Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.

Types of Kites

Almost all kites fall into two types:

• single line kites, and

• multi-line kites.

This refers to the number of lines that a flier controls his kite with.

Single line kites may have more than one bridle line

attachment point for the kite’s stability, but all those bridle lines are gathered

together in a single tow point to attach the flying line.

There are several different sub categories for single line kites.

Flat, or bowed The lifting surface is a single plane, usually a simple geometric shape. The surface may be bowed, decreasing surface area and increasing drag for improved stability. Diamonds, Hexagons, Eddys, Rokkakus, Edos, Cobras, Bermudas are all examples of Flat or Bowed kites

Cellular The kite design, often with the help of sails, bracing, or wind pressure, forms a rigid three-dimensional structure. The wind flows through the channels formed by the sail surfaces which are also lifting or stabilizing surfaces.

Delta Delta kites usually have triangular wings. They have spars on the leading edge of the wings that can pivot on the spreader bar. One or more longitudinal spars help the kite to keep its shape. A keel is usually used but is not always necessary.

Rokkaku Rokkaku kites must be six-sided and framed as traditional Sanjo-style Rokkaku. These kites are taller than they are wide and their cross spars are traditionally bowed.

Soft and Flexible This type of three-dimensional kites depends on the force of the wind on the kite, not on a rigid frame, to give the kite its shape. Soft kites have no spars. Flowforms are in this category.

Figure These kites are in shapes of persons, animals, or other objects.

Fighter Kites Small maneuverable single line kites. Without a tail, highly unstable... unless in the hands of a master. These kites are often flown in competition, scoring points for line touches and time.

MULTI-LINE KITES (More than one controlling flying line) include dual (2) and quad (4) kites,) These are kites that use more than one flying line to launch the kite into the air and to control its flight patterns.

Sport—Sport kites have relative little pull when flying them. They are often flown in complex patterns and competition

This is one type of competition figures used for sport kites. The kite is maneuvered into these shapes/directions.

Traction (Buggy, Kitesurfing, Snowboarding)—Traction kites are designed to be both maneuverable and to generate enough force to move the pilot.  

Miniature Miniature kites are usually smaller than 8", fly on 18" of line, and typically fly best indoors. Miniatures can be either single, or duel line

Indoor Kiting Kiting can be done indoors, without a fan. Ultra light single, dual, and quad kites can do tricks indoors using the pilot’s walking speed and 360 degree movement range.

Kite Arial Photography KAP is taking photos from a kite.

Line Laundry This term refers to any item that a kiter attaches to the flying line of a single line kite.

Ground Display This genre encompasses banners and ground bouncers that help decorate a field with color, and indicators of wind direction. These items are not attached to a kite, but stand, or are tethered by themselves.

Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.