Launching Kites:
Have someone hold the kite from behind, with about 50 to 100 feet of line out. Then rapidly pull in the line hand-over-hand, as the kite is let go. Let the line lay on the ground in front of you, and slowly steb back or sideways as you pull, so that the line does not land in a pile on the ground. The line will not tangle, as long as you don’t step on it! Once the kite is flying and tugging at your hand, slowly let the line back out.
It is never necessary to run to launch a kite, and running can be dangerous if you should trip. Or, if you run into someone else!
If a kite starts “looping” in strong winds, the bridle of your kite may need to be adjusted. By moving the line attachment point towards the top of the kite, the kite’s “angle of attack” is reduced, and it will fly better in high winds.
If you are nearing the end of a spool of line while letting out your kite, be sure to slow down .. the line may not be tied to the spool!
When flying a large kite, be careful to never grab the line bare-handed. Kite line rapidly spooling-out can cause a serious skin burn or cut.
If a kite is about to crash, step forward quickly, or let the string rapidly spool-out. That will cause the kite to stop or slow down, preventing a hard crash.
There may be some very large sport kites in the air. Please stay clear of people flying other kites, especially large ones. This is common courtesy, plus some kites cost hundreds of dollars, and the owners may not be amused if you get tangled with their line and cause a crash & perhaps broken sticks or torn fabric.
Always fly in an area that is free of trees and obstructions. If a building or tree is right behind you, that will create wind turbulance and the kite will be very difficult to launch. Make sure that the field is clear behind you.
Of course, never fly a kite where it might become tangled in power lines. If you DO get tangled in a power line, don’t pull hard on the lines or climb the power poles. (That sounds obvious, but there is always someone who tries the dumb stuff!)
Did you know? Rick’s Darts & Games actually began as Houston’s first Kite Shop.. in 1974!
Over the years, we’ve added a lot of other fun games and changed our name. But we still love Kites, and Rick’s Darts & Games still stocks the largest selection of Kites in the Houston area.
