How long is the history of stunt kites? Or, since when have kites had 2 or more lines attached for doing tricks and stunts? Here's a few details if you're curious!
The Beginnings
During the second world war, some naval antiaircraft gunners were trained using steerable 2 line kites that flew like modern stunt kites with two control lines. A pilot on the ground would fly the kite around, making it hard to hit. I've seen a photo, the kite itself really looked like a diamond stunter. A fairly big one, standing about as tall as the man holding it. The concept was developed by Paul Garber, a U.S. Navy Commander. Perhaps the history of stunt kites starts right here!
Decades of Popular Stunt Kites
However, until the 1960s, 2 line stunt kites for the general public weren't to be seen. These kites really started to become more popular in the 70s. Most kite flyers have heard of the Peter Powell Stunt Kite, which Powell came up with in 1972. At last it was much easier for anyone to buy and fly a stunt kite. His design was a diamond with a very long, inflatable tail. The idea at the time was to trace big patterns in the sky with the tail! Surprisingly, this design is still popular today.
A lot of manufacturers came out with delta shaped stunt kites in the 80s. Watching or competing in kite flying contests became a cool thing to do. At this point in the history of stunt kites, team flying became a spectator sport with stacked kites performing colorful precision maneuvers in the breeze. People flew deltas, diamonds or flexifoils, depending on their preference. Apart from the still-popular Peter Powells, these kites had names like Hawaiians, Hyperkites, Flexifoils, Trlbys, Rainbows and Skynasaurs.
Flexifoils were similar to the parafoils which had been invented in the early 60s, but had a flexible spar running the entire length of the leading edge. These flexifoils flew really fast through the air!
Any history of stunt kites would not be complete without mentioning one particularly notable design of the period, the Mirage. This was a cleverly designed tailless delta that managed to win a lot of contests in the mid to late 80s. The design was inspired by the writings of two kite experts, David Pelham and Peter Ianuzzi. In those days, flyers would do 3 compulsory maneuvers rated 1-10 plus a 1-3 minute freestyle demonstration.
The 'big wing' stunt kites were also invented during the mid 80s. These kites were deltas with wings up to about 2.5 meters (8 feet) across. The first of this kind was called the Hawaiian Team Kite.
Starting in the 90s, the early parafoils were developed into traction or power kites. The main idea here was to get pulled along on a surfboard, kite buggy or snowboard. However, some of these parafoils remain in use as sparless stunt kites by a lot of people because there's nothing rigid to break! But say 'stunt kite' today, and it really means 'delta stunt kite' to most people.
Since the 90s
Rip-stop nylon has become the favorite material for kite sails. This material is tear-resistant, light and doesn't let any air through. It is used in all types of modern stunt kites.
The Stardust CAD is an example of a sparless stunt kite. A beginners' kite, it's hardy and doesn't have a huge pull. There are plenty of parafoil stunt kites on the market, with the main advertising catch-phrase being 'nothing to break, just have fun'.
A more high-performance kite is the Prism Stylus range of kites. These come in ready-to-fly packages which include Spectra lines, winder, flight straps, and a tiny stuff sack or bag for storing and transporting.
Seattle Airgear is a company that is very serious about designing, making and flying stunt kites. They use aeronautical engineering know-how to develop their kites. For the more discerning flyer they produce the WindDance Dual-line Parafoil Stunt Kite.
The design of future stunt kites will likely be affected by new space-age materials that allow even more lightness and for the delta, stiffness.
Tim Parish and his family are rediscovering the joys of kite flying. They log their kiting fun on their My-Best-Kite.com website, and also research the kiting world. This site will introduce you to many kinds of kites and kite flying activities, including stunt kites of course!
Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
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