If you haven't had the opportunity to fly power kites before, you're missing out on a terrific sport. However, before you get started it's important to understand the concept behind them and how they work for different individuals. The first thing to realize is that there are 3 prime power kites today; the supported leading edge, leading edge inflatables, and foils. You can utilize various vehicles, boards, or even water to enjoy power kites today. When it's time to choose yours there will be anywhere from 2 to 5 lines present, as well as a bar or grip to hold.
It's also important to understand that the sizes will drastically vary. You can find power kites that are as small as 1.5 square meters to as large as 50 square meters. It all depends on the vehicle you're using and whether or not you'll be taking advantage of this sport on land or water. A good example of this is back in 82', a boat called Jacob's Ladder used a power kite to hit 25 knots in sailing speed. In 2008, someone exceeded 50 knots on a kiteboard.
If this sounds like something you would like to try, here are four tips for successfully flying a power kite.
1. Start with a small, two-line trainer kite. For kids, small adults, and strong winds, start with a 1.2 meter kite or a 1.4 meter kite. A 1.8 meter kite will offer more power, but will still be relatively easy to control. Larger power kites, such as 2.2 meter ones, are made for more experienced fliers who want a strong pull. Most kites need very little wind to fly. It is important to understand that different kites that are the same size may lift and handle differently. That's another great reason to start out with a more predictable steady kite. Two-line kites let beginners master the basics of power kiting and usually only fly in a forward direction.
2) One of the most important parts to the learning process is the "wind window." This is the area in the air where power kites fly. If you hit different areas of the wind window you will notice different pulls and directional issues. You'll know when you hit the edge of a wind window though, because the power vanishes quickly. The best avenue to figure out what kind of power you'll get is starting at the edge of the window and dropping your trainer kite into the power zone. If you struggle in this area then it's safer to cut back.
3) No matter what you do, it's a necessity to wear a helmet. There is no loophole here, and we want to make sure you understand this thoroughly. Also, land riders will want knee pads and wrist guards as well (maybe even elbow pads). If you're focusing on the water then impact vests, gloves and goggles should be worn for maximum safety (and the helmet of course).
4) If you're just starting we recommend starting on land first. The power kites for water purposes are more powerful because of water resistance. Even when you feel as though you mastered land, still take a few lessons on using power kites with water.
Once you start enjoying power kiting you will realize how addicting it can be. It's all about progressing through the sport, and once you get a handle on the two-line trainer kite, you will want to jump to kite sailing, kiteboarding and all the other options available. Just keep in mind it can be a dangerous sport, so safety gear is a requirement.
Eventually you will try so many different option you will find a favorite amongst them. Whether it's with buggies, boards, skates, skis, snowboards or anything else, each one has an appeal like no other. In the end, do the necessary research and find the best trainer kite to use in the beginning. The more you understand about power kites and how they work, the easier it will be to progress through this fantastic sport. - 31512
It's also important to understand that the sizes will drastically vary. You can find power kites that are as small as 1.5 square meters to as large as 50 square meters. It all depends on the vehicle you're using and whether or not you'll be taking advantage of this sport on land or water. A good example of this is back in 82', a boat called Jacob's Ladder used a power kite to hit 25 knots in sailing speed. In 2008, someone exceeded 50 knots on a kiteboard.
If this sounds like something you would like to try, here are four tips for successfully flying a power kite.
1. Start with a small, two-line trainer kite. For kids, small adults, and strong winds, start with a 1.2 meter kite or a 1.4 meter kite. A 1.8 meter kite will offer more power, but will still be relatively easy to control. Larger power kites, such as 2.2 meter ones, are made for more experienced fliers who want a strong pull. Most kites need very little wind to fly. It is important to understand that different kites that are the same size may lift and handle differently. That's another great reason to start out with a more predictable steady kite. Two-line kites let beginners master the basics of power kiting and usually only fly in a forward direction.
2) One of the most important parts to the learning process is the "wind window." This is the area in the air where power kites fly. If you hit different areas of the wind window you will notice different pulls and directional issues. You'll know when you hit the edge of a wind window though, because the power vanishes quickly. The best avenue to figure out what kind of power you'll get is starting at the edge of the window and dropping your trainer kite into the power zone. If you struggle in this area then it's safer to cut back.
3) No matter what you do, it's a necessity to wear a helmet. There is no loophole here, and we want to make sure you understand this thoroughly. Also, land riders will want knee pads and wrist guards as well (maybe even elbow pads). If you're focusing on the water then impact vests, gloves and goggles should be worn for maximum safety (and the helmet of course).
4) If you're just starting we recommend starting on land first. The power kites for water purposes are more powerful because of water resistance. Even when you feel as though you mastered land, still take a few lessons on using power kites with water.
Once you start enjoying power kiting you will realize how addicting it can be. It's all about progressing through the sport, and once you get a handle on the two-line trainer kite, you will want to jump to kite sailing, kiteboarding and all the other options available. Just keep in mind it can be a dangerous sport, so safety gear is a requirement.
Eventually you will try so many different option you will find a favorite amongst them. Whether it's with buggies, boards, skates, skis, snowboards or anything else, each one has an appeal like no other. In the end, do the necessary research and find the best trainer kite to use in the beginning. The more you understand about power kites and how they work, the easier it will be to progress through this fantastic sport. - 31512
About the Author:
Learn more about power kites. Stop by Andy Simmons's site where you can find out all about kite surfing kites and what it can do for you.
