A Guide to the types of Kites

     Instead of simply telling you the names of some kites like most other kite resources would do, we want to show you the whole family tree, with all the major classifications and differences, put together in a way that will help give you the "Big Picture" about kites. First of all, kites generally fall into one of two major categories, Those with a single line, and those with more than one line, which enhances control. There are many types of both, and just because a kite has only one line, doesn't mean it's not maneuverable... Some of the coolest kite tricks and most heated kiting competitions are done with single-string kites, the very popular "Fighting Kites," which require the flyer's skill to make up for the lack of control strings.

    The designation "single line kite" only refers to the number of lines going from you upwards, even though you may have more than one bridle line attachment point for the kite’s stability... All those bridle lines are gathered together in a single tow point to attach to the flying line. An example of that would be a simple box kite, needing at least two connection points to stay stable, but they are both attached by bridal strings to the single, main kite line down to the ground.

    Multi-line kites are usually some kind of well-controlled "stunt," or "sport" kite. The pilot uses two or more flying lines to fly this kite, all the same length and of course they may or may not split off into bridal lines at some point close to the kite. Again, the designation "multi" only means how many kites go up from the ground. Two and Four lines are common for multi-lined kites, with other configurations possible, but harder to fly and therefore only used for rare, custom creations.

 
SINGLE-LINE KITES include the following sub-categories (Descriptions courtesy of The American Kiteflyers Association’s “Rules and Guidelines for Kitemakers' Competitions.”

• Flat, or bowed - The lifting surface is a single plane, usually a simple geometric shape. The surface may be bowed, decreasing surface area and increasing drag for improved stability. Diamonds, Hexagons, Eddys, Rokkakus, Edos, Cobras, Bermudas are all examples of Flat or Bowed kites.

   

• Cellular - The kite design, often with the help of sails, bracing, or wind pressure, forms a rigid three-dimensional structure. The wind flows through the channels formed by the sail surfaces which are also lifting or stabilizing surfaces.

• Delta - Delta kites usually have two triangular wings, forming a triangle itself. They have spars on the leading edge of the wings that can pivot on the spreader bar. One or more longitudinal spars help the kite to keep its shape. A keel is usually used but is not always necessary. Deltas are well known for having some of the very best lift-to-weight ratios, meaning that they can fly in the lowest of winds.

   

• Figure - These kites are in shapes of persons, animals, or other objects.

   

• Rokkaku - Rokkaku kites must be six-sided and framed as traditional Sanjo-style Rokkaku. These kites are taller than they are wide and their cross spars are traditionally bowed.

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