Single-Line Pilot’s Guide
WELCOME!
Prism single-line kites are as simple and playful as childhood, with a performance pedigree.
We’ve melded familiar and brand-new silhouettes with high-tech materials to provide you with unmatched, carefree fun.
For old and young, our single line kites are about laid-back play and togetherness; a chance to rediscover what’s important by sharing a moment in the sky.
Whether you’re off to the beach for a weekend, traveling the remote corners of the globe, or gunning for a world competition title, Prism kites are coveted worldwide as the gold standard for kite design, quality and performance.
We wish you smooth winds and years of pleasure in the sky!
— The Prism Crew
where to fly
Choose your flying spot carefully to avoid turbulent wind. Like whitewater in a river, wind that flows past obstacles like trees, buildings and hills becomes gusty and choppy and can make controlling your kite difficult or impossible. The best place to fly is an open beach or field with wind blowing in from off the water.
If you have such a place available, it’s worth the extra travel time to get there because you’ll learn to fly in a fraction of the time. If you have to fly inland, look for wide open fields with no trees, buildings, or hills for at least a half mile upwind. With experience, you’ll be able to fly in less than perfect conditions more easily, but when you’re just learning, a smooth, consistent wind makes a huge difference.
launching
Your kite will fly best in a steady, moderate breeze between 8 and 15 mph. In stronger winds a bridle adjustment may be necessary to keep the kite from diving to one side (See TUNING).
It is nearly impossible to launch sucessfully by running with your kite or throwing it into the air! Try this instead:
Long Line Launch (Best for beginners and light winds)
Have a helper walk the kite downwind 20 to 30 paces while you let out the line. With the nose pointed upward, pull in some line to launch and the kite will climb into the sky. If you don’t have a helper, prop the kite pointed up against a log, a stump, or some handy object and pull it into the air from 75-100 feet upwind.
safety
FLY HERE!
DON’T FLY HERE!
In light winds the kite may be reluctant to climb. Pull in line to help drive it upward, then let line out whenever you feel wind pressure on the sail. Often the wind is stronger and steadier higher up, so if you can coax it higher above the ground there may be enough wind to fly.
Solo Launch (easiest in moderate to strong winds)
Kites can move fast and unpredictably, especially in strong winds.
Your kite or lines could pull you into danger or seriously injure anyone in their path. Be absolutely sure your flying area is clear before every launch.
IMPORTANT: NEVER wrap flying line around your hand, fingers or body. In a gust the kite could pull hard enough to cut you seriously.
Stand with your back to the wind and hold the kite with nose pointed up until it catches enough wind to go aloft. Let out line slowly as the kite goes higher, and pull in a little if the wind slacks off. As the kite gains altitude you’ll be able to let line out more quickly. The kite may be squirelly when it’s close to you but will get more stable as you let out line.
retrieving your kite care & repair
In light or moderate breezes, simply wind in your line a little at a time to retrieve your kite. You might need to pause occasionally if pulling line in causes the kite to climb or loop.
The materials in your kite are durable and designed for a long life with minimal maintenance. Here are few tips to keep it healthy:
In stronger winds or with a harder pulling kite, it is sometimes easier to “walk the kite down.” Have a friend hold your winder or tie it off to an anchor. Then walk towards the kite, pulling down line hand over hand. It is important to use gloves when walking a hard-pulling kite down, as a strong gust of wind could cause kite line to burn or even cut your hands. Some Prism kites come with a metal clip on the bag for walking the kite down. Simply hook the clip over the line and walk toward the kite holding onto the bag until you’ve brought the kite safely back to earth.
Give your kite a pre-flight inspection before you launch to be sure everything is properly assembled, the frame is intact, and your bridle and lines aren’t tangled.
Learn to read the wind and don’t fly your kite above its wind range.
Keep the sail out of the sun when not in use to keep the colors from fading.
tuning
Beach sand is abrasive and will wear on bridles and fittings, so do what you can to dust off the sand after a session at the beach.
A freshwater rinse is a good idea if your kite has been swimming in salt water.
Some Prism kites come with an adjustable bridle point that we set at the factory to perform best in moderate winds of about 8-12 mph.
In very light or strong winds the kite may loop or dive to one side, indicating that the bridle should be adjusted to hold the kite at a better angle to the wind. Simply loosen the knot on the line attach point and slide it forward or backward slightly to change the kite’s angle to the wind. Make small adjustments, 1/2” at a time, until the kite flies stable without diving.
Keep your kite out of hot car trunks and avoid using solvents to clean the sail as they can dissolve the adhesives in the seams.
If you should break or lose a frame rod or fitting, replacement parts are easy to install and available from our online store.
Sail tears are quick and easy to repair using a special transparent adhesive film that makes a permanent, almost invisible fix. Call us or order some from our online store at www.prismkites.com.
Line attach point
Slide back for stability in light winds
Slide back for stability in strong winds
USEFUL KNOTS
Double Overhand Loop: Used to finish the end of your flying lines.
Adjustment limit knots
Step 1 Step 2
Blood Knot:For joining a split in your flying lines.
” - 6”
Step 3
Lark’s Head Knot: Secure flying lines to the kite and wrist straps.
our word
At Prism we’re confident you’re going to have a great time with every product we make.
But for any reason you’re not happy and your retailer is unable to help, let us know and we’ll do what it takes to make things right. Damage due to normal wear and tear can almost always be repaired at a reasonable charge.
Spare parts for all Prism kites can be ordered direct from our web store at www.prismkites.com.
4214 24th Ave. West Seattle, Washington 98199
Phone: 206.547.1100 Fax: 206.547.1200 e-mail: [email protected]
www.prismkites.com
®2015 Prism Designs Inc.