A power kite or traction kite is a large kite designed to provide enough pull to move a person or vehicle. his isn’t a new concept. The Chinese first used power kites the 13th century to help propel canoes and boats. They are incredibly and wonderfully addictive and are used in a variety of kite sports. Today, power kites are used in a variety of kite sports, including: kiteboarding, kitesurfing, snowkiting, landboarding, and kite buggying. Unlike a traditional kite with one line, power kites have from 2 to 5 lines. Two of the lines are always used for steering the kite. These lines attach to a either handles or a control bar that allows the user to control the kite. Larger kites that generate too much power to hold with your hands have 2 additional lines called power lines. These power lines typically attach to a specialized harness worn by the user, although in some cases they can be attached to the control handles. When the kite lifts or moves you, it’s done via the power lines. When used with a harness and a control bar, 4 line (and 5 line) kites can be quickly depowered – an important safety feature. Some kites have a 5th line that is used to increase stability, enhance safety, and assist in re-launching a kite that has fallen to the ground or water. Some smaller kites use 2 control lines and a third line that similarly acts as an added safety feature and assists in re-launching a crashed kite. Once you fly your first power kite, it’s hard to stop and you may find yourself constantly on the lookout for good wind to feed your addiction.
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