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PrintSpring is in the Air... And So are Kites!
Sunshine, a light breeze and a kite just seem to go together. Perhaps there is nothing more cheerful than a young child running across an open field with a colorful kite.
Before kites became popular for recreation, they were used to move people and things. Kites made from leaves were flown from boats to pull fishing lures though the water in ancient Micronesia. In the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci discovered how to use a kite to span a river. His method was later used in the construction of one of the world's first suspension bridges at Niagara Falls. Kites have also helped meteorologists gather temperature and wind data. Even the inventors of the telegraph and telephone, Gugliemo Marconi and Alexander Graham Bell, used kites in their experiments.
Perhaps the most famous kite-flying scientist was Benjamin Franklin. The story is legend. In 1752, during a thunderstorm in Philadelphia, Franklin flew a silk kite with his 21-year-old son as an assistant. He attached a brass key to the end of the line and a metal wire to the top to try to prove lightning was electrical. When the rain soaked the kite’s hemp string, and the lightning flashed around them, fine filaments began to stand out along the string. When Franklin touched the key he got a nasty shock confirming his hypothesis, but threatening his life.
To make your family kite-flying experience safe and enjoyable here are some tips.
The Kite and the Wind
Choose a simple style with a single line. Deltas (wide triangle-shape) are considered the most stable and reliable. Traditional diamonds are also a good choice. Both do well in light winds of 6 to 15 mph. A sled (or parafoil) kite, with no struts, flies well in moderate winds from 8 to 25 mph. Fabric kites are sturdier than an inexpensive paper or plastic diamond which might not fly as well. Resist the urge to buy a kite shaped like an insect, space creature or other odd shape. It will likely be much harder to fly.
You’ll need a spool of line of 100 to 200 feet for young children, longer for older kids. Cotton line packaged with inexpensive kites breaks easily. A tangle-resistant braided line is a better choice. Hoop spools are easy to hold.
Your kite may not need a tail. Many kites are designed to fly without them, such as box kites. Well-designed kites are usually balanced enough without them.
On a good day, with the right kite, you should be able to stand with the wind at your back and let the wind catch your kite. Release line from your hand as the kite draws up into the air. This is called a hand launch. There is often no need to run across the field to launch your kite.
When bringing down your kite, keep some tension on the line while winding it in, so it doesn’t tangle on the spool. Turn the spool over from time to time and wind in the other direction.
When and Where
Don’t try to fly a kite on a very windy day. When the wind is moderate, you’ll have fun making your kite dance by pulling on, or letting out, line.
Your flying space should be open and away from trees, poles and roads. School playgrounds, beaches and open areas in parks are ideal. The more open space you have, the more line you can let out.
Stay away from playground equipment and buildings which will present a hazard and alter your wind.
Of course, never fly a kite in a storm.
Keep it from getting boring
After a few minutes, children may get bored with a kite that now seems high and far away. Here are some things you can do while your kite is in the sky.
- See how fast you can get 100 feet of line out from a hand launch.
- Time how long you can keep it aloft.
- Hang some “laundry.” Add a tail, wind sock, flag or parachute. All can be purchased at brick and mortar or on-line kite shops.
- Tether your kite to a chair, and have a picnic while it is flying.
- Take pictures of your kite and your family flying a kite to share with friends.
- Try to reel in your kite right down into your hand without letting it touch the ground. Pull in quicker from time to time if needed, to keep it airborne.
- Calculate your calories. Kite flying burns 80 calories in 30 minutes.
- Make your own kite. There are lots of plans on line including: www.wnit.org/outdoorelements/pdf/box_kite_instructions.pdf
