Equipment
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Oz
Very small power kites may be used as stunt kites, and require only the kite and control bar to fly. Power kites used to power a moving user require a kite, control bar, harness to attach the user to the kite, safety equipment and typically a board or vehicle.
Uses
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of m.maddo
Power kites harness the power of the wind and can be steered to tack up, down and across the wind similar to a sailboat. People use power kites to power snowboards, skis, skates, land boards, boats, dune buggies and kite surfing boards on water.
Conditions
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Mike Baird
Kite size can be adjusted to allow for various wind conditions. Smaller power kites generally are used in higher winds. Power kites can be used in as little as 5-knot winds, and very skilled users can fly power kites in 30-plus-knot winds.
Cost
Typical power kites cost from $500 to $700 including lines and the control bar. A kite surfing board costs about the same, so entry into a power kite sport may run about $1,500, not including lessons.
Safety
Power kiting can be dangerous for both the user and bystanders, who can be injured by a poorly controlled kite and its lines. Precautions like helmets, impact vests, kite depowering equipment and safety knives to release an out-of-control kite can minimize the risk. Formal lessons are strongly recommended.
