KITE DAY SUNDAY 1st MARCH OHAKUNE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 36, 24 February 1987, Page 7

KITE DAY SUNDAY 1st MARCH OHAKUNE PRIMARY SCHOOL

kites, however, need different wind conditions to perform at their best. A box kite, for example, flies well on a blustery day, but a small delta kite flown under the same weather conditions would be a dismal failure. The kite, therefore, must be matched to fit the prevailing wind conditions. One final but very important note on the weather: NEVER fly a kite when it is raining or if there is any possibilitv of lightning.

The beach area near a lake or seashore can also be quite good, although the wind can change direction suddenly. If you must fly your kite in a hilly area, the best position to do it is on (he windward side of the hill; the wind, flowing uphill, will aid in lifting the kite. If you must I launch the kite in the prox- I imity of buildings or trees, I be sure to launch it from a I position as far upwind as I possible. Stay far away from other kite-flyers, and never launch a kite near electrical wires, airports, or busy roads. You Need More Than Wind To launch the kite you have created, you will need more than a conducive wind pattern and an aerodynamically designed kite. Of the additional materials you will need, the most obvious is a line to attach to the bridle or bridle ring. The flying line can be string, nylon cord, or fishing line; fishing line is inexpensive and can be purchased at any sporting goods store in a variety of strengths. Never use metallic wire for a flying line, and never fly a kite with a wet string; both wire and wet string can be dangerous conductors of electricity. Make certain that the flying line is strong enough to contend with the particular kite and wind conditions in question. Since the flying line also contributes to the kite's drag, however, a line should be chosen that offers as little weight and air resistance as possible. The appropriate flying line should have a break strength three times the kite's squarefoot surface area.