Kites: Flying Skills and Techniques, from Basic Toys to Sport Kites

The perfect handbook for every kiting enthusiast

More than three thousand years ago, the Chinese used kites to spy on their enemies, send messages and lift themselves up and out of hostile situations. Eighteenth century Japan banned kites because too many workers were out flying them - and staying away from the job. Indonesian fishermen, on the other hand, have used kites in their work for centuries.

Kites is a complete guide to kiting -- from flying a paper kite at the park to para-kiting on a lake or ocean. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book features:

• Detailed descriptions of kites and equipment
• Step-by-step photographs in full color
• Guidelines for choosing a kite
• Basic skills-setup, launch, maneuvers, landing
• Decorative kites, stunt and sport kites, power kites, water kites and specialty kites
• Kite-buggying, para-kiting, wheel-kiting, snow-kiting, kite-surfing
• Safety guidelines.

Step-by-step, full color photographs illustrate each maneuver, and a glossary explains kiting terms such as sheeting, lofting and chicken loop. Kites may have changed over the years, but the joy of flying them remains a thrill for adventurers of all ages.

Rosanne Cobb is a sports enthusiast whose hobbies include skiing, snowboarding, football, tennis- and now kite flying. She has traveled the world teaching these sports and is the author of Skiing and Snowboarding.