First Flight Information
You have your new kite in hand and you've found an open space to fly. Let's do it...
1). Assemble your kite, making sure none of the bridles are tangled around spreaders or standoffs.
Check your instructions or field card for assembly instructions for your kite.
2). Check the wind. How hard is it blowing? From what direction? Pick the place to fly which will give you the clearest, smoothest wind. For your first flight, we strongly suggest picking a day when the wind is moderate- between 8 and 12 mph.
3). Check your bridles and standoffs. Make sure everything looks clear and symmetrical. If necessary, adjust for today’s wind speed. If the winds are moderate, between 8 and 12 mph, your kite should need no adjustment.
4). Attach your flying lines, using a simple Lark’s Head knot as shown in the following illustrations
Put two fingers through sleeving loop
Reach out and down with fingers
Pinch fingers together under sleeving loop
Slip smaller loops off your fingers
Push two smaller loops together
It should look like this
Now pass bridle (pig-tail) attach point
Through both small loops
Pull so that small loops compress
They will tighten up on the attach point
Slide knot down to and of pig-tail
Final larks-head knot.
5). Unroll your lines. Set the kite on its back and walk directly into the wind while unwinding your lines as shown.
Walking backwards while un-winding lines
6). Tie on your flight straps. When you reach the end of the lines, put the winder in your pocket and if you have already done so, tie on your flying straps using a Larks Head knot.
7) Stake out your kite. Prop your kite against the wind and secure your straps with a ground stake if you’re not yet ready for takeoff. (An old screwdriver works great for a ground stake).
8). Get ready for launch! Pick up your straps and stand facing the kite. Check that your right-hand strap is connected to the right-hand wing (very important!). If not, switch hands.
Gently pull the lines, raising the kite to an upright and slightly nose-back position with your arms extended. Make sure your kite and lines aren't snagged on anything.
9). Launch! In one rapid motion, take a step backwards while sweeping your arms down and back past your hips. Your kite should leap from the ground. Once the kite is moving, keep your hands close together and close to your chest and let it fly straight upwards. Wait until the kite is fairly high in the sky before trying to turn. This will give you more time and space to react before you get too close to the ground.
10). Fly!
Our thanks to Prism Designs, Inc. for permission to use this content