The basics of flying by Lyze Kiel

Chapter summary

1. Checking the lines

   0:00

   Before launching, check that no line has a knot. The kite lies upside down: in that position the controls are reversed, and the right line becomes the left one.

2. Raising the kite

   1:46

   Lyze raises the kite to check the lines: each must go to its place without a knot; there was only one twist left.

3. First flight in light wind

   2:28

   The wind is light, though this kite needs a bit of it. Lyze explains the difference with a dual-line kite: pulling on one side doesn't turn it, it makes the kite slide.

4. The stable position

   4:11

   Leading edge up is the most stable position: too much forward and it climbs, too much back and it drops. To turn right, a small tug on the right back line, and the same to the left. Everything is done gently.

5. Upside down and sideways

   6:17

   Upside down, the controls are reversed: to go left, you pull right. The second simplest position is sideways, where you have to compensate so the kite doesn't drop.

6. Going to the top of the window

   8:17

   The wind shifts, typical of the Bois de Vincennes. At first, the simplest is to climb to the very top of the window, the flying zone, to correct the angle. Step back as the kite climbs and forward as it drops to keep your distance.

7. Staying in place

   10:23

   The planted stake serves as a marker: stay within about ten meters of it, without bothering other flyers.

8. Reverse and spins

   11:48

   This kite can fly forward and in reverse. When spinning, keep an eye on how many twists build up in either direction.

9. Removing twists

   12:12

   To remove twists, rotate both handles held together: rotating only one adds twists between the lines of a pair.

10. Landing and relaunching

    15:19

    To land it so the wind can't take it: upside down, tips toward the ground. To relaunch, add a little back line and step back: it takes off in reverse, then turns over when you tilt one handle more than the other.