What is a Power Kite? Designed to provide enough power to pull you along the ground, a power kite is an open cell aerofoil that has no rigid structure but gains a 3-dimensional shape by being inflated by the wind. These kites are also known as ram air foils since the air is literally rammed into the forward facing vents by the wind. A complex bridling system between the kite and the flying lines ensures the kite stays inflated and moves through the air efficiently. The kite is controlled by the use of a hand held control system, connected to the kite via the flying lines. Although most power kites are essentially similar, different control systems and different sizing allows you to purchase a kite specifically to match your needs.
A typical ram air foil power kite Once you've mastered basic power kite skills, there is a whole load of adrenaline potential... buggying, kite boarding, kite surfing... Kite Size... Power kites are measured by the flat area and are available from 1.5m2 to over 10m2. A larger power kite will provide more pull than a smaller power pull so can be used in less wind. It is vitally important to not purchase a kite that is too powerful for you. Using an inappropriately sized kite in high wind conditions will result in serious injury due to the considerable amounts of power these kites generate. For those with little or no previous kite flying experience, it is sensible to choose a small 2 line trainer kite such as the the HQ Sympony or Eolo Radsail Power Kites. Those with previous kite flying experience and looking to get involved in traction activities such as boarding or buggying should choose a 4 line kite between 3 - 4m in size. Number of lines... Power kite are available with either or two or four line control configurations. 2 line kites are very simple to fly and will allow the user to easily understand the basics of power kite control and flying technique. Trainer kites are typically flown on two lines and are an ideal introduction to power kiting, making learning simple and fast. 4 line kites have additional rear 'brake' lines, allowing the aerofoil structure to be instantly collapsed. This provides more control, especially during launching and landing, and allows the user a greater degree of manoeuvrability through the sky. All power kites designed for traction activities are supplied in a 4 line configuration. Although increasing the number of lines to 4 increases the complexity of control, a correctly chosen 4 line kite can still be safely used by beginners. Control Systems...
Most 4 line power kites are supplied with handles as standard, although there is a market shift towards supplying kites with control bars as kite landboarding becomes increasingly popular. Handles can offer more flexibility with control since rear line 'brake' input can easily be added whilst flying allowing for an increase in turn rate, especially with larger kites. For this reason alone, handles are favoured by buggy riders and static flyers. Most kite boarders would agree that a control bar provides the best means of control since bar systems offer increased board riding flexibility over handles. It is worth considering whether you wish to pursue a specific traction activity when you initially purchase your kite. Safety... Different control systems use different means of safely disabling the kite should you feel uncomfortable with the power generated. 2 line kites are not fitted with a safety system so should only be used by beginners in light winds. Bar control systems normally feature a wrist leash attached to the rear 'brake' lines. The kite power can be released in an instant by letting go of the bar, causing the kite to fall from the sky whilst still connected to the safety leash. This system is supplied as standard with all bar control power kites available from Session1. Handle control systems use 'Kite Killers' to offer an instant power kill safety system. Kite Killers easily attach onto the handle ground staking loops or brake leader line and feature wrist straps with a short bungee cord attachment. Just drop the handles and the kite loses all power and falls from the sky whilst still connected to the wrist straps. Kite Killers are not normally supplied as standard but we strongly recommend that all power kite users fit them. Without Kite Killers you risk losing or damaging your kite should you let go of the handles.
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