Nearly every adult has fond memories from childhood of running madly across a hillside, balsa wood and paper diamond in one hand and a ball of twine in the other, heart and lungs ready to burst, hoping fervently that their treasured bit of color would catch the wind and sail up, up, up into the sky, waving its tattered tail triumphantly. Rather than being left to the days of chasing ice cream trucks and trading coveted marbles, flying these aeronautical gadgets have expanded into a diverse family of products that reaches as high as international competition, using high tech materials and unique supplies that make the experience of flying vicariously through this winged toy even more exhilarating than ever before.

In this world of flying, there are four basic types: single line, traction, power, and stunt kites. Each has its unique characteristics, appeal, and application. By developing a basic understanding of these four types, you are better able to select the best product for your high flying fun.

Single Line Styles -- Best For Young Children

These are the traditional balsa wood and paper varieties most of us grew up with as children. The ball of twine, called line, is attached to a balance point on the structure of rods, called spars. Once airborne, the bird simply floats on the wind. Single line types come in many sizes and shapes, including the traditional diamond shape, box varieties, deltas, and parafoils. Parafoils do not have spars. They are referred to as 'soft' and they provide added convenience and durability. Box styles were traditionally designed for heavier winds, but modern materials have made them more lightweight and efficient. The trapezoidal shaped deltas tend to be larger and can fly on surprisingly light wind. Single line types are the best choice for young children, as they are easy to assemble and minimal supervision is required. They do best in medium strength wind.

Stunt Kite Basics

Unlike single line varieties, a stunt kite uses two lines for greater control. They are designed to withstand crashes better than the other models, making it easy for beginners to learn from their mistakes. Older children and adults can start with a ready-to-fly beginner's kit that contains everything needed. A stunt kite performs best in 5-20 mph winds. While they do require some practice, these flying apparatuses are highly rewarding for teens and adults alike.

Power & Traction Varieties Add Excitement

These are the types found at many vacation spots around the world. Power kites are inflatable foil shapes, generally without spars. They use two lines and tend to be quite large. They are used to pull flyers across a beach or up into the air in giant leaps. These exhilarating rides are not suitable for children, but teens and adults are hooked from their very first ride. Similarly, traction types are even larger, with sails as large as 3-5 square meters. Traction kites use 4 lines combined with braking abilities to pull a flyer along in a buggy or landboard. Traction kites are challenging to learn and should not be used by children.

Whether you prefer an idyllic afternoon of picnicking with the family with a single line floating lazily overhead, or the more interactive, exciting experience of cavorting across the sky using a stunt kite, flying kites is a pastime that continues to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.