The beach is a perfect place for flying a kite. Many of us probably share the fond memory of picking out a new kite and heading to the beach looking for wind. I remember frantically running into the wind hoping to feel the tug of the string in my hand as my kite bolted skyward. There’s just something joyful about kids, kites and the beach. This is especially true the first time they fly one. While the simple joy of kite flying has remained the same the kite technology, styles and materials, have drastically changed over the years. This week we have all the newest kites for you to try this summer on Ocean Isle Beach.
Choosing A Kite
There are several things to consider when choosing your kid first kite. Consider the age of the child, what you’re looking to do with the kite, local wind conditions, and cost. Basically there are two types of kites you’ll want to consider when kite shopping. Those are single and double line kites. This is not to say there aren’t other types of kites, but these are by far the most popular. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
Single Line Kites
Single line kites are by far the easiest kites to fly. Basically, any single line kite you purchase will perform well even in the hands of a novice kite flier. Usually the more complex the kite is the more skill it will require to fly, but even the most complex single line kite will still only require minimal effort. The hardest thing to decide is usually the size and color.
Single line kites aren’t just for children either, some of the most advanced and exotic kites made to date are single line types. Single line kites can range in size from twelve-inch wingspan diamonds to massive Delta style kites. For a simple, indestructible single line kite choose a Parafoil. Parafoils are excellent kites, the colors are bright, they’re inexpensive, very stable, require no assembly, and anyone can launch and fly it, even a 5-year-old.
Stunt Kites
Stunt kites require a lot more skill to master. These kites are very fast, agile, and much more expensive. For this reason, they’re not suitable for beginners. If shopping for your first stunt kite, get one that’s as indestructible as possible.
We always recommend learning to fly an inexpensive stunt kite first, then when you’re ready to go for the more expensive high-performance model, you’ll be familiar with the performance, handling, and speeds of stunt kites. Knowing these things will give you the best idea of what you want out of your next kite.
Three of the most popular kites
The Diamond Kite
The most common type of kite that you will see when you go out to the park will be the diamond kite. This is the type of kite that most people imagine when they think of kites. It gets its name from its diamond shape, featuring four sides with two sides of equal length.
A diamond kite is such a popular design because it’s both well balanced and easy to learn to fly. Due to these excellent performance characteristics, you’ll find diamond kites are the best choice for younger children who are first learning how to fly kites and even beginner adult kite flyers.
While their performance may not be overly impressive when compared to other forms of kites, they have other advantages. Unlike other types of kites, diamond kites are easy to make on your own, meaning that the vast majority of homemade kites will fall under this category. Just look on Pinterest and you’ll find loads of fun kite ideas.
The Delta Kite
The delta kite is one of the more popular and higher performing kites in the beginner spectrum of kites. They are generally more expensive than diamond kites, but for a good reason. Delta kites tend to be made of high-quality materials such as ripstop nylon and they often feature frames made of lightweight materials for the best possible performance. However, you can still by a nice Delta kite for under twenty bucks all day long.
Featuring a roughly triangular shape, delta kites typically do not have the type of streamer tails that are commonly seen on diamond kites. When it comes to single line deltas, few kites feature the same level of performance while being controlled by only a single line.
Deltas are very versatile kites, as they can fly in a large variety of wind conditions. This makes them ideal for areas where the wind is somewhat unpredictable. If your child demonstrates a love of kites from an early age, you might find that it would be a good idea to purchase them a delta kite.
Parafoils
Parafoils are easy to fly, come in a variety of styles, and colors and are the easiest to pack because they don’t have any poles. These kites look a lot like modern parachutes. Another great thing about Parafoils is they are very strong and durable, making them perfect for kids. Lots of places sell these kites on Ocean Isle Beach.
General Rules for Picking Kite Flying Days
Because we don’t control the wind, we learn to watch for the right kite flying conditions. Winds that are too strong or too light are challenging to fly in. A flag or windsock is handy to help you see the wind. About 5-25 mph is best for most kites.
Kite flying is most fun when the wind is a steady medium strength. This allows you to take advantage of all your kite’s best characteristics. You can make your kite dance across the sky by pulling in and letting out the line or let out the line and see how high you can fly the kite.
Flying Space should be a clear, open area. Stay away from roads, power lines, or airports. Open fields, parks, and beaches are great for flying kites. The more room you have, the more line you can let out. Always be courteous on the beach when kite flying.
Remember that as the wind goes over and around trees and buildings, it gets bumpy and challenging to fly kites in. Watch out for kite-eating trees!
Flying in a storm is a serious no, no. Never fly in rain or lightning. Electricity in clouds is attracted to damp kite lines and foolish kite fliers. Stay safe and avoid the temptation of those strong winds.
Now that you’ve picked out your kite and are ready to fly, now it’s time to book your Ocean Isle Beach vacation. You can go online at out safe and secure website to book directly from Williamson Realty Vacations or, of course, we are always here to take your call and help you find the perfect vacation home. Give us a call today at 800-727-9222.
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