Kite Flying Tips

While kite flying might seem like an easy kids' activity, getting your kite off the ground can be quite a challenge if you don't know where to begin.

Where to Fly
When choosing a spot for kite flying you should take safety into consideration. Steer clear of power lines, roads, airports, buildings and trees. Hills can also cause trouble by making the wind bumpy, which makes flying a kite that much harder. A wide-open space like a park or beach is ideal. Even the center of a baseball field can provide enough space to fly. Kites have a way of getting tangled with other kites, so you shouldn't fly on top of other kites.

Taking Flight
If you think running is the best way to get your kite up in the air, think again. It's a dangerous practice and actually the hardest method.

One easy way to get started is to enlist a friend to help you. Ask your friend to hold the kite 80 feet or so downwind from you. Hold the line in your hands and give it a gentle pull when your friend releases the kite into the wind. After it climbs, let out more of the line.

Obviously, a partner launch is not always possible. If you want to fly your kite on your own, stand with your back to the wind and lift your kite up. Once it catches a gust, release it gently. You'll feel it catch and climb. As you do, slowly let out more of the line so it can continue to gain altitude.

Watch the Wind
Some kites need a lot of wind and some can get by with a little. It all depends on the kite's material, size and design. If your kite starts diving and looping uncontrollably, there's probably too much wind for your style. If you can't get it up in the air, there's probably not enough. If you still have your kite's original packaging, you may be able to find wind recommendations. And even though an oncoming storm might provide some serious wind for kites, you shouldn't be flying in wet or stormy weather.

Staying Airborne
You always want to keep the string at a comfortable tightness. If it feels too slack you should reel in some string, but if it is pulling you should let out more string.

Touching Down
Generally, landing a kite is easier than the takeoff. Simply reel it in slowly, or walk toward the kite as you reel it in to help control the speed. But if you're flying in high winds you should take caution.The line could dig into your hands so you should wear a pair of gloves.