What the guides cover
The guides are practical and written for beginners and casual fliers. They explain the main kite types and the wind each needs, how to read the wind, how to choose a place to fly, how to launch and land, how to make a simple kite, and how to fly with children. The safety page covers power lines, roads, storms and airports.
About the wind ladder
The wind ladder on our home page and wind guide is built on the Beaufort wind scale, with wind speeds rounded to about values in miles and kilometers per hour. The chips showing which kite types fly at each force are a rough guide to typical kites of each family. Real kites vary with size, weight and design, and the range a kite's maker gives always takes priority.
Why we name no brands
We don't recommend, rate or rank kite makers, shops or products, and the site has no partner links, sponsored posts or advertising. We describe kite types and how they behave, so you can make an informed choice wherever you buy or build.
Safety information
Our safety advice is general. Rules about airspace, parks and beaches vary by country and change over time. We point you to the bodies that set them, such as your national aviation authority, your local park or beach authority and your electric utility, and their current guidance always comes first.
Who the guides are for
If you have never flown a kite, start with the six-step first flight on the home page, then read the launching guide. If you fly often and want to understand why a kite behaves as it does, the wind and line and gear guides go further. Families can start with flying with children and the sled kite build.
About the name
What the Kite is a guide site only. It isn't a kite shop, club, school or event, and it doesn't represent any business or organization with a similar name.
Corrections and contact
If you spot a mistake or an out-of-date detail, please write to contact@whatthekite.com. We read every message and fix confirmed errors. See the privacy policy for how we handle email.