Learn me kites: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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March 20, 2011 4:36 p.m. SVreX SuperDork

For over twenty years I have lived in areas with nearly perfect kite-flying weather. When I moved to the Dominican Republic 21 years ago, my Dad asked me what I would like as a going away gift, and I told him a kite.

I meant one of those higher tech stunt kites that take some effort to learn to fly with an ability to steer, etc.

He bought me one of those cheap beach type throwaway ones. OK, I still love him.

But I am still interested in those other ones.

What price point do they start at? Are they tough to learn? Where can you buy them? What other stuff should a newbie know?
March 20, 2011 4:56 p.m. Toyman01 SuperDork

When I was in the hobby business stunt kites started at $20 and went up into the thousands. A basic one isn't hard to learn and they are a blast to fly. Find a local hobby or kite shop and make sure they have parts because you will need them. Busted poles are common. Get a good set of handles. Cheap ones get painful after a while. It's surprising how much pull a kite has on a windy day. Kites are also rated for wind speeds. The fatter they are the slower they are and the less wind needed. The skinny delta shapes need a lot of wind, are stupid fast, and a lot harder to fly. The ones we used to carry were made by Go Fly A Kite. Cheap prices and fairly durable. We also used to carry a US built brand, but I don't remember the name.

I haven't flown one in 15 years and thanks to you I've got to go see if any of mine have survived storage.
March 20, 2011 6:23 p.m. Datsun1500 Dork

Buy one from a local hobby shop, expect to spend about $50 on a good beginner one. They are pretty easy to learn, basically it is this: Have both hands out in front of you. Pull your right hand back, kite goes right. Pull your left hand back, kite goes left. There is no turning or crossing of your hands, it is pull back only to steer.
March 20, 2011 8:07 p.m. SVreX SuperDork

Unless they are sold in farm supplies, local hobby shop will definitely not be an option for me. I doubt there is any hobby shop within 3 hours of where I live.

I will need to buy online.
March 20, 2011 8:19 p.m. Datsun1500 Dork

Something like this is fine to learn on. http://cgi.ebay.com/New-stunt-kite-dual-line-73-sport-kite-trick-outdoor-/16055973...
March 20, 2011 9:02 p.m. SVreX SuperDork

OK, Datsun1500. You talked me into it.

I'll let you know how it goes when it gets here.
March 20, 2011 9:21 p.m. Toyman01 SuperDork

Let me know how you like it. None of mine survived long term storage. The nylon has gone to pot. Thank to you I've got the itch to fly one again.
March 20, 2011 9:25 p.m. oldsaw SuperDork

I had a catalog from these guys: http://www.intothewind.com/.

Pages upon pages of traditional and stunt kites plus a lot of other cool distracting stuff. Definitely a source worth consideration.
March 20, 2011 10:34 p.m. Datsun1500 Dork

Easiest way to launch is get both lines out about 30 feet while someone holds it, then have them toss it up. If it is just you, lay it line side up and throw some weight on it (sand, dirt, gravel) stretch the lines out, pull slightly to get it standing up then a sharp yank backwards.

Hope that makes sense, it is simple after a few tries, it is a "feel" thing, not a "skill" thing.

Good Luck.
March 20, 2011 10:41 p.m. pigeon Dork

I've had a tyvek stunt kite for 20+ years. I bought it back when tyvek was a fancy new wonder material and true enough despite lots if abuse it never tore. I need to find and restring it - my kids are finally old enough not to get picked up by it.
March 20, 2011 11:13 p.m. friedgreencorrado SuperDork

The Wright Bros. chose my homeland for the wind..this store (well, chain now-dang near 40yrs later) has an online selection.

http://store.kittyhawk.com/Dual-Line-Stunt-Kites-C16.aspx

I've never played with a stunt kite, but every time I have a chance to get back to the beach I bring one of these (not me & mine, but a really cool pic):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chris-topher/5066438880/
March 21, 2011 10:15 a.m. InigoMontoya Reader

I have about 3-4 delta stunk kites these days, good fun. I have some of the wrist straps, they really can save you on windy days. Eventually I want to move up to a stunt Parafoil (the big flying wing) for more fun. Into the Wind is a good company to buy from, good customer service,

I would also recommend upgrading the flying line, the cheaper stuff stretches easily, and you will get more control and responsiveness out of better line (spectra), think of it like getting a thicker swaybar :)

Here would be a good way to get that hooked up- http://intothewind.com/shop/Line_and_Accessories/Stunt_Kite_Line_Handles/80_50-lb....