Kites: 3 simple kites

Sticks

Bamboo is the best material for kite sticks although wooden sticks will do fine. If you use bamboo it should be splitted at least twice. An easy way is to use the sticks from a bamboo shade, maybe you already have one lying around otherwise you can by them at IKEA. They are very cheap and you will have kite sticks for the rest of your life.

Sail

Plastic is a excellent material for kites, it's windtight, water-resistant and doesn't break easy. It's very easy to find plastic bags with decorative printing on. Although paper is maybe the best material even though it's not water-resistant and is easily teared. Still you can prepare with Fix spray and reinforce the edges with tape to make it more endurable. Another good material is Mylar, which is used for blankets in first aid packages and for food wrappings.

Tail

Here you can use almost anything from an ordinary string to toilette paper. The thing to remember is that although the tail is very decorative it has a function and should be adjusted to the size of the kite and to the wind.

Tape

Most types will do just avoid the heavy ones.

Handles

A very good one is a 8" piece of a broomstick but you could also use a piece of cardboard or plywood. The important thing to remember is to tie the kite line to the handle befor you wind it on.

Kiteline

Coarse cotton thread is good enough for these kites. Avoid fishing lines, they are very hard to see and can cause nasty accidents. About 50 meters is enough.

Some words

Frontside of the Kite - the side of the kite that is turned towards you when it flies.

Backside of the Kite - the side of the kite that is turned towards the sky when it flies.

Bridle - the string that is tied to the kite mostly in two points on which you tie the kite line.

Bridle-point - the point where you tie the kite line on the bridle.