Yesterday I went to Hanlan’s Point beach with some friends, in part to fly my DC Sport dual control nylon kite: 60″ wide.
It’s a fun thing to fly. The only control surface you have is the entire airfoil, and the only axis of motion you can directly control is roll, by altering the relative length of the two strings.
The kite has a flight envelope comprised of a curved two-dimensional surface, with varying levels of power in different places. With very little practice, most people get a high degree of control. One guy walking along the beach was able to do it almost immediately when I suggested he give it a try.
It would be neat to get a parasail-style four-string kite with more power, pitch as well as roll control, and the option for controlled reversible landings.
