Kites 101

I need it for a school project for my niece. Preferably a dragon or a fish…….

I live at UCSB, and sometimes it gets windy. So windy, that I’ve finally decided to make a kite and fly it at Campus Point. But I need some information on how to make some basic kites. Materials, designs, all that stuff.

And you better not put “the Internet” or you will end up looking like a dumbasss.

Kitesurfing is one craze that’s swept the world in the recent years. Whether it is in a remote island in the Pacific, or in a coastal state in the UK, kitesurfing destinations have flourished. Of course, the best way to learn the sport is on some beautiful tropical island with the warm winds blowing against your face.

While it may be relatively cheap for some people, there are several expenses that you need to make, such as airfare, hotel accommodations and kitesurfing lessons. Although the school might provide for equipment rental, there are some who prefer having their own equipment, such as the kite. To minimize cost, it helps to know where and how to find the cheapest kites in the world.

There are different kinds of kites to suit the type of rider and the wind conditions. The most common types are the inflatable kites and foil kites. Other kite variations are actually improvements of these two types. In choosing the kite, you also need to know the number of lines, as there may be 2, 4 or 6 lines in a kite.

Each kite has its own advantages and disadvantages. Kites also come in different sizes and colors. There are also different shapes and designs such as rectangular and bow-type. These kites perform differently under different conditions such as weight of the rider and wind speed. That is why most seasoned riders have more than 1 kite, usually 3 to 5.

This explains why you need to know how you can spend less so you can buy more. Here are some tips,

Choose a kite from a known brand. This makes it more durable, thus giving you more mileage. Also, it is easier to sell a branded used kite, at a higher price.

Browse through the internet to find better deals and discounted prices. Other shops give discounts when you buy in bulk or packages.

Used or second hand kites are also a cheaper deal. The price range for most kites is $500-$1,500. If you purchase used ones, the price substantially drops.

Another way to save on the kite is to convert old surfboards into kiteboards. There are some establishments which provide that service.

To get the most out of your kite, you must also know how to take care of them. Sand and water are two main elements to watch out for. Make sure that you remove sand and water off the kite before packing them.

Lay the kite flat on the beach before pumping it up. This reduces bladder twists, which can cause the kite to deform. Also, pump it when you’ve reached the beach and not beforehand. Transporting a pumped up kite can damage your kite.

Lines must be knot-free. Knots weaken the line and may increase the chance of a line break. Bars must also be washed and checked regularly. When transporting your kite, use its bag.

It pays to know where to find the cheapest kitesurfing kites in the world. But always remember that the primary factor in choosing your equipment is not the price but safety. Choose cheap kites without sacrificing your safety or the safety of others.

In reality, there are no cheap kites. But you can find ways to increase the kite’s mileage through proper care and maintenance.