Looping and diving aren't the only manouver you can perform
with a stunt kite. Read the list below to learn how to do some really cool
stunts with you kite. Click on the links in the table below to learn how
to do the stunts with your kite. I hope you understand that these stunts
are for kites with two lines.
Index
Basic moves
Basic launch
- With the kite in front of you balanced on the wing tips, leaning slightly
backward, lines taut, simultaneously pull back with both hands, underhand.
The kite will rise into the air. Often a short step back will aid in the
launch.
Back to index...
Basic landing
- The kite lands on both wing tips simultaneously. Fly the kite close
to the ground, left to right. When the kite starts to slow down (at the
edge of the wind window) pull slightly on the inner line or 'up' wing to
bring the kite around, parallel to the ground. Simultaneously walk toward
the kite. This will allow the kite to settle softly on it's wingtips.
Back to index...
Pull turn
- The direction of the kite is determined by pulling one or the other
line. Pulling on the left line causes the kite to turn left (counterclockwise).
Pulling right causes the kite to turn right (clockwise).
Back to index...
Push turn
- Controls the direction of the kite by pushing one or the other line.
Push turns tend to be more crisp and angular. Push left and the kite turns
right (clockwise). Push right and the kite turns left (counterclockwise).
Back to index...
Combination turn
- Combines the push turn and the pull turn. This type of turn is very
abrupt and angular. Pushing right and pulling left causes the kite to quickly
turn left (counterclockwise). Push left, pull right causes the kite to
turn right (clockwise). This move is the basis of many advances maneuvers.
Back to index...
Dual line tricks
Belly launch
- The kite is launched from a "pancaked"
position. The kite is in front of you on it's belly with the nose pointing
away. Offset your hands, pulling back more on the downwind hand. Now step/run
backwards without changing the position of your hands. As the kite picks
up and starts to turn around pull your hands together and the kite will
take off. Best accomplished in lighter winds.
Back to index...
Belly pop
- Fly the kite to the left side of the wind window and do a belly
landing. The kite is now on it's belly, nose pointing away from you,
on the very edge of the window. Pull very gently on the left line to position
the kite with it's nose pointing slightly inward. Now pull hard on the
right line which will cause wind to enter the right wing and in turn causes
the kite to actually lift and "pop" back into the wind window.
Back to index...
Leading edge launch
- The kite is launched from it's side. Fly the kite near the edge of
the window, close to the ground, left to right. Pull right and gently crash
to the ground. The kite should now be on it's right side. (be careful the
kite does not tip over). Pull left (the 'up') wing slowly until it begins
to fall toward you. Tug the left line and almost at the same time with
the right. The kite should lift off on it's side. Stepping backward during
this maneuver also helps.
Back to index...
Flip over / Cartwheel
- The kite is flipped over from a side or nose down position on the ground.
From a nose down or side position, tug on the wing that is pointed up in
the air. This will rock the kite to the opposite side. Let the wing that
is up fall back a little by extending that arm. Now sharply tug that side
and release with the other. The kite should flip over onto it's wing tips.
Always try to flip toward the center of the window. Be careful, you may
break a leading edge rod learning this essential move. The move is very
useful getting out of crashes during competition (or avoiding walking down
field any time!).
Back to index...
Stall
- Technically speaking: when the kites drag and lift come into equilibrium.
Or in plain English: the kite is made to hover or sit still. Fly the kite
to the edge or overhead until it stops. After you stall your kite, you
may find it hard to hold it stalled. Or you may find that it does not stay
nose pointed up. Here is some advice to help you learn to work with a stalled
kite. First when you stall a kite, the controls will sort of reverse. To
raise a dropping wingtip, gently pull on the side that is dropping. This
is counter intuitive since you pull on the opposite line than you would
to turn the kite up. To help maintain a stall you need to keep tension
off the lines. Walk slowly toward the kite to do this. If the kite starts
to drop, then apply a very small amount of tension to the lines to bring
it back up. You can also shake one or both hands, this works to keep the
air behind the kite from flowing smoothly over the back and accelerating
the kite.
Back to index...
Spin stall/landing
- Air is forced or 'dumped' out of the kite's sail for a brief moment.
Fly the kite from left to right, roughly parallel to the ground. Just before
reaching the edge, pull the left line quickly for one complete turn and
release just as the wings become parallel to the ground. To land, simply
walk forward.
Back to index...
Snap stall
- Air is forced out of the sail very quickly, as in a spin
stall, but without the spin. Fly the kite left to right parallel to
the ground. Pull left to initiate a left turn, then punch right to counteract
that motion, then return both hands to neutral position. This is done very
quickly, in a split second. The kite should stall with the nose up, wing
tips parallel to the ground.
Back to index...
Side slide
- The kite stalls across the wind window sideways.
Fly the kite to the right side of the window. Pull right like a spin, but
release early, when the wing tips are parallel to the ground. This will
cause the kite to slide. Some kites slide more easily than others. A heavier
bridle adjustment also helps.
Back to index...
Spike
- The kite is forced into a "wing tip stand".
Fly right to left, very close to the ground. Pull right, push left, then
push left even further. This movement is done in a blink of an eye. The
first combination turn serves to stall the kite. The
second push drives the tip into the ground. This move works best with higher
aspect ratio kites and in higher winds.
Back to index...
Spike landing
- Both wing tips hit the ground at the same time, usually performed downwind
in the center of the power zone. Point the nose straight down, in a "power
dive" towards the ground. Just in time to clear the ground, initiate
an exaggerated snap stall. Pull right and push
left. In a higher wind you must move forward to induce the landing.
Back to index...
Reverse spike + Reverse 3 point spike
- Fly the kite, nose down near the side but with power. About 8-10 feet
above the ground pull hard with the inside hand while pushing slightly
the outside hand. This causes the kite to 1/4 spin almost a half
axel towards the center of the window, forcing the inside tip to spike
into the ground.
A variation is the reverse 3 point spike which is the same as above but
after your execution and right before the kite hits the ground, use a "pop
up" move with the outside hand pulling the left wing to the outside
causeing the kite to land agresively on both tips.
Back to index...
Axel
- The kite is made to 'float' around one rotation in a stall-type spin.
Cause the kite to hover in front of you for an instant by using a snap
stall (rock the kite from side to side by pulling left then right,
to get the feel of it). Once the kite is stalled, push your right hand
slightly forward and immediately pull your right hand far back and extend
your left hand well to your front. This will cause the kite to flip. After
you have that part down, combine all of the parts together to for one flowing
motion.
Some kites need a gentle motion of the pulling hand, others need a snappy
pull...experiment !
Here's a video
clip of the axel performed by Dodd Gross. ("avi" format (2.2
Mb) you can also get it in (U.K.)
if that's closer to your habitat).
Another approach to learning the axel is to fly the kite to the edge
(say right edge) then initiate a slow push turn by pushing the lower (right
in this case) hand gently. As the nose passes 12 oclock snap the right
hand back and extend your left hand forward. Once you've mastered this,
try the approach above...
- What seems to be essential for learning a nice axel is the setup as
present in both ways described above. You need to have the wing you are
going to pop to be slightly back from the other wing. Look at it this way:
the more the wing you pull is towards you, the more you will pull wing
AND spine, and the kite will start moving forward as well as rotate. That's
not what you want. Having the pop-wing leaning too far back results in
something similar. A slight leaning back is just what you need.
Back to index...
Half axel
- Flying the kite from right to left past center of the wind window,
step forward to temporarily kill most of the kites forward drive. Immediately
do a small push with the right hand (top wing) and a very small pull with
the left hand (bottom wing). Follow this with an immediate axel type snap
of the right hand. Vary the right hand snap. Under snapping it will cause
the kite to loose altitude in the turn. Over snapping it will cause the
kite to over hover, or even flip onto it's back and do a Rixel.
A nice half axel has the kite flying horizontally, then belly's down in
a 180, and then snaps back into flight going in the opposite direction
without loosing altitude.
Back to index...
Spin axel
- Fly the kite to the edge of the window, about 30 feet above the ground
and do a down spin by pulling back the outside hand. As soon as the tips
become parallel with the ground, snap pull the inner line and release the
outer line. The kite will axel. Pull the kite out of it's rotation after
1 turn. This is a very smooth axel, is a 2 part move and is very effective
in a 2 beat part of a song.
Back to index...
Spin double axel
- This trick starts the same as the Spin axel
but you let the kite rotate twice instead of once by keeping your rotating
wing hand (outside hand) extended forward, as you move in towards the kite
to keep it spinning. Pull the kite out of it's rotation after 2 turns.
Back to index...
Axel take off/Rogallo axel
- The kite takes off directly into an axel roll.
With the kite set on it's wing tips, give a short tug on one hand followed
by a firm tug on the other, much as in a standard axel. The kite should
jump up and perform an axel. This move can be done straight into a landing
by simply walking forward as soon as the wing tips come parallel to the
ground. The latter move (axel take off to landing) is also called a "Miguel
Rodrigez Coin Toss" since that is what originally was called a coin
toss
A slightly different axel take off is done if with the kite on it's
wing tips you pop both lines shortly to get the kite slightly off the ground
and after that perform the normal axel push/axelpop motions.
Back to index...
Continuous Axel / Multiple Axel
- The kite is axeled in such away that it will be set up and in place
to execute another axel right away. This is a combination of an axel and
a Pop Up move. The easiest way I found to do this one is to snap stall
at the edge of the Wind Window. Axel with the inside hand. Pop (towards
you) the outside hand right away. If you do it at the right time, the pop
will cause the wign to spin faster lining it up wings parrellel and in
motion for another axel, just axel again. If you pull to late, you will
pull the nose towards you, kite on its back, voila, another trick, the
fade.
Back to index...
Coin toss
- A coin toss starts with the kite in a wingtip
stand. Next perform an axel-pop on the wing that's in the air by gently
pushing it back a small way and then popping it towards you. Now extend
your arms forward to give slack in the lines and allow the kite to rotate.
After the kite has rotated, try and land on the opposite wing tip by walking
forward.
This move can be done from standing on one wing tip but can be performed
out of a side slide as well. Take care the slide is a little downward.
When the kite touches the ground with it's wingtip, immediately do the
axel pop on the wing still in the air.
Take a look at the Axel take off
description as well because the description of the "Miguel Rodrigez
coin toss" is there.
Back to index...
Ollie
- Start with the kite on it's right tip... leaning back slightly, pull
lightly on your left line, as the left tip starts to lower to the ground
pull sharply on your right line, letting out your left line at the same
time. Step forward a couple of steps just as you pull the right line. The
desired result is a "reverse coin-toss",
the kite should "hop" from it's right tip, go into a clockwise
flat spin, then land back on the right tip.
Back to index...
Cascade
- A cascade is a series of axel-backs bringing the kite down through
the center of the window. An axel back is a pair of partial axels,
one in each direction, which flow together into a single move. If you start
with an axel popped with your left hand, as the kite gets part way through
the rotation, pop your right hand to get the kite to axel back in the other
direction. It takes a bit of practice to get the timing right, and the
timing will vary between kites.
Back to index...
Fountain
- This is a series of 1/2 axels like the cascade
but this one does not lose altitude like the cascade, but actually stays
stationary and/or rises up! This one is a combination of the 1/2 axel series
(cascades) along with a "pop up" move. The easiest way to learn
this one is to practice the cascade alot. You will soon learn that in between
1/2 axels (cascades) you give the rotating wing a slight "pop"
with a arm motion that goes from neutral up and out, which helps it along
and actually pulls that wing up, similar to the pop up move from a pancake
position. You will find that timing and adjusting that according to wind
speed is very crucial. This "pop up" move is also similiar to
the one used in the Continuous Axel.
Back to index...
Jump stall
- Start with the kite just off center of the wind, in a wingtip stand.
Next, axle the kite into the wind (start of a coin
toss) like you were going to land it onto it's opposite tip. When the
kite is flat on it's belly during the rotation (nose away), you quickly
pop both hands towards you, causing the kite to pop open facing down. Now
lightly let one line out so the kite can rotate around pointing the nose
up. Now hold the kite in a stall, and slide it out to one side.
This trick is ideal for light wind flying, and requires a kite with a deep
sail. The move is also very quick in action delay, so fast hands are a
must.
Kites known to do this are the Thunderbird, MYSL, Prisim Total, Tracer,
etc.
Back to index...
Fade
- The fade starts with a half axel leaving the kite
stalled on it's belly. After that do the standard pop
turtle movements to flip the kite on it's back, nose towards you.
Back to index...
Rixel
- Fly right to left to the edge of the wind window. As the kite is about
to stall, push with your right hand, and then snap it back. Use just the
top hand and a slightly exaggerated motion. The kite will roll onto it's
belly and continue over on it's back, and then pulling up on it's lines
will cause the kite to snap back into flight. This move can be done to
a landing as well. When the kite is rolling down, just as it turns on it's
back, pull up the lines to plant it on the ground. In a good landing both
wingtips get planted at the same time !. While the kite is rolling over,
the lines should be slack. Find out how far down the kite drifts usually
before you can pull it up to plant it on the grouns, and set your initial
horizontal line accordingly. Deep sailed kites have more difficulty doing
this trick. The hand movements that start this trick are similar to the
movements of the Half Axel , only the top hand
pull is harder for the Rixel.
Back to index...
Helicopter
- The kite stall spins overhead. Fly the kite to the top of the window
overhead. Pull both hands to bring it past that point. This will stall
the kite. Immediately extend your left hand to initiate a left rotation
float. You will have to move forward so that the lines stay under the kite
as it floats. This is a very graceful move. To end it, point the nose down
and pull the kite back into the window.
Back to index...
Wing tip stand
- With the kite on the ground, just to the left of the center of the
wind window and the right wing about one foot closer to you than the left
wing, pull slightly on the right line. When the left wing lifts, stop pulling
on the right line and use the left line to balance the kite on the right
wing-tip.
Back to index...
Kite walk
- With the kite in a left wing tip stand,
pull gently on the right (up) wing and release the left. The kite should
be on the ground with the right wing toward you. Now pull on the left wing
and release the right. Now you're walking !
Back to index...
Tip stab (Vertical stab)
- Flying a very close ground pass, the move is initiated somewhere before
or after the center of the window while the kite still has power and pressure
in the sail area. On most kites, the first action is to start an up turn
by pulling the "up wing", while at the same time, dumping some
air from the "up" wing. The second part actually pulls the "bottom
wing" toward you, by pulling the "bottom wing" thus spilling
air from that wing and forcing that wing towards you. To speed up this
action, the final move is a push with the "up wing" hand again.
This is the basic 3 step move for a stab, which is basically a variation
of a snap stall. This is done very quickly! This sequence of hand movements
does vary from kite to kite ie. high aspect, low aspect etc., but try this
much first, and you will be on your way. I suggest trying on this on your
own kite, first slow, and above the ground until you see the exact combination
that you and your kites needs to achieve this, then bring it down close
to the ground and STAB! It is easier to do the "black Hole" as
mentioned below, but I suggest to learn it, start at the top 5 degrees
to the right of the center of the window and end up 5 degrees to the left
center, executing it the exact way I discribed above, but the first initial
pull will be harder to pull the wing around further.
Back to index...
Black hole
- The mother of all tip stabs is the "Black
Hole" The black hole is initiated by doing a snap spin right on a
downward path so the kites nose is pointing left. This should be done at
about 10 feet above the ground. Before pushing out your right hand to complete
the 90 degree turn, pull agressively with your left hand to pull the kite
out and and start the downward drop. Immediately following the pull, push
out your right hand. It is important that you do not permit the top line
to become tensioned during the drop. Walk forward during the move. Another
way to do it is to initiate the right turn by a push of the left hand and
after the rotation of 90 degrees pull the left hand and simultaneously
push out the right hand. This trick seems to cause wear and tear on your
kite. Be warned ! Not all kites like this trick, the Cal Wasp, Buena Vista
XTC, and Skyburner Pro Dancer are examples of kites that do these stunts
well.
Back to index...
Pancake
- Flattening the kite with the nose away from you, on it's belly. Flying
the kite downward bring both arms behind you and before the nose-diving
kite reaches the ground, throw both hands forward (just like a reverse
turtle). The kite will then float on it's belly. This works best in light
winds. Some kites like fast arm-throws, others like slightly slower ones....
Another way to try it (if the previous one doesn't work for you) is to
fly the kite downwards, first extend both your arms, then pull back both
arms hard and release abruptly to kill the kite.
Back to index...
Belly landing
- A pancake done just above the ground, followed
by a landing is called a belly landing. Of course any landing which puts
the kite on it's belly is a belly landing...but if the nose is pointing
away from you, you can recover from it.
Back to index...
Flat spin
- A basic flat spin is similar to a 540 Flat spin,
but only completing half a revolution (180 degrees). This is easier to
achieve as the kite requires less precision in the setup. The kite should
be "popped" back after half a turn, much as it would coming out
of an axel. This move looks very effective if it completes
to a landing, by taking a few steps forward as the wing tips become parallel
to the ground.
Back to index...
540 Flat spin
- The 540 flat spin starts off with a vertical dive at the left side
of the wind window. Bring your arms behind you to prepare for a dead stop.
Stop the kite by throwing both arms forward. This should flatten out the
kite with the nose pointing away fom you (pancaking).
Some kites like a very fast kill (Stranger, Box of Tricks) other prefer
a slightly slower kill (Phantom Elite, MEFM). The trick is to kill the
kite slightly unevenly. If you're going to "pop" it with your
right hand, then let your left hand lead slightly when throwing your arms
forward. This will kill the kite with the nose pointing slightly to the
left. After that a firm "pop" with the right hand immediately
followed by lots of slack on both hands should initiate a flat spin. As
long as you want the kite to spin you have to leave a lot of slack in your
lines. Allow the kite to rotate one and a half times (540 degrees...).
The last 1/4 turn is the tricky part. The kite can catch the wind and not
want to turn up. You can help it along by a short gentle tug of the left
hand. This extra tug takes a lot of practice to get right, but eventually
will allow you to give it an extra revolution or two (and even reverse
direction).
Back to index...
Slot machines
- Very versatile trick, easy to do, (after learning) and can be done
in different parts of the window with different effects.
Horizontal Slot - Fly across the window, execute a 1/2
axel move with your inside hand (up wing) As soon as the belly flattens
out (that is before the 1/2 axel move is completed!), pull your inside
hand again sharply and push forward the outside hand causing the kite to
spin a 540. Do this at the edge close to the
ground, the kite 540s back into the window for a landing.
Vertical Slot - fly nose down (with power) on the edge of the window and
slightly point the nose to the outside. Execute 1/2 axel movement with
the inside hand and pull again when belly of kite flattens out. The kite
will 540 flat spin.
Angle slot - Fly the kite nose down at a 45 degree angle. Execute a 1/2
axel with the up/inside hand and as soon as the kite belly is flat, pop
that same hand again causing kite to float around in a 540 flat spin. This
is the same as the vertical slot but can be done anywhere quickly.
Back to index...
Flash
- The flash starts out the same as the 540 Flat
spin, except that the initial dive is not vertical, but down and out
towards the left side of the window at about 45 degrees. "Pancake"
the kite when the kite is at about a foot off the ground. The kite should
remain "tilted" 45 degrees. Now "popping" the right
hand will initiate a rotation of the kite AND a movement towards the center
of the wind window. Pull the kite out of it's rotation after 1 1/2 turn
Instead of "popping" the kite you can also "pop" while
pancaking by stopping your "popping" arm earlier than the other
one and extending the other one.
It might be easier to keep the kite rotating when walking forward keeping
the rotating wing hand extended.
Back to index...
Strobe
- The strobe starts out the same as the Flash, except
that you continue to "pop" the kite to make it perform multiple
rotations as it "skates" across the window.
Back to index...
Turtle/Backflip
- Fly the kite up and pull back (way back !) both arms, then quickly
extend both arms to your front. This will cause the kite to flip on it's
back, nose pointing away from you.
Back to index...
Turtle release
- Recovering from a turtle. Walk forward with both
arms extended. The nose will tip even further back, but don't allow the
kite to flip over! Pull with both lines at the same time and the kite should
flip back toward you, coming out of the turtle. Or alternately, let the
kite float down on it's back and re-launch. Radical trick kites such as
the Stranger or Box of Tricks simply require a gentle tug at any time to
recover from a turtle.
Back to index...
Lazy Suzan/Turtle spin
- Flip the kite into a turtle and do a very gentle
pull on one of the lines to generate a rotation. This will start a rotation
while the kite is on it's back. Pull the kite out of the turtle position
after one rotation. You should take care that while rotating the kite doesn't
pick up the lines with it's wing tips. The way to do it is to immediately
release both lines after the gentle pull which enables the lines to lay
in the cheeks of the kite. Of course you can keep rotating the kite by
pulling the correct line after each half rotation. Kites that float easily
will love this trick.
Back to index...
Reverse turtle
- Take the kite to the top of the window. Turn the nose toward the ground.
Throw both hands forward causing the plane of the sail to come horizontal
to the ground. Either pull back on the lines and continue the downward
motion or allow the kite to flip over on it's back (turtle) to recover
from it.
Back to index...
Jump start
- Do a belly landing. (The nose of the kite
points away from you.) Yank both lines really hard with a slight emphasis
on one. The kite should shoot up in the air and perform a 180 degree rotation,
The kite is still belly down, but with the nose facing you. Either yank
the lines to resume normal flight upwards or throw your arms forward to
roll the kite into a yo-yo.
Back to index...
Sleeping beauty launch/Berkeley hop
- This move looks very impressive, when done correctly, the kite will
spin around and almost fall flat on it's belly nose toward you (this is
the failure mode if it does not work). And just at the last second turn
up and take off. It works best in a good wind and with a flat sailed kite.
Deeper billowed kites are better cartwheeled.
Lay the kite flat on its back, about 30 feet in from the right edge of
the wind window, with the nose pointing into the wind. (like a fade...)
Next, Pull on the left line causing the kite to rotate the left tip into
the wind. (The kite should stay flat on the ground) As the kite rotates
around the wind will go under the left leading edge and flip the kite over
onto its face. (bridle side down) The trick is to pull on the right line
as the left tip is passing through 12 o'clock high. It is important that
the wind be the force that raised the left leading edge off the ground
and not the fact that you are pulling on the left line. When done properly
the wind will catch under the face of the kite before it gets to the ground
and lift it into the sky.
Back to index...
French toast
- Do a belly landing. (The nose of the kite
points away from you.) Strongly Jerk both lines. The kite will lift up
backwards. Immediately release the lines generating an inverted backflip.
Now gently jerk one of the lines generating a 180 degrees spin. (The kite
will have normal backflip position.) Pull both lines to recover from the
backflip.
Kites known to do this trick are: Total -, Vented - and Eclipse.
Back to index...
Cuckoo clock
- The Cuckoo clock is a fade followed by a flic-flac.
Start with an axel. When the kite is half way through
the axel, jerk both lines generating an inverted backflip (the kite lays
on its back with the nose pointing towards you). Now jerk both lines again
generating a belly float and again generating an inve.....
Keep doing this untill the kite lands.
Back to index...
Flicflac
- This trick is also known as "Poisoned-Ivy or Grape Vine".
With the kite in an inverted backflip position jerk both lines generating
a belly float and again generating an inverted backflip and again gener...
Back to index...
Yo-yo
- A "Yo-yo" is anything where you roll the kite towards (or
away from) you, so that the strings get wrapped around the kite. A pull
then unwinds the kite kinda like a yo-yo. The easiest way (that only works
with some kites) is to give a sharp tug to pull the kite forward and then
release with slack so that the kite continues to roll around the lines.
Also there's a "yo-yo take off" where you prepare the kite by
wrapping the lines around the tips, put it in a normal launch position
and then take off doing a yo-yo.
Back to index...
Floating backturn/Otis
- Put the kite on its back, nose towards you and lines over the leading
edge. Pull gently on the lines and rock the kite forward onto its nose
but not far enough to stand up. Then release the lines quickly, the kite
falls back and floats up and away, still on its back (but leaning *slightly*
backward so the nose is high) and nose towards you. Walked quickly forward
to keep the kite flat. It will keep going up as well. When it is far enough
up, snapped the lines and the kite is back into flight, heading down (gulp
!). A quick 180 degree spin and away you go!
Tip: start the launch at the center of the window, wind velocity plus 10
mph bring the kite up perpendicular to the ground...nose down and tips
parallel to the ground push both hands evenly and firmly to initiate the
momentum necessary to rock the kite back, let the wind do the work....leave
a little slack in the lines. Once the kite is 5-10 feet off the ground,
tug on either line. Don't use a wind tamer; opt for heavier lines.
Back to index...
Light wind/Indoor flying
- Indoor and light wind flying require a practiced hand, ultra light
equipment, line and kite, as well as patience and stamina. Before trying
light wind flying, check your condition. If you plan to fly light, you
will be walking briskly, running, running backward, and consequently, panting.
My best advice is to get the best ultra light kite you can afford, use
50 lb. to 80 lb. spectra lines. Length depends on your needs. Indoor lengths
depend upon the height of the ceiling in the room you will be flying in.
For outdoor zero wind flying, short lines are recommended; 15'-30'. This
makes it easier to do 360's and up and overs. For competition, use short
lines of 60' or so. Exception: If you are in an area surrounded by objects
which obstruct the wind, using long lines will help you find the wind.
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360
- This is done to gain ground on your field, or to fly in no wind. While
always keeping slack out of the lines, run in a large circle (360 degrees).
The kite will follow you around the circle. Try learning this in both directions.
This maneuver is easier on short lines.
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Up and over
- This is where you fly the kite up over your head, to the top of the
window. Pull both lines evenly to push the kite past that point. Then turn
into the wind and pull the kite down at the opposite side of the window
by walking downwind. Finish with a 180 to return the kite to it's starting
point.
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Fly away
- Used to gain ground indoors or in low wind. Fly the kite to the top
of the window. Turn the nose down and walk or run forward. The kite will
"glide" down. Just be carful not to move forward to quickly.
If you do, you will do a reverse turtle.
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Nose-in float
- This move requires very little or no wind. The kite should be very
well neutral balanced. Flying left to right - at the very right edge of
the window, snap turn down - at about the middle of the right edge of the
window, pull turn left (this will pull the kite just outside the wind window)
- as the wingtips just become parallel to the ground, push out with both
hands, lead with the right hand following with the left. The kite will
lay on its' belly with the nose pointing in towards the pilot. Recovery
is simply a little tug on both lines while taking a step backwards.
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Quad line tricks
Rev Axel
- The Rev axel is
a similar move as the dual-line axel. Let some slack into one hand (say,
the right) and in particular, push back the bottom. Then, in a single movement,
flick the right hand, putting the emphasis on the bottom line and let slack
out with the left hand. If you pull on the upper line, the kite tends to
do an upright axel, more like a cartwheel. With the correct "flick",
the kite should flatten out and spin flat.
And here's an alternative description:
- With
the kite moving across the window, throw out the hand that is connected
to the bottom of the kite. This will let the kite flatten out. With the
kite gliding flat through the wind, simply give a quick pull on the same
hand that you threw out. Be sure to keep your wrist bent so that you are
pulling the kite from the bottom line. The kite will spin around and as
you put you hands back to neutral, your Rev will pop back into the wind.
The kite can go around more than once in this spin (although it is easier
in light wind).
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Rev Flat spin
- Fly the kite right
out to the right of the window with the leading edge facing out towards
the right. Push your right hand forwards to let the right hand side of
the kite (nearest the ground) fall way back away from you. Then, with a
quick flick of the left wrist across your body and down to the left, the
kite should flatten out and flat spin (strobe?) across towards the left
of the window.
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Rev 3D Launch
- If you land the
kite face down with the leading edge towards you, it's not always easy
to get it up straight away. Simply put both handles in your left hand and
grab the bottom line of the right handle in your right hand. Now give this
line a sharp tug and the kite flies up towards you in a flat spin. Looks
way cool. Be careful of the lines though - they can cut. Wrap a piece of
insulation tape around the upper part of your first finger to protect yourself
when 3D'ing.
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