Go Fly a Kite
Before aircrafts, balloons and rockets took over the job
of photography and meteorology in the 19th and 20th century,
kites were used. They aren't just simple toys anymore.
Marconi used kites in his early radio experiments, and in
World War II, airmen were provided with a box kite and transmitter,
known as the 'Gibson Girl', along with their rubber dinghy.
Some radio hams still use kites. During World War II, kites
were used for anti-aircraft target practice, for man lifting
and to deter enemy aircraft.
In China, kites were used for military signaling during the
sixth and eighth centuries. In 1232, thousands of kites were
release over enemy lines inciting prisoners to revolt. During
the Peninsular War leaflets were dropped from kites. Kites
were used as a form of airmail between Maryland and Virginia
during the American Civil War.
During the 19th century, kites resembled birds of prey in
England and France for hunting grouse and partridge. China
has used kites with loud noise-makers attached to drive game.
Reportedly, a kite was used to carry the first line across
the Niagara River in order to build the bridge from New York
State to Canada. In the same way, kites have been used to carry
telephone wires.
Many kites are elaborately decorated. The Artistic Kite Group
promotes kites as an art form. For centuries in the East, kites
have been used for fishing. This is done to reach places you
normally can't get to and to prevent the 'plop' sound associated
with casting your line in the water.
The art of training falcons and hawks to hunt is very ancient
and breathtaking to watch. Some falcons fly at heights up to
1000 feet but many never bother flying over 200 ft. By attaching
a bait to a high-flying kite, you can train it to fly higher
than 200 feet.
Many people find kite flying to be relaxing, and a good way
to unwind. It also gets you out into the fresh air and provides
a bit of exercise.
Kites are now use for kite-sailing, kite-surfing, kite- skiing
and kite-buggying. There are two kinds of kite races. One is
the upwind kite race where contestants drag strong pulling
kites upwind and the other is downwind kite races where contestants
launch a kite and runs downwind without allowing his kite to
touch the ground. The first is purely a test of strength
About The Author
Yageur Fecuent is the proprietor and delegate of Kites LTD,
Inc., your one stop shop for all your kite needs. Start flying
at: http://www.kitesltd.com
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