There are many different manufacturers of traction kites. Some of the most popular include Flexifoil, EX and Peter Lynn. Traction kites differ widely in design, size and construction, but all traction kites have plenty of 'kick', as they are intended to provide locomotion to the user.
Traction kites have four lines, attached to handles. The bottom lines lead to the rear of the foil and when the user tilts the handles forward, they act as brakes, robbing the kite of wind. The top lines provide acceleration - by tilting the handles backward, the flyer opens the kite fully, allowing greater inflation of the foil.
Attached to the handles are short, elastic cords with wrist-straps. These are 'kite killers'. They're secured to the kiter's wrists and are used in emergencies – if the kite builds too much power and you're in danger of ploughing the field with your face, release the handles. This applies maximum pressure to the brake lines and the kite will collapse like soggy pastry, and the cords also ensure your kite remains attached to you and doesn't disappear into the sunset.
Buying a Traction Kite
As a beginner, it's unadvisable to buy a really big kite. Some traction kites can be as wide as a paraglider, and the larger kites are intended for use in activities such as kite surfing or kite buggying. A kiter should select a kite based on their size, strength and temperament. It's best to start small and work your way up. Be sure to read up on the qualities of the kite: most kite manufacturers have detailed write-ups on the individual performances of their kites, so the buyer can get a good idea of how the kite handles and what to expect. Also, the design of the kite is important, as some are the same size as others but perform quite differently. Some soar and wheel gracefully, whilst with others you'd swear you just grabbed a bull by the horns. Remember this, because a big, powerful kite in inexperienced hands can lead to injury.
Once you've got your kite, find a decent place to fly it. If you're lacking confidence, there are kite clubs that one can join, and some beginners prefer this: there's a wealth of experience and advice available. You need lots of room to fly a power kite, because they can drag you all over the place. Make sure there's no people underneath the kite when you fly. In strong winds, the lines are subject to enormous tension and can cut like a knife. Beaches are ideal, as are vast open fields. The ground should be smooth and relatively soft, free from obstructions like rocks and trees. Also, wind turbulence is a major factor when flying. In an ideal world, there should be no tall trees or buildings behind (upwind) or in front (downwind) of you for about 200 to 300 metres.
Beginner Steps in Traction Kiting
If you're just starting out, fly the kite in light to moderate winds. The power of a traction kite can be disconcerting if you've never felt it before, and keeping the kite up in light winds is an excellent way of practicing and getting to understand the fundamentals.
To start, spread the kite out downwind from your starting position. It's best to take someone with you on your first forays into traction kiting. The leading edge of the foil (where the kite inflates) should be facing downwind. Grip the handles and ensure the kite-killers are attached to your wrists. The kite is launched by pulling the handles backward. Don't launch the kite directly downwind in strong winds: it can rocket into the air with frightening speed and power, and if it's a big kite, you'll get dragged or yanked from your feet. Launching downwind is good for performing kite jumps, but that's for more experienced kiters.
If you've got someone to help you, they can hold the kite, allowing it to inflate and thus making launching easier. The kite shouldn't be thrown into the air; with practice, you'll discover just how readily the kite inflates and how easy it is to launch.
Once in the air, steer the kite from side to side, up and down, pulling the left handles steers the kite to the left, the right handle to the right. Keep your arms in front of you. You'll note that as the kite reaches the limits of its arc to left or right, it stalls and loses power. This is the 'wind window'. The kite generates the most power at the centre of the wind window, i.e., directly downwind. It loses power at the top (directly above you) and sides of the window.
Take it easy, have fun, and get to know your kite.
