Though some believe kites originated with military use during the Han Dynasty in 200 B.C. China, the kite has had a long and storied history over the centuries. Kites were a popular pastime in Japan during the Edo period and a tool utilized for scientific and technological research in the 18th and 19th centuries by men like Ben Franklin and the Wright Brothers. They’ve gone on to fulfill important roles for the US Navy and the US Weather Service as well as simply being an enjoyable recreational pursuits by people of all ages. Most consider kites as just for children but there are a variety of kites out there that are enjoyed by adults as well, with complex flight systems and sail configurations. No matter what age you are, there's a kite that's right for you!
Types of Kites
Single-Line Kites
Like their name implies, these basic kites are flown with one line. They’re suitable for all ages and a great way for beginners to get an introduction to flying. Single-line kites come in all kinds of shapes though the two most common and easy to launch/fly are delta and diamond shapes. These kites are relatively inexpensive, but the price will increase depending upon the quality of the materials used in the manufacture of the kite.
Stunt Kites
Stunt kites are a good for users at the intermediate level and available in four shapes including delta, diamond, parafoil, and quad frames; delta is by far the most popular among them. Whichever you choose is a matter of personal preference of course, but keep in mind that some shapes are tougher to fly than others.
Skill level plays a role in the selection of a stunt kite. If you haven't guessed already, these kites are designed for tricks and stunts and can be piloted by either a single or multi-line system (you can find up to four lines on some stunt kites). People enjoy these kites because they offer a more interactive experience when flying them.
Kite Components
Size
Kites come in a whole range of sizes and wingspans so choosing the right one relies on a person's skill level as well as the wind conditions. Common sense dictates a larger kite is easier to launch, keep in the air, and remain airborne even in low wind, while a smaller kite is going to need more wind to remain in flight. Larger kites may be unwieldy for younger children as the amount of material involved and the speeds they can reach, might prove challenging for smaller hands to keep a hold on.
Materials
Kites have advanced over the years with most now made from materials designed to withstand the type of hardcore abuse that comes with launching and sailing. High winds, vertical crashes, trees, all of these things can do some real damage to a kite. Manufacturer's now use durable Ripstop nylon and polyester sails with frames built from fiberglass or carbon fiber. Cheaper kites will give you wood and plastic sails but these are really designed for first-timers who just want to spend an hour or two at the beach. You'll find some more expensive versions which incorporate silk, nylon, and even Kevlar in their builds.
Tails
Another matter of personal preference here, some kites come with tails. These are streamers located at the back or sides of the kite and they offer both an additional aesthetic value and stability during flight. While they don't necessarily provide an overall advantage, some consumers prefer them while others don't. Ultimately the presence of tails on a kite is a matter of personal preference.
Lines
The most basic line you can use is simple cotton twine. For the better quality kites, single and dual line versions use materials such as nylon, polyester, silk, Dyneema, Dacon, linen. Really strong varieties of line will have some element of Kevlar. Lines can use any combination of these materials and the best type to select is dependent upon the wind rating of the kite.
Single-line kites use just one, while dual or quad line kites require two hands to fly properly. The lines are attached to two types of controls, either a traditional spool that lets you wind the line back easily or a flight ring that works much like a typical fishing reel.