Before you launch
- Assemble the kite on the ground, nose pointing upwind, and check that spars sit firmly in their pockets.
- Attach the line to the bridle with a lark's head knot, so it tightens under load and slips off easily later. The line and gear guide shows how.
- Check that the bridle isn't tangled and the tail is laid out straight downwind.
- Put on gloves if the kite pulls hard.
The helper launch
- Stand with your back to the wind, holding the winder or reel.
- Your helper carries the kite downwind, letting out line as they walk, about 20 to 30 paces or 50 to 100 feet.
- They turn to face you and hold the kite up by its spine, nose to the sky, with the line taut.
- When you feel a steady breath of wind, call "go". They let go without throwing it.
- Pull the line in hand over hand or step backward a few paces. The kite should climb steeply.
- Once it is above the low, rough air near the ground, let line out slowly. If the kite starts to sink, stop letting out line and pull a little to make it climb again.
The solo launch
In a steady breeze of force 3 or more, many kites launch straight from your hand. Stand with your back to the wind, hold the kite up by the bridle point, and let it go. Let out line as it rises, and give a few short pulls if it hangs.
For a solo high launch, prop the kite against a bag, a fence post or a stake, nose up and facing you. Walk upwind letting out line, then pull sharply to lift it off. This works best with stable kites like deltas and sleds.
Keeping it flying
Once the kite settles, the line should hang in a gentle curve. If the kite pulls well, let out more line to reach the steadier wind above. If it dips, pull in a few arm lengths to give it airspeed, then let it out again. This pull-and-release is the main skill in single-line flying.
Common problems
| What happens | Likely cause | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Kite spins or loops to the ground | Too much wind, or tail too short | Add tail length, or fly a sturdier kite |
| Kite leans and dives to one side | Sail or bridle out of balance | Check the bridle is centered and the spars are straight |
| Kite won't climb, just hangs | Wind too light, or turbulent air | Move upwind of obstacles, try a lighter kite |
| Kite flies low and pulls hard | Towing point too far back for the wind | Move the towing point toward the nose if it is adjustable |
| Kite climbs, then stalls and falls back | Towing point too far forward | Move the towing point slightly toward the tail |
Landing the kite
In light or gentle wind, wind the line steadily onto the winder. As the kite comes closer and lower, it slows. When it is near, walk toward it and either catch it or let it glide down to the grass.
In stronger wind, winding in under load can strain the line and the winder. Use the walk-down instead. Anchor the winder, or hand it to a helper, then put the line under one gloved hand and walk toward the kite, sliding your hand along the line. The kite sinks as you go. When you reach it, take hold and fold it. Your helper winds in the slack.
Never wrap kite line around your hand, fingers or wrist, even for a moment. A gust can pull it tight in a split second and cut or burn skin.
If lines cross
When two kites tangle, both fliers should walk toward each other so the lines stay slack, and bring both kites down together. Tugging only makes the knot tighter.