Looking for a new adventure for a breezy summer day with your kids? How
about flying a kite? All you need is a little wind, a nearby park or beach, and
of course, a kite designed for beginner fliers. We chatted with Glenn Davison,
kite designer, builder, lecturer, workshop leader and the chairman of the
Education Committee for the American Kitefliers Association, who divulged the
best tips new flyers need to know about decorating the NYC skies. Here’s what
we found out.
What To Buy:
According
to Davison, the three types of kites best for beginners are Eddy, Delta and
Sled. He says, “all three are easy to set up, good fliers, and low on frustration.”
1.
Eddy—this iconic V-shaped kite is the go-to kite for beginners. These kites are
easy to make at home and do not require a tail.
2. Delta—these
kites have a built-in tail and are very easy to assemble and fly. They are
great for light to medium winds.
3. Sled—these
kites are shaped like a curve so it’s easy to catch the wind. Most Sled kites
do not require sticks; you can simply unroll and fly them easily.
Where To Buy:
Unfortunately,
there are no longer any kite-specific stores in New York City, but there are
great stores in the tri-state area that are just a short trip away, like Cobra
Kites in Toms River, NJ or Lighten Up in Stone Harbor, NJ. If a trip outside
the city isn’t possible, Davison recommends a few online resources that have a
great selection of kites in all shapes and sizes and at every price point.
2608 Route 37 E
Toms River NJ 08753-6100
Phone: (732) 270-2112
cobrakites.com
238 96th
St
Stone
Harbor NJ 08247
Phone:
(800) 679-5747
Lightenuponline.com
Where To Fly:
New York
City has tons of parks, beaches and open spaces perfect for flying kites. Davison
recommends a few as stand-out locations for flying: Central Park, Jones Beach,
and NJ’s Liberty State Park.
Liberty State Park: A perfect open field for flying,
this park boasts 1,120 acres of rolling lawns along the Hudson River
waterfront. In addition to the great landscape and conditions, the view’s not
bad either—your kite will soar against the backdrop of the city skyline and
Statue of Liberty.
Central Park: With mild gusts of wind, flying
kites in this park is a breeze. Kite flying is permitted in Central
Park where there are large, open landscapes away from trees; check online for specific
regulations. (centralparknyc.gov)
Jones Beach: A favorite escape for NYC families, Jones
Beach boasts six and a half miles of oceanfront shore within its 2,413 acres.
Kite flyers can be found decorating the sky at Field 6. (jonesbeach.com)
How To Get Started:
Davison’s
expert tips for first time flyers:
1. The
long-line launch. This technique used by experts will help get your kite up in
the air. First, let out a lot of string and then let the kite zoom up into the
air. The idea is that you are getting the kite above turbulent air into smooth
air.
2. Make
sure you know the wind direction. It’s important to launch your kite into the
wind, so watch the way that the leaves on the trees are blowing. If you’re
unsure of the wind direction, drop leaves of grass to see which way they
blow.
3. Choose a
good spot to stand. A good place to stand is free from obstructions between you
and the wind, so find a spot clear of trees, buildings, or hills. This is key to
getting clean wind to send your kite soaring.
