Know your wind

About 5–25mph is ideal for kiting – that’s when leaves and crops move gently and constantly, but before it gets really gusty. Choose a common-sense area, away from roads, power lines and airports. Open fields, parks and beaches are just right; the more room you have, the better, of course. Follow the instructions on your kite – and never attempt to fly anything bigger than your own body without help from a friend.

Single-line kites

Stand with your back to the wind. Hold your kite up as high as you can and let it go, feeding the line out. If the wind catches it, the kite will rise; let it, then pull in on the line, and it should climb. Repeat this until your kite reaches the altitude necessary to find a steady wind. If it sinks tailfirst, there might not be enough wind; if it comes down headfirst or spins, there might be too much wind.

Sport kites

With giant sky-duvets and whirly stunt kites, you need to be even more aware of safety, and of potential obstacles to your kiting pleasure. To begin, lay out the kite and lines carefully before you launch. Check all connections; unsnarl and straighten lines and tails. Be sure your flying lines are even, or your kite will spin in one direction as though you were pulling. To launch the kite, step backwards and pull the handles to your sides. Have a friend hold the kite up and launch it into the air, according to wind conditions. Once you are up and away, practice will make perfect: pull the left line to make the kite turn left; pull the right line to turn right. If you’re standing still, you’re not having enough fun. While you are honing your skills, keep the kite downwind; the further to the side of the wind it flies, the less lift and speed it will have.