Stunt kites were developed for competitive kite flying, a sport made possible by the development of multi-line kites. Scores are awarded based on performance criteria rather similar to those employed for judging figure skating and ballet, with much consideration given over to such matters as artistic interpretation of music. Competition may be between individuals, partnered pairs, and whole teams. Team competition is often the most spectacular, with as much as eight pilots maneuvering many diverse kites flying within inches of each other and averting disaster.

These stunt kites, also known as sport kites, are frequently of a triangular paper airplane kind of shape. Two lines allow pilots to control the kite by pulling as needed to make turns and ascend or descend. The differing tensions created can allow for some complex flight patterns. By taking advantage of slack in the lines, loops and flips can be performed by the stunt kite, at speeds of up to sixty miles an hour!

There are even kites that employ four lines, called quad-line kites; these are controlled with a pair of handles. Skilled use of these handles allow for maneuvers which are difficult or outright impossible to perform with a dual-line kite. Some of the maneuvers unique to a quad-line kite include reverse flight, axis spins, hovers, and side-to-side flight.

It all seems so simple, but modern kite flying is quite sophisticated, which fact the accessories available can further confirm. Line sets, tedlar tape, anemometers, and specialized bags to tote them all – and that’s not mentioning all the rules involved, with any number of organizations issuing them own criteria for judging the art of kite flying. But it is all a labor of love, with the friendly local atmosphere typical of amateur competition, no matter the sporting event. It’s truly a pastime for all ages!

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