Flying Your Kite

It is a very exciting to fly a kite for the first time, and people want to rush straight in. However a lot of time and frustration can be saved with a methodical, safe approach. Following these steps will get you kiting sooner and with more gratification.

Your new kite will come with instructions from the manufacturer to help you set it up. Please refer for them to them before you fly.

Kite Safety

1. Never grab the lines of the kite whilst it is in flight or unsecured on the ground.
2. Never wrap a line around your hand or any part of your body.
3. If your kite comes with safety leashes, be sure to attach them before launch.
4. Never let anyone in your group stand between the flier and the kite.
5. If a person or animal wanders into your flying zone, either keep the kite steady in the sky or land it and secure it.
6. If in doubt, release the handles or bar with both hands to deploy the kite safety mechanism.
7. Always remember S.H.O.E.!

Set Up

1. Make sure your area is safe to fly and free from obstruction.
2. Lay your kite out 25m downwind from where you will be standing.
3. Secure the trailing edge with sand, or have an assistant hold the kite down.
4. Unwind your lines directly upwind, place the handles or bar on the ground. (If your lines are unattached, you will have to attach them, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).
5. Walk back up to the kite, check the bridles are not tangled.
6. Resting the lines on your hands – do not grip – and with the kite secured, walk back to the handles to check for any twists. Untwist your lines at the handles end, do not spin the kite.

First Launch

1. Attach safety leashes to your wrists.
2. Pick up the handles or bar, red in the left hand, blue in the right hand.
3. Practise letting go of the handles or bar to simulate emergency release:
   • Unassisted launch: walk slowly backwards till the kite fills with air.
   • Assisted launch: give a one thumb up to your buddy.
4. Take a quick step back, give a steady pull on the lines and let the kite fly straight up to 12 o’clock.
5. Once the kite is flying, you should familiarise yourself with the safety system by letting go of the handles or bar.