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How to Fly a Parafoil

Parafoil kites are so named because they have qualities similar to those of a parachute and airfoils much like those of airplane wings. Parafoils have no hard frame, and no spooled line to control them. Rather, a parafoil has two handles from which colored cords are attached to its outer ends. This creates two sets of fixed-distance handles that allow for stunt control. A standard kite has a frame and is not as mobile.

Instructions

- 1
  Set the parafoil on the ground and make sure that the two sets of colored cords, usually red and blue, attach to the handles of the same color. Untangle the cords, then wrap the wrist guards around your wrist and slowly walk backward away from the parafoil so that the cords are extended.
- 2
  Make the cords taut. Wait for a slight wind to open and spread out the foils. When a stronger wind blows, pull down on one side of the kite, using the handle, and brace yourself as the parafoil lifts off the ground.
- 3
  Keep the tension on the two handles even to keep the parafoil nearly directly overhead. Pull down on a handle to turn the parafoil to that side. Bring the handles even to keep the kite overhead.
- 4
  Practice making the parafoil go back and forth using the handles. Get a solid feel for how the parafoil responds and its turning radius. The larger the parafoil, the larger the radius.
- 5
  Bring the parafoil back down by stalling it. Pull down on both handles, and as the kite gets close to the ground, pull down on one side as hard as possible so that the foils fold up and the kite falls to the ground.

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