Learn to Fly a Stunt Kite

Flying a stunt kite on the Outer Banks — or anywhere — is a lot of fun and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Many people find kite flying relaxing and even therapeutic. Since flying a kite is accessible for people of all ages, it’s a great way to spend time outside and connect with family.

The ocean breezes from the Atlantic ocean gives the Outer Banks some great, consistent winds for kite flying. When the wind is blowing below 20 mph, that’s a great time to learn how to fly a two-line kite and make it dance across the sky. At Kitty Hawk Kites, we specialize in kites of all kinds. So of course, we have the best beginner stunt kites around. The first step in learning to fly is choosing your kite. If you are just starting out, take a look at our beginner stunt kites.

What to Look for in a Stunt Kite

There are two main styles for dual-line stunt kites: deltas and foils. A delta is roughly triangle-shaped and, in most cases, resembles the silhouette of a bird. They can vary in size and thus in wind range. On the other hand, foil kites are frameless with pockets that inflate in the wind. Foil kites fold up compactly, are easy to travel with, and without a frame, there are no parts to assemble or lose. Here are examples of our two best selling stunt kites.

The Wind Window

The wind window is the area of flight for stunt kites. It is a half-moon shaped area downwind of you where you can maneuver your kite. The edges of the window produce minimum pull and speed, whereas the middle of the window (also known as the power zone) produces the strongest pull and speed.

Different wind conditions may make it easier or harder to fly your kite. Each kite will have different wind ranges listed on the packaging for the best flying. Lighter winds will require a larger kite with more surface area to achieve lift. Higher winds, on the other hand, are better for smaller kites. Most kites should not be flown in winds more than 20 mph.

If you have a strong wind and your kite is unstable or hard to control, adding a tube tall can help stabilize your kite as well as add a fun decoration to brighten up the sky.

Your Flight Zone

Find an open space. Select an area that is clear of obstacles like houses, trees, and power lines. Beaches and parks are usually good locations, but remember that kites can crash and be destroyed by the waves. Fly only where the kite will not create a hazard. Never fly in rain or lightning. Electricity in clouds is attracted to damp kite lines and you could get hurt.

Be aware of any people in and around your flight zone. While most kites are lightweight, they can travel at high speeds. Additionally, kite line is very fine and can create cuts, burns, and bruises on the skin.

Getting Your Stunt Kite Set Up

Now that you have your chosen kite, let’s get it set up to fly. Assemble your kite as instructed on the packaging. For delta kites, this usually involves inserting the upper spreader, lower spreader(s), and standoffs. Some of the larder delta stunt kites will have leading edges in two parts which will need to be secured to set up the kite properly.

Since foil kites do not have a frame, they require almost no set up. No matter what kite you fly, ensure your lines are equal length. Otherwise, you will put a turn in your kite that will make it much more difficult to fly.

Flying Your Stunt Kite

There are two major steps to flying your new stunt kite: launching and steering. This is what separates two-line kites from the more common single-line kites. Dual-line kites can be driven around the sky and perform tricks. For a quick overview, watch our video below.

Launching

When you get ready to launch your kite, keep the wind at your back and your kite downwind. If you are on the beach, you can anchor your kite temporarily with sand while you walk your kite lines out. Otherwise, you can prop your kite up against something like a bush, fence, or pole.

Once you have fully unwound your line, slip your hands through the wrist straps (they are color-coded the same as the loops that attached to the bridle) and pull the line taut so the kite stands up. Then take a step backward, and pull the line down and back sharply. Let it gain height to the top of the wind window.

Congratulations! You’ve launched your stunt kite!

Steering

Now comes the fun part. To steer your kite in a certain direction, pull the corresponding wrist strap and return it to a neutral position. When in doubt, return both wrist straps to a neutral position and your kite should come to the middle of the wind window and fly straight up.

Try flying both directions and returning to the middle. Then step up to some easy tricks such as the figure-eight. Try to master one skill before moving on to the next. This will prevent you from stalling and crashing your kite often, which could damage it.

Just remember to stay relaxed and don’t over correct. Looking for more information? Take a look at our kite flying tips.

Upgrading Your Equipment

So you have successfully flown your first dual-line stunt kite. Now what? It may be time to start expanding your collection.

Kite Line

The first addition to your equipment that we recommend is another line set. Depending on the line your kite came with, you may want to look at a longer or shorter line set. Stunt kite line sets will list both their length and strength. Stronger lines are often heavier as well. Long, heavy lines are more difficult to fly in low winds. The material your line is made of makes a difference as well. Look for kite lines that won’t stretch, such as ones made with 100% pure braided Spectra.

Advanced Stunt Kites

Of course, the next step for many kite flyers is another stunt kite. And with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to make a decision. Here are our recommendations.

Originally written on September 24, 2015. Updated on July 6, 2020.