Unleash your inner child and explore the joy of kite making and flying! This creative and accessible hobby offers a fun way to get outdoors, engage your mind and body, and witness the beauty of the sky. Beginners can start with simple materials and quickly find satisfaction in seeing their creation dance in the wind. So, gather some supplies, find a breezy day, and let your imagination take flight!
Kite Making and Flying
as a hobby
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Videos
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According to our current knowledge, kites were invented nearly 3,000 years ago, in China.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
- Angle of attack: The angle between the kite’s sail and the wind.
- Bridle: The lines that connect the kite to the flying line and control its angle of attack.
- Dive: A sudden downward movement of the kite.
- Drag: The force that opposes the kite’s movement through the air.
- Fighter kite: A small, unstable single-line kite traditionally used in kite fighting competitions, often featuring a glass-coated line for cutting opponents’ lines.
- Flying line (or kite line): The line used to control the kite from the ground.
- Kite plan: A blueprint or guide for constructing a specific kite design.
- Kite reel: A device used to wind and unwind the flying line.
- Kite running: The act of chasing after a kite that has been cut loose in a kite fighting competition or simply drifted free from its line. The person who catches the kite usually wins it as a prize.
- Leading edge: The front edge of the kite that faces the wind.
- Lift: The upward force generated by the wind on the kite’s sail.
- Line tension: The tightness of the flying line.
- Loop: A maneuver where the kite makes a complete circle in the air.
- Power kite: A kite designed to generate significant pull, often used for kiteboarding or buggying.
- Sail: The fabric part of the kite that catches the wind and generates lift.
- Spars: The lightweight sticks that provide the kite’s shape and structure.
- Spin: A maneuver where the kite rotates on its axis.
- Stall: A loss of lift caused by the kite’s angle of attack being too high.
- Stunt kite: A kite specifically designed for performing tricks and maneuvers in the air, often requiring two control lines for precise manipulation.
- Trailing edge: The back edge of the kite.
- Wind indicator (or windsock): A device that shows wind direction and strength.
Term Videos
First Steps
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
- Buy a simple, ready-made kite to ensure you have chemistry with kites.
- Follow YouTube tutorials, how-tos, books or online online kite plans for creating homemade kites.
- Move on to making your original designs.
First Steps Videos
Products
Essentials to have.
Product Demos
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How-Tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
How to Make a Kite
- How To Build Kites – 3 Extremely Simple Kites For Adults Or Big Kids! | My Best Kite
- How to Make a Kite | AKA American Kitefliers Association
- How to Make an Easy Kite (with Pictures) – wikiHow
How to Fly a Kite
Kite Plans
How-To Videos
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Books
Get read-y.
Articles
Further reading.
Video Articles
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Websites
Go-tos for information.
Website Previews
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Movies & TV
Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.
Movie and TV Trailers
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Kites have been used for scientific research purposes, including studying atmospheric conditions and conducting aerial photography.
FAQS
Get a clue.
Q: How difficult is it to make a kite?
A: There are kites for all skill levels! Beginners can start with simple, single-line kites made from readily available materials. As you progress, you can try more complex designs and techniques.
Q: Do I need expensive equipment to get started?
A: No, you don’t! Basic kite-making often requires materials like paper, string, and dowels, most of which you might already have around the house. You can also purchase affordable beginner kite kits.
Q: What are the benefits of kite flying?
A: Kite flying offers physical benefits like exercise and stress relief, mental benefits like mindfulness and creativity, and even social benefits through shared experiences or joining kite flying communities.
Q: Where can I learn more about kite making and flying?
A: There are many resources available online, including websites, tutorials, and YouTube channels dedicated to the hobby. Joining a local kite club or attending kite festivals can also be a great way to learn and connect with other enthusiasts.
Q: What safety precautions should I take when flying a kite?
A: Always fly in open areas away from power lines, trees, and crowds. Be mindful of wind conditions and choose a kite appropriate for the wind strength. Use strong, safe lines and supervise children closely.
Q: Can I fly kites year-round?
A: While spring and summer offer the best wind conditions, you can fly kites year-round as long as the wind is moderate and steady. Some kites are even designed specifically for light winds.
Q: What are some fun things to do with kites besides just flying them?
A: You can experiment with different kite designs, try stunt kite flying, participate in kite festivals or competitions, or even use kites for photography or art installations.
FAQ Videos
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Apps
Smart start.
App Trailers
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Courses
Get smart.
Video courses and trailers
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Community & Near You
Get together.
- Competitions | AKA American Kitefliers Association
- Event Calendar | AKA American Kitefliers Association
- Find a Kite Club | AKA American Kitefliers Association
- Kite Calendar – Your calendar of kite events
- Kite Events | The Kite Society
- Kite Festivals Near You
- Kite Shops Near You
- List of kite festivals – Wikipedia
Related Videos
Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
Video Tips
Kite festivals around the world attract millions of participants and spectators, celebrating cultural traditions and fostering community spirit.
Additional Information
Hobby attributes.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Activities | Collecting, Competing, Creating, Exercising, Learning, Observing, Performing, Playing, Relaxing, Socializing, Traveling |
| Fields | Arts, Crafts, Gaming, History and Culture, Home and Interior Design, Science and Technology, Spirituality |
| Locations | Abroad, Beach, City, Community Center, Countryside, Farm, Garden, Home, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Social Club |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Adaptability, Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Concentration, Creativity, Cultural Awareness, Fine Motor Skills, General Knowledge, Hand-eye Coordination, Imagination, Innovation, Mathematical Skills, Mindfulness, Motor Coordination, Physical Fitness, Planning, Problem Solving, Research, Spatial Ability |
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