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Kite Safety

Choosing A Safe Spot to Fly

The good thing about kite flying in the UK is that you are never too far away from a beach or large open space, but there are still a few things to consider when choosing a good spot to fly. An easy way to check if your spot is safe to fly is using the S.H.O.E. method.

  • S. Surface: this means the actual ground under your feet. Grass or sand are the only acceptable surfaces on which to fly kites. Anything else such as tarmac, pebbles, or ploughed fields is likely to cause injury if you stumble. If you’re in a grassy field, check for lumps and bumps in the earth, puddles (slippery!), shredded cans from grass mowers, stones, or anything that can cause injury. If you’re on the beach, look out for pebbles, stones, holes (kids and dogs love to dig!), debris or anything else that may be painful if you fall on it.
  • H. Hazards: hazards are objects that you simply do not want to crash your kite onto, or be pulled into. Bins, fences, buildings, electrical wires, ice cream vans, benches, goal posts, volleyball nets, parked cars - ANYTHING that’s downwind of you basically. To ensure your area is free from hazards, find a spot that gives you TWO line lengths (around 50m) of clear downwind space, and about one line length (25m) either side.
  • O. Others: dog walkers, kids, football teams, cricket matches, walkers, other kite fliers, cyclists, picnickers - anyone else using the same space as you needs to be considered. As we’re the ones flying the kite, it’s our duty to keep clear of others. When you set up to fly, look out for paths and other areas that people might start to use as the day goes on and keep a safe distance away.
    Remember – beaches and parks get busy in summer, so sometimes the evening, when it cools down a bit, can be a good time to go.
  • E. Environment: This refers to the wind conditions and the weather for the day. You should look at the wind forecast by checking BBC Weather or other online resources for your area to get an idea of how strong the wind will be and what direction it will blow from - but remember it can always change!
    The best days to fly kites are clear and bright or with flat skies and with gentle to moderate steady breezes. Blustery, stormy days with stacked clouds and bursts of rain should be avoided.

NEVER KITE NEAR:

  • Power lines
  • Train tracks
  • On cliff edges
  • Near steep drop offs
  • Roads
  • Power stations