In spring they appear in the local parks, in the warm summer months more and more take to the skies on the beach and around autumn they prance over large meadows: kites are popular flying objects that delight children and adults alike. Accordingly, there is a large selection of different models that are suitable for different age groups and wind strengths. Before you want to fly a kite with your child, you should consider the following tips.
A distinction is made between the following dragon types:
Single-line boats only have one line and can take off in light winds, but they cannot really be steered. They are therefore a good introduction for (small) children and beginners. And the selection of suitable models is almost endless. Here are a few nice examples of single-line boats:
Double lines have two cords and are therefore automatically more steerable – but they also require a lot more skill and are therefore more suitable for older children. Real kite professionals even take on four-line kites. Here are two beautiful examples of children’s kites:
Stunt kites are the same as two-line or four-line kites: With the multiple lines on the outside, these models can be controlled and – the more skillful you are – you can also do great tricks such as screwing or looping in the air. They usually have a triangular shape and are therefore particularly maneuverable. Here are three nice examples of stunt kites:
Another important note: The more lines a child kite has, the faster it flies and the more difficult it is to steer.
Before you fly a kite with your child, you should consider the following tips:
Before your kite takes off, first find a large meadow, an open field or an empty stretch of beach. There should be no railway tracks, roads or buildings within 600 meters.
Pay attention to the wind direction so that your flying object can take off. It is best to position yourself so that your back is to the wind. Hold the kite flat on the ground with its nose pointing into the wind.
As much fun as it is to fly a kite, the aerial hobby also involves risks. For this reason, you should observe the following safety instructions:
Keep your distance Always make sure that there are no electricity pylons or lines in your immediate vicinity. The steering cord can transmit electrical current, which is why you should never fly a kite during a thunderstorm. Also keep enough distance from trees, other people and airports.
Minimize the risk of injury While a kite is in the air, there is a lot of tension on the lines – in the worst case, this can lead to painful cuts. Therefore, you should always make sure that your child does not walk around under the flight path or the kite. Be considerate of other people and do not steer your one or two-line boat too low.
Check wind strengthIf you want to fly a kite, you need wind. Not too much, but not too little either – it should be strong enough to keep the flying object in the air, but weak enough so that your child can still steer the kite on their own. It’s best to start with a single line and always check the wind strength before the first attempt.
One more tip at the end: There are numerous apps that predict the wind strength every day – and this information is usually updated regularly on the local weather service websites.
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