Power kite
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Kite surfing off in strong onshore winds off the north shore of O‘ahu in Hawai‘i. Note the wind-surfer catching the wave break. |
A
power kite or
traction kite is a large
kite designed to provide significant pull. They come in two main forms:
foils and
leading edge inflatables. There are also
rigid-framed kites and
soft single skin kites. There are several different
control systems used with these kites which have two to four lines and a bar or handles.
Power kites are generally used in conjunction with a vehicle, such asin
kite surfing (on a surfboard),
kite buggying (on a purpose-built3-wheeled cart),
kite skating (on all-terrain roller skates), or even snow kiting (on, of course, skis or snowboards), plus
Kiteboarding (on an (All Terrain Board/Mountainboard/Landboard). Also popular is kite jumping, using a power kite to pull the jumper tens of feet above the ground in a controlled leap. This is helped with a seat harness pulling the flyer's middle rather than arms.
Kites of related design are used for sailing, including speed sailing. The world record in the early
1980s was reportedly held by a kite-powered boat.
Power kites should be flown with caution, in clear safe areas, and with the proper safety equipment. These kites aren't only dangerous to you as the user but also to the people surrounding you. People flying beyond their capabilities or in unsafe conditions can easily be carried off in strong windy conditions, with the risk of collision against water, buildings, terrain or power lines. Stationary vertical objects are the most dangerous. Even in water, a helmet is recommended when flying a power kite, because a gust can lift one very quickly, to great heights. On land, serious power kiters use a full set of pads as well.
There are many sizes and makes of power kites as well, ranging roughly from 1.5m all the way up to 23.5m. All kites are made for specific purposes: some for water, land, power or manoeuvrability. Thus you need to determine which you want before you go buy. So if you are looking to buy your first power kite there are various shops and internet forums that will help you choose the right one for you. It is vital not to get a kite that is too powerful for you or that is for the wrong purpose.
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French PowerKite
