Playtive KITE StyleD - Manual (Page 20)

20
GB/MT
Starting (figure D)
IMPORTANT! First check that the location is suitable. Check the wind
direction and the prevailing wind speed (you can use specialist wind
measurement devices for this purpose – not included but available from
your specialist retailer), and check your kite. Observe the descriptions of
wind strengths.
Ideally a helper should hold the kite with the front side turned towards the
wind. Now walk backwards into the wind and at the same time unwind
the kite line carefully and without tension to almost its full length (at least
20 metres). The helper should continue holding the kite during this time.
The helper then releases the kite when the command is given.
The kite should not be thrown upwards. If the wind is sufficient then a
rapid pull on the line and perhaps one step backwards will suffice.
Look out for people or obstacles.
Steering
Fly the kite as you could steer a bicycle. Pulling the right-hand line will
make the kite fly to the right, pulling the left-hand line will made the kite
fly to the left. If you hold the steering commands for longer, then the kite
will fly entire circles (so-called looping moves). The more strongly you pull
the line towards your body, the smaller the looping circles.
Landing
To land fly the kite far to the left or right, i.e. out of the wind window.
It will fly more and more slowly and will land safely. Ideally the wind
window (figure B) is a quarter sphere with the line length as a radius in
which the kite can be flown. Collect the kite and, most importantly, the
line, immediately after landing, in order to avoid damage or injury.
In strong wind it is possible that the parafoil will begin to fill with air
again and will start.
Wind strengths
Calm
0 bft 0-0.8km/h 0-0.5 knots
– Smoke from chimneys climbs vertically
– Flat sea conditions
– Kites only fly with support
Light air
1 bft 0.9-5.5km/h 0.6-3.0 knots
– Smoke from chimneys drifts
– Ripples on the surface of water
– Only suitable for very light kites
Light breeze
2 bft 5.6-12.1km/h 3.1-6.5 knots
– Leaves rustles, wind felt on exposed skin
– Small wavelets
– Good wind for experienced pilots
Gentle breeze
3 bft 12.2-19.6km/h 6.6-10.5 knots
– Small twigs move
– Larger wavelets, crests begin to break
– Good wind for beginners
Moderate breeze
4 bft 19.7-28.5km/h 10.6-15.5 knots
– Small branches move
– Small waves, some with whitecaps
– Better for medium-sized kites
Fresh breeze
5 bft 28.6-38.8km/h 15.6-20.9 knots
– Small trees and large branches sway
– Moderate waves, many whitecaps
– Large kites can be damaged