Kite Buyers Guide

The following guide explains the different types of kites available:

We also offer advice on:

Single Line

Single line kites are designed to be stable in medium winds and are the easiest for younger children to fly. Kites are attached to one piece of string (known as line) and once airborne they simply float in the sky. Single line kites come in a variety of shapes and sizes - diamond, delta, box and parafoils are the most usual types. Most kites have one or two rods (known as spars) made of plastic, fibreglass, or carbon fibre to keep the fabric (called the sail) taught.

Larger delta kites often fly in lighter winds, whilst diamond shapes bring back childhood memories of how kites used to be. Box kites, originally designed to be stable in strong winds, are now made with modern materials and can be very efficient. Parafoils are soft kites - they have no rods, but are durable and convenient.

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Stunt Kites

Stunt kites, also known as dual line kites, are designed for you to control the movement of the kite in the air. Most models can withstand crashes, forgiving enough for people of any age to enjoy flying for the first time. Entry-level stunt kites usually include a ready-to-fly package, which include two lines, plus straps or handles. The line that comes with most entry-level kites is made of high-tech braided fibre called Dacron or Dyneema. The wind range on entry-level kites are large approximately 5-20 mph.

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Power Kites

Among the most popular types today, power kites are based on inflatable foil shapes. Manufactured with high-performance tough fabric, power kites create 'pull'. The larger the kite, the more power it produces. Power kites usually have two lines and are completely soft, whilst other models have spars - these can also be 'stacked' with other power kites to create even more pull.

You'll typically see power kites used for recreational flying on the beach, where flyers skid along the ground, or jump into the air as they harness the kites' incredible pulling power. Power kites are not difficult to fly, so you can expect to pick up the basic flying manoeuvres in no time at all.

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Traction Kites

With their larger sails, traction kites generate even more pulling power, so are typically used to drag the flyer along in a three-wheeled buggy or on a landboard - a sort of large skateboard designed for kite flyers. Traction kites typically have four lines rather than two, with the extra lines providing more control over how the kites are manoeuvred in the sky - brake lines allow more responsive steering and enable easier controlled landings. Because of their size, traction kites tend to be slower through the air, but this also offers more precise control over handling.

Traction kites come in various sizes - sails of around 3-5 square metres are ideal for buggying or use with landboards.

Caution: traction kites can generate a great deal of power, so should be used responsibly.

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Where to Fly your Kite