Kite Flying is a fun activity for the entire family to enjoy. The youngest to oldest child always relishes the thrill of getting their kite in the air and watching it fly. Plus, now, the weather is mild, with little humidity, making autumn the perfect time for kite flying with family and friends. To make your kite flying adventure even more fun, here is a list of tips and tricks to make your kite flying activities a huge success.

Choosing Your Kite

This may be the most difficult part of your newly planned kite flying excursion! There are so many kites to choose from – but if you are a novice, the best choice is to keep it simple. Once you and your kids have the hang of kite flying, then you’ll likely want the challenge of more specialized kites. By selecting a kite with a wide wind range that offers stable flying features, you’ll be well on your way to flying as often as you like! Here are a few options to consider:

Single-line Kites – Delta Kites, Diamond Kites, and Parafoil Kites are a great choice for kids of all ages who are beginners. They fly on days when other kites won’t get off the ground and can be easily carried in the car for impromptu kite flying. (You’ll want to add a hoop winder for comfort and easy retrieval of your new kite.)

Stunt or Sport Kites – Stunt Kites (aka Sport Kites or Trick Kites) are dual line kites that are available in novice and advanced levels and offer a greater challenge than single-line kites. One you and your kids have fallen in love with flying and mastered single-line kites, moving on to stunt kites is a natural progression and oh so much fun!

Picking The Perfect Day

As you know, virtually any day in South Florida makes a perfect day for outdoor activities and kite flying is no exception! The only thing you truly need to fly your kite with ease is the wind – in just the right amount. Too little wind means your kite won’t get off the ground and too much wind can lead to a damaged kite, both of which you want to avoid. So, you’ll want to choose a day for your kite flying when there is just the right amount of wind. How will you know? Watch the flags and tree tops for clues to wind speed and soon you’ll know how to pick the perfect day. Keep in mind, you want a clear day with no storms in sight, always keeping safety first in mind.

Selecting Your Location

Any location will work that is free of trees, power lines, buildings which block the wind and pose potential dangers including roads, cars, and airports. The beach, a park, a lake front, or an open field are ideal and often provide the perfect undisturbed wind currents!

Launching Your Kite

As a family, you can help each other get your kite up in the air! Have one person hold the winder or spool with the wind at their back and another hold the kite. Put distance between the two and have the kite holder raise the kite in the air and let the wind launch it. While you see people running to get their kite up, it’s not the best approach and can sometimes end with a damaged kite.

What About A Tail?

In most cases, except for diamond kites, you won’t need to add a tail, but they sure do look great when your kite is in the sky! A tail actually adds drag and stability and should be used when wind conditions are slightly higher than recommended for your kite.

Now, get out there and get flying sharing the fun with family and friends!