Aerial Stunt Kites and Sport Kites - Be In Control!
Aerial stunt kites have been around since the 60s and really started to become more well known and available to the public in the mid 70s and onwards. There are a number of different types, and they are more officially known as sport kites.
Doing kite stunts, perfecting them and learning new ones can be a lot of fun for anyone who owns stunt kites. It takes care of that urge to fly something! With a stunter, you have control. Like an aerobatics display at an air show, it's also fun to just watch others fly.
Types Of Aerial Stunt Kites
Many different types of aerial stunters have been put together and flown, but here are the 4 most common.
2 line deltas
2 line diamonds
2 line parafoils
4 line kites, also called quad kites
2 line delta kites are inspired by the very earliest of hang-glider designs, like the Standard Rogallo. Just like the big man-carrying kite, a typical delta stunt kite has 3 main spars with fabric stretched between them.
The shape is basically triangular, with the material bowing slightly between the spars when in flight. The 2 lines allow the delta to be steered left and right when up in the air. That means, with practice and a bit of skill, you can make the kite fly just about any shape you like.
trick kites are a particular kind of delta which have become popular. This opens up a whole different kind of stunt flying, which could be the basis for another article!
2 line diamond kites are very similar to the deltas in how they fly. They look like the traditional kid's diamond kite that used to be made from a couple of sticks and any sort of paper that came to hand. Can you relate to that kind of kite flying?
2 line parafoil kites are a development of the original parafoil kite which was invented in the early 60s. Unlike most kites which have single surface sails, the flexible parafoil has an upper and a lower surface. The smaller ones are often flown as stunt kites. They are handy since they fold down into a small bag for carrying.
4 line quad kites look a bit like 2 kites joined side to side. They have an extra 2 lines which make them much more controllable. Tricks like axis spins and hover become quite easy with a bit of practice. There are 2 lines attached to each of 2 handles. As well as steering the kite left and right, you can alter how nose-high the kite sits in the air.
So much can be done with these kinds of kites, and so many people are having fun flying them. Down at the beach is a popular place to fly, with the wide open spaces and smooth breezes.
Kite flying used to be a very laid-back, relaxing thing to do. Even a bit boring for some. But these days it's not unusual to hear words like addicting or adrenaline rush when talking about flying stunt kites!
Aerial Stunt Kites in Action
Curious as to what shapes or figures can actually be done with a stunt kite? Well, if it's your kite you can do anything you like of course. Carve any interesting shape in the air and then try to do it again, exactly the same.
Not surprisingly, over the years some keen people have organized kite flying competitions and displays. At various public events you can see one person, a pair or even an 8-member team put on a dazzling display of fast, precision kite flying. Kite festivals are a sure place to see something like this.
Much like an aerobatics competition for model planes or the real thing, kite competitions involve flying a standard set of figures. As well, there is sometimes a section where the flyer can exercise a bit of creativity by flying in time with music.
Conclusion
To sum up where stunt kite design is today, let's just say all the basic types are still going strong. Deltas, diamonds and parafoils. The main difference over the years has been in materials. Fiberglass and carbon fiber are commonly used for spars, rip-stop nylon for sails and low-stretch Spectra, Dyneema or Kevlar for the lines. Aerial stunt kites are here to stay.
About the Author: Tim Parish and his family are rediscovering the joys of kite flying. They blog their kiting fun on their My-Best-Kite.com website, and also research the kiting world. This site will introduce you to many kinds of kites and kite flying activities, including aerial stunt kites of course!
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