Kite Flying

"Oh, go fly a kite!" is an old expression telling someone to "get lost" or similar. But kiting is a rapidly growing sport in this country. No longer is kite flying just for kids. It has become a sport that is popular for all ages, from wee ones to grandparents. My interest is in flying stunt kites – the kind you can maneuver as they fly. With a little practice one can make the kite do loops, dives, figure-eights, swoops close to the ground, and other such maneuvers. Several models and styles are available. I've seen one that could be kept in steady flight just a few inches above the ground.

My "beginner" stunt kite is of the classic diamond shape with a tail, an easy one to control after gaining a little experience. (Jump to see a stained glass version of that design.) This photo shows me proudly displaying my favorite – a delta-wing design with a 5-foot wing span. It handles quite differently than my beginner kite, so I am still learning the finer points of how to control it.