“Let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest heights … up through the atmosphere, up where the air is clear.”
There’s no better way to enjoy a spring day than getting a colorful kite up and soaring overhead. It’s a simple pleasure, but one enjoyed by all ages. There are also health benefits. You get plenty of sunshine and exercise, and it’s relaxing to watch a kite drift across a blue sky. As April is National Kite Flying Month, it’s a great time to work on your skills. We’ll break it down into 10 easy steps.
Pick a windy day. That’s pretty easy when you stay on the South Carolina coast where there’s almost always a nice, steady beach breeze. But there is such a thing as too much wind, and you don’t want your kite to go into a free fall. If it’s too windy at the beach, head inland to one of the local parks.
Put on sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Always protect your skin and eyes when spending time in the sun. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Start small. You don’t need a complicated or large kite. A single-line basic kite such as a butterfly or “bat” wing-shape makes a great flyer. A “Charlie Brown” triangle shape is a tried-and-true classic. Simple is better. The more complex the kite is, the more skill is needed to fly it.
Be sure your line is tied well to the kite and your spool. Any number of knots can secure it, including a loop knot or a figure eight.
Put plenty of space between you and other beachgoers. Head to the beach at low tide, so you have even more beach for launching your kite. Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island is a favorite spot, as is Isle of Palms County Beach and the northern tip of Isle of Palms.
Stay away from power lines, antennas, or transmission lines. If your kite does get caught in a power line, do not attempt to retrieve it. Don’t fly a kite near a street, either.
On windy days, a kite’s tail plays an important role in providing weight for your kite for control.
Have a buddy help launch the kite. Running down the beach is always fun, but it can be a frustrating way to get a kite up in the air. Instead, let your buddy hold the kite, then give the line a pull when he/she releases it.
Choose level ground. You don’t want to stumble or trip while watching your kite.
Keep things safe. Watch the weather in case of a sudden storm. Never fly a kite in a thunderstorm.
Now, relax and find the perfect Sweetgrass Vacation Rental for your kite-flying fun.