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Flying Site & First Flight
Finding a site
Nothing is
more frustrating than flying in bumpy, turbulent air. One
moment, the kite is powered up, the next it’s falling out of the
sky. Learning anything new is a chore because the kite flies
differently from one moment to the next.
If you’re a beginner, flying in turbulent wind can keep you from
learning even the most basic skills. Learn to read the wind so
you can pick places to fly that have the least turbulence.
You’ll learn twice as fast and have twice the fun.
Turbulence occurs any time the wind has to pass over or around
obstacles. That’s why a wide, open beach or field with nothing
blocking the wind is one of the best places to fly. But many
people don’t realize that turbulence also forms upwind of
obstacles. Stay away from obstacles downwind of your flying area
as well.
FIRST FLIGHT
You have your new
kite in hand and you’ve found an open space to fly. Let's do
it..
1). Assemble
your kite, making sure none of the bridles are tangled around
spreaders or standoffs.
2). Check the
wind. How hard is it blowing? From what direction? Pick the
place to fly which will give you the clearest, smoothest wind.
For your first flight, we strongly suggest picking a day when
the wind is moderate- between 8 and 12 mph.
3). Check
your bridles and standoffs. Make sure everything looks clear and
symmetrical. If necessary, adjust for today’s wind speed. If the
winds are moderate, between 8 and 12 mph, your kite should need
no adjustment.
4). Attach
your flying lines, using a simple Lark’s Head knot.
5). Unroll
your lines. Set the kite on its back and walk directly into the
wind while unwinding your lines.
6). Get ready
for launch! Pick up your straps and stand facing the kite. Check
that your right-hand strap is connected to the right-hand wing
(very important!). If not, switch hands.
Gently pull the lines, raising the kite to an upright and
slightly nose-back position with your arms extended. Make sure
your kite and lines aren’t snagged on anything.
7). Launch!
In one rapid motion, take a step backwards while sweeping your
arms down and back past your hips. Your kite should leap from
the ground. Once the kite is moving, keep your hands close
together and close to your chest and let it fly straight
upwards. Wait until the kite is fairly high in the sky before
trying to turn. This will give you more time and space to react
before you get too close to the ground.
See this animation
for the takeoff
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