Single Line Kite Manual
There are a great many designs of single line kites, the most common are diamond kites, delta, box, sled and parafoil kites. The sizes vary as much as the shapes. Most single line kites are made with a wooden dowel frame, this will keep the weight of the kite down enabling it to fly in light winds. Where a kite is required to fly in stronger winds, frames of fibreglass or carbon fibre can be used. Other than just being great fun to fly, single line kites also have a wide range of uses such as Kite Fishing,Kite Aerial Photography (KAP), Falcon training, Educational projects for schools and sweet drops for kids etc.
Assembly
- Lay your kite out with your back to the wind, this will make assembly easier as you are protecting the kite from the wind.
- Open out the kite and find the required spar(s)
- Insert spar(s) into fittings.
- Check to see that the kite is flat and correctly assembled.
- Turn the kite over.
- Clip the flying line onto the keel or bridle.
Safety when flying your kite
Always try to fly in open areas, away from:
- Power lines
- Roads
- Airfields
- Railway lines
- Buildings
General Safety
Never fly during thunderstorms.
Avoid letting line run through your hands under tension as it could cut and burn.
Do not exceed the advised wind range of your kite, this can result in damage to your kite.
Avoid other fliers, especially those flying 2 line kites
Flying tips
Holding your kite facing you in one hand and the kite line in the other, keep your back to the wind.
Now let the kite into the wind releasing line.
While the kite is still low to the ground be ever watchful of turbulence, which can cause the kite to become unstable and crash. If the kite dives at this stage let out line quickly and the kite should recover.
If the wind is very light or erratic at ground level, get someone to take your kite 15m (15 yards) or more down wind from you (long launch).
Release the kite, pull in the line hand over hand to allow your kite to get up into steady wind quickly. Then let line out as the Kite catches the wind.
HOT TIP: For really young fliers, try tying the line to something secure and allow them to hold on to the line of the kite. When they get distracted and let go of the line you won’t have to go running after the kite!
Landing your singly line kite
- Wind up the line slowly.
- HOT TIP: remember when winding in your line, the line is under tension and can cause your kite handle to implode, so reduce some of this tension as you wind in the line.
- Again as you get closer to the ground remember the kite may encounter some turbulence, so be prepared to let out line quickly if it starts to dive.
- HOT TIP: If you land your kite in a tree, it usually lands on the down wind side of the tree, as this part of the tree creates a vacuum and sucks the kite in. Don’t pull on the line but rather release tension and allow the wind to blow your kite out of the tree.
Single Line Kite Care and Maintenance
Do not pack your kite away wet or damp, this can affect the fabric of your kite.
Always check for any wear on the kite and have these repaired.
Do not fly your kite line with a knot in it, this creates a weak spot and the line may break. Try to get the knots out.
Do not fly on fishing line. Fishing line is monofilament and under continuous tension will stretch and break.