Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Single-Line Parafoil Kite
Choose a windy flying area with minimal obstructions. A wide area away from tall trees and buildings is ideal.
Set the kite on the ground with your back to the wind. Walk backwards and unwind five to 10 feet of kite string. Pull the string taught; the kite will lift off the ground and begin to fly. If the wind isn't strong enough, have someone hold the kite in the air for an assisted launch.
Feed out string from the kite winder, allowing the kite to fly higher. Walk backwards if the kite begins to descend. Note that the wind is generally stronger higher above the ground.
Raise the kite to the desired level. The parafoil design is inherently stable, and with consistent wind, the kite will stay aloft until you reel in the kite string.
Two- and Four-Line Parafoil Kites
Find a suitable flying area with minimal obstructions and without people. Large parafoil kites are dangerous and can cause serious injury to bystanders if they are not flown correctly.
Place the kite on the ground with your back to the wind. Slowly walk backward and unwind the full length of the kite lines.
Attach the lines to the kite handles or kite harness if they are not already. Check the lines for twists. Put on protective equipment including helmets and knee pads.
Pull back evenly on the kite lines; with enough wind the kite will rise off the ground. Recruit a friend to help with an assisted launch if there isn't enough wind. Instruct him to hold the kite off the ground while you pull back evenly on the lines. Step backward to apply the initial tension to the lines.
Raise the kite above the ground and into the wind window. The wind window is an area directly downwind of you where the wind is the strongest and creates the highest amount of force on the kite. Keep the parafoil kite in or around this window to maintain flight.
Steer the kite by pulling slightly more with one hand. A slight pull with your right hand turns the kite to the right, while a pull with your left hand turns the kite left. Fly the kite back and forth through the wind window for best performance.
Land the kite by taking the kite to the edge of the wind window, where it will slowly descend. Four-line kites have the advantage of brake lines. Pull gently on the brake lines while landing the kite.