A Beginner's Guide to Flying a Kite

Most of us have tried flying a kite when we were young. While the sight of children flying their kites is a rite of spring, it’s not as easy as it may seem. If you’ve ever seen Charlie Brown trying to fly his kite, you know how many dangers await your kite when you launch it, when it’s flying and when it lands. This guide should help you get your kite up, up and away with little trouble.

What is a good beginner kite?

It’s best to stick with a single line kite if you’re a beginner, so buy yourself a diamond kite, box kite or a stunt kite. Double line kites might offer more control in flight, but for now you should concentrate on the basics before investing in a more expensive kite.

Kite Assembly

Most kites come assembled. All you have to do is connect the line. Make sure you buy good quality kite line. It should be wrapped around a wooden rod or plastic spool so it can be let out quickly and reeled in smoothly. Industrial-strength polyester or nylon line works best and can withstand the pressure of a high-flying kite.

Attach the line to the eyelet on the bridle of the kite. The bridle is attached to the kite on both sides or at the top of the kite, depending on the size and shape. If you have more line, your kite can climb higher. Kites can cause a lot of tension when they’re airborne, so wear a set of garden gloves to avoid string burn on your palms and fingers. 

Choosing where to fly your kite

Now that your kite is ready to soar, you need to find a place to fly it. Here are a few rules to follow for selecting the best area for kite flying.

• Find a flat smooth area. Hills make it harder to fly your kite due to irregular air currents.
• Fly your kite in mild weather. Too much wind will make it impossible to control your kite. 
• Don’t fly your kite in a rainstorm or when there’s lightning in the air. Ben Franklin taught us that lesson.
• Never fly your kite near power lines.
• Never fly your kite near a road or parking lot. It’s illegal to fly a kite within three miles of an airport. 
• Never fly your kite in a storm.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight.
• Don’t fly your kite too close to another kite. They have a tendency to get tangled.

Flying your kite

Now that you have your kite with the line attached, it’s time to make your kite fly. While you may have seen people running with their kites to get them aloft, that’s not necessary. Have a friend hold the kite while you back away about 25 feet. Have your friend release the kite while you keep the tension on it and give it a tug. The wind will find your kite and lift it into the air.

If you're flying solo, hold the line close to the kite and stand with your back to the wind. When you feel a breeze catch your kite, release it and pull gently on the line. When the line tightens, let out more line and watch your kite take off into the stratosphere. If your kite line gets too tight, release more line. If it’s too loose, reel in the extra line to keep it secure. 

When it’s time to land your kite, don’t worry. Gravity will help you. Slowly reel in the line while walking toward the kite. Continue winding the line until your kite is near enough to grab or until it lands on the ground. Kites are flexible and can stand a hard landing, but it’s best to land them as gently as possible.

Kite flying is a fun, relaxing pastime. You might get frustrated on your first try, but don’t give up. All it takes to fly a kite is the right area, a decent breeze and a little patience.