Stunt Kite Flying Bar

by Gary Crenshaw
(Hampton, GA, USA)

I have a stunt kite called 'Spider' that I have carried around in my car for a few years. This kite stays put together and ready to fly at the drop of a wind current. I use it to let beginners get the feel of a stunt kite until they hooked and get their own. So far everyone that has flown it has become a stunt kite flier at some level. The kite has more duct tape on it now that you would think it could fly with, but it stills performs pretty well.

One thing I do with beginners is starting them off using a flying bar instead of the wrist straps that are so popular. Number one, it eliminates their tendency to do the 'Spiderman Dance' with their arms and legs all over the place.

The second is to attach a twenty foot long set of lines about ten foot forward of their flying bar and attach them to my control bar while standing behind them. This causes my inputs to over-ride anything they do because my lines are attached closer to the stunt kite.

This also helps when the wind gets up above a persons skill level because it allows them to remain flying the kite as long as you assist when needed.

I learned this procedure years ago while teaching kids how to fly the old control-line model airplanes. Uhh Ohh I think I just gave away my age...

Happy Stunt Kite Flying!