Stunt kites are another name for sport kites. Stunt kites can be seen in kite competitions, where the scoring is similar to skating. Competitors are judged in performances that include 'ballet'. Team flying is easily the most aesthetic and spectacular form of competition, with eight pilots and kites flying within inches of one another, all the while performing formations and figures in the air. There are several national and international competitions. There is even a yearly World Championship. The American Kitefliers Association (AKA) is the top organization for sport kite competitions in the US. Competition winners from different states and regions assemble annually for the national championships. The most common design for a sports kite is a somewhat triangular ""delta"" shape, with two lines used for control. Normally, these kites are made from lightweight nylon, with spars structured from carbon fiber tubing. The strings are prepared from braided Spectra which are extremely light, do not stretch and stay slick even when wrapped several times. For control, the pilot uses the right hand line to turn right and the left hand line to turn left. Using different combinations of pushes and pulls, intricate patterns can be flown. These include turns, landings and loops, and other spectacular maneuvers. Some pilots fly ""quad-line"" kites, or four-line kites, that are controlled by a pair of handles. Each handle has two lines that are fastened and connected to the kite at the top and bottom. The pilot uses the lower line to control the kite's direction. Expert use of these handles enables a quad-line kite to execute maneuvers that are impossible with two-line kites. Distinctive quad-line maneuvers include axis spins, reverse flight, hovers, etc. Other aspects of stunt kites include traction or power kites, which are used to tow surfboards (kite surfing) or wheeled buggies (kite buggying). |
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