Traction Kiting Information

HQ kites are quickly gaining favor with traction kiting enthusiasts almost as fast as traction kiting is gaining ground on its more famous wind related counterparts.  Depending on the size of the kite canopy, HQ kites can be used for everything from static fun flying to pulling a rider on skis, snowboards, surfboards, all terrain boards and buggies. The wide variety of sizes ensures that there is perfect fit for all levels of kite pilots. For this reason, learning to use HQ kites is an easy process, as novice fliers can use smaller HQ kites as trainer kites, and slowly advance to the larger sizes as experience permits.  However, as with most extreme sports, traction kiting should not be attempted without at least some initial training and many hours of kite flying time.

HQ traction kites range in size from 2 to 14 square meters in surface area. This wide selection makes traction kiting a sport that can be practiced on all surfaces, on water, land and snow. In order to deal with these various surfaces properly, HQ kites manufacture two types of traction kites. Open foil kites, which are used only for land based kiting, and their newer Hybrid design developed primarily for kiteboarding on water, but also suitable for use on land as well. The Hybrid incorporates a closed cell design in which the kite is inflated during flight, by way of valved ports on the leading edge. These valves close when the cells reach proper inflation levels. 

As previously stated, HQ kites come in a wide variety of sizes, so as an inexperienced beginner, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable, reputable, kite shop. The kite shop staff will help you decide on the correct size and design you need, to participate in the type of traction kite sport or sports that interest you. Please remember that size selection is based on two major factors. The first is your weight. And the second is the average wind speed in your geographical location. This is the kind of specialized assistance you will receive from an established kite shop. Making an uniformed random selection from an online posting, or taking a chance on some cheap knock off from eBay, will not only lead to frustration, wasting money and slower learning progress, it can be physically dangerous as well. Most people are unaware of just how much force the wind generates, and an inexperienced traction kite pilot can easily and quickly find himself in a dangerous, even a life threatening situation.

It’s worth repeating that someone new to traction kiting should invest some time and money in a lesson or two before making a kite purchasing decision. Consult with a reputable kite shop regarding HQ kites, size selection, locations to fly and qualified instruction.