Do you know what kite to get for yourself? What should you take into consideration when buying, and flying, a kite? Biggest is not necessarily the best, for anyone's first kite. So here is a short list which may help you decide what kite to get. What are Kites? Beginner Tips - choosing a kite What are Kites? A general overview... A Kite: wind-supported flying device consisting of a wooden or similar framework covered with paper, cloth, or synthetic material. A kite is a rudimentary airfoil; it can be flown for pleasure or for purposes of study. Attached to a long string, it can be sent aloft through the action of the wind on its surfaces. Its distance or height is controlled from the ground by playing out the string. Today kite flying is a popular pastime and a competitive sport. In eastern Asia, special competitions are held in which the kites are elaborately designed and decorated in the forms of birds, fish, or dragons and may be equipped with whistles or pipes that emit musical sounds as the wind blows through them. Kite-fighting contests are also held, in which competitors attempt to use their kites to attack and down the kites of opponents. Kites are growing increasingly popular all over the world: Australia, America, Switzerland, South Africa. Also used for aerial photography, kites have become one of the easiest and most enjoyable hobbies. Endless hours can be spent running in the breeze with a homemade one-liner, or you can choose to spend your money on a strong stunt/power kite that will pull you along, maybe even lift you in a strong enough gust. Beginner Tips - choosing a kite I would recommend that if you are looking for a kite, choose one that is affordable, not too pricy and is also recommended by the kite shop from which you buy it. Depending on where you choose to fly your kite, you will sooner or later end up with a few tears or rips. Although these can be repaired with a patch kit, it's not worth getting a good kite full of holes and patches while learning to fly it. Get a kite that you think you would feel comfortable with, and one that is suitable for the wind conditions in your area. Purchasing and flying a kite Most kites make a very loud noise. Some make almost no noise at all, so consider this if you are planning to get a kite for a relaxing holiday! If your kite is too fast, then add a tail to it. Adding one will slow it down, making it easier to fly. Tails work with any kite and inflate with the wind to look great in the sky. A kite without a center spine makes it durable and crash resistant because there is no danger of the sail tearing or breaking in a hard crash. Multiple kite packs pull harder than singles, but are just as easy to fly. Don't forget the thrill factor when you select your sport kite - small kites can fly well, but can't change the laws of physics. Big kites pull harder, make more noise and are more exciting to fly. History of Kites | Modern Kites | Beginner Flying | Kite Flying Picture Gallery | Kite Kredits | About this site | Cool Kite Site Award Site created and maintained by coda (Cape Town, South Africa) Any comments or questions can be sent to kiteflyer@coda.co.za