Kites have been a part of history for hundreds of years and is a craft and a sport
still widely enjoyed today. Some cultures have special meanings for kite flying,
but for many other people, it is a fun thing to do on a windy afternoon.
If you fancy a day in the park when the sun is losing out to the wind, kite-flying is for you.
The lifting force of all kites is produced by deflecting the air downward, the resulting change in momentum producing an upward force. The reason for this is that the air travelling over the top of the curved surface of the kite is going faster than the air passing underneath. Fast-moving air creates less pressure; this means there is more pressure underneath the kite, and this helps to force it upwards.
Tips
• It is best to fly a kite in an open field, such as a football field or a grassy park since it is wide open.
• Avoid flying a kite on a road or anywhere near electrical wire lines or trees, as a kite needs lots of space.
• Do not fly kites during lightning storms.
A kite consists of these basic parts:
The Spine - The up-and-down, or vertical stick that you build your kite around.
The Spar - The support stick(s), that are placed crossways or at a slant over the spine.
The Frame - The joined spine and spars, that form the shape of the kite and make a support for the cover.
The Cover - The paper, plastic, or cloth, that covers the frame to make a kite.
The Bridle - One or more strings attached to the spine or spars, which help control the kite in the air.
The Flying Line - The string running from the kites’ bridle, where you hold to fly the kite.
The Tail - A long strip of paper or plastic or ribbon that helps to balance the kite in flight. Not always needed.
The Reel - The object you use to wind your flying line, to keep it form getting tangled or flying away.
In the last decade or so, kites have changed dramatically.
They are no longer just entertaining additions to picnics and relaxing strolls in the park, but airborne power sources that have transformed a leisure pursuit into a sport. Power kites have opened up a whole new kiting world.
As well as the traditional diamond shape kites, you can now opt for something more powerful.
Kite flying has evolved. Kites we remember from our childhood are rather different to traction and power kites: with beautifully large sails made from the latest technical materials, high speeds in special racing buggies and the opportunity to get airborne; this is definitely kiting for grown-ups.
Power kiting has really taken off in recent years. Today’s four-lined power kites can be used for a thrilling array of sports, including kite-buggying (sitting in a buggy and getting pulled along by the kite), kite-skating (wearing in-line skates and letting the kite pull you) and kite-boarding, where you stand on a landboard – similar to a skateboard – and perform jumps and tricks as you cruise along.
There is something very satisfying about kite flying and nowadays kite flyers will find a market flooded with a range of technical kites, but a simple kite can be picked up fairly cheaply, and you can still make your own.
Visit www.skratch-pad.com for make your own guides and templates. Also check out www.thekitesociety.org.uk for everything you need to know about the art of kite flying.
Wandsworth boasts many beautiful parks and open spaces; within our borough, 1600 acres is covered by parks, commons, allotments, and cemetery land - the largest proportion for any inner London authority and almost five times the size of Hyde Park.
Large parks with open space ideal for flying a kite include:
• Battersea Park
• Falcon Park
• Garratt Park
• Heathbrook Park
• King George's Park
• Wandsworth Park
Flying a kite can be both a therapeutic experience – taking in the fresh air, and watching the brightly coloured kite glide through the air, as well as exhilarating – when you catch the wind it pulls you forward and drags your feet in the grass.
The Balloon & Kite Company are specialists who stock festive accessories and a fantastic range of kites. Find them at 613, Garratt Lane, London, SW18 4SU [Map].
Fast growing and simple to learn, kiting and the associated sports are on the up. Learning how to harness the elements with a super-fun activity feels excitingly re-
warding.
Get along to your nearest open space. Go fly a kite.
