Stunt kites, unlike traditional kites, used to fly lines, rather than one, to connect the kite to the person flying it. These fly lines run from two handles held by the kite flyer up to a pair of bridles attached to either side of the wings of the kite. When the kite flyer pulls one of the handles back it causes the kite wing on that side to deform slightly. This causes the kite to turn in that direction. With practice, the kite can fly in whatever direction the flyer chooses.
Step 1
Stretch out the fly lines so the kite is downwind and the wind is to your back when you pick up the handles for the fly lines.
Step 2
Hold the kite handles attached to the fly lines in your hands in front of you. Have a helper hold the kite in front of them with the nose of the kite facing up. Untwist the fly lines to necessary and pull them taut.
Step 3
Signal your helper to gently toss the kite upward, then let go of the kite. Pull back on the handles attached to the fly lines to bring the kite up into the air.
Step 4
Pull the left or right handle slightly to trim the kite so it flies in a straight and steady flying position in front of you.
Step 5
Pull one fly line back with one hand and keep the other hand forward to steer the kite left or right. Use small increments at first to gauge how far to pull the handle back to achieve a turn.
Step 6
Pull one fly line back hard to cause the kite to spiral. Reverse positions with the other hand back to spiral in the other direction and untwist the lines.
Step 7
Practice other stunts such as flying the wing tip of the kite close to the ground, or walk forward to lower the base of the kite to the ground, then pull back hard to shoot the kite into the sky.
Step 8
Land the kite by turning it on its side and flying it down and out to the right or left until it loses speed and drops to the ground.
Tips and Warnings
- Beginners should use lines that are 75 to 120 feet long. This line length provides longer response times that can help inexperienced flyers maneuver kites more easily.
- Fly your kite in an area free of any potential obstructions or hazards such as power lines, trees, vehicles or people. Check behind you to allow for enough room in case you need to back up. According to Gomberg kites, the average kite can move at speeds in excess of 50 mph. Use caution when flying kites around people or objects that may be hurt from a kite impact.
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