Flying Kites
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-760 -- More Projects »
Kite expert Matt Hedberg shares tips for flying kites.
- Kites come in all shapes, sizes, colors and price ranges. Even the most basic and inexpensive kite will fly and provide a lot of fun.
 |
Figure A
|
|
|
Figure B
|
|
|
Figure C
|
|
|
Figure D
|
|
The basic kite is the triangle or delta kite (figure A). It flies great in light to moderate winds.The larger the kite, the stronger the kite string has to be. There are various line winders on the market, and one of the best is the simple circular winder (figure B). It's easy to hold and pulls in a line easily. Hold the winder so that it is perpendicular to your body when flying the kite, and just turn it sideways toward the kite to release more line. When reeling the string in, wind on the same side that you unwound from.Other types of popular kites are the rococo (figure C) and the box kite (figure D). The box kite is best suited for heavy winds.The ideal wind speed for flying kites is 10 mph.A good location for flying kites is in a large, open space that's free of trees, tall buildings or structures and, more importantly, is a safe distance from any power lines. The idea is not to have any obstructions upwind.
It's not necessary to run to launch a kite, but if you do so, run into the wind rather than away from it. Stand with your back to the wind and allow the kite to catch the wind.Let out the line if you think the kite is out of control and heading for a crash.
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/09/25/tip760_3a_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/09/25/tip760_3b_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/09/25/tip760_3c_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/09/25/tip760_3dnew_e.jpg",350,450))
