction activities. They are also slower through the air which gives the pilot more time to concentrate on the activity without having to worry so much about the kite. They can also be launched from almost any ground position or orientation. As a final bonus the lack of any solid structures in their design means they pack up into a small size. If you are serious about using wind power to buggy, surf, mountain board, or even snowboard, then this is the sort of kite to use.
1. Find a flat, open flying sight unobstructed by trees and buildings. Ideally you should have around 200 metres of open space around you. Commons, beaches and fields are ideal.
2. Make sure that you are flying in a 10 - 15 mph wind to start with. If you fly in a very light wind, the kite will not perform to it's potential and if you fly in too strong a wind, you may crash and damage your kite.
3. Make sure that you have somebody with you to help you assemble and launch your kite.
4. Do not fly near people or animals at any time, especially when you are learning. You will find that most people are unaware of how fast a kite travels. If the kite or its lines strike somebody, they could cause serious injury. If people walk within your flying range, ask them to move out of your flying area.
5. Keep your kite as high up in the sky as possible to start with and practice gentle turns, getting used to the feel of the kite. This helps to prevent those early crashes!
6. As you get more confident, fly the kite faster and explore the whole "wind window". Try some stunts.
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