Editing Sport kite (section)

==Configuration==

One common configuration for a sport kite is a roughly [[triangular]] "delta" shape based on the [[Rogallo wing]], with two lines for control. Another common configuration is a W-shaped panel based on the [[Kite types|Hadzicki wing]], with four lines for control. These kites are normally constructed from lightweight [[ripstop nylon]] or [[ripstop polyester]] with spars made from carbon fiber tubing. The flying lines are made from braided [[ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene]], which is light, does not stretch under tension and stays slippery even when wrapped many times.

Dual-line sport kites are controlled by the pilot adding and releasing tension on the right and left lines. A pilot may pull on the right-hand line to turn right, pull left-hand line to turn left, pull equally for straight flight, push the left-hand line to release air and turn right, and so on. The pitch can be controlled by walking/running forward or backwards, giving the lines different amounts of tension. Using a combination of pulls (to add tension or direct kite motion) and pushes (to give slack and let float into motion), complex tricks and patterns can be flown. These range in difficulty from turns, loops and landings, to maneuvers where the kite is flipped and turned end over end, wrapping the lines or floating on its front or back. During diving maneuvers sport kites may reach speeds of {{convert|100|km/h|mph|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}, while in stall type maneuvers they can remain nearly motionless. This type of stall allows for various other acrobatic maneuvers to be performed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.awindofchange.com/lessons/lesson2-3.html|title=Controlling Your Kite|website=A Wind Of Change Online Courses|access-date=December 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/pgwdJlX2ZfA Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210216034502/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgwdJlX2ZfA Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media|title=The Advanced Way To Fly|publisher=Prism Kites|medium=VHS, YouTube re-release|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgwdJlX2ZfA|access-date=December 5, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Quad-line kites are controlled with a pair of handles, each with two lines attached to the top and bottom and attached to the kite correspondingly. To control the kite the pilot applies tension to the four lines, typically all four lines have some tension with some lines drawn back more than the others. The kite experiences more force on the lines held on higher tension. The pitch of the kite affects lift and forward drive, and since each of four lines can be moved the kite can be tilted, rotated, twisted, or pitched in any direction. Skilled use of these handles allows a quad-line kite to perform in ways that are difficult or impossible with a dual-line kite. Unique quad-line maneuvers include reverse flight, axis spins, hovers, and side to side flight.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://revkites.net/learn-to-fly/revolution-techniques|title=Learn to Fly - Techniques|website=revkites.net}}</ref>

Although some individuals consider [[fighter kite]]s to be sport kites, they are generally considered a different category. Fighter kites rely on their instability to enter spins or fly straight using line tension on a single kite line. In contrast, sport kites use multiple control lines to precisely steer in any direction and control speed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kite.org/about-kites/kinds-of-kites/|title=Kinds of Kites|publisher=American Kiteflyers Association|access-date=11 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seattleairgear.com/sport.htm|title=What is a stunt kite?|publisher=Seattle Air Gear|access-date=11 June 2024|quote=By pulling and releasing the single line with subtle control and precise timing, the flyer can maneuver the kite in truly amazing ways -- but it isn't at will because the flyer has to wait for the exactly-right instant each time. Thus fighter kites are not stunt kites.}}</ref>