instructions

Basic Kite Types
Diamond Kite

Diamond Kite This design is probably the most familiar shape kite and often
brings back memories of building out of paper and fashioning a tail from
mother's old sheets. Most modern diamond kites are made of ripstop or
taffeta nylon and have a frame of wood or fiberglass dowels. Typically the
diamond will have a string bridle extending from close to the top of the
kite to close to the bottom of the kite. The bridle will usually have a
loop or ring to which flying line (string) is attached. They should be
flown with a tail, for stability, which is attached to the very bottom of
the kite. The diamond kite can be adjusted for differing winds by changing
where the bridle line loop is located. (Higher for higher winds and lower
for light to moderate winds. Because the diamond kite has a tail, the
length of the tail can also be lengthened or shortened to maintain
stability in varying wind conditions. The wind range for this kite is
usually 6-20 mph.

Sled Kite The sled kite is a very simple design, which makes it appealing
for children's' kite making workshops. It may have two sticks running the
length of the kite or may be stick-less altogether. It can be cut out,
colored and bridled quickly. Tails may be added for increased stability.
Wind range is usually 6-15 mph.

Box Kite The box kite is also another old familiar kite to many. Because of
this kite's steady wind and higher wind requirements it is sometimes
intimidating to the novice. Typical construction of the box kite is
ripstop nylon sail and wood or fiberglass sticks (dowels, or tubes) for
the frame. The kite may have a single loop at the top of the kite for
attaching the flying line or may have a single line bridle extending from
the top to the bottom of the kite with a loop about 2/3 from the bottom of
the bridle. The loop in the single line bridle can be adjusted up or down
for varying wind conditions. This kite requires more wind than many other
kite designs and can create quite a strong pull in higher wind conditions.
It is typically flown without a tail. The wind range for this kite is
usually 8-25 mph.

Parafoil Kite This kite is also a more modern design (mid 1960s). It has no
sticks or spars. Its shape is inflated by wind, which forms a wing
producing lift. It usually flies best with a tail or drogue attached to
the rear of the kite. The parafoil is quite portable even in larger sizes
and produces considerable pull in higher winds. Its wind range is 8-25 mph.

Delta Kite The delta (named for the Greek letter) design is a more recent
design (1940s). It will fly in relatively light winds without a tail.
Instead of a bridle from top to bottom, it has a keel in the center of the
kite to which a flying line is attached. The two leading edges (outer
dowels) do not extend all the way to the top of the kite, thus allowing
the kite to self adjust and remain stable. The delta kite soars and can
ride on thermals, unlike many other designs and tends to be a stable
flyer. Tails may be added for more stability in higher wind conditions or
just to increase its visual appeal. Delta's require less wind than most
designs and can be flown in 5 mile per hour winds.

Dragon Kite The dragon kite, with its head being framed with fiberglass or
wood, is probably a derivative from the Chinese Dragon kite. The kite has
a long (6 ft- 45 ft or more) shape, composed of ripstop or taffeta nylon.
It has a fiberglass rod over the top of the head of the kite and a
vertical back stick extending from top to bottom of the dragon head. The
bridle extends from the top to bottom of the head with a loop tied in the
bridle offering an attachment point for the kite line. The dragon kite can
be adjusted for differing winds by changing where the bridle line loop is
located. (Higher for higher winds and lower for light to moderate winds.
Wind range is usually 7-25 mph.

Kite information provided by
KITESVILLE U.S.A.