The Top 4 Tips to Fly Power Kites
Power kites are designed to pull the person flying it – almost as if the kite is flying the user. They may be rigid-framed or soft, and there are three main types of power kites: supported leading edge, leading edge inflatables, and foils. They are used recreationally along with a ground board or vehicle. Vehicles used with power kites include kiteboards, kite buggies, kite landboards, all-terrain skates, skis, snowboards, or boats. Power kites come equipped with a control system that will have from two to five lines, and a handle or bar as well.
Power kites may be anywhere from 1.5 square meters in size to 50 square meters. Each is made for a specific purpose, depending on the vehicle and whether the vehicle is made for water, land, or snow. They are similar in design to kites used for speed sailing. As far back as 1982, a power kite propelled the boat called Jacob’s Ladder to a world sailing speed record of 25 knots. In October 2008 a kiteboard (similar to a surfboard) was the first sailing vessel to exceed 50 knots.
This lets you know how much the technology has changed with power kites over the years. So today we want to share 4 tips to help you get started on the right foot.
1) Always start out with a two-line trainer kite. Remember these pull you around, so if this is for a child or even a small adult, the kite should be somewhere around 1.2 to 1.4 meters. These are easier to control, but it you do want a little more power then you might reach as high as 1.8 meters. These need minuscule amounts of wind to fly, but it’s important to understand that even the same power kites in size will lift and handle differently. So stick with a predictable steady kite in the beginning. This way you can master the basics and start out flying in a forward direction.
2) One of the most important parts to the learning process is the “wind window.” This is the area in the air where power kites fly. If you hit different areas of the wind window you will notice different pulls and directional issues. You’ll know when you hit the edge of a wind window though, because the power vanishes quickly. The best avenue to figure out what kind of power you’ll get is starting at the edge of the window and dropping your trainer kite into the power zone. If you struggle in this area then it’s safer to cut back.
3) No matter what you do, it’s a necessity to wear a helmet. There is no loophole here, and we want to make sure you understand this thoroughly. Also, land riders will want knee pads and wrist guards as well (maybe even elbow pads). If you’re focusing on the water then impact vests, gloves and goggles should be worn for maximum safety (and the helmet of course).
4. Learn on land first. The power kites needed for power kiting on water have to be more powerful to overcome the water’s resistance. They have to be very powerful and efficient. Depowering systems are usually built into the kites used over water. Learn to use your power kite on land first, and then take lessons on using your power kite over water before trying it.
Once you’re able to get out there and enjoy everything this sport has to offer, it’s quite addicting. Why? The progression is really what catches everyone’s attention. If you start out with a trainer kite (the two-line), eventually you want to move up to kite sailing, kiteboarding, and every other option out there. Just remember that it can be dangerous, so it’s extremely important to wear that safety gear.
Eventually you will try so many different option you will find a favorite amongst them. Whether it’s with buggies, boards, skates, skis, snowboards or anything else, each one has an appeal like no other. In the end, do the necessary research and find the best trainer kite to use in the beginning. The more you understand about power kites and how they work, the easier it will be to progress through this fantastic sport.
Looking to find the best deal on trainer kite, then visit www.powerkitesdirect.com to find the best advice on power kites.
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