| With warmer days just around the corner, it's | | | | choice at any kite store. The larger deltas can |
| easy for one's mind to start wandering to | | | | feature elaborate tails with windsocks or inflatable |
| thoughts of outdoor amusements in the warm | | | | objects attached. Deltas also can do remarkably |
| sun and fresh air. What could be more enjoyable | | | | well in light breezes and stay aloft for long periods |
| than a soft breeze and colorful kites soaring high | | | | at steep angles. There are light and high wind |
| in the sky? | | | | deltas available so it's a good idea to note which is |
| Browse through a selection of kites and you'll find | | | | right for local conditions. Choose the wrong one |
| there's more to flying than grabbing your favorite | | | | for wind conditions and its behavior can be |
| colored flyer off the shelf. There are a dizzying | | | | unpredictable and frustrating. |
| variety of shapes, materials and prices. Knowing a | | | | The Power Kite: Rectangles Mean Business |
| little more about the most popular types will help | | | | A trendy option for thrill seekers is the power |
| you make the right choice. | | | | kite. These multi line powerhouses are rectangular |
| Diamonds: For Anyone, Anytime | | | | like a parafoil and are made of strong, high |
| Simple and traditional, the diamond is the classic | | | | performance fabric. They come in a plethora of |
| shape. They're usually made of nylon or plastic, | | | | sizes and may have up to five lines, depending on |
| although paper or Mylar are occasionally used. | | | | their use. Decoration is a secondary concern to |
| While size ranges from a few inches to several | | | | their design and purpose. |
| feet, most are two to three feet. The great | | | | The smaller, less expensive ones have two lines |
| majority have a tail of ribbon with bows. | | | | and are good for stunt flying and practicing |
| The easy to fly diamond is a favorite shape for | | | | control. The larger ones, around 30 square feet, |
| children and some designs even have popular | | | | offer enough power to pull buggies, snowboards |
| children's characters on them. They don't perform | | | | and surfboards. They have more lines for more |
| as well when the flying line reaches steep angles, | | | | control. |
| but otherwise they handle well in gusty or gentler | | | | Experience is required to harness the power of |
| winds. This is known as good wind range. These | | | | this shape, particularly the larger sizes. Costs are |
| kites have a single line and are easy to find in any | | | | also higher than the diamond or delta shapes. |
| toy or kite store. | | | | However, in return you get an exciting flying |
| Delta: A Beautiful Bird | | | | experience and a variety of recreational options. |
| Deltas have a triangular shape that's sometimes | | | | From kids to seasoned flyers, people are looking |
| compared to a bird or bat. The smallest deltas | | | | for ways old and new to enjoy the great |
| are about three feet across, but they also come | | | | outdoors. Whether you are seeking a thrill, looking |
| in larger sizes. These models are usually made of | | | | for a gift or introducing your child to this age-old |
| nylon or fabric with a single flying line and can | | | | recreation, with a little knowledge before you buy |
| have multiple tails. | | | | kites you can find the shape that fits your needs. |
| A well designed and decorated delta offers | | | | Now get out there, and enjoy the breeze! |
| striking visual appeal, making them a popular | | | | |