 Review by
Richard SumrallThe old expression "go fly a kite" takes on
a completely different meaning in the new book "Kites." Sports enthusiast
Rosanne Cobb has written an informative and lively book on an activity whose
origins can be traced to Asia over 3,000 years ago. Today kite flying has
gone high-tech and features exquisitely decorated kites, stunt and sport
kites, water kites, and kitesurfing and kiteboarding. Cobb's book is divided
into the five subjects that explain kite flying as a hobby or sport: kites
and equipment, understanding the wind, basic flying skills, kite sports, and
safety measures.
Understanding kites and equipment
It is important to distinguish the different kinds of kites available
today. Most people are familiar with the single-line kite, but kites also
come in multiline designs for sports, stunts and other activities.
Regardless of the number of control lines, all kites share some basic
characteristics. Those characteristics include the design, or shape; the
construction materials -- sailcloth, spars, lines; the size; and the control
system -- holding on to a flying kite.
Understanding the wind
It is ironic that the wind is "the most crucial piece of equipment you
need for kite sports." Understanding the wind and its relationship to the
kite is dependent on four factors: speed -- different kites require
different wind force; direction -- when you're in proximity to natural
features such as bodies of water; quality -- constant, not gusty; and the
window. The wind window is the key to getting your kite airborne. You must
position yourself so that you are upwind of the kite; that position fans out
about 180 degrees in front of you and extends about 90 degrees from the
ground to above your head. The 40 percent middle of this window is the
optimum portion and is known as the power zone.
Basic flying skills
According to Cobb, "Kite flying is not hugely taxing, but there is a fair
amount to learn, which takes time." There are four basic flying skills to
master.
The setup is the assembly of the kite prior to flight. Most kites come
with explicit instructions and, depending on their size and shape, are
easier to assemble indoors rather than outdoors.
The launch is the first step, in which your kite becomes aloft and
achieves altitude. Contrary to popular belief, running is not an effective
way to launch a kite. If you are performing a two-person launch, you
generally remain stationary while unwinding the line. As your friend holding
the kite releases it, you pull the line toward you. If you are executing a
solo launch, stand with your back to the wind, slowly let out the line and
let the wind take the kite upward.
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The different maneuvers you want to perform will depend on the
kind of kite you are flying. Single-line kites are less maneuverable
than the multiline versions. The extra lines give you greater
control in performing tricks such as loops, stalls, stands and
turns.
The landing is important to master so that you don't damage the
kite during its descent. A single-line kite can be landed by either
reeling it in or walking up the line. Multiline kites require
greater skill and usually incorporate the technique of stalling. A
properly performed stall will cause the kite to lose power suddenly
and make the landing easier and safer.
Kite sports
The evolution of kiting has taken it beyond the traditional forms
into new and exciting sports activities. These kite sports have been
developed to harness the power of the wind and use it as a force for
traction and motion. Land-based traction sports include kite
buggying, with single-seat, three-wheel vehicles; kite landboarding,
a variation on skateboarding; and kite skiing and snowboarding.
Water-based traction sports include kiteboarding and kitesurfing.
Kitesurfing resembles windsurfing except that you capture the wind
with a kite rather than a sail. Kiteboarding employs the same
pulling principle and uses the wind instead of a boat and cable. In
each of the sports Cobb devotes considerable attention to explaining
their basic skills, equipment needs and some simple maneuvers.
Safety
Regardless of the kind of kite flying activity you are
participating in, it is important to observe all appropriate
measures of safety. This includes choosing the right activity site,
identifying the optimum flying conditions, outfitting the proper
equipment and wearing protective gear. Protective gear is especially
important when engaged in kite sports and should always include
helmets, pads, body armor, gloves, long-sleeved clothing and water
flotation devices.
"Kites" is an enjoyable and informative book that takes a fresh
look at an ages-old activity. As Cobb writes in the introduction,
"Whether kites are big or small, homemade or factory designed, flown
for power or beauty, all are a truly inspiring spectacle and never
less than fantastic fun to fly." This book is recommended to anyone
who enjoys kite flying or wishes to increase their knowledge of this
timeless hobby.
[Text from file received
from Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District] |
