Questions & Answers and Glossary Q1: What is a kite? Q2: Where can I get a good kite? Q3: How does one get started in competitions? Where do I find rules and how do I learn the figures? How does one find out the locations? Q4: Where can I get books on kites? Q5: What is 3-D flying? Q6: What are 360's? Q7: Line Length for Stunt Kites Q8: Stunt Kite Handles and Line Winders Q9: Where to get (cheapest) replacement spars for Revolution kites Q10: Where to get plans for ringelschlange (snake ring) Q11: I'm interested in kite aerial photography Q12: What are good beginner stunt kites? Q13: What are good first time single-line kites? Q14 : Should I make or buy a kite bag; who makes the best bags? Q15: What is a wind tamer? Q16: What is a ghost kite? Q17: Where can I get event results and conference standings? Q18: What strength line should I use for my single-line kite? Q19: I want to start making kites. Where can I get plans and materials? Q20: What is a radical kite? Q21: What is an axel? How do I do an axel? And other stunts, etc. Q22: How can I prevent stunt kite line sleeving from 'scrunching' up? Q23: Telephone numbers for popular mail order retailers. Q24: How can I learn to fly a quad-line kite? Q25: Is there a list of errors in Stunts II? Q26: Where can I get a jpeg/gif viewer? A. Questions & Answers Q1: What is a kite? A kite is a wind-powered, tethered flying object/device. Kites come in an incredible variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. The main division between kites has to do with the number of flying lines, with single and dual lines being the most common, and quad line kites gaining popularity. Q2: Where can I get a good kite? First, try your local yellow pages. Check the Address FAQ. Ask other kitefliers at your local park. For comments on some stunt kites, see the Kite Review FAQ. Q3: How does one get started in competitions? Where do I find rules and how do I learn the figures? How does one find out the locations? In the US, write to the American Kitefliers Association (AKA) or a local club. The AKA rules book lists the official rules for competitions and gives many standard figures for precision flying. See listing of AKA publications in Book section. See the Address FAQ for a list of AKA-affiliated clubs. In the rest of the world: STACK is the world wide association of Stunt Team And Competitive Kiting, with more than 500 members and national directors in 15 countries. Address listed in Organization section. Most magazines have a calendar of events which includes stunt kite competitions. American Kite publishes a wall calendar in its winter or spring issue which shows dates for most major stunt kite competitions (the calendar runs March - February). Talk to local kiteflyers. Join the AKA or another club. Local or regional events often have novice stunt kite events. Q4: Where can I get books on kites? Most kite stores have a selection of books. Mail order companies also sell books. The most complete, one-stop source is the Kite Lines Book Store (see Books, Section 5). Q5: What is 3-D flying? 3-D flying is a technique mostly done with Revs that involves taking your kite out of the spherical surface it usually flies upon. The most common trick is a catch-and-throw, which is referred to as a javelin. Jeffrey C. Burka (jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu). See Jeff's article (how-to, equipment modifications) on 3-D flying in the archives: pub/rec/kites/tips/3-d.flying.article.mark-II. Q6: What are 360's? A no-wind to very light wind maneuver for stunt kites. The kite flyer starts by flying the kite to the edge of the window, then the flyer walks or runs backwards in a big circle while flying the kite in a circle, from edge of window to upwind and around to the other window edge. Keep good tension on the lines (and the shorter they are, the easier that is). Q7: Line Length for Stunt Kites What length line to use is determined by a combination of factors: expertise of flyer; space available for flyers at parks; type of flying; wind level. Longer lines (125'-150'+) are used by beginning flyers for longer reaction times; where the parks are uncrowded and space is not at a premium; for team flying (more space around and between kites) or precision flying. Longer lines are heavier, slowing down a kite's response time and limiting the wind range one can fly in, and more expensive. Shorter lines require quicker reflexes. They take up less space, so more people can fly where flying areas are limited. Shorter lines are often used in light winds (less weight) or for doing 360s and other very light wind maneuvers. Jeffrey C. Burka (jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu) Marty Sasaki (sasaki@netop3.harvard.edu) Q8: Stunt Kite Handles and Line Winders Many novice stunt kite flyers use combination plastic handles/winders, and the flyer unwinds as much line as desired for each session. As more kites are acquired (it happens), most flyers buy a set of handles, and separate sets of lines and winders. Jeffrey C. Burka (jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu) writes (with minor edits): Most folks use a somewhat ergonomic style of kite handles. The basic shape is a cylinder about 6" long and 1" in diameter with foam rubber around the outside. There are a number of such products on the market, including handles from Moran (top and bottom are tapered and amazingly comfy), AFG (aluminum handles), Shanti (the SkyClaw -- possibly the single most popular stunt kite handle), and Premier. Other folks like to use wrist or finger straps (finger straps are tiny straps big enough to get just a finger or two through; they're great in very light winds). [Wrist straps may cause carpal tunnel syndrome.] What all of these types of 'handles' have in common is that there's no way to wind line directly on to them. Your line has to be pre-cut to a certain length in a matching set. Seperate winders (such as the Shanti Crazy 8, the Moran flat winder, 'Web' winders from Catch the Wind, Dual Spools, etc.) are then used to store each set of lines. Most folks will maintain a number of different line sets in their bags. Q9: Where to get (cheapest) replacement spars for Revolution kites. 1. Your local kite shop 2. BFK, Rowland Heights, CA. 800-638-5483, Ext. 1569 (orders only, no technical questions) or 818-912-1272 3. Into the Wind, Boulder, CO. 800-541-0314 Q10: Where to get plans for ringelschlange (snake ring) (Windspiel, a line toy) The plans were published in the Feb/March/April '93 issue of Drachen Magazine (in German). For back issues, check with American Kite or Drachen (see Magazine section). Post a request and someone *might* send you a copy of the instructions. Q11: I'm interested in kite aerial photography. Check the archives pub/rec/kites/kap for a collection of articles. See the listing for Kite Aerial Photography Worldwide Association Foundation in Section 3, Organizations (in Part I). Join the AKA and ask to receive the new quarterly newsletter about kite aerial photography (See listing for "The Aerial Eye" under Organizations (in Part I). Post questions. Q12: What are good beginner stunt kites? The following was written by Jeffrey Burka (jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu): The easiest to learn beginners kite is a diamond (Powell/trlby/dynakite, etc.) One of the biggest advantages to a single diamond is the ease with which you can re-launch after a crash. Kiting can become very frustrating when you have to keep walking 150' to set up a kite. These kites also verge on indestructible. 3/4 deltas (Team/Spin-off/Extreme/El Nino/Stinger750 /Wizard, etc.) might be good 2nd kites, but their increased speed, both forward and turning, make them harder to learn on (though I certainly know people who have learned on them). Their lower pricing (usually between $75 and $130) makes them attractive to beginners who aren't willing to dump a lot of money into a new hobby, but this doesn't necessarily mean they're good kites for beginners. Full-sized deltas (Spin-Off/Hawaiian Team/Super Sky Dart/Slingshot/LiteFlite/Phantom/Big Brother, etc.) are a fairly good place to start, though the price can be inhibiting to a beginner. However, there are plenty of good full-sized kites that are good for learning on; slower air speeds, a nice tendency to never stall, and so on. With all of these kites, as Marty Sasaki says, it's probably best to stay away from graphite-framed kites at first, as they are easier to break. Q13: What are good first time single-line kites? Courtesy of Marty Sasaki (sasaki@netop3.harvard.edu): The old fashioned diamond kite that we all made as kids is probably not the best place to start with single line kites. These are surprisingly complex and getting one to fly well requires a large amount of skill (or a lot of luck). A good quality delta kite is probably a good place to start. These range from the toy store variety costing a few dollars to high tech ripstop nylon and graphite stick kites costing hundreds of dollars. Most will fly well in a variety of wind conditions. Another good kite would be a Delta-Conyne, often referred to as a DC. A DC is a cross between a delta and a box kite. Dragon kites are also good kites to start on. These consist of a head, usually arch shapped, and a long tail. After a bit more experience you might try a box kite of some sort, or a parafoil. Box kites come in a dazzling number of designs. Parafoils (and their relatives, flow forms and strato-scoops) don't have any sticks. They use the air to fill them and hold them rigid enough to fly. Q14 : Should I make or buy a kite bag; who makes the best bags? Most people buy kite bags -- by the time you've paid retail for good fabric, zipper(s), webbing for straps and handles, and a few pieces of hardware, you've paid for a good portion of a kite bag. Most flyers prefer MLD Bags which are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes of kite bags and equipment bags from many kite dealers. TOTL bags are less expensive; comments indicate that "you get what you pay for" and that they don't hold up as well. Another source is The Bag Lady, Judy Brown, in Oregon, at 503-689-8175. Q15: What is a wind tamer? A wind tamer is a piece of mesh fabric attached to a stunt kite to improve handling in higher winds, thus increasing a kite's wind range. It creates drag, slowing the kite down and decreasing the kite's pull. Bridle adjustments may be necessary on some kites, and timing of some maneuvers will be different. Several styles of tamers are available commercially. Q16: What is a ghost kite? It's a triangle of fairly strong spars, the three points of which mimic the 2-D spatial relationship of the 3 bridle points on a diamond kite. A bridle is attached to the ghost frame and the frame is then attached to the lead kite via train lines. (Jeff Burka) ...the main purpose of the ghost is to act as a spreader to better distribute the load from the train to the bridle lines, and to keep the lead kite from collapsing under the wind load.... (Dan Rubesh) Q17: Where can I get event results and conference standings? The AKA now has a computerized and interactive telephone information line, the AKA Automated Information System (408-SEE-4-AKA). It currently has results for the conference standings for 1993 and 1994 (to-date). Eastern League results should be available in a few weeks with other circuits and leagues added in the future. The phone system also includes information about: what is the AKA and how to join what is the convention and '94 and '95 locations what are the regions who are the regional directors what about the insurance; coverage and filing claims The program was written by Darrin Skinner (Darrin.Skinner@ebay.sun.com), who also enters results into the system and is planning enhancements. (Getting results into the system depends on event organizers sending the results to the conference commissioners who forward them to Darrin.) Q18: What strength line should I use for my single-line kite? Start by calculating the area, in square feet, of lifting surface of the kite. A rule of thumb is to multiply the area by a factor of 5 to determine breaking strength (factor varies with different designs). Kite line is usually sold with a breaking or tensile strength rating (50 pounds,100 pounds, etc.), which is the minimum load that may cause the line to break. The 'working load' is considerably less than the breaking strength; numbers vary from 1/6 to 1/2 of the breaking strength. Knots, the age and the condition of the line may further reduce the working load. The amount a knot reduces line strength varies by knot, line type, and line diameter. Many common knots reduce line strength by 20-40%. Wind speed may also influence line strength. Each kite will fly in a range of wind speed, and the line that's appropriate for the bottom of the range may not be appropriate for the upper end of the range. If the kite has an adjustable bridle, the bridle can be set to maximize or minimize pull, which will influence choice of line. Experience plays a large part in deciding what line to use. Check what other kite flyers are using. Look in kite catalogs for line recommendations for similar kites. Decide how much you'll care if you lose your kite because the line broke (and write your name and phone number on the kite). Q19: I want to start making kites. Where can I get plans and materials? For stunt kite plans, check the Stunt Kite Plan Bibliography (a FAQ) and the Book Section in Part 1 of this FAQ. Books with single-line plans are also listed in the Book Section. Margaret Greger's books are recommended for single-line kites, and _Stunt Kites to Make and Fly_ by Servaas van der Horst and Nop Velthuizen for stunt kites. The Address FAQ has a section for kitemaking supplies. Talk to local kiteflyers; visit your local kite shop. Join a kite club (see club listings in the Address FAQ). Check kite magazines for ads for businesses that sell kitemaking materials. Ask questions on rec.kites. Browse the archives. Q20: What is a radical kite? A radical kite is one which typically turns inside its wingtip, oversteers, accelerates in turns (related to oversteer), and stalls, skates, axels, turtles, etc. easily, i.e., a radical kite is a kite which can do radical tricks. Not all kites considered radical fit the 'typical' definition above. For instance, the Tracer turns well inside its wingtip, but has virtually no oversteer. It's difficult to skate, but will axel, stall, and turtle. Radicals are typically harder to fly than other kites and aren't recommended for beginners. It has been agreed that in order for different flyers to reasonably compare kites, a kite should be flown and judged using the 'from the factory' bridle settings. There are lots of good radicals, including but not limited to: Pro/Star Watcher II (Jordan Air) Tracer/Trooper/Tracker/Trixter (family of kites from Skynasaur) Ultra Little Sister Spook/Spookie California Wasp (Miguel Rodriguez) Radian/Eclipse/Ion (Prism) Katana XTC (Buena Vista) Jeff Burka (jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu) with minor edits and additions Q21: What is an axel? How do I do an axel? And other stunts, etc. An axel is a radical trick where the kite is made to float around one rotation in a stall-type spin. See the archive file pub/rec/kites/tips/axel for several how-to articles. Also see archive file pub/rec/kites/tips/nomeclature for names and descriptions of other popular stunts. Q22: How can I prevent stunt kite line sleeving from 'scrunching' up? Several people have described methods that work for them: 1. The single most effective thing I've found to avoid scrunching is to tie the double-overhand knot extremely carefully. I lay the two strands parallel the entire way through the knot. If they cross over each other, I seem to get scrunch, if they don't, I don't. Pete Meek (pwmeek@mail.msen.com) 2.My method is to thread the line through the sleeve, then tie a knot at the end of the spectra (so it won't get pulled back through the sleeving in case of an accident during re-tying). I then tie a single overhand knot at the loose end of the sleeving, double over the sleeve, and tie either one or two overhand knots to create the loop, depending on how long the sleeve is. ....I would also note that, when possible, use a sleeve diameter appropriate to the line. Jeff Burka (jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu) 3. I use 135# dacron for 80# and 150# spectra with good effect. I also use a figure-eight knot instead of one or two overhand knots. I'm careful to make sure that both lines are completely parallel throughout the knot and don't twist inside of the knot. I haven't noticed any scrunching with this combination. The figure-eight knot is easier to untie than one or two overhands should you want to make an adjustment. Lee Hetherington (ilh@lcs.mit.edu) 4. In a nut shell, recommendations were: a) Use a diffent knot - An overhand knot, a surgeon's knot or a figure 8 knot b) Double the knot c) Use smaller sleeving material d) Stretch out the sleeving material repeatedly before knotting e) Double the line to be sleeved before sleeving Stephen Cseplo (sc5@prism.gatech.edu) Q23: Telephone numbers for popular mail order retailers. Into the Wind: 800-541-0314 or 303-449-5356 BFK: 800-638-5483 ext 1569 or 818-912-1272 Cutting Edge: 800-972-9885 or 206-631-7449 Hang 'Em High Fabrics: 804-233-6155 Q24: How can I learn to fly a quad-line kite? Check out files in the archives dealing with Revolution kites, in the 'tips' and 'techniques' directories. Ron Reich's book 'Kite Precision' has a chapter on flying quad-line kites. Q25: Is there a list of errors in Stunts II? A list of errors was posted in early September, and when it is archived, the file name will be listed here. Q26: Where can I get a jpeg/gif viewer for Windows? A shareware viewer called LViewPro is available by anonymous ftp from oak.oakland.edu. Get /pub/msdos/windows3/lviewp17.zip B. Glossary Spars These are the framing members of a kite. There are several types of spars. Spine Main Spar Center Spar All of the above are names for the spar that runs from the nose to the tail of a kite. It is usually in the center of the kite; but some kites (such as the Revolution) have dual spines, and some have no center spine (such as the Flexi-Foil). Vertical Spar(s) Longerons Spars that run from the top to the bottom of the kite. Leading Edge Spars These run along the front edge (called the leading edge) of the kite. Cross Spars Spreader Spars These run perpendicular to the center spar and keep the kite spread out. The number of cross spars varies from kite to kite but is usually one or two. Stunt kites usually have one or two spreaders. Single line kites may have many spreaders, or no spreaders, depending on the design of the kite. Whiskers Standoffs These are small thin spars that run between the trailing edges (back edge of the kite) and the spreader spars. Their purpose is to make sure the sail keeps theright shape in light winds. These are found most often on delta (triangular shaped) stunt kites. Sail Skin The sail of a kite is the material that covers the spars. Sails are made from many different materials (see below). Bridle Lines The bridle of a kite is a set of short lines that distribute the attachment of the control line(s) to the kite. The control line is attached to the bridle point, and then two or more (usually three) short lines attach to the kite. In stunt kites the major purpose of a bridle is to allow the kite to be deformed properly so that it can be steered. It also helps keep the surface of the kite at the proper angle of attack (the angle it forms with the direction of the wind) For single line kites, distributing the load on a very large kite is often necessary, and a bridle can serve this purpose. Kite Line The term "string" doesn't really apply to flying line when you consider the strengths and the materials used for flying line. Stunt Kites use two or more lines to control the direction and speed of a kite. Stunt kite lines are often made out of Kevlar or Spectra. See the section on materials for more information.