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Sport Kites - Introduction to Stunt kites

Kites - Introduction to Flying Stunt Kites
PRECISION
   Fast kites are fun but handling is just as important. A quality kite will provide the flier with perfect control; it will be balanced and not pull right or left when flown in a straight line. 
TURNS
   The "quickness" or how "sharp" a kite could turn is influenced by the skill of the flier but the design of the kite also plays an important role. Some kites like a wide sweeping turn while others can literally turn on a dime or within its own radius. The size of a kite's turning radius along with the speed of its turns combine to give each kite it's own unique personality.
GENERAL HANDLING
   In addition to technical characteristics, many kites are evaluated on their ability to perform specific "tricks". The "axel" (ability to spin horizontally) or the "float" (ability to fly sideways in an upright position) are all attributes that many people seek in a kite. A lot of kites are designed to make complex maneuvers easy even in the hands of a beginner. 
TWO, THREE & FOUR LINES
   Most sport kites are controlled with two lines. Some models are controlled with four lines. Kites - Quad Line offer more control over the kite's movements and allows for maneuvers impossible with two lines. Four lines are not necessarily better; it has its own unique characteristics as well as advantages and disadvantages. 
SKILL LEVEL
   Although it is difficult to place a skill level on kites, some kites are definitely easier to fly than others. Look for the speed rating and line weight requirements. As a rule, slower kites with less pull are easier to fly than fast kites with a stronger pull. 
SELECTING A KITE
   With 100's of models on the market, it is extremely difficult to select the one "best" kite. If you are a beginner, we would suggest the The Jazz or The Nexus from Prism kites. Great place to start with a kite that really flies.

 

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Basic Moves
BASIC LAUNCH
   With the kite in front of you balanced on the wing tips, leaning slightly backward, lines taut, simultaneously pull back with both hands, underhand. The kite will rise into the air. Often a short step back will aid in the launch. 
BASIC LANDING
   The kite lands on both wing tips simultaneously. Fly the kite close to the ground, left to right. When the kite starts to slow down (at the edge of the wind window) pull slightly on the inner line or 'up' wing to bring the kite around, parallel to the ground. Simultaneously walk toward the kite. This will allow the kite to settle softly on it's wingtips
PULL TURN
   The direction of the kite is determined by pulling one or the other line. Pulling on the left line causes the kite to turn left (counterclockwise). Pulling right causes the kite to turn right (clockwise).
PUSH TURN
   Controls the direction of the kite by pushing one or the other line. Push turns tend to be more crisp and angular. Push left and the kite turns right (clockwise). Push right and the kite turns left (counterclockwise). 
COMBINATION TURN
   Combines the push turn and the pull turn. This type of turn is very abrupt and angular. Pushing right and pulling left causes the kite to quickly turn left (counterclockwise). Push left, pull right causes the kite to turn right (clockwise). This move is the basis of many advances maneuvers. 

 

 

Dual Line Tricks
BELLY LAUNCH
   The kite is launched from a "pancaked" position. The kite is in front of you on it's belly with the nose pointing away. Offset your hands, pulling back more on the downwind hand. Now step/run backwards without changing the position of your hands. As the kite picks up and starts to turn around pull your hands together and the kite will take off. Best accomplished in lighter winds.
BELLY FLOP
   Fly the kite to the left side of the wind window and do a belly landing. The kite is now on it's belly, nose pointing away from you, on the very edge of the window. Pull very gently on the left line to position the kite with it's nose pointing slightly inward. Now pull hard on the right line which will cause wind to enter the right wing and in turn causes the kite to actually lift and "pop" back into the wind window.
LEADING EDGE LAUNCH
  

The kite is launched from it's side. Fly the kite near the edge of the window, close to the ground, left to right. Pull right and gently crash to the ground. The kite should now be on it's right side. (be careful the kite does not tip over). Pull left (the 'up') wing slowly until it begins to fall toward you. Tug the left line and almost at the same time with the right. The kite should lift off on it's side. Stepping backward during this maneuver also helps.